RIP - Kenny Kanowski (Steel heart)

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Dave Rocks

Dave Rocks

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I woke up this morning, checked my YT channel and learned of the passing of a friend and local native of Buffalo NY, Kenny Kanowski.

Back in the late 80's when I had a band, my drummers brother was best friends with Kenny and he brought him to my house a few times. Kenny was an amazing guitar player and he taught me "Still of the night" from Whitesnake.

Back in Buffalo he was in a band called Tobias and they kicked ass!!

Kenny moved to LA in hopes of making it, and he did. He landed the gig as guitarist for Steel Heart.

He went on to write a famous song used in the movie "Rock Star", called "We all die young"

At the age of 53, truer words have never been spoken.

RIP Kenny

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YTPQWOJkT3U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3wfPEc ... e=youtu.be
 
I saw them open for the Lynch Mob back in the day at First Avenue in Minneapolis. Prob 1990-91? They were fun to watch.
 
Sucks, I wasn't a huge fan of their music, but they all were really talented and seemed like cool guys
 
Sad, a legendary local singer from Wpg MB died on July 21, Kenny Sheilds from the band Streetheart...
 
I was shocked when I first heard the news of his passing. Had the luck to meet him at NAMM earlier this year, we even jammed a couple of Badlands and Skid Row tunes at the Friedman booth, he was a super talented singer and guitarist, but most importantly a very nice guy. Gone, but definitely not forgotten..R.I.P. Kenny
 
Happy to see Kenny eulogized here. Crazy good talent gone way too soon.
 
Just had lunch with his old drummer last week. He told me then that Kenny passed. Crazy. He did a lot of shows in Columbus where I live (I guess he lived here with his GF). I saw Chillin Sun open for Winery Dogs some years ago. Great player singer. I have heard many colorful stories about him over the years here ha.
 
legend71":3mdegcxy said:
Just had lunch with his old drummer last week. He told me then that Kenny passed. Crazy. He did a lot of shows in Columbus where I live (I guess he lived here with his GF). I saw Chillin Sun open for Winery Dogs some years ago. Great player singer. I have heard many colorful stories about him over the years here ha.
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I did not know that. I thought he was living in LA.
 
Young as hell! What was the cause of death? Does anyone know that yet? Good guitar player and had a really good voice too.
 
Kapo_Polenton":2hlugq9b said:
Young as hell! What was the cause of death? Does anyone know that yet? Good guitar player and had a really good voice too.
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My old drummer Kevin filled me in this morning and I did not want to post as they are awaiting an autopsy.

He's nephew posted this on Facebook so now it's public so I can share it. He was found dead in his pool but they still don't know the cause.

I will be at this event for sure.

From Ryan Kanowski on Facebook:

"I like to think of myself as a positive guy, I don't let much get me down or upset. I don't post much of my private life on social media and I try to keep to myself. In fact if you saw me out on Saturday night for my birthday part you may have never of known what my family was going through.

The day before my birthday I received a phone call that woke me up from my Father, I could tell something was wrong. My uncle Kenny Kanowski had an accident. We're not sure what has happened or how... however he was found in his pool... dead.

My Uncle Kenny was a hometown celebrity raised in Buffalo, later moving to LA. He had a dream and goal similar to myself. We shared a passion in music and even tho he is a "old school rock star", he called me a new school rock star. With Kennys multiple platinum records over seas as he was the Lead guitarist for a platinum recording rock Band called Steelheart. He has toured the world impacting and touching people's lives through the gift he was given.

coincidentally In 2001 the Movie "Rock Star" was released stating Jennifer Aniston and Mark Whalburg - My uncles song "We All Die Young" was featured as one of the biggest hits in the movie. It's safe to say he has successfully became a part of something bigger than ourselves.

Completely destroyed with the news of him passing as he lived across the country in L.A, I've been waiting for the right time to write this post. And that time is now.

I'd like to invite everyone to please come celebrate the LIFE of my uncle Kenny Kanowski along side my father Sandy Kanowski and the rest of my family at Rockin Buffalo on Sunday October 1st at 3pm. This is NOT a fundraiser, and there is NO COVER. You will hear amazing stories, we will laugh together, drink and be merry as that is exactly what Kenny would want. We will listen to all of his music and party the evening away together as family.

Kenny would want a party, so that's what we're going to do for him. Members of his band Chillin Sun are coming into town, to join Mike Cole, in playing a set that includes Kenny's music.

Please click attending in the event below. I hope to see every one of you there.

A Celebration of Kenny Kanowski's Life"
 
Dave Rocks":3sodr1qm said:
legend71":3sodr1qm said:
Just had lunch with his old drummer last week. He told me then that Kenny passed. Crazy. He did a lot of shows in Columbus where I live (I guess he lived here with his GF). I saw Chillin Sun open for Winery Dogs some years ago. Great player singer. I have heard many colorful stories about him over the years here ha.
Click to expand...

I did not know that. I thought he was living in LA.
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He was here a while doing shows a few years ago and then left. He was coming back for a reunion show of his local band Chillin Sun but he passed before that happened. The guy I know played in that band for a while. I think there have been several players in that band locally here over time. FYI.
 
I was fortunate enough to play in a band for a short time where Kenny was the vocalist. The guy was amazing both on the guitar and as a singer. He was the real deal.
 
I offer my condolences to the Kanowski family. It's an unfortunate thing to happen to a fellow musician who has made his mark in the musical community. Thanks for sharing the YouTube links. I saw the Led Zeppelin tribute one from the Hollywood Ultimate Jam Night, but had no idea it was Kenny. The "We All Die Young" song is an under the radar favorite from Steelheart.

Guitar George
 
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