It was less than a year ago I posted "Live," Emitt Rhodes's cult classic with the Merry-Go-Round, as my Song of the Day when I learned my friend Russell had passed away. Now comes word that the singer/songwriter has died at 70. (No cause of death was given.) Here is the Bangles' take on "Live" -- and read tributes to Rhodes HERE.
This one's for Russell, an old friend whom I just found out died about a year ago. Because of a series of health and addiction issues, I hadn't seen him in about 10 years -- he, Scooter and I went to Trump Tower, of all places -- but always kept a watchful eye on him online. Scooter -- through whom I met Russell, who started as a patron of his arts -- also just found out, noting: "I saw him go from millionaire to completely broke four times."
It certainly was a life of extremes, one I'm happy to have crossed paths with. RIP, Russell.
The original Emitt Rhodes version ...
Russell and Scott in 1989
Scott writes:
Our good friend Russell Beer passed away on Monday from a heart attack. Russ had been a part of my life for 30 years. On his best days, Russ was an incredibly generous friend. Smart and funny and dark and complicated. He was an interesting guy. Loved his Heavy Metal, and his awesome fishing boat, Kalifornia. Those fishing trips down in Cabo were some of the best days. And I am glad that I was able to spend quality time with him on his boat. He was responsible for taking care of virtually every bar tab our last couple years of college, much to my educational demise. But, I wouldn't trade those moments for anything now. He was my Fraternity brother, hockey teammate, drinking buddy, concert goer, travel partner, wingman, and confidant. However, we were not very close the past few years, and that is bothering me today.
The Russ that we knew will be missed. My heart is heavy today, thinking about his recent struggles. I hope he has found peace. He deserves to be remembered! God bless you Russ, and my thoughts and prayers are with your family.
This " states I've been to interactive map " is fun, especially because you don't need to sign up or give them an email ad...
Fake Jan Alert
My blog is featured in Susan Olsen's tell-all about the ill-fated "Brady Bunch Variety Hour"!
Little Kenny
Growing up in Madison Heights, Mich.
Back to the Old House
The Web leads to an unexpected return to a house I grew up in.
Oceans 11
Carlsbad, Calif. (2008)
1983
Go Behind the Music of my high-school band, A La Plage
A Death in the Family
Little Larry left us too soon.
Once I Had a Love
With Debbie Harry
'Jungle' Fever
With Robert Buckley
Roger & Me
With Roger Federer
Step Brother McMullen
With Ed Burns
Headline News
With Thomas Roberts
Disclaimer
The views expressed on this blog belong to me -- and me alone -- and are not a reflection of my employers past, present or future.
All photos are shared under the fair use doctrine (17 U.S.C. § 107). If you would like any image removed, please contact me and I will promptly comply.
Click to revisit the heyday of Chelsea's 8th Avenue
My blog is featured in Susan Olsen's tell-all about the ill-fated "Brady Bunch Variety Hour"!
Growing up in Madison Heights, Mich.
The Web leads to an unexpected return to a house I grew up in.
Carlsbad, Calif. (2008)
Go Behind the Music of my high-school band, A La Plage
Little Larry left us too soon.
With Debbie Harry
With Robert Buckley
With Roger Federer
With Ed Burns
With Thomas Roberts
You've read the blog -- now read the book!
My memoir is available at Three Lives & Co. in the West Village
Like my book on Facebook here.
