Stevie Nicks, Elton John And Mark Knopfler’s Bassist Michael Rhodes Died At 69

From the age of 11, when Michael Rhodes started playing the guitar and until his last breath on March 4th, the session and touring bassist lived nine lives. The 69-year-old’s tragic passing shocked everyone who knew him, and according to Billboard, the cause of death is still unknown.

The guitarist who relocated to Nashville was a member of the Notorious Cherry Bombs with Vince Gill and played in several Nashville bands over the years. However, he was most known for the work he had been a part of with top-tier names across the board, starting from Stevie Nicks, Elton John, and Mark Knopfler to Joan Baez, John Fogerty, Michael McDonald, and Dolly Parton.

The list of names he had the chance to work with and play on stages and recording sessions was so impressive that he was a part of many musicians’ journeys along the way, so much so that he was still on the road with Joe Bonamassa’s band in the last few years.

In between all of that, he was also inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame in 2019, so the bassist had no intentions of stopping anytime soon. Since he was on the road constantly, the bassist had shared his secrets to thriving and making the most of life on the road.

Michael Rhodes’s words about surviving on the road read:

“The trick to getting by on tour is by looking after yourself – your health, your fitness, keeping yourself occupied – but you’ve also got to get out there and enjoy yourself. The worst thing you can do is be the guy or gal who spends all day in a hotel room.”

Although he was having the time of his life and soaking up every opportunity and not taking life for granted on the road alongside many talented musicians, life had other plans as the beloved Rhodes passed away in his Nashville home. Rest in peace Michael Rhodes.