I was so good to myself - didn't touch my laptop all weekend...stayed away from the temptations of the web for 48 short hours...only to wake up to a full plate of work (Must do! Must do!) and some terrible, terrible news.
Our much beloved Wille P has shed this mortal coil. The inspiration for Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, the singer-songwriter that melted many a February chill with his soul-wrenching lyrics and hard rock mandolin stylings is gone. His recent heart trouble was just a blip, we knew - he'd be back on the road as soon as his doctor okayed him for travel. H'd be loading in and out, just like old times. he wasn't going to leave us, ever.
He had the best smile in the world and a huge heart. I was fortunate to have had a conversation with him at the last show I attended and was overwhelmed by his modesty and shyness. "I'm glad that you liked it', he had replied to my babble, "I liked it , too'.
He could light up a stage, a room or a heart. He was like a dear friend to many of us and we will miss his presence in our lives. He leaves behind a rich musical legacy that we fans will be forever grateful for and I have a suspicion that he will be in the side lights of all Fred shows from now on, replacing strings and smiling that little boy grin,listening to Fred's tall tales and laughing along with us, just a step away from our hearts.
