Read this even if you've never heard of Bruce. It's an amazing story right out of a fairy tale, captivating enough to have been the most read story on the WSJ.com page for a long stretch.
Thanks for sharing, Alan. I was a huge Aquarium Rescue Unit fan back in the day and the story of the Col. death is wild. Also, the opening line, "Bruce Hampton may be the only person to have died at his own wake." is bloody brilliant.
Thanks for sharing—-the Colonel was of course a legend in the Panic scene I used to frequent. Late in his career he teamed up with a band called The Code Talkers and they made some really fun psychedelic jam-pop.
What a gift to find The Colonel smiling at me in my timeline this morning. Thank you. Bruce has been a lifelong high point of individuality amongst all those I've ever encountered or ever spent time amongst. May we all be so lucky to find Zambiland.
Great piece. Col. Bruce remains a legend too many people -- esp kids out at jam band festival shows -- know nothing about. He's just one of those guys whose story and persona will continue to grow and blossom for the simple reason he was SO influential to SO MANY of the best bands and musicians on the scene today.
If so, please consider clicking the above link and liking the Notes post—leave a comment or even share within your own community. Poetry lives on in the minds of hearts of writers, it breathes on the page.
Your voice can be heard among the starry illuminations, howling at the moon.
Thanks for sharing, Alan. I was a huge Aquarium Rescue Unit fan back in the day and the story of the Col. death is wild. Also, the opening line, "Bruce Hampton may be the only person to have died at his own wake." is bloody brilliant.
Ha. Thanks. It's certainly wild.
Thanks for sharing—-the Colonel was of course a legend in the Panic scene I used to frequent. Late in his career he teamed up with a band called The Code Talkers and they made some really fun psychedelic jam-pop.
Yep.
What a gift to find The Colonel smiling at me in my timeline this morning. Thank you. Bruce has been a lifelong high point of individuality amongst all those I've ever encountered or ever spent time amongst. May we all be so lucky to find Zambiland.
Great piece. Col. Bruce remains a legend too many people -- esp kids out at jam band festival shows -- know nothing about. He's just one of those guys whose story and persona will continue to grow and blossom for the simple reason he was SO influential to SO MANY of the best bands and musicians on the scene today.
yes indeed.
Great commentary on how the night the music died.
Fine writer and reader of Substack—we are starting a movement to get a poetry section added to the platform. Can I ask, are you with us?
https://substack.com/profile/10309929-david/note/c-15579327
If so, please consider clicking the above link and liking the Notes post—leave a comment or even share within your own community. Poetry lives on in the minds of hearts of writers, it breathes on the page.
Your voice can be heard among the starry illuminations, howling at the moon.
Thank you for your time and support.
Love and appreciation,
David