Sib Hashian, a musician best known as the drummer for classic rock band Boston, collapsed and died while performing on board a cruise ship Wednesday night.
He was 67 years old.
According to TMZ, per Sib’s son Adam, the veteran drummer was taking part in the Legends of Rock Cruise and was doing his typical thing on stage when he suddenly collapsed.
An onlooker says CPR was administered and a defibrillator brought out and used Hashian… but to no avail.
It was too late. He had already passed away.
This unique sea adventure set sail on March 18 in Florida; it is scheduled for stops in such places as Puerto Rico and the Bahamas.
Initial reports indicate that the cruise will continue as planned, with other musicians set to perform tributes to Hashian on Friday and with Sib’s wife actually being the person who insisted the trip not come to an early end.
The singers on board paid tribute to Hashian via a memorial service this morning.
He had been booked for the cruise along with ex-Boston member Barry Goudreau and a roster that included Lou Gramm, former Beach Boy David Marks and ex-Kansas singer John Elefante.
Hashian joined Boston during sessions for the group’s first LP, after band leader Tom Scholz hired him to replace original drummer Jim Masdea.
Hashian then returned for the follow-up effort, 1978’s “Don’t Look Back,” but left during the making of their next release, 1986’s “Third Stage,” and was replaced at that time by Masdea.
Along with his talent on the drums, Hashian also gained a fan following for his very impressive afro.
It is on full display in this group photo:
After leaving Boston, Hashian remained on solid terms with a number of his former bandmates.
Over the years, he continued to work with other veterans of the group, drumming on guitarist Barry Goudreau’s solo LP, for example, and occasionally gigging with bassist Fran Sheehan and singer Brad Delp.
Sib is survived by his aforementioned wife and two daughters, Aja and Lauren Hashian.
The latter is in a long-term relationship with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson; she’s the mother of his second child and is often seen on his arm during red carpet appearances.
Expect to hear a statement later today from Johnson and others who knew Hashian well.
We send our condolences to Sib Hashian’s family members, friends and loved ones.
May he rest in peace.
