MUMBAI: 2015 ended on a melancholic note for the music industry and the tragic run has continued into early 2016.

In the last three months, we lost some talented and legendary musicians - starting with Motorhead’s former drummer  Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor (21 September 1954 - November 12, 2015). The drummer, known to keep a breakneck speed with vocalist and bassist Lemmy Kilmister died at a relatively young 61. Lemmy himself bowed out of the world on 28 December 2015 (24 December 1945- December 28, 2015). While all this was happening in the hard rock/heavy metal space, the alternate/grunge scene lost one of its stars, Scott Weiland, vocalist of Stone Temple Pilots and supergroup Velvet Revolver was found dead in his tour bus (October 27, 1967 - December 3, 2015).

Perhaps, the biggest blow was struck when the creator of Ziggy Stardust, the legendary and iconic singer/songwriter David Bowie bid adieu to his five decade long career after a battle with cancer (January 1947- January 10, 2016).  Just eight days later, one of our favourite Eagles fell. Glenn Frey (November 6- January 18, 2016) succumbed to pneumonia. The spree has apparently halted with the death of songwriter/bassist Jimmy Bain (19 December 1947- 24 Jan 2016) of Dio, Rainbow and Last in Line fame.

Ever imagined the sound that would be created if these wonderful musicians came together to collaborate?  With their different backgrounds and styles, one can only imagine the musical masterpiece that is being brewed in heaven.

The story could go like this. Back in 1985, Bain with Vivian Cambell (Def Leppard, ex-Dio) ideated the Hear n Aid collaboration aimed at raising funds for famine hit Africa. The concert included many hard rock/heavy metal artists of that time. The track ‘Stars’ which was co-written by Bain, Cambell and Dio was a massive hit. Possibly, Bain is putting together another collaborative unit in the after world?

Imagine the creative chaos that would ensue! With such a mixed-bag of amazing songwriters giving direction to a song, there would be creative differences, ego-battles and the tensions typical between world class musicians. Which of them will play the role of the mediator and makes sure every member has an equal say? In fact, even before they get down to penning the song, naming the band would be the first challenge. We have here motors, pilots, eagles, revolvers, rainbows and Ziggy Stardust.... can one really be sure what suitable name could be derived that retains everyone’s identity? Coming back to the song writing, let us start with Lemmy. Taylor and Lemmy with their fast paced heavy metal bass and drums combination can lay the foundation of the track. Bain’s bass playing is somewhat different from Lemmy’s, evidenced with his association with more melody infused metal with Dio. Two bassists in one band! That is a rare feature, but why not? Here we have something that sounds like Motorhead and Dio on the same stage.

To smoothen things a little, Glenn Frey would add his soothing, soulful and melodious vocals and soft rock/country influences. To suit Frey’s style, the drum and bass would have to be compromised, which may not be welcomed by Lemmy and Bain. So here we are with a powerful bass and drum attack on which lies a soft country melody and Frey’s acoustic guitar.

 Let us bring in the iconic Bowie now, the legend who has covered all genres of popular music from pop, hard rock, glam rock, funk, folk to electronic music. Bowie is a musician who has a song for every genre, which might make it easier for his musical thought process to blend in with what we already have. So we are at a heavy metal bass and drum sound, garnished with a soft rock/country melody now blended with a multiple genres (pop, funk, electronic, glam, folk). Not knowing exactly with which genre Bowie give direction to the track, the situation may get a little disoriented but let us assume he chooses all his genres for this out-of-the-world track!

Weiland is the youngest, so let us bring him on board towards the end. His style would definitely provide that additional dose of energy and a more youthful connect with alternate/grunge elements. The song writing is almost done at this point, and the vocal parts need to be assigned. Lemmy’s gravel voice, baritone Bowie, versatile Weileand with his raspy, raw, bluesy, sometimes reggae and bossa nova styles and Frey's straight soft country smoothness are sure to create an unbeatable combination. It would be easy to figure out the final outcome if we had an app or software that could input the tracks, process it and give us an output, but that is something that can never happen with such classic and timeless music. I still can’t get my head around the sound but may be you can decide.