06/12/2025
Two talented and troubled musicians, both of whom I had the pleasure of seeing live, and both of whom touched my very heart and soul, sadly left this world in recent days. One of them, I saw perform only a few days before the tragic Kent State massacre of students protesting the Vietnam War. The other, was in concert barely a year after the terrorist attack of 9/11.
I had the chance to see Sly & The Family Stone perform on May 2, 1970, at a concert on the campus of Notre Dame. Sly and the band, known for their signature late starts, were so by nearly an hour, but they quickly got the crowd pumped up with a great show. Funk filled the air for the next couple of days, and it was everywhere on campus, in the midst of demonstrations and the student strike.
Brian Wilson had been a musical idol of mine since grade school. Although I'd seen The Beach Boys twice, neither time was Brian in the lineup because he had stopped touring with the band. But on August 14, 2002, at Chicago’s House of Blues, We were among the first to enter the venue and managed to get a great spot right in front of the stage. I was so close to Brian that his keyboard was the only thing between us.
It was an amazing show, among the first of his full Pet Sounds concerts. When he led his band back on to the stage for an encore, he stopped right in front of me, looked me in the eyes, and extended his hand for me to shake. I grasped it and said, “You’re the greatest, Brian!” Mine was the only hand he shook.
May your spirit rest peacefully amidst your pet sounds, Brian.
And thank you falletin' me be mice elf again, Sly.
