Back in April, we reported that iconic P-Funk guitarist and 1997 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Garry Shider was hospitalized and diagnosed with brain and lung cancer. On Wednesday (June 16), the influential funk guitarist passed away at the age of 56, leaving behind a music career that started in 1971.
Shider was born in Plainfield, NJ, where he was introduced to George Clinton as a young, talented guitarist and singer. When he was 16, he moved to Toronto to form his first band, United Soul, and was immediately taken under the wing of Clinton, who had taken up residence there. After producing a number of United Soul recordings, Clinton asked Shider to join Parliament-Funkadelic, with Shider becoming a prominent member and songwriter until the band's dissolution in the early '80s. When Clinton formed the P-Funk All-Stars, Shider was again invited to join, and spent the rest of his life playing guitar for the iconic funk group, during which he co-wrote funk classics such as "Nappy Dugout," "Atomic Dog," "Cosmic Slop" and many others.
Shider was known as "Diaperman" during his days with Parliament-Funkadelic for appearing on stage in nothing but a loincloth.
He was recognized later in life for his outstanding contributions to funk and gospel. Shider made several noteworthy appearances on late night television, was nominated for several Grammys and, in 1997, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with 15 other members of Parliament-Funkadelic.
Shider died at home of complications related to his cancer just over a month before his 57th birthday. In tribute to Shider and in hopes of helping his family cope with his remaining medical bills, you can donate to the Garry Shider Medical Fund by going here.
Shider was born in Plainfield, NJ, where he was introduced to George Clinton as a young, talented guitarist and singer. When he was 16, he moved to Toronto to form his first band, United Soul, and was immediately taken under the wing of Clinton, who had taken up residence there. After producing a number of United Soul recordings, Clinton asked Shider to join Parliament-Funkadelic, with Shider becoming a prominent member and songwriter until the band's dissolution in the early '80s. When Clinton formed the P-Funk All-Stars, Shider was again invited to join, and spent the rest of his life playing guitar for the iconic funk group, during which he co-wrote funk classics such as "Nappy Dugout," "Atomic Dog," "Cosmic Slop" and many others.
Shider was known as "Diaperman" during his days with Parliament-Funkadelic for appearing on stage in nothing but a loincloth.
He was recognized later in life for his outstanding contributions to funk and gospel. Shider made several noteworthy appearances on late night television, was nominated for several Grammys and, in 1997, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with 15 other members of Parliament-Funkadelic.
Shider died at home of complications related to his cancer just over a month before his 57th birthday. In tribute to Shider and in hopes of helping his family cope with his remaining medical bills, you can donate to the Garry Shider Medical Fund by going here.