Poorstacy obit

POORSTACY

Rapper Dead at 26 

He was not on the list.

Rapper POORSTACY is dead ... and it sounds like he may have taken his own life.

The death of POORSTACY -- legal name Carlito Milfort -- was confirmed by the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner ... the Boca Raton Police Dept. told TMZ he died early Saturday in the city.

A Boca Raton hotel worker tells TMZ ... POORSTACY was transported to a local hospital for a medical emergency Saturday morning ... he was the only one hospitalized. We're told the rapper had been staying for 10 days at the hotel ... he had checked in with a woman and a toddler. No one else was reported injured Saturday.

The cause of death is unclear -- we're working on it -- but folks leaving comments on POORSTACY's most recent Instagram post are indicating they are under the belief he may have died by suicide.

POORSTACY was an up-and-coming artist from Palm Beach who blended different genres like emo rap, punk rock, and punk rap.

His biggest accomplishments had been a feature on the "Bill & Ted Face the Music" movie soundtrack, which earned a Grammy nomination ... plus a handful of collabs with Travis Barker.

POORSTACY and Travis actually worked together on three songs ... and the biggest one is called "Choose Life."

POORSTACY was only 26.

RIP

Andreas Whittam Smith obit

Andreas Whittam Smith, co-founder and first editor of The Independent, dies aged 88

The editor and media entrepreneur changed the landscape of British journalism over his decades-long career 

He was not on the list.

Andreas Whittam Smith, the former editor who co-founded The Independent and changed the landscape of British journalism over his decades-long career, has died aged 88.

The pioneering editor and media entrepreneur died on Saturday, his family said in a statement.

Whittam Smith was the early driving force behind The Independent, the broadsheet he launched in 1986 as an antidote to the entrenched partisanship of Fleet Street. Under his stewardship, the newspaper won a devoted readership with its commitment to neutrality, intellectual rigour, and clean, modern design, with clarity and depth chosen over sensationalism.

He had worked in finance and public service, but it was in the media industry in particular where his influence will be keenly felt long after his death.

He was knighted in 2015 for his services to the media and public life in recognition of his remarkable contributions and his legacy of courage, independence and championing of the truth.

The Independent’s editor-in-chief, Geordie Greig, said: “All of the staff of The Independent, past and present, are deeply saddened to hear of the death of our founder Andreas Whittam Smith.

“By co-founding The Independent as an antidote to corporate conformity and lack of free expression and individuality in British newspapers, Andreas Whittam Smith not only broke the mould, he was a heroic crusader for a global freedom for all press.

“His zeal for journalism caught the imagination of the whole nation and established a global brand which has never stopped fighting for journalism that wasn’t beholden to entrenched political or economic interests.

“He did so with a dapper charm, steely persuasion and unconquerable desire to be on the side of truth. When I once asked him if he had any advice as I became editor of The Independent, he extolled the importance of imagination as much as endeavour. He brought both in spades to The Independent, which is about to celebrate the 40th anniversary of his creation.”

Born in Altrincham, Cheshire, in June 1937, Whittam Smith attended Birkenhead School before studying at Oxford University, where he read politics, philosophy and economics.

After carrying out his national service as an infantryman where he guarded Spandau Prison in Berlin, Whittam Smith began in finance, working at the stockbroking firm Laurence Prust before making the move into journalism.

He began in financial journalism at The Investors Chronicle, before later holding senior editorial roles at The Daily Telegraph and The Financial Times, where he gained a reputation as a sharp and analytical business editor.

At the time, the British press was increasingly polarised and partisan – an environment out of which the bold idea to launch a national newspaper independent of any party or proprietorial influence was born.

Whittam Smith, along with colleagues Matthew Symonds and Stephen Glover, launched The Independent in 1986 with the memorable masthead: “It is. Are you?”, bursting onto the publishing scene to much acclaim.

Under Whittam Smith’s unassuming but determined leadership, bold editorial decisions were made, major stories were broken, and talented journalists were nurtured, including foreign correspondents Robert Fisk and Patrick Cockburn, bringing a global reputation to the newspaper that has only grown over the years.

After stepping down as editor of The Independent in 1993, Whittam Smith was appointed president of the British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) in 1998 and became the first Church Estates Commissioner four years later.

Meanwhile, he continued to write and comment on political and economic affairs, contributing to The Independent right up until the years just before his death.

Among those to pay tribute to Whittam Smith was BBC broadcaster and former editor of The Independent Amol Rajan.

Writing on social media, he said: “A radical and a pioneer, Andreas profoundly transformed British journalism for the better, and forever.

“With his passing, a titan - and the golden era he personified - has ventured to the great newsroom in the sky.

Tom Stoppard obit

Tom Stoppard Dies: Oscar-Winning ‘Shakespeare in Love’ Writer Was 88

 

He was not on the list.

Tom Stoppard, the Oscar-winning screenwriter of Shakespeare in Love and 5x Tony-winning playwright, has died. He was 88.

United Agents announced on Saturday that Stoppard died “peacefully” at his Dorset, England home, where he was surrounded by family.

“He will be remembered for his works, for their brilliance and humanity, and for his wit, his irreverence, his generosity of spirit and his profound love of the English language,” the statement reads, according to the Associated Press. “It was an honor to work with Tom and to know him.”

Mick Jagger remembered Stoppard as “was my favourite playwright,” adding in a social media post, “He leaves us with a majestic body of intellectual and amusing work. I will always miss him.”

Piers Morgan called Stoppard “one of the world‘s greatest dramatists. What a writer! Sad news.”

Born July 3, 1937 in then Zlín, Czechoslovakia, Stoppard attended boarding school in the Indian Himalayas after his Jewish family fled Nazi occupation, before settling in the UK after World War II. There, Stoppard began working as a theater critic and playwright.

After penning short radio plays in the ’50s, Stoppard completed his first stage play A Walk on the Water [Enter a Free Man] in 1960, before it took the stage in Hamburg, Germany in ’63. His career took off in 1966 when he debuted Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead at the Edinburgh Festival.

Stoppard’s other plays include The Gamblers, Tango, The Real Inspector Hound, Jumpers, Travesties, Night & Day, Arcadia, The Invention of Love and Leopoldstadt.

As a screenwriter, Stoppard penned Empire of the Sun (1987) and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), in addition to working on Star Wars: Episode III — Revenge of the Sith (2005).

Writer

A Christmas Carol

screenplay by

Script

 

National Theatre Live: Leopoldstadt (2022)

National Theatre Live: Leopoldstadt

8.4

Writer

2022

 

David Morrissey, Ed Stoppard, Denise Gough, Jenna Coleman, Maggie Service, and Sam Yates in A Separate Peace (2020)

A Separate Peace

5.6

Video

Writer

2020

 

Alicia Vikander in Tulip Fever (2017)

Tulip Fever

6.2

screenplay by

2017

 

National Theatre Live: Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead (2017)

National Theatre Live: Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead

7.9

by

2017

 

National Theatre Live: The Hard Problem (2015)

National Theatre Live: The Hard Problem

7.5

Writer

2015

 

Fifty Years on Stage (2013)

Fifty Years on Stage

8.7

TV Movie

written by (segments "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead", "Arcadia")

2013

 

Rebecca Hall, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Adelaide Clemens in Parade's End (2012)

Parade's End

7.4

TV Mini Series

screenplay

2012

5 episodes

 

Jude Law, Keira Knightley, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson in Anna Karenina (2012)

Anna Karenina

6.6

screenplay

2012

 

Bereg utopii

TV Special

Writer

2010

 

Dogg's Hamlet, Cahoot's Macbeth

8.3

play

2005

 

Television Theater (1953)

Television Theater

7.5

TV Series

play

2001

1 episode

 

Jeremy Northam, Kate Winslet, Saffron Burrows, and Dougray Scott in Enigma (2001)

Enigma

6.4

screenplay

2001

 

The Real Thing

Video

Writer

2000

 

Uma Thurman, Gérard Depardieu, and Tim Roth in Vatel (2000)

Vatel

6.6

english adaptation

2000

 

Gwyneth Paltrow and Joseph Fiennes in Shakespeare in Love (1998)

Shakespeare in Love

7.1

written by

1998

 

Dina Meyer and James Caan in Poodle Springs (1998)

Poodle Springs

6.0

TV Movie

teleplay

1998

 

The Fifteen Minute Hamlet (1995)

The Fifteen Minute Hamlet

7.8

Short

play

1995

 

S.O.S.

TV Movie

play

1993

 

Dustin Hoffman, Nicole Kidman, Bruce Willis, and Loren Dean in Billy Bathgate (1991)

Billy Bathgate

5.9

screenplay

1991

 

Hapgood

TV Movie

play

1991

 

Sean Connery, Michelle Pfeiffer, John Mahoney, Roy Scheider, Klaus Maria Brandauer, and James Fox in The Russia House (1990)

The Russia House

6.1

screenplay

1990

 

Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead (1990)

Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead

7.3

written by

1990

 

George Martin in Largo Desolato (1990)

Largo Desolato

7.2

TV Movie

Writer

1990

 

The Dog It Was That Died (1989)

The Dog It Was That Died

7.5

TV Movie

playscreenplay

1989

 

Empire of the Sun (1987)

Empire of the Sun

7.7

screenplay by

1987

 

Professional Foul

9.3

TV Movie

television play

1986

 

Brazil (1985)

Brazil

7.8

screenplay by

1985

 

Konsert för en sluten avdelning

TV Movie

Writer

1984

 

Bernard Hill in Squaring the Circle (1984)

Squaring the Circle

7.5

TV Movie

Writer

1984

 

On the Razzle (1983)

On the Razzle

8.6

TV Movie

by

1983

 

Niels Hinrichsen and Berrit Kvorning in Frit efter Magritte (1980)

Frit efter Magritte

TV Movie

play

1980

 

"The Human Factor" (Saul Bass Poster) 1979

The Human Factor

6.1

screenplay

1979

 

Mr & Mrs Edgehill (1985)

BBC2 Playhouse

6.8

TV Series

play

1979

1 episode

 

Wandelen op water

TV Movie

Writer

1978

 

Dirk Bogarde, Andréa Ferréol, and Volker Spengler in Despair (1978)

Despair

6.9

screenplay

1978

 

Enskilt område

TV Movie

Writer

1978

 

Travesties

TV Movie

Writer

1978

 

BBC2 Play of the Week (1977)

BBC2 Play of the Week

7.0

TV Series

writer

1977

1 episode

 

Tim Curry, Michael Palin, and Stephen Moore in Three Men in a Boat (1975)

Three Men in a Boat

7.0

TV Movie

written by

1975

 

Mesélö városok

TV Mini Series

Writer (segment "Ésszerü magyarázat")

1975

1 episode

 

The Boundary

TV Movie

written by

1975

 

The Romantic Englishwoman (1975)

The Romantic Englishwoman

6.0

screenplay

1975

 

Full House (1972)

Full House

5.6

TV Series

play "After Magritte"

1973

1 episode

 

Szabad, mint a madár (1971)

Szabad, mint a madár

TV Movie

Writer

1971

 

Auf neutralem Boden

TV Movie

Writer

1971

 

Neutraal terrein

TV Movie

Writer

1971

 

Gojko Santic, Nikola Simic, Bora Todorovic, and Stevo Zigon in Ulazi slobodan covek (1971)

Ulazi slobodan covek

TV Movie

play "Enter a Free Man"

1971

 

NBC Experiment in Television (1967)

NBC Experiment in Television

6.8

TV Series

radio play "The Dissolution of Dominic Boot"screenplay

1970

1 episode

 

Richard Beckinsale, Freddie Fletcher, Bernard Hepton, Arthur Lowe, Jack Rosenthal, and Paula Wilcox in ITV Playhouse (1967)

ITV Playhouse

7.0

TV Series

writer

1968

1 episode

 

Thirty-Minute Theatre (1965)

Thirty-Minute Theatre

7.0

TV Series

writer

1967

2 episodes

 

A Separate Peace

3.3

TV Movie

Writer

1966

 

Double Image

TV Mini Series

script

1966

1 episode

 

Der Spleen des George Riley

8.9

TV Movie

play

1965

 

Wendy Hiller, John Stride, and Ted Willis in Knock on Any Door (1965)

Knock on Any Door

8.4

TV Series

Writer

1965

1 episode

 

ITV Play of the Week (1955)

ITV Play of the Week

6.6

TV Series

play

1963

1 episode

 

Script and Continuity Department

Matt Damon in The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)

The Bourne Ultimatum

8.0

script doctor (uncredited)

2007

 

Heath Ledger in Casanova (2005)

Casanova

6.5

script doctor (uncredited)

2005

 

Samuel L. Jackson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, James Earl Jones, Frank Oz, Ian McDiarmid, Hayden Christensen, and Gene Bryant in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)

Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith

7.6

script doctor (uncredited)

2005

 

Harrison Ford in K-19: The Widowmaker (2002)

K-19: The Widowmaker

6.7

script doctor (uncredited)

2002

 

Glenn Close in 102 Dalmatians (2000)

102 Dalmatians

4.9

script revisions (uncredited)

2000

 

Christopher Walken in Sleepy Hollow (1999)

Sleepy Hollow

7.3

script doctor (uncredited)

1999

 

Meg Ryan, Robert Downey Jr., Sam Neill, and Polly Walker in Restoration (1995)

Restoration

6.6

script doctor (uncredited)

1995

 

Schindler's List (1993)

Schindler's List

9.0

script doctor (uncredited)

1993

 

Robert Downey Jr. in Chaplin (1992)

Chaplin

7.5

script doctor (uncredited)

1992

 

Beethoven (1992)

Beethoven

5.7

script revisions (uncredited)

1992

 

Sean Connery and Lorraine Bracco in Medicine Man (1992)

Medicine Man

6.0

script doctor (uncredited)

1992

 

Dustin Hoffman, Julia Roberts, Robin Williams, Bob Hoskins, Dante Basco, David Crosby, Robert Amico, Jasen Fisher, Stephanie Furst, Raushan Hammond, James Madio, Regina Russell Banali, Alex Zuckerman, and Paul Babb in Hook (1991)

Hook

6.8

script doctor (uncredited)

1991

 

Sean Connery, Harrison Ford, Denholm Elliott, Michael Byrne, Alison Doody, and John Rhys-Davies in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

8.2

script doctor (uncredited)

1989

 

Producer

Rebecca Hall, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Adelaide Clemens in Parade's End (2012)

Parade's End

7.4

TV Mini Series

executive producer

2012

3 episodes

 

Actor

Dina Meyer and James Caan in Poodle Springs (1998)

Poodle Springs

6.0

TV Movie

(unconfirmed)

1998

 

Omnibus (1967)

Omnibus

7.2

TV Series

Subject

1975

1 episode

 

The Annual Evening Standard Drama Awards

TV Special

Hetself- Winner: Best Play

1973

 

'In Side Out' (1964)

'In Side Out'

Short

1964

 

Director

Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead (1990)

Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead

7.3

Director

1990

 

Thanks

Essie Davis and Noah Wiseman in The Babadook (2014)

The Babadook

6.8

huge thank you: to our KICKSTARTER supporters

2014

 

Shakespeare in Love and on Film

7.2

TV Movie

thanks

1999

 

John Travolta in A Civil Action (1998)

A Civil Action

6.6

the producers wish to thank

1998

 

Self

Syd Barrett, Nick Mason, Roger Waters, and Richard Wright in Have You Got It Yet? The Story of Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd (2023)

Have You Got It Yet? The Story of Syd Barrett and Pink Floyd

7.3

Self

2023

 

The Broadway Show with Tamsen Fadal (2021)

The Broadway Show with Tamsen Fadal

7.3

TV Series

Self

2023

1 episode

 

Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie in Today (1952)

Today

4.6

TV Series

Self - Guest

2023

1 episode

 

Born to Be the King (2022)

Born to Be the King

6.4

TV Movie

Self (as Sir Tom Stoppard)

2022

 

Brian Friel in Brian Friel: Shy Man, Showman (2022)

Brian Friel: Shy Man, Showman

Self

2022

 

Jo Brand and Alan Yentob in Imagine (2003)

Imagine

7.6

TV Series

Self

2021

1 episode

 

Evening Urgant (2012)

Evening Urgant

6.2

TV Series

Self - Guest

2019

1 episode

 

Steven Spielberg in Spielberg (2017)

Spielberg

7.7

TV Movie

Self - Writer

2017

 

Arena (1975)

Arena

7.7

TV Series

Self - Playwright

2013

2 episodes

 

The 65th Primetime Emmy Awards (2013)

The 65th Primetime Emmy Awards

6.9

TV Special

Self - Nominee (credit only)

2013

 

Anna Karenina: A Story of Epic Love (2013)

Anna Karenina: A Story of Epic Love

7.2

Video

Self

2013

 

Creating the Extraordinary World of Anna Karenina (2013)

Creating the Extraordinary World of Anna Karenina

Video

Self

2013

 

Parade's End: Featurette

6.3

TV Movie

Self

2013

 

Charlie Rose in Charlie Rose (1991)

Charlie Rose

7.5

TV Series

Self - Guest

1995–2012

7 episodes

 

Mi reino por un caballo (2010)

Mi reino por un caballo

TV Series

Self

2011

1 episode

 

Dirk Bogarde in The Cinema and its Double - Rainer Werner Fassbinder's 'Despair' Revisited (2011)

The Cinema and its Double - Rainer Werner Fassbinder's 'Despair' Revisited

7.2

Video

Self

2011

 

Al Pacino, Oscar Wilde, and Jessica Chastain in Wilde Salomé (2011)

Wilde Salomé

6.6

Self

2011

 

Amnesty! When They Are All Free

7.9

Self - Writer

2011

 

Ànima (2009)

Ànima

4.1

TV Series

Self

2009

1 episode

 

André Previn - Eine Brücke zwischen den Welten

Self

2009

 

Melvyn Bragg in The South Bank Show (1978)

The South Bank Show

7.1

TV Series

Self

1978–2008

2 episodes

 

Movie Connections (2007)

Movie Connections

6.5

TV Series

Self

2007

1 episode

 

The 61st Annual Tony Awards (2007)

The 61st Annual Tony Awards

6.9

TV Special

Self - Winner

2007

 

Dan Crawford in The King's Head: A Maverick in London (2006)

The King's Head: A Maverick in London

9.0

Video

Self (as Sir Tom Stoppard)

2006

 

The British Comedy Awards 2004

6.6

TV Special

Self - Presenter

2004

 

Ronnie Barker: A BAFTA Tribute

8.5

TV Special

Self

2004

 

The Kennedy Center Honors: A Celebration of the Performing Arts (1998)

The Kennedy Center Honors: A Celebration of the Performing Arts

6.5

TV Special

Self

2003

 

John Boorman in Journey Into Light (2001)

Journey Into Light

TV Short

Self

2001

 

The 55th Annual Tony Awards (2001)

The 55th Annual Tony Awards

6.8

TV Special

Self - Nominee & Presenter

2001

 

The Evening Standard Theatre Awards 2000

TV Special

Self - Presenter

2000

 

The Evening Standard British Film Awards

TV Special

Self - Winner: Best Screenplay

2000

 

Inside Hollywood: The Pictures, the People, the Academy Awards (1999)

Inside Hollywood: The Pictures, the People, the Academy Awards

TV Movie

Self

1999

 

Shakespeare in Love and on Film

7.2

TV Movie

Self

1999

 

Close Up (1998)

Close Up

TV Series

Self

1999

1 episode

 

The 71st Annual Academy Awards (1999)

The 71st Annual Academy Awards

6.1

TV Special

Self - Winner

1999

 

The 51th Annual Writers Guild of America Awards

TV Special

Self - Winner

1999

 

Dear John: A Tribute to John Wells

TV Movie

Self

1998

 

Omnibus (1967)

Omnibus

7.2

TV Series

Self

1997

1 episode

 

David Letterman in Late Night with David Letterman (1982)

Late Night with David Letterman

7.5

TV Series

Self

1991

1 episode

 

The Late Clive James

7.3

TV Series

Self

1986

1 episode

 

What Is Brazil? (1985)

What Is Brazil?

6.6

TV Movie

Self

1985

 

David Shire, Didi Conn, and Robert Guillaume in The 38th Annual Tony Awards (1984)

The 38th Annual Tony Awards

7.0

TV Special

Self - Winner

1984

 

Frank Delaney

TV Series

Self

1983

1 episode

 

Reputations

TV Series

Self

1982

1 episode

 

Friday Night, Saturday Morning (1979)

Friday Night, Saturday Morning

6.2

TV Series

Self

1979

1 episode

 

Eamonn Andrews in This Is Your Life (1955)

This Is Your Life

6.4

TV Series

Self

1978

1 episode

 

Bukovsky (1977)

Bukovsky

6.2

Self

1977

 

The Book Programme (1973)

The Book Programme

TV Series

Self

1975–1977

2 episodes

 

Andre Previn Meets ....

TV Series

Self

1977

1 episode

 

Aquarius (1970)

Aquarius

6.8

TV Series

Self

1975

1 episode

 

The Brian Connell Interview

TV Series

Self

1973

1 episode

 

Call My Bluff (1965)

Call My Bluff

7.1

TV Series

Self

1972

2 episodes

 

One Pair of Eyes (1967)

One Pair of Eyes

TV Series

Self - Presenter

1972

1 episode

 

Desmond Dekker in Review (1969)

Review

TV Series

Self

1972

1 episode

 

Late Night Line-Up (1964)

Late Night Line-Up

6.6

TV Series

Self - Panellist

1968

1 episode

 

The 22nd Annual Tony Awards (1968)

The 22nd Annual Tony Awards

8.3

TV Special

Self

1968

 

Merv Griffin in The Merv Griffin Show (1962)

The Merv Griffin Show

6.6

TV Series

Self - playwright

1967

1 episode

 

The Newcomers

TV Mini Series

Self

1964

2 episodes

 

Archive Footage

Mehmet Açar in Film Önü / Arkasi (2019)

Film Önü / Arkasi

6.8

TV Series

Self (archive footage)

2019

1 episode

 

Matt Sloan and Craig Johnson in Welcome to the Basement (2012)

Welcome to the Basement

8.1

TV Series

Self (archive footage)

2016

1 episode

 

Ian Fleming and Geoffrey Boothroyd in Timeshift (2002)

Timeshift

7.0

TV Series

Self (archive footage)

2005

1 episode

 

Leslie Fish obit

Filk Legend Leslie Fish Has Died

 She was not on the list.

Leslie Fish, regarded by many as the Queen of Filk, has died at the age of 72. She was a composer, a performer, an author, and a political activist. She wrote dozens, if not hundreds of songs on a multitude of subjects. She was a true bard.

Her husband, “Rasty” Ralston announced Saturday, November 29, 2025, that she was in home hospice care. Her stepdaughter, Mary Coppin, broke the sad news a few hours later that Leslie Fish that had died.

Fish chronicled the history of the space program in her songs” Hope Eyrie, about Apollo 11, Surprise!” about Sputnik, and too many others to count. She wrote songs about science fact and science fiction. Her “Everyman” and “Toast to Unknown Heroes” saluted the rngineers, technicians, and mathematicians who made the astronauts’ voyages possible, but never got tickertape parades.

Earlier today, friend Aya Katz posted this message on Facebook:

Leslie is now on home hospice. She can no longer speak or communicate, but she is resting at home surrounded by love. Rasty asked me to pass the word to the filk family and all her fans: please send her good energy, your thought, prayers, songs, memories or just a moment of silence. She has always drawn strength from this wonderful, wild community, and she still can.

If you’d like to share a memory, a lyric, or just a “soar high, Bard” drop it here or anywhere it will reach other fans. We’ll make sure she and Rasty know the bardic circle is singing for her! Eli Goldberg. edit: We have just gotten word that Leslie has passed. May her spirit soar with the eagles!

B.B. King had Lucille, Arthur had Excalibur. and Leslie Fish had Monster. Monster is a twelve-string guitar which produced the most wonderful music, much of which has helped shape the landscape of modern science fition fandom.

While her politics were a point of contention, none can deny the impact she and her music have had.

She is survived by her husband Ralston, and her stepdaughter Mary Coppin.

We offer our condolences to them and her friends.

Fish sang (and made several appearances) in the film Finding the Future: A Science Fiction Conversation, which makes extensive use of her music. She was interviewed and performed in Trekkies 2.

Along with The Dehorn Crew, Fish created the first commercial filk recording in 1976, Folk Songs for Folk Who Ain't Even Been Yet. Her second recording, Solar Sailors (1977), included the song "Banned from Argo", a comic song parodying Star Trek which has since spawned over 100 variants and parodies. She recorded the comic song "Carmen Miranda's Ghost", which was the source for the short story anthology Carmen Miranda's Ghost Is Haunting Space Station Three, edited by Don Sakers (in which she has one story and the notes on the song). Her song "Hope Eyrie" is regarded by some as being as close to the anthem of American science fiction fandom as is possible in such a disparate group.

Fish often wove pagan and anarchist themes into her music. She had also set to music many poems by Rudyard Kipling. She was a popular guest at science fiction conventions, and she could often be seen at the large filksings with her distinctive 12-string guitar, "Monster", which Leslie said played best when it was given good Scotch whisky.

Chubby Tavares obit

Legendary Tavares lead singer, Chubby Tavares, dies at age 80

 He was not on the list.

Every soul music death hurts, but this one has a special sting to us at SoulTracks. The Tavares family posted on social media the sad news today of the passing of Antone “Chubby” Tavares, lead singer of the vocal group Tavares:

It is with great sadness that we share news of our Dad Antone “Chubby”Tavares passing. He passed last night at home in peace & comfort. Within the past year his health has declined but, his spirit and attitude always remained positive. Dad and his brothers touched many people and brought Joy worldwide. They were Blessed to experience many places and things. A Celebration Of Life to honor him will be held at a later date. The Family appreciates your prayers during this difficult time.

Tavares was the first act we ever profiled on SoulTracks, in large part because of my personal affection for the group. I first interviewed Chubby when I was an 18 year old freshman writing for a college newspaper, and had the chance to speak with him several times over the years. He was always both kind and humble about his accomplishments, and those accomplishments are many. The five brothers from New Bedford, Massachusetts – Ralph, Tiny, Chubby, Butch and Pooch – created some the most consistently high quality soul and dance music of the 70s and early 80s.

Originally called “Chubby and the Turnpikes,” the Tavares brothers spent the late ’60s and early ’70s in their native New England covering tunes of R&B greats at various clubs, while trying to land a record deal. They finally scored a contract with Capitol Records’ then-new black music division and released the single “Check It Out” in 1973. It soared to the top 10 on the R&B charts and became the group’s first top 40 pop hit. What came after that was a string of hits that led Blues & Soul magazine in 1976 to label Tavares “The Next Supergroup.”

“It Only Takes A Minute,” “Heaven Must Be Missing An Angel,” “She’s Gone,” “Never Had A Love Like This Before” and many, many more memorable cuts established the Tavares Brothers as 1970s R&B music royalty, even allowing them to survive the mixed blessing of having their version of “More Than A Woman” as part of the Grammy Award winning soundtrack for Saturday Night Fever soundtrack. That participation gave the group its greatest exposure ever but brought with it a label that Tavares would spend years trying to shake – that of “Disco Group.” In that decade that highlighted so many groups, from the last Detroit days of Motown to the arrival of hot sounds in Philadelphia and Los Angeles — the Tavares brothers proved themselves to be among the most versatile and talented, and time has been kind to their enviable legacy.

After the group’s last major label release, 1983’s Words and Music, brother Ralph Tavares retired, and Tavares became principally a touring group, often performing in multi-artist shows with other 70s R&B and dance acts. Chubby also made a stir as a solo artist, with a series of albums in the last decade working with legendary producer Preston Glass. He continued to perform with his brothers until early 2023, when Chubby announced his retirement to focus on his health and his family.

The death of Chubby Tavares is a sad coda for our long relationship with one of SoulTracks’ favorite singers, even as we marvel at more than five decades of incredible music memories he created. Rest in peace, Chubby.

Bob ‘Bongo’ Starkie obit

Bob ‘Bongo’ Starkie of Skyhooks Has Passed Away At Age 73

 

He was not on the list.

It is with total sadness that I have to tell you that Skyhooks legend Bob ‘Bongo’ Starkie has passed away at the age of 73.

Bob had announced he had been diagnosed with Leukemia in January 2025. Even at that point in his life was more concerned with inconveniencing his fans because he had a cancel some shows.

Skyhooks’ archivist Peter Green has supplied Noise11 with the official announcement about Bob’s passing for his daughter Indiana:

Bob Starkie 1952- 2025

It’s with sadness in our hearts that we have to send out this news that early this morning Bob “Bongo” Starkie has passed away. For the past year he has fought the brave fight against Leukemia hoping to get back on the road to perform more shows. Music was in his blood till the very end.

Bob was the guitarist in the iconic Skyhooks, the youngest in the band and he embraced the theatrics from striking facial make up to unique stage costumes. The music always came first and touring and playing onstage was his absolute joy.

The members of Skyhooks are exceptionally saddened by the loss of our band mate, and send their condolences to Bobs family.

“Our Dearest Grand-Daddy-Bop has peacefully departed listening to Chuck Berry. Snuggling with his fur baby Bonnie, surrounded by friends and family.

Daughters Indiana and Arabella, grandchildren Phoenix and Lucia, Partner Chrissy, great mate Ian and son in laws Simon and Chris will miss him dearly. Thank you for all your support, he has felt the love till the very end”. (Indiana Starkie)

Just three months ago things were looking good for Bob. 

Bob “Bongo” Starkie, the long-serving guitarist for Skyhooks and a defining figure of Australia’s 1970s rock explosion, leaves behind a legacy deeply woven into the country’s musical identity. His contribution was not only instrumental in shaping the band’s distinctive sound, but also in cementing Skyhooks’ status as one of the most culturally disruptive and commercially successful groups of their era. Starkie’s work helped redirect Australian rock towards its own stories and its own sense of place at a time when local acts were still searching for their collective voice.

Starkie joined Skyhooks in August 1973, replacing his older brother Peter. Peter passed away in 2020. His arrival, alongside guitarist Red Symons, finalised the group’s classic twin-guitar lineup. Together, Starkie and Symons created the driving, interlocking guitar architecture that became a hallmark of Skyhooks’ identity. Their contrasting styles-Symons’ theatrical presence and angular tone balanced against Starkie’s precision, swing and musical restraint-gave the band both muscle and sophistication. It was a partnership that powered their breakthrough recordings and electrified their live performances.

As Skyhooks transitioned from Melbourne cult act to national phenomenon, Starkie’s playing became a defining element of the band’s appeal. On Living In The 70’s (1974), the group’s landmark debut, Starkie helped anchor songs that would become generational touchstones, from the slinking groove of “Balwyn Calling” to the razor-sharp attack of “Horror Movie”. His guitar work furnished the songs with both pop immediacy and rock edge, capturing the energy of the urban, suburban and cultural contradictions the band chronicled so vividly.

Starkie was equally central to Skyhooks’ second major commercial triumph, Ego Is Not A Dirty Word (1975), which extended their dominance of the Australian charts. As Greg Macainsh’s songwriting pushed into sharper and more socially observant territory, Starkie’s playing expanded with it. He had an instinct for serving the song-never overplaying-and his tone became one of the band’s signatures: bright, melodic, and delivered with complete conviction.

Though Skyhooks’ membership evolved through the late 1970s and beyond, Starkie remained an anchor within multiple reunions and celebratory line-ups across the 1980s and 1990s. He returned for the 1983 Living In The 80’s Tour, the 1990 sessions that produced the chart-topping comeback single Jukebox In Siberia, and numerous one-off events that honoured the group’s history. Starkie’s loyalty to the Skyhooks legacy extended into the 2000s, performing at tribute shows, benefit concerts and anniversary appearances, always carrying the band’s repertoire with both pride and affection.

Outside Skyhooks, Starkie continued to contribute to Melbourne’s music community, performing with a range of local acts including Ol’ Skydaddys and Ram Band. He remained a visible and admired figure in Australian rock, respected not only for his musicianship but for his warmth, humour and commitment to the music that shaped generations.

Early this year Bob was to tour his 50th anniversary Skyhooks show when he fell ill.

Bob “Bongo” Starkie’s influence reaches far beyond his role in a seminal Australian band. His guitar lines, attitude and creative presence helped open the door for Australian musicians to speak with their own voice. His passing marks the end of an era, but the soundtrack he helped build continues to echo across Australian culture.

Toni Lamond obit

Vale: Toni Lamond

Pioneering Australian entertainer Toni Lamond, whose stage and screen career spans 8 decades, has died.

 

She was not on the list.

Pioneering Australian entertainer Toni Lamond, whose stage and screen career spans 8 decades, has died, aged 93.

She performed on the opening night of GTV9 in 1956. In 1961, Lamond also became the first woman in the world to compere a variety television show, IMT when Graham Kennedy pulled back from 5 shows a week.

Lamond’s career began at the age of 10 singing on the radio and touring with her vaudevillian parents in variety shows.

Along with Nancy Hayes and Jill Perryman, she is considered one of the three grand dames of Australian theatre.

Her career encompassed musical comedy, dramatic plays, recordings, film, television and cabaret.

Her first performances as a leading lady were with English comedian Tommy Trinder in The Tommy Trinder Show in 1952. She starred in Australian productions of Oliver!, Annie Get Your Gun, The Pajama Game, Gypsy, 42nd Street, The Pirates of Penzance, My Fair Lady, Nunsense, Cabaret, Follies, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, Beauty and the Beast, High Society, Shout.

The mother of Tony Sheldon and half-sister of Helen Reddy, she moved to Los Angeles in the mid 1970s, maintaining a base in both Australia and the USA and working in both countries.

Her television credits include The Graham Kennedy Show, Bandstand, The Mike Walsh Show, The Bert Newton Show, Parkinson in Australia, In Melbourne Today, Good Morning Australia, Denise, Division 4, Number 96, Spicks and Specks and US shows The Love Boat, Murder She Wrote, Highway to Heaven, Eight is Enough, The Bob Newhart Show, Starsky & Hutch, Punky Brewster, The Pirates of Penzance plus films Spotswood and Razzle Dazzle.

But there was also personal tragedy.

In 1966 her husband took his own life while she was performing Oliver! Producers made her perform the night after his funeral.  Toni then raised her son and performer Tony Sheldon on her own. She never had the chance to record ‘As Long As He Needs Me’ until 2019 when The Recording Studio gave her the opportunity with a 35-piece orchestra which ABC noted was “this stage and screen legend’s curtain call.”

Her many accolades include Logie Awards, Mo Awards, Variety Club Awards, Helpmann Awards Lifetime Achievement, Equity Lifetime Achievement Award, Centenary Medal for Service to the Arts Community, Victorian Honour Roll of Women, and an Order of Australia for Service to the Entertainment Industry and service.

Once asked, “What would you do to make a difference in the world?” she replied, “I would try to convince people who are blindsided by a stream of setbacks, and feel that there is no point in going on. I’d say: Hang in there, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. NEVER GIVE UP!”

 

Actress

Razzle Dazzle (2007)

Razzle Dazzle

6.6

Sherry Leonard

2007

 

Fallen Angels (1997)

Fallen Angels

7.0

TV Series

Irene Lucas

1997

1 episode

 

The Pirates of Penzance (1994)

The Pirates of Penzance

8.1

TV Movie

Ruth

1994

 

Neil Patrick Harris, Bobcat Goldthwait, Charlie Adler, Jennifer Darling, and Patti Deutsch in Capitol Critters (1992)

Capitol Critters

6.4

TV Series

(voice)

1992

1 episode

 

Fish Police (1992)

Fish Police

7.8

TV Series

(voice)

1992

1 episode

 

Anthony Hopkins and Rebecca Rigg in The Efficiency Expert (1991)

The Efficiency Expert

6.2

Mrs. Lorna Ball

1991

 

How Wonderful! (1989)

How Wonderful!

8.3

TV Movie

Kerry's Mum

1989

 

Michael Landon in Highway to Heaven (1984)

Highway to Heaven

6.9

TV Series

Maggie (as Tony Lamond)

1987

1 episode

 

Running from the Guns (1987)

Running from the Guns

5.9

Davie's mom

1987

 

Dan Hedaya, Mandy Ingber, Jean Kasem, Carlene Watkins, Timothy Williams, and Aaron Moffatt in The Tortellis (1987)

The Tortellis

5.2

TV Series

Mrs. Hamilton

1987

1 episode

 

Robert Hays in Starman (1986)

Starman

6.7

TV Series

Edna (uncredited)

1987

1 episode

 

The Last Frontier (1986)

The Last Frontier

6.4

TV Movie

Auntie Dier

1986

 

Angela Lansbury in Murder, She Wrote (1984)

Murder, She Wrote

7.3

TV Series

Ad-Lib Woman

1986

1 episode

 

Fred Grandy, Bernie Kopell, Ted Lange, Gavin MacLeod, and Lauren Tewes in The Love Boat (1977)

The Love Boat

6.3

TV Series

Mrs. Burton

1985

1 episode

 

Soleil Moon Frye, Susie Garrett, George Gaynes, and Cherie Johnson in Punky Brewster (1984)

Punky Brewster

6.6

TV Series

Stage Manager

1984

1 episode

 

John Ritter, Suzanne Somers, and Joyce DeWitt in Three's Company (1976)

Three's Company

7.6

TV Series

Patient

1982

1 episode

 

Eight Is Enough (1977)

Eight Is Enough

6.6

TV Series

Mrs. Dreissen

1979

1 episode

 

The Bob Newhart Show (1972)

The Bob Newhart Show

8.1

TV Series

Mrs. Doris Peterson

1977

1 episode

 

Starsky and Hutch (1975)

Starsky and Hutch

7.0

TV Series

Ruth Willoughby

1977

1 episode

 

The Unisexers

TV Series

Mrs. Lewis

1975

 

Mac and Merle

TV Series

(1974)

1974

 

Division 4 (1969)

Division 4

8.3

TV Series

Janie Gibson

1974

1 episode

 

The True Blue Show

TV Series

(1973)

1973

 

Number 96 (1972)

Number 96

7.2

TV Series

Karen Winters

1972

10 episodes

 

Toni Lamond and Reg Livermore in I'm Alright Now (1967)

I'm Alright Now

TV Series

1967

 

The Channel Nine Show

TV Series

1962

1 episode

 

Soundtrack

The Pirates of Penzance (1994)

The Pirates of Penzance

8.1

TV Movie

performer: "When Frederic Was A Little Lad", "Oh, False One, You Have Deceived Me"

1994

 

Mike Douglas in The Mike Douglas Show (1961)

The Mike Douglas Show

7.1

TV Series

performer: "Lonely Lady"writer: "Lonely Lady"

1978–1979

2 episodes

 

Don Lane in The Don Lane Show (1975)

The Don Lane Show

7.1

TV Series

performer: "Some People"

1975

1 episode

 

Graham Kennedy in The Graham Kennedy Show (1972)

The Graham Kennedy Show

6.8

TV Series

performer: "I'm Still Here"performer: "You've Made Me So Very Happy"performer: "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" ...

1972–1975

5 episodes

 

Self

Stop Laughing... This Is Serious (2015)

Stop Laughing... This Is Serious

7.2

TV Series

Heself

2015–2017

3 episodes

 

Spicks and Specks (2005)

Spicks and Specks

8.0

TV Series

Self

2005–2009

5 episodes

 

Graham Kennedy: Farewell to the King

TV Movie

Self (song "I Believe In You")

2005

 

Michael Parkinson in Parkinson in Australia (1979)

Parkinson in Australia

6.6

TV Series

Self

1982

2 episodes

 

Mike Douglas in The Mike Douglas Show (1961)

The Mike Douglas Show

7.1

TV Series

Self - EntertainerSelf - Helen's Sister

1978–1979

2 episodes

 

The Don Lane Celebrity Roast (1978)

The Don Lane Celebrity Roast

TV Special

Self - Roaster

1978

 

Mike Willesee and Pro Hart in This Is Your Life (1975)

This Is Your Life

6.5

TV Series

Self

1978

1 episode

 

Don Lane in The Don Lane Show (1975)

The Don Lane Show

7.1

TV Series

Self

1975

1 episode

 

Graham Kennedy in The Graham Kennedy Show (1972)

The Graham Kennedy Show

6.8

TV Series

Self

1972–1975

5 episodes

 

Kamahl

TV Series

Self

1972

1 episode

 

Graham Kennedy in In Melbourne Tonight (1957)

In Melbourne Tonight

8.0

TV Series

Self

1959–1970

6 episodes

 

The Don Lane Tonight Show

6.6

TV Series

Self

1969

1 episode

 

Show of the North

TV Series

Self

1969

1 episode

 

Jimmy

TV Series

Self

1966

3 episodes

 

The Channel Nine Show

TV Series

Self

1962

 

The Graham Kennedy Channel Nine Show

TV Series

Self

1960–1961

 

Be My Guest

TV Series

Self

1960

1 episode

 

BP Super Show (1959)

BP Super Show

TV Series

Self - Comedienne

1959–1960

3 episodes

 

Personal Album

TV Series

Self

1958

1 episode

 

Archive Footage

Bandstand (1958)

Bandstand

8.0

TV Series

Self - Singer (archive footage)

1969

1 episode