Honoring the Music and Legacy of Artists Who Have Passed
Music weaves itself into the fabric of our lives, capturing moments, emotions, and memories. Every year at ICA, we honor the musicians who have left this world by celebrating their legacies through our RIP playlist and profile. These artists may have departed, but their music lives on—fueling our rides and inspiring us to push forward.
This past year, we said goodbye to three founding and last surviving members of iconic bands: Mike Pinder of the Moody Blues, Abdul “Duke” Fakir of the Four Tops, and Henry Fambrough, of the Spinners. Their contributions shaped the soundtracks of generations and left indelible marks on the music world, from rock to Motown to R&B.
The Story In Your Eyes, The Moody Blues, 2:56, 88 bpm
Ideal for a moderate fast flat, a high-intensity interval, or as part of a longer FTP test. I’ve used it in Tour de France stages for hard, concerted efforts. It’s appeared in my piano-themed rides as well.
The Allman Brothers Band suffered losses with the passing of founding member Dickey Betts, renowned for the timeless track “Ramblin’ Man.” This song holds a special place in my heart and often serves as the perfect warm-up track for cycling, as it does in this profile—its tempo and energy are ideal for setting the tone of a ride. Additionally, keyboardist and songwriter Johnny Neal from the same band passed last year, further marking the end of an era.
Ramblin’ Man, Allman Brothers Band, 4:48, 91 bpm
A versatile track that can be used as a warm-up or fast flat at easy, moderate, or hard intensities.
We also felt the loss of two Bee Gees drummers within just four days: Dennis Bryon, known for his work during the Saturday Night Fever era, and Colin “Smiley” Petersen, their original drummer.
Night Fever, Bee Gees, 3:32, 110 bpm
There are so many choices for a Bee Gees song! For a steep, slow climb, try “Night Fever.”
A particularly heartbreaking departure was Liam Payne of the popular boy band One Direction. Still young and thriving as a solo artist, his tragic passing in Argentina remains under investigation, leaving fans and loved ones grappling with a life cut far too short.
Remember, Liam Payne, 3:09, 103 bpm
You can choose songs from Liam’s solo career or from his time with One Direction. Use “Remember” as a cool-down or recovery.
The indoor cycling world also felt the loss of Paul Spencer, founder of the English dance trio Dario G. Their track “Sunchyme” holds iconic status in cycling studios worldwide, filling rides with its uplifting energy and unforgettable melody.
Sunchyme, Dario G, 6:19, 133 bpm
To fit in more songs in my tribute ride, I used the shorter radio edit, but I prefer this longer version and let my riders just enjoy the climb.
For me, the passing of Greg Kihn struck a chord. His music transports me back to my days at UC Santa Barbara in 1981—those carefree beachside memories of Isla Vista, filled with parties and endless sun (and not enough studying…hence, only the one year there)!
The Breakup Song, The Greg Kihn Band, 2:49, 142 bpm
A short, quick climb.
That is just a highlight of some of the standout artists who left us in 2024; there are so many more.
Express Profile and Playlist: RIP 2024—Four Sets of Fast Flats to Climbs
My tribute ride features four sets that start with a fast flat leading into a climb. Each climb, crafted to a distinct feel, challenges riders with moderate to above-threshold efforts. The artist selection reflects both a personal connection to their work and a thoughtful consideration of tempo and energy to complement the ride.
Creating this playlist was no simple task. Regrettably, I couldn’t include all the greats, leaving out legends such as Dexy’s Midnight Runners, Firehouse, Toby Keith, and more. However, you’re welcome to personalize the ride by swapping tracks from our bucket playlist to suit your preferences and emotional ties to the artists. ICA members can access the profile, profile playlist, and bucket playlist below.
Another Ride Theme Idea: A Tribute to Your Favorite Artists
An idea I’ve been pondering is a tribute ride dedicated to personal favorites who are no longer with us. You could structure it by decade or select tracks based on emotional significance. The possibilities are vast, and narrowing them down can be challenging. My list would include legends like Tom Petty, David Bowie, Prince, George Michael, Christine McVie, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Maxi Jazz, and Avicii—and that’s just scratching the surface.
If this concept inspires you, explore our past RIP Tribute bucket playlists and profiles, spanning eight years on ICA:
- 2023
- 2022
- 2021
- 2020 (no profile)
- 2019
- 2018 (no profile)
- 2017 (no profile)
- 2016 (one of the saddest years with the passing of David Bowie, George Michael, Glen Frey, Prince, and more!)
Honoring Their Legacy
To all the musicians who passed this year—thank you. Your music brought joy to countless hearts and continues to resonate in our rides. Though you may be gone, your songs remain eternal companions on our journeys. Rest in peace.
