RIP | Music Junkie Press

Rest in Peace Paco De Lucia, world renowned Spanish flamenco guitarist, composer and producer

February 26, 2014

Paco De Lucia December 21, 1947 – February 26, 2014 It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of one of the world’s greatest Spanish flamenco guitarists, Paco De Lucia. Paco died after suffering a heart attack while playing with family members on a beach in Cancun. Paco has been credited for bringing vibrancy and color into the folk art of flamenco. My father loved flamenco and he loved the way Paco played. I remember my father playing them and asking my son Ryan to teach him to play flamence (even though Ryan didn’t even know how yet). It was months before my father died that he had asked Ryan and sadly he never had the opportunity after my father’s brain injury. Today, let’s celebrate the wonderful life of Paco as he made music that literally spoke to my soul. The sound of his guitar playing was like soothing words wrapped around my heart, drawing out a range of emotions. His playing was phenomenal and he will truly be missed. He influenced [Read More]

Remembering Ty Longley as his son Acey honors his father with his cause B.E.A.T.S.

February 20, 2014

11 years ago was the tragic fire at the Great White concert at the Station Nightclub in West Warwick, Rhode Island. During that tragic fire 100 lives were lost. I remember that night very well. From when I first heard the news of the fire on the television, I was glued to the reports in hopes that everyone would be found. Through the night and into the morning, we heard more and more about the loss of lives. I remember being on AOL back at the time in the chat rooms where we were trying to get news about the people we knew who were there and hearing about the band members and how they escaped the fire. I was waiting for the news of Ty Longley and unfortunately it was days later when it was confirmed that guitarist Ty Longley lost is life along with 100 others during the Station nightclub fire. Ty was expecting his first child at the time with his then girlfriend Heidi. Fast forward to today and Ty’s son Acey [Read More]

Devo Original Member Bob Casale dies

February 18, 2014

Bob Casale July 14th, 1952 – February 17th, 2014 I always hate having to share the sad news stories like this. Original band member Bob Casale died yesterday. It was confirmed on Devo’s Facebook page and was posted by Bob’s brother and Devo founder, Geral Casale: Very sad news to report today. Bob Casale of Devo. Born: July 14th, 1952 . Deceased: February 17th, 2014As an original member of Devo, Bob Casale was there in the trenches with me from the beginning. He was my level-headed brother, a solid performer and talented audio engineer, always giving more than he got. He was excited about the possibility of Mark Mothersbaugh allowing Devo to play shows again. His sudden death from conditions that lead to heart failure came as a total shock to us all. Gerald Casale, Devo founder. Below is a statement from Devo co-founder, Mark Mothersbaugh: “We are shocked and saddened by Bob Casale’s passing. He not only was integral in DEVO’s sound, he worked over twenty years at Mutato, collaborating with me on sixty or [Read More]

Prayers and Condolences go out to Jake Pitts for the loss of his mom, Carolyn

January 28, 2014

Yesterday was the funeral for the beautiful mother of Jake Pitts (Black Veil Brides) Carolyn Marie Carlson-Pitts. Carolyn died unexpectedly at the young age of 58 on January 18th, 2014. We all know that we someday will have to endure the loss of our parents and it is quite painful and devastating. I, myself lost my best friend, my father just over 2 years ago on September 2nd, 2011 and not a day goes by that I don’t think about him. Jake posted the photo below on his instagram with the following caption: ‘Words cannot describe the feelings, thoughts, prayers, cries, and laughter today. I had to face something everyone will have to one day but I didn’t expect this for another 20 years. Today my mother Carolyn was laid to rest while I’ll wear a piece of her around my neck and take her to places she’s never been. My mother wasn’t normal, just like me, and so many others. But she was a musical genius and taught me the things my small brain [Read More]

Rest in Peace Anthony James Radke, older brother of Ronnie Radke

August 11, 2013

Falling in Reverse frontman Ronnie Radke has suffered the tragic loss of his older brother Anthony James Radke who died in an accident on the morning of August 10, 2013. Anthony was an avid motorcycle rider and a proud member of Nemesis MC. Anthony leaves behind his devoted wife Amanda and their five children. Ronnie posted on his Instagram an adorable childhood picture of himself and his brother and the following caption: “The people I took for granted are gone. My brother died today. I knew one day he would cause of how crazy of a driver he was. The only family I have is my father and him, and now he is gone. he left 5 children and a wife behind. what the hell am I supposed to do now?” Another post included another photo and the caption: “Anthony James Radke was my my brothers name, he was 4 years older than me and always protected me. I followed him everywhere and copied everything he did. I am so heartbroken. it doesn’t even seem [Read More]

Let’s all remember IZ and his gift of “Somewhere over the Rainbow”

June 26, 2013

Music has been such an important part of my life. It has kept my heart warm in cold times, kept me company when I felt alone, energized me when I needed a lift, healed my wounds when I was suffering. Music is part of me and I am grateful for all it has given me. Today again I was reminded of how music mysteriously is always there for me. I did an interview earlier with a great blues rock artist, Lisa Lim (complete Interview is here) and one of the questions is below: Music Junkie Press: If I could peak at your Ipod, what artist or song might I be most surprised at finding in there? Lisa Lim: Israel “Iz” Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole, “Somewhere over the Rainbow” Well, I truly was blown away. See, that song has such an incredible meaning for me and has always been held so close to my heart. Almost 11 years ago was the first time I ever heard that song. Sometimes with circumstances, you can actually remember the actual first time [Read More]

The Doors, Ray Manzarek dies after long battle with cancer

May 20, 2013

Ray Manzarek Feb. 12, 1939 to May 20, 2013 Rest in Peace The Doors founding keyboardist, Ray Manzarek died earlier today in Germany at the age of 74. Ray had been suffering from bile duct cancer and at the request of his family, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the www.standup2cancer.org foundation. Ray was not only the iconic keyboardist of one of the most controversial rock bands of the 1960’s but he went on to achieve best selling author status as well as becoming Grammy nominated in his own right. In 2002, Ray set out with Doors’ guitarist Robby Krieger. “I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of my friend and bandmate Ray Manzarek today,” said Krieger. “I’m just glad to have been able to have played Doors songs with him for the last decade. Ray was a huge part of my life and I will always miss him.” We will all miss the great Ray Manzarek. Tonight put on your favorite Doors albums and let’s all toast [Read More]