a desert fete

A little late to the game, I just read this really nice little piece that Paul Westerberg (The Replacements) wrote about the recently late Alex Chilton (Big Star);

HOW does one react to the death of one’s mentor? My mind instantly slammed down the inner trouble-door that guards against all thought, emotion, sadness. Survival mode. Rock guitar players are all dead men walking. It’s only a matter of time, I tell myself as I finger my calluses. Those who fail to click with the world and society at large find safe haven in music — to sing, write songs, create, perform. Each an active art in itself that offers no promise of success, let alone happiness.

Certainly worth a read. Takes only a moment.

(We might also be drinking wine and listening to All For Nothing.)

Westerberg / Chilton