Boston lead tributes to former drummer Sib Hashian who has died aged 67
Boston have paid homage to their early drummer John ‘Sib’ Hashian, who died on Wednesday (22nd March) aged 67.
Sib, who played drums with Boston from 1975 to 1986, collapsed and died while performing on board the Legends of Rock Cruise.
Boston said in a statement last night: “Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of Sib Hashian who unexpectedly passed away yesterday. Sib’s high-energy drumming on the early Boston albums and tours leaves a legacy that will be remembered by millions.”
First breaking the news on social media yesterday, former Boston guitarist Barry Goudreau, who was performing with Hashian on the cruise, wrote: “It's with a very heavy heart that I have to announce that my musical partner of 50 years, Sib Hashian, collapsed during our set on the Rock Legends Cruise last night.
“Despite efforts to revive him, he did not survive. Sib was one in a million, never to be replaced. He will be greatly missed.”
Original Foreigner singer Lou Gramm wrote: “So sorry to hear about that passing of Boston drummer Sib Hashian. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this time.”
Stryper vocalist and former Boston member Michael Sweet said: “I never had the chance to play with Sib but I was a member of the band that he helped create. My heart goes out to Sib's family, friends and fans worldwide.
“God Bless you my friend and thank you for your incredible contribution to my musical journey and to the history of rock and roll. Love and respect always.”
Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton wrote: “Man, so sorry to hear about Sib Hashian's passing. Really good guy and fine drummer as well. RIP Sib.”
Also paying poignant tribute was Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson. The actor and professional wrestler has been in a relationship with Sib’s daughter Lauren since 2007 and their daughter Jasmine was born in December 2015.
Posting a family picture on Instagram, The Rock wrote: “Rest In Peace & Love to my second dad Sib Hashian. Don't know why things have to happen the way they do sometimes. When loved ones leave us so suddenly without having a chance to say goodbye. Perhaps the lesson here is the reminder to live our lives as full and as present as we possibly can, because we just never know what's around the corner.
“What a full and exciting life this man lived. What an amazing family he created, loved, watched over and protected. Being on stage, in front of adoring fans, friends and family. Keeping the beat one last time. Your passing in this manner is extremely poetic and somehow beautiful.
“Thank you for the many life lessons you've taught over the years. Grateful. We love you Sib. We miss you. Yhmwitcoltroml. "Hasan burgers" for everyone in heaven.
RIP Sib Hashian
> It's with a very heavy heart that I have to announce that my musical partner of 50 years, Sib Hashian, collapsed... https://t.co/H6m5FcFj4w > > — Barry Goudreau (@BarryGoudreau) March 23, 2017
> So sorry to hear about that passing of Boston Drummer Sib Hashian . My thoughts & prayers go out to his family during this time . > > — Lou Gramm (@GrammLou) March 23, 2017
> Man, so sorry to hear about Sib Hashian's passing. Really good guy and fine drummer as well. RIP Sib. > > — Tom Hamilton (@THaerosmith) March 23, 2017