Ex-Boston Drummer Sib Hashian Dies During 'Legends Of Rock' Cruise

Tributes have begun to flow for John "Sib" Hashian, the former drummer of revered US rock band Boston, following the confirmation of his death while aboard the Legends Of Rock cruise as a performer.

The news broke via TMZ, who cited Hashian's son, Adam, in confirming that the drummer collapsed midway through a set while aboard the MSC Divina, and could not be resusciated despite the efforts of bystanders to administer CPR and the use of a defibrillator.

The 67-year-old's sudden passing has since been verified through multiple sources, including Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson — whose long-time partner, Lauren Hashian, is Sib's daughter — as well as Boston themselves and long-time collaborator/fellow ex-Boston player Barry Goudreau, with whom Hashian was playing at the time of his death.

"It's with a very heavy heart that I have to announce that my musical partner of 50 years, Sib Hashian, collapsed during out set on the Rock Legends Cruise last night," Goudreau wrote in a statement. "Despite efforts to revive him, he did not survive.

"Sib was [one] in a million, never to be replaced. He will be greatly missed."

"Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of Sib Hashian, who unexpectedly passed away yesterday," Boston said in their own statement. "Sib's high-energy drumming on the early Boston albums and tours leaves a legacy that will be remembered by millions."

Johnson paid tribute to Hashian as his "second dad" and celebrated the muso's "full and exciting life".

"What an amazing family he created, loved, watched over and protected," Johnson wrote.

"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."

Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton also offered his condolences, describing Hashian as a "really good guy and fine drummer as well", while former Boston guitarist Michael Stryper said it "was an honour to be a member [of] the band … you helped create".

Hashian played drums on Boston's first two albums — 1976's Boston, which featured the timeless More Than A Feeling, and 1978's Don't Look Back — and was involved early on in their third full-length, Third Stage, before being replaced by original drummer Jim Masdea, who had played on the band's pre-Boston demos.

His departure from the band was somewhat acrimonious, with Hashian suing band leader Tom Scholz for royalties, over which Scholz eventually agreed to an out-of-court settlement. Hashian went on to run a chain of tanning salons, among other pursuits.

The Legends Of Rock Cruise started in Miami, Florida, last Saturday, with a final stop in Nassau, Bahamas today (24 March) on its way back to port. Other performers on the run included Surf City Allstars, The Grass Roots, John Elefante (of Kansas), former Beach Boy David Marks, one-time Journey vocalist Kevin Chalfant and more.

 

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.

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