Parliament-Funkadelic guitarist and vocalist Garry Shider has died of brain and lung cancer .
Shider was diagnosed with the disease back in March, after he was “rushed to the hospital” near his home in Maryland. He struggled to pay the sudden avalanche of medical bills, and family, friends and fans created the Garry Shider Medical Fund to assist the musician in handling the unexpected expenses. Shider’s supporters organized benefit concerts, including one that was planned for July 10th in Bloomfield, New Jersey, featuring the band Living Color. The fundraising group confirmed the musician’s death on their website:
It is with a broken heart to say that on Wednesday, June 16, 2010, that we lost one of the greatest vocalist, guitarist, music arranger and showman of our time-Garry “Star Child” Shider.
Over the past four months, Garry fought each day against one of the deadliest diseases, so that he could do what he loved, which was to return to the stage. Which he did. For those who know Garry, you know that his determination was fierce and that he was not going to give up on life.
Over the past forty years, Garry put his stamp and signature on everything that he did musically. His talent was and always will be unmatched.
Shider first appeared on a P-Funk album in 1971, and collaborated on most of the band’s records through the present day. P-Funk leader George Clinton posted the following message on his personal website in memory of Shider:
Thank you, Garry for all you have done. Forever funkin’ on!
Information regarding funeral or memorial services for the musician has not yet been released.
