Special Feature: A Lady Named Natasha
A Lady Named Natasha
On July 2 at 11:11 a.m., Eleven's Natasha Schneider passed away, her life ended by cancer. (She was also an actress, a former member of Queens of the Stone Age and Chris Cornell's band, and contributed to the Desert Sessions). I know one gets tired of hearing "male-dominated" tacked onto "rock ", but it's true. It seems that women have to work harder for recognition, and the fact that many women rock and pop musicians choose to get attention by doing something degradingly shocking means that many of them aren't exactly the best role models for girls. Natasha may never have become a household name, but she was an excellent musician and songwriter, a talented and interesting singer, an exciting performer, and she was able to play hardball with the boys with poise, grace, dignity, and class. She never sank to trashiness and never donned the mantle of cliched "rock chick". Her 23 year relationship with her musical and life partner Alain Johannes was a calm, normal mooring in the wild seas of the L.A. rock scene, the hard rock scene, and the rock world in general. She was a lady, and an inspiration, certainly a suitable role model. She was beautiful in her own unique and genuine ways, and she will truly be missed.
Unfortunately, her illness brought formidable medical expenses that are causing her loved ones financial hardship, so a memorial fund has been set up. If you would like to donate, please go to [natashashneider.org]. I'm sure any amount would be appreciated. A variety of benefit shows are in the works, as well, so be on the look-out for any that may interest you.
Jen Grover