Legendary Atlanta, Georgia, musician Col. Bruce Hampton collapsed on stage at his 70th birthday celebration and died.
Hampton's death was confirmed after the musician was seen with an all-star cast of friends at the Fox Theater performing the song "Turn On Your Lovelight," when he suddenly collapsed to the ground.
"After collapsing on stage surrounded by his friends, family, fans and the people he loved Col. Bruce Hampton has passed away. The family is asking for respect and privacy at this difficult time," a statement from Hampton's family read, JamBase reported.
The four-hour concert featured guests including John Popper, Warren Haynes and Chuck Leavell. The show was almost over when Hampton collapsed, and many of the performers thought it was a joke at first -- only to realize that it was a very serious situation.
- Sean Kelly, OpposingViews.com