During the '90s, industrial guitarist William Tucker became a popular figure on the alternative and industrial scene, being best-known for his frequent live appearances with the band Ministry. William Tucker first achieved recognition with the band Regressive Aid, which also featured future members of the Rollins Band. Supplementing his income by giving guitar lessons, one of Tucker's most prominent pupils was Mickey Melchiondio, later known as Dean Ween. After releasing a hit single with the Swinging Pistons, Tucker came to the attention of Al Jourgensen, who invited him to join Ministry for the The Mind Is a Terrible Thing to Taste tour in 1989. After touring with Ministry for almost a year, Tucker became a much sought-after guitarist. Over the next ten years he played with Pigface, KMFDM, and the Revolting Cocks, as well as joining industrial legend Foetus for a rare live outing. He earned critical respect for his sensitive playing on Chris Connelly's solo albums, in particular Phenobarb Bambalam. In 1999 Tucker once again joined the live incarnation of Ministry, and made preparations for the lengthy tour that would follow the release of Dark Side of the Spoon. Sadly, before the tour got under way, Tucker committed suicide, on May 14, 1999. It has been suggested that he sought to escape the pain of a long-term illness, although this has not been confirmed. William Tucker was 38. ~ Jim Harper, Rovi