TIL that Cliff Richards (about whom the sum total of my knowledge is that he was a big, big pop star in Britain in the 1960s) is still alive.
Slim Whitman and Zamfir
Oh, Cliff
Sometimes it must be difficult not to feel as if
You really are a Cliff
When fascists keep trying to push you over it
Are they the lemmings?
Or are you Cliff?
Or are you, Cliff?
Some of us will understand.
Paul and Ringo obviously top the list for many fans the world over.
For me, losing Townshend and/or Daltrey (especially Pete) will be a major emotional blow.
Not mentioned yet, but his loss will be huge to a lot of folks: Mickey Dolenz.
I agree with the two Beatles then Dylan though I personally think Paul Simon is worth 10 Dylans and should be #3 at least.
The acts named so far are almost all post-British Invasion, but there’s still a couple of 50s and early 60s rock pioneers kicking. Connie Francis, Chubby Checker, and Pat Boone come to mind. I doubt any of them will make much of a splash when they go because the cultural awareness gap between pre- and post-invasion rock-and-roll performers is huge.
I believe you’re right. I thought about searching for living 50s stars, but came to the conclusion that if I couldn’t think of even one without searching then they wouldn’t move the public needle.
Or even less. I still remember where I was when I found out Jim Morrison died (on an island with spotty radio reception, just heard a snippet: “…orrison was 27.”)
My first thought was “What a waste of an amazing voice.”
The second thought was “Well, that was a good career move. Checked out before he ended up Fat In Vegas.”
You just know he’s recorded a song to be played at his funeral. Yet another version of Candle in the Wind.
But about himself.
There would be much clutching of lace hankies at the Old Folks’ Homes when those early stars kick off. Which would be invisible on the internet.
You mean during the big Sock Hops at The Villages.
Tom Jones.
I would list Cher as well, in addition to Ozzy Osbourne and Keith Richards just because most people can’t believe they really did live that long.
Another who started just a few years into the ‘70s but whose death will still make a big splash - Billy Joel.
Agreed. Dylan’s death will be huge news, but nothing compared to McCartney, or even Ringo.
Agreed, but I find the majority of the greatest musical acts release their best stuff inside just 10 years. After that, it’s quality down, or a re-imagining, which may work but mostly doesn’t.
Actually, the problem is that Mr Richards hasn’t noticed yet. 
The circumstances of the death might matter. The traditional means of death for rock stars, overdoses and plane crashes, have been overdone. A new more interesting demise could elevate a rock star’s demise to new levels.
He’s made 10 albums since 2000. Some way to hide from the world.
How many talk shows has he been on?