Bill Harkleroad writes about Don

My friend Art Tripp nailed it head to toe and I just can’t say it any better.

Time erased all the injustices and I am left with all the incredible lessons learned.

Such a rare and tremendously creative talent.

I have to say it has taken me many years to recognize how truly rare a person he was.

You have to be here awhile, or at least I did, to know Don Vliet’s don’t just happen.

Don’s gone but look what he left us.

Don’s gone and we’re next.

Bill Harkleroad

19 December 2010

19 Comments

  1. Hey Bill, you were just too close to the fire and what a fire it was.

  2. Thanks for holding the lunar note for so long.

  3. Thanks to Bill for such wise and gracious words…. but now I am crying again!….

  4. Thanks Bill, for all your magic back then, and your wise words now. Would it be too much to ask for an impromptu rendition of One Red Rose That I Mean – upload it to YouTube or something, go on, please, for Don, for us…
    All the best either way,
    sim0n

  5. A Tin Teardrop forms. Thank you Don and Bill for that Long Lunar Note

  6. when i was seventeen {1975) i knew no other music than Deep Purple The Stones etc but I knew in my hart there must be music i really liked then i heard Clear Spot on a Dutch radio show from there on i was addicted thank you Don for all the good times and electricity

  7. It's the Blimp, Frank, It's the Blimp…….

    where's the beef?

    My friends and I have listened to Trout Mask Replica since it 1st came out when we were 14 and 15. Still quote from the album in daily conversation and I'm 55 now……

  8. Thank you, Bill. Your words, like Art's, John's, and others, have been a great help. Thanks for taking the time and for all of those wonderful records and nights.

  9. Thanks Bill. – – Is there a link somewhere to John French's thoughts?

  10. All fans know that Don left a gigantic musical footprint…
    All members of the Magic Band are
    a part of it…Some more than others. I hope as John French did.. Don's musical vessels continue to put out their own music..
    I'd love to hear another Bill
    Harkleroad solo project….
    Also John…more music won't bring
    you much "success" but those that
    know Love Over Gold feel rich whenever you compose……
    Sure Nuff and yes I do hope that
    all Magic Band members continue to be magic…….
    A skeleton makes good….

  11. Dear Mr. Harkleroad,

    The Magic Band hasn't earned the rewards, financially but also critically, they deserved. I hope you can take consolation in the great number of people whose life has been tremendously impacted by what you did back then.

    Consider this: if people's lives are worth living because of the music you've made, then how valuable must be the life you are living.

    Thanks for all the good moments

  12. You stayed for the music. Thank you. There was only ever one magic band. And maybe you always knew he was taking a heavier toll on himself. Reading what is being written now across the world shows me something I already knew ~ loving your music is like your music. It transcends all known norms. {Saw you play once ~ Sheffield City Hall …1969 ?}

  13. Hi Bill, wise words you wrote. All my respect to the members of the Magic Band who didn't get the credits….I hope this inspires you and other former members of the Magic Band for new musical masterpeaces ….we fill the voice with our imagination….good to know that your guitar playing inspires a new generation musicians….for instance my son…
    A Dutch Paco Taha

  14. Hey, I'm looking forward to seeing and hearing The Magic Band in the next life. I guarantee you that the music will be even better.

    ombowstring

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