The show won't go on : the most shocking, bizarre, and historic deaths of performers onstage

The show won't go on The most shocking, bizarre, and historic deaths of performers onstage

Jeff Abraham, 1962-

Book - 2019

"The first comprehensive look at a bizarre show business phenomenon: the actors, singers, musicians, magicians, comedians, and others who died while performing onstage"--

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Subjects
Entertainers > Biography.
Entertainers > Death.
Published
Chicago, Illinois : Chicago Review Press [2019]
Language
English
Main Author
Jeff Abraham, 1962- (author)
Other Authors
Burt Kearns (author)
Item Description
Includes index.
"An A Cappella book."
Physical Description
viii, 232 pages, 16 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations ; 23 cm
ISBN
9781641602174
  • Prologue
  • 1. The Guinness World Record
  • 2. Theater
  • Interlude: Bad Night for Green Day
  • 3. Comedy
  • 4. The Tommy Cooper Effect
  • 5. Magicians & Escape Artists
  • Interlude: The Bullet Catch
  • 6. Dance
  • 7. Classical Musicians & Opera Stars
  • Interlude: The Deadliest Occupation In Show Business
  • 8. Rock 'n' Roll 'n' Hip-Hop
  • 9. Country & Gospel Music
  • Interlude: The Long Goodbyes
  • 10. Jazz
  • 11. International Pop Music
  • Interlude: Open Mic Night
  • 12. Television
  • 13. Radio
  • 14. Social Media
  • Interlude: Tragic Kingdoms
  • 15. Vaudeville
  • 16. The Circus
  • Interlude: The Great Wallendas
  • Epilogue: Audience Participation
  • Acknowledgments
  • Appendix: Fifty More Who Died Onstage-a Chronological Selection
  • Index
Review by Booklist Review

This is the perfect book for the morbidly curious, the gawkers, and anyone fascinated by peculiar deaths. It chronicles those who gave their last performances in all types of entertainment: theater, comedy, magic, television, radio, and several genres of music. Abraham and Kearns use a journalistic style to inform the reader of the events surrounding each performer's demise, and this pays off in the interviews with some of the decedent's friends and relatives. In some cases, we learn their last words before the performance, which is moving and oddly satisfying. While some deaths were completely preventable, the authors are careful not to pass judgment and instead simply report the events as they happened. The format is not a strict narrative, allowing the reader to skip around, if desired, and read whatever bits and pieces immediately jump out. The pictures are a touching tribute, showing each performer in his or her prime. Laced with intrigue and respectful at the same time, this is a wonderful read for those looking for a unique twist on true crime.--Carrie Rasak Copyright 2010 Booklist

From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.

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