Gene Clark was one of the most influential and talented singer-songwriters of the 1960s and 1970s. He was a founding member of the folk rock band the Byrds, and wrote many of their classic songs, such as “I’ll Feel a Whole Lot Better”, “Eight Miles High”, and “Set You Free This Time”. He also had a prolific solo career, exploring various genres and styles, from country rock to psychedelic pop. However, his life was also marked by personal struggles, addiction, and illness, which ultimately led to his premature death at the age of 46. What was the cause of Gene Clark’s death, and how did it affect his legacy?
A Fear of Flying
One of the main reasons that Gene Clark left the Byrds in 1966, at the peak of their fame, was his fear of flying. According to the Wikipedia, Clark suffered from aerophobia, which made him anxious and uncomfortable during flights. He also felt that he was not getting enough recognition or compensation for his songwriting contributions to the band, and that he wanted more artistic freedom. He decided to pursue a solo career, hoping to achieve more success and satisfaction.
However, his fear of flying also limited his opportunities and exposure as a solo artist. He was unable to tour extensively, and missed out on many promotional events and appearances. He also became more isolated and depressed, and turned to alcohol and drugs to cope with his anxiety and frustration. His substance abuse affected his health, his relationships, and his creativity, and led to a downward spiral that lasted for decades.
A Bleeding Ulcer
On May 24, 1991, Gene Clark died at his home in Sherman Oaks, California. The cause of his death was listed as “natural causes” and a bleeding ulcer, according to the Legacy.com. However, his lifestyle and medical history also contributed to his demise. He had been battling alcoholism for years, and had been diagnosed with throat cancer in 1989. He had undergone surgery and radiation therapy, but the cancer had spread to his lungs and liver. He was also suffering from heart problems, and had a pacemaker implanted in 1990.
Clark’s death came as a shock to his fans and friends, who had hoped that he would recover and resume his musical career. He had been working on a new album with his former Byrds bandmate, Chris Hillman, and had recorded some demos with Carla Olson, his collaborator on the 1987 album So Rebellious a Lover. He had also been planning to reunite with the original Byrds lineup for a tribute concert to Roy Orbison, who had died in 1988. However, he never got the chance to finish his projects or perform with his old friends.
A Lasting Legacy
Despite his tragic and untimely death, Gene Clark left behind a rich and diverse body of work that continues to inspire and influence generations of musicians and listeners. His songs have been covered by artists such as Robert Plant, Tom Petty, Linda Ronstadt, Richard Thompson, and Yo La Tengo, among many others. His albums have been reissued and rediscovered by critics and fans, who have praised his innovative and expressive style. His 1974 album No Other, which was initially a commercial and critical failure, has been hailed as a masterpiece of cosmic folk rock, and was performed live in 2014 by a group of indie musicians, including members of Beach House, Fleet Foxes, and Grizzly Bear.
Gene Clark was a visionary and a pioneer, who pushed the boundaries of folk rock and created his own unique sound. He was also a troubled and tormented soul, who struggled with his demons and his destiny. He died too soon, but his music lives on. He was a Byrd who flew alone, but his songs soar high.
