My friend.

[Mutha]

Last week we laid a friend and bandmate to rest. 

One of the the best rhythm and vocalists I`ve ever played with.

He was my theory and obscure chord guy. Encouraged  everybody to go better.

He also had an annoying habit of changing key without telling you.

After the church his wife asked us to play his wake. We did with acoustics.

Hardest night I`ve ever fookin` done.

Putting it here because I like you lot and wanted to mark it somewhere online.

RIP Noel,   I miss you. 

[Larsongs]

I can relate.. I’ve lost several Musician friends and Bandmates over the years.. I didn’t play at any of their Services..

When my Dad passed my brother & I played 2 of his favorite Songs at his Memorial Service… Playing those 2 Songs were the hardest thing I’ve ever done musically.. But, I’m glad we did it….

[sparquelito]

Prayers to you, Mutha.
And to your mate, Noel, and his family.
God Bless you all.


We have lost band-mates, siblings, and in-laws over the past five years.
Almost too many to name.
It's crazy how many have passed recently.

Words were spoken at various services, but no music performed.

Save one;
My sister in law Peg.
She got clean and sober in her last year or two on earth, and was on the straight and narrow.
I used to go visit her at various rehab facilities and halfway houses, over the years.

When she died in her sleep a year and a half ago, it was just that her poor little body just finally gave out.
I'm glad it was peaceful, by all accounts.

At her funeral service (a proper Catholic Funeral Mass), I volunteered to sing Amazing Grace.
And the Father and the Deacon and the musical director actually let me.

It was beautiful.
I played a borrowed Gibson acoustic, and sang it in the high D major, in the Irish fashion.

Not a dry eye in the entire church.
All the remaining Irish-American siblings were lost in prayer, as precious few of them are anymore.
Her ex-husband Johnny just sat back and closed his eyes, and softly sang along.

His countenance looked to me like he was remembering better times, 25+ years earlier in time.

😴

Edited April 18, 2023 by sparquelito

[kelly campbell]

So Sorry to hear of your loss.

[saturn]

Sorry to hear of your loss. 

I've lost some band mates too and know how it feels. Even if it's on a small-time level, there's a certain bond with people you make music with, have jams and play late night gigs with. Their absence is felt. But their memory lives on every time you play.

Condolences.

 

[Rabs]

Yes, very sorry for your loss.. I lost one of my oldest musical partners about 5 years ago now... He left a hole in my life that can never be replaced.. I do think sharing these things help a bit.

Take care.  

[jdgm]

Sorry to hear this - condolences.

[merciful-evans]

Condolences Mutha. 

I have something in common with Noel. I change key without warning too.

[Murph]

The older we get, the more this seems to happen.

Condolences. 

[Whitefang]

I haven't been in a band since '69 and those guys, although also not in any bands for years, are still among the living.  But I have lost some friends over the years to dope, Viet Nam, work accidents and such.  Known many since kindergarten.  I know, it's never easy.  Especially if you were also close to their families.  My condolences to you and Noel's other loved ones.

Whitefang

[Sheepdog1969]

My condolences. Sorry for your loss.