Today In Alternative Music History: March 19,1990

This day marks the 20th anniversary of Andrew Wood's death. Andrew ws the lead singer of two influential bands that marked the pre-Grunge period, Malfunkshun and Mother Love Bone. He was only 24 when he died of a heroin overdose coupled with a cerebral hemorrhage just before the release of Mother Love Bone's debut album Apple.
As a musician, his trademarks were his exuberant on-stage personality, glittery, outlandish clothes and whimsical, unabashedly dreamy lyrics which he would sing in a tenor heavily reminiscent of Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant. However, his vocal stylings eventually matured and drew heavily upon the similar technique of late guitarist and singer Marc Bolan. Stone Gossard and Jeff Ament along with Matt Cameron and Chris Cornell formed the tribute band Temple Of The Dog in honor of Andrew. Stone and Jeff went on to form the massive band, Pearl Jam.