My Mother and my Monkey

Saturday, October 26th was the 9 year anniversary of my mighty Mother's passing. As if the day wasn't already historical enough for me I awoke to the shocking news that my friend, former Nox Cult bandmate and often Music-Survival-Guide co-host Ronnie "Monkey"...had left us. This news being even more earth-shaking as just Thursday night we went to his home with our Daughter and celebrated Halloween with his wife and kids, ate junkfood and watched The Nightmare Before Christmas. It was one of those perfect and simple moments we all take for granted. It is a moment I will now thank God for the rest of my life I was given as less than 40 hours later, he was gone. As a bandmate and professional partner he was not an easy man to work with, but, what I can tell you is that he could play everything effortlessly and was the best drummer I ever had. He knew his way around every piece of gear he touched and truly was masterful. When not doing music he worked for his Dad's company and maintained a ferocious work ethic we would all envy while providing for his wife and two children. Now, my heart aches for them. This is the fourth band member I have lost in my time making music, and I hate it. I lit a candle for them and my Mother. People...please understand that this life is a gift and nothing with it is certain. Make amends, make peace and try for happiness. I will do the same.