Born on July 17, 1949, Geezer Butler became one of the most influential bassists and lyricists in heavy metal history as a founding member of Black Sabbath in 1968. While Tony Iommi created the crushing riffs, Butler supplied much of the band's dark imagery and lyrical themes, drawing inspiration from horror, religion, war, and social issues. His unmistakable bass playing helped define classics like "Black Sabbath", "War Pigs", "N.I.B.", "Children of the Grave", and "Iron Man", proving the bass could be every bit as powerful and memorable as the guitar. Butler's combination of thunderous tone, melodic instincts, and thoughtful songwriting helped establish the blueprint for heavy metal, influencing generations of bassists across every corner of the genre. Few musicians have contributed more to the DNA of heavy music than Geezer Butler.

Born on July 17, 1947, Mick Tucker became the powerhouse drummer behind glam rock legends Sweet beginning in the late 1960s. His energetic playing and remarkable technical ability helped drive classics like "Ballroom Blitz", "Fox on the Run", "Love Is Like Oxygen", and "The Six Teens". While Sweet became known for their huge hooks and colorful image, Tucker's explosive drumming gave the band much of its power and helped bridge the gap between glam rock, hard rock, and the emerging heavy metal sound of the 1970s. Widely respected by fellow musicians, he remains one of the era's most underrated rock drummers.

On July 17, 2021, Robby Steinhardt, the original violinist and vocalist of Kansas, passed away at age 71. His electric violin became one of the band's defining characteristics, helping separate Kansas from every other arena rock act of the 1970s. Steinhardt's contributions can be heard throughout classics like "Carry On Wayward Son", "Dust in the Wind", "Point of Know Return", and "Song for America", where his violin lines added both power and elegance to the band's progressive rock sound. His shared lead vocals and commanding stage presence made him an essential part of Kansas during their most successful years. His passing marked the loss of one of progressive rock's most distinctive and irreplaceable musicians.