Rob Buck

Robert Norman Buck (August 1, 1958 – December 19, 2000) was an American guitarist and founding member of the alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs. Buck co-wrote some of the most successful songs recorded by 10,000 Maniacs, including "What's the Matter Here", "Hey Jack Kerouac", and "These Are Days".

Early life Buck was born August 1, 1958, in Chandlers Valley, Pennsylvania. He and his family moved to nearby Jamestown, New York during his high school years. He graduated from Cassadaga Valley High School in 1976 and received an associate's degree in anthropology from Jamestown Community College.

Career Buck decided to pursue a career as a professional guitarist after seeing The Jimi Hendrix Story. Its 1987 album, In My Tribe, sold more than a million copies. Buck was the co-writer of some of the band's best-known songs, including "These Are Days", "Hey Jack Kerouac", and "What's the Matter Here?" That same year, the band was profiled in Rolling Stone. He died of liver disease on December 19, 2000 at age 42.

Discography With 10,000 Maniacs Human Conflict Number Five (1982) Secrets of the I Ching (1983) The Wishing Chair (1985) In My Tribe (1987) Blind Man's Zoo (1989) Hope Chest: The Fredonia Recordings 1982–1983 (1990) Our Time in Eden (1992) MTV Unplugged (1993) Love Among the Ruins (1997) The Earth Pressed Flat (1999) Campfire Songs: The Popular, Obscure and Unknown Recordings (2004)

Other credits Victory Gardens (1991) with John & Mary – lead guitar, mandolin The Weedkiller's Daughter (1993) with John & Mary – lead guitar The Pinwheel Galaxy (2003) with John & Mary – backwards guitar Kerouac: Kicks Joy Darkness (2000)