Brent Mydland

Brent Mydland

Sasquatch lookalike Brent Mydland was the longest-term keyboardist for the Grateful Dead, serving from 1979 to 1990. His distinctive psychedelic rock sound and terrific song-writing contributions quickly made him an indispensable part of the band, explaining his longevity compared to many of the other members (the band went through 12 lineup changes in their 30-year career). In 1990, however, Mydland was found in his home, dead from a heroin/cocaine overdose, aged just 37. He had just come off tour.