There are some things I just don’t get. And if someone can explain to me why these things are such huge tragedies that affect my life, my family, or my country maybe I, too, would sink into a morose vat of emotional infantilism.
I remember the day after John Lennon died. I remember because I heard the news while buying my comic books. Okay, given how old I was it’s perhaps understandable that I don’t light a candle every year on the anniversary of his death.
I remember when I learned Roy Orbison died. Not long before he died he began a career comeback. Before the career comeback I saw him at the Pabst Festival Stage at Summerfest. Jeff Lynne hadn’t entered the picture yet, the Traveling Wilburys were still a few years away, and Orbison was there purely as a nostalgia act. Despite the stiff I was with at the concert, it was one of the more enjoyable concerts I have ever been to and I saw it for free. A happy memory I’ll always cherish, and given the opportunity I will always extol the greatest singing voice in the history of rock n’ roll. You’ll notice I’m a bit vague on all the dates because this is how I remember Roy Orbison. Not with searing, gut-wrenching emotional pain but with happy nostalgia. And, to be frank, his death did not dramatically impact my life.
More recently, George Harrison died. Perhaps that should have had more of an impact on me.
In my lifetime, authors Robert Heinlein and Frank Herbert died, Howard Cosell died, Ted Williams died (okay, there’s a small chance he might come back), and the list goes on.
Yeah, yeah, whatever. And what’s the point?
As noted on WHILE DRINKING, I... “One guy called it worst than when JFK was shot and said he would never get over it.”
Okay, now I doubt this person was alive when President Kennedy was assassinated. In fact, given what I suspect is the median age of most Pantera fans, I doubt this person was alive when John Lennon died. He might remember when Kurt Cobain died (which comedian Steve Allen called a good career move).
But give me a break.
I’m told “Dimebag Darrel” was a great guitarist and Damageplan’s music probably touched people in ways I can’t understand Heck, with such songs as Blunt Force Trauma, Explode and F**k You, I’m sure most people would be touched by his music.
However, I think a little perspective is needed. Okay, a lot of perspective. Three other people died in this tragedy. And you know what? I’m sure their families have a lot more reason to grieve than some fans listening to Milwaukee radio asking the station to play every Pantera song from A-Z.
And I’m not just picking on Pantera/Damageplan fans. WKLH played an entire evening of John Lennon songs on the anniversary of his death. What the heck? It’s been how many years? If we’re to make him a secular saint (after all, “imagine there’s no Heaven…”) can we at least celebrate his birthday instead? After all, he recorded a song for the occasion.
Yes, the tragic circumstances should bother us, and yes, it is sad when a young man filled with such talent dies. We should feel sorry for his family and his friends. And, perhaps we should even wonder at the art that will never be produced. But rather than sink into maudlin self-pitying we should remember life goes on, and Dimebag Darrel’s guitar playing is immortalized in CD format.
