2012 saw the passing of quite a few classic rock acts. Among them:

Ronnie Montrose committed suicide in March at his home in Northern California. He was 64 and had been battling prostate cancer for the past five years.

Doobie Brothers drummer Michael Hossack also died in March at his home in Wyoming. He was 65 and had cancer.

Levon Helm passed in April from cancer at the age of 71. The voice and drummer of such Band classics as "The Weight," "Up on Cripple Creek" and "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down," had numerous health issues since being diagnosed with throat cancer in 1996.

Duck Dunn, bassist in Booker T and the MGs as well as for The Blues Brothers, Eric Clapton and so many others. He died in his sleep while on tour in Japan. He was 70.

Former Fleetwood Mac singer-guitarist Bob Welch took his own life in June. He was 65.