Williams, Wendy O. (1951–1998)

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Williams, Wendy O. (1951–1998)

American musician. Name variations: Wendy Orleans Williams, W. O. W.; Plasmatics. Born Wendy Orleans Williams in 1951 in Rochester, NY; died April 6, 1998, in Storrs, CT.

Lead singer for heavy-metal band, the Plasmatics, formed in New York City (1978), was best known for her trademark Mohawk cut and stage theatrics, which included chainsawing guitars and blowing up equipment; with group, recorded 4 albums, including New Hope for the Wretched (1981) and Coup d'Etat (1982); nominated for Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal (1985); also recorded solo, with such albums as W. O. W. (1984), Kommander of Kaos (1986), and Maggots: The Record (1987); appeared in film, Reform School Girls (1986); retired and moved to Storrs, CT, with manager and companion, Rod Swenson (1991); suffering from depression, committed suicide by a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

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Williams, Wendy O. (1951–1998)

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