I’m so sorry for your loss , I can empathize with you. I lost my bestie two years ago and I’m reminded almost every day of that big empty spot. The fact the you added the comment about “ Long Time Live Music Fan “ really caught my attention. Wednesday night I took my wife to see Chris Isaac and last month Close Enemies with a friend battling cancer, and next month Eric Johnson. While these are professional touring musicians, they played small venue and provided a great personal interaction that was/is laced with outstanding music. When Close Enemies played Tom Hamilton ( Aerosmith ) stopped between songs for introductions and thanked us for the opportunity to play brand new yet to be released music. The band made the show very personal and you could feel their gratitude. When Chris Isaac played two nights ago he gave a sincere thanks for supporting Live Music. His brother was sitting on the isle half way back and Chris came out while singing and his brother joined in and then he strolled the entire crowd while singing. At 68 years old I felt like a youngster looking at the other fans. I rarely go to large venue anymore as it’s too much work. But attending small venue and local artist shows is that hidden gem in the music world. My mom excels on the piano , my brother the guitar and drums. Me I only play the stereo , but I absolutely love live music. Again I’m sorry for your loss , but the context of your friendship warms my heart. Regards , Mike B.
Long Time Live Music listening friend just passed.
David, my long time friend, (met in 1978 when I bought the house next to him) just passed, age 83. Aside from many good times, a listening era is over.
https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/david-levine-obituary?id=60839891
We went out twice a week for over 30 years, small clubs, open mics, live music (well, always mics and amps even in small clubs) mostly NJ, but NYC occasionally, typically Blues, Rock, some Folk, he didn’t care for Jazz at all.
It is surprising how many terrific musicians exist that you hear at well run open mics. They have full time careers and are not in bands, the Jam Sessions, typically late, could be awesome.
Typically great seats because I took good photos and gave copies to the clubs and musicians, many of whom became friends. Fans also want good photos of their favorite bands, if you have a professional camera, they let you get up front. And the musicians, once you become friends or familiar, will give you photo opportunities.
Unlike me, he didn’t listen at home, or to my system, it was Alexa in his apt, and live at clubs for him. And portable Cassette and CD players in his cars to play the many copies of local band’s music I gave him.
I took it for granted, but realize now how rare it was to have a friend to share this with for so long. At 77 I will miss the music, but not as much as I'll miss my friend.
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I had a buddy like that- named Chuck Lamonica- who passed in 1991. I write this as much for him as I do for you. He was a real guy, a Sicilian who would make a meal from scratch, loved music, had an amazing system back in the day-- Duntech Sovereigns, Krell class A amps, one of the first VPI TNTs with an air-bearing arm and elaborate compressor/baffle system. I still think about Chuck. We attended the wedding of his granddaughter a few years ago in NY. My wife officiated. (My wife actually knew Chuck first, b/c she worked for him in his photo studio in downtown Manhattan). The memories of listening sessions remain strong with me today. I bought Chuck's record collection 20 or more years ago, and that also keeps me in touch with him. A wonderful soul--who appreciated our hobby as a quest for enjoyment. Rest easy. |
So sorry to hear this. As I have gotten older, I have seen more than my share of obituaries of special people from my past. I have also lost some close to me. I always feel like when someone from our past (or present) passes, that phase of our lives that we shared the magical ride of life with that person, is now gone forever. But what their gift to us that we'll always have is the memories of sharing that part of this ride with that person. And what a gift that is...The friends that I now have I make a point to tell them "thank you for sharing part of this magical ride of life with me. I love having you beside me for the parts of the ride you were there for. And there's no one else I'd want to share with those parts with than you". I mean it from the heart to every single person I say that to. You know why? Because I've had an amazing life. I so have. And I wouldn't trade 1 second of it for anything in this world. And you know what else? I wouldn't change a damn thing either! Straight up.
@elliottbnewcombjr cherish and always remember every single moment of your time with David. That was his gift to you, and that was also your gift to him. Life is so incredibly precious yet also so delicate. Life isn't about promotions, money, cars, houses, DAC's speakers, cables, it's not about anything material. Because we can't take that stuff with us. It's about the memories and the life and time lived. David gave you the greatest gift any person could. He shard time with you that was obviously very special to you. Hold onto that, keep it fresh, and always remember. And know that you gave that to him as well... |
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