It would be an understatement to say that it has been a tragic time in music and entertainment over the last few weeks.  We’ve lost several big name stars and as sports DJs, we’re in a unique position to pay homage to them through music inclusions into our shows.  Here are a few songs to have in your collection to use during sports events as a nod to those who have passed on.

Glenn Frey was a founding member of The Eagles and had a pretty good solo career as well.  His hits range from the soft rockin’ “Take it Easy”, and “Tequila Sunrise” to top 40 rockers “The Heat Is On” and “Smuggler’s Blues”.  Below are some songs to choose from and when to play them as a little tribute to Frey and situations they can be used.  You may choose to use them in different situations.

The Eagles

• “Heartache Tonight” – Overtime or extra innings.  Has a great beat and the perfect message for such a situation
• “Take It Easy” – Post-game walk-out song.
• “Peaceful Easy Feeling” – Another post-game walk-out song.
• “Lyin Eyes” – Penalties
• “Tequila Sunrise” – Morning or early afternoon game, walk-in music.
• “Already Gone” – Variety of situations, can be used for walk-in, pitching changes, goalie changes, or penalties
• “New Kid in Town” – Pitching changes, walk-in.

Solo

• “The Heat Is On” – Pressure situations
• “Smuggler’s Blues” – Penalties
• “Part of Me, Part of You” – Walk-in

David Bowie was a pioneer in music into music that some didn’t appreciate until decades later when his influence into music and music-fashion paved the way for others to show their expressive sides that continues to this day.  It’s possible to take an entire night in baseball, or period in hockey and devote it just to Bowie and his work.  The songs below are all from his earlier work, though he did release a new album just days prior to his passing.

• “Space Oddity” – Walk-in
• “Under Pressure” with Freddie Mercury & Queen – Pressure situations, walk-in
• “Ziggy Stardust” – Walk-in
• “Let’s Dance” – General in-game, timeouts, or walk-in
• “Heroes” – Celebration song, build up, walk-in
• “Rebel Rebel” – General in-game, penalties, walk-in
• “Modern Love” – Kiss Cam, general in-game, walk-in
• “Suffragette City” – Walk-in
• “Changes” – Very popular for any kind of substitutions for many years.  Could be considered an early jock jam.
• “Fame” – For someone famous, general in-game, walk-in
• “China Girl” – General in-game, walk-in
• “Young Americans” – General in-game, walk-in
• “The Jean Genie” – General in-game, walk-in
• “Golden Years” – Walk-in
• “Dancing in the Street” with Mick Jagger – General in-game, walk-in

Motörhead had a distinctive sound and that had a lot to do with the vocals of their lead singer Lemmy, and was a major foundation in forming heavy metal.  Their work can primarily be heard at hockey games and professional wrestling matches, led by “The Game” which is used as a game starter.  The Washington Capitals had been using a city-specific song until Lemmy’s death and switched to “The Game” as a nod to the frontman and his work.  Whether it sticks is still to be determined.

In putting together the list of songs for Motörhead, we asked the Capitals DJ Jordan for his top three selections.

• “King of Kings”
• “Line in the Sand”
• “Rock Out”

In addition, there are a few other Motörhead songs that are good to use.

• “The Game” – used originally for the professional wrestler Triple H, can very easily be used to start games.
• “Ace of Spades” – we use this for tennis and volleyball, but can also be used for hockey
• “Overkill”
• “Motorhead”
• “Live to Win”
• “Shoot Out All of Your Lights” – Shootout

There are so many songs that could be used for Motörhead, we recommend you take a listen and find a few.

Scott Weiland fronted two major bands, Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver, which both made their way into the mainstream and into sports music.

Stone Temple Pilots

• “Interstate Love Song” – walkin
• “Plush” – walkin, general in-game

Velvet Revolver

• “Fall to Pieces” – Pitching change, penalties.
• “Slither”
• “She Builds Quick Machines”
• “Big Machine”
• “Let It Roll”

Solo

• “Fame” – A David Bowie cover
• “Way She Moves” – General walk-in

Mott the Hoople‘s drummer and founding member Dale Griffin also recently passed away.  Their song, “All the Young Dudes” was written and produced by David Bowie, who also provides background vocals on the track.  It’s a slower-paced glam rock song, which can be used as a walk-in song.

Natalie Cole who scored a mega-hit duet “Unforgettable” with her father Nat King Cole, years after his death, also passed away recently.  Cole’s music can find you toe tapping or slow dancing with your favorite loved one.  “This Will Be” is a popular song at weddings, but can also be used for Kiss Cam or walk-in music.