| Eric
Fletcher,
1954-2006: A
Personal Remembrance
On Saturday, May 27, the members of the band assembled on the
beach in
Madison,
Connecticut at one of our favorite hangouts, the Wharf, for what was to
be
a Memorial Day blowout. Eric Fletcher, with whom Michael Colbath and I
have
worked for the past 22 years, and Larry Donahue for the past 11, was
late--very
unlike Eric. As time rolled on we became increasingly concerned and
began
searching for reasons. We found there were no traffic tie-ups, no
evidence
of an accident on the road. We called the hospital in his home town
and,
finally, the police, asking them to go to Eric's home. There, they
found
him. He'd quietly slipped away, apparently in his sleep. Just like
that.
Our friend, gone.
Eric was first and foremost a gentleman, and a gentle man. He was also
a
great, inventive guitar player, totally dedicated to his craft, steeped
in
the lifestyle, way into it, which is the only way to be if you're truly
"in"
it.--and he was. He let the guitar do the talking, which, in our
business,
earns you respect. He had that, from Michael, Larry, and myself--his
musical
brothers and sister--and from the many, many fans, fellow musicians,
and
admirers who dug his playing and his stage presence, honoring him with
the
nickname "The Blond God."
Visit the Hartford Courant at www.courant.com
to sign in and post reminiscences.
Remember our brother, who has left us so soon.
Christine
|
