The Aftermath
I didn't really write much when I found out about the death of Brad D. last week. Now that I have found out that it was a suicide, and perhaps learned a little too much information about the particulars, I think that the level of the tragedy has just gone up a few notches in intensity for me.
What I feel is this, sometimes it is easy to look upon our own lives and consider/wonder about how our lives are so average, normal, mundane, boring, whatever ... and we look to certain talented people in the arts, music, theatre, comics, (name your passion) as these standards of excellence -- and their work provides such a great level of enjoyment.
Never does it cross my mind that the people who I admire for their talents, well ... I never assume that they are in some way unhappy or troubled. I just naively think, well, they are so blessed with talent, fame, riches, etc. --- hmm, ergo, they must be happy and content in their lives and legacy, especially when there are no obvious self-destructive signs, particularly the tell tale signs of hard living (i.e., alcohol, drugs, trouble with the law, etc.)
When I learned the whats and wherefores about BD's death, I came to realize that what I think someone in that position would value, or find value and contentment in their lives ... well, it just may not be so to that person. I guess we all have our own demons ... and we all have our own reasons to live. Should we no longer find that enough to live on, I can see how the weight of this life ... perhaps greater if you have expectations put on you, whatever they may be -- well, I think it can pull you under.
Did that happen here? I do not know. It's sad to hear about how he cared a lot about others well being in his death, but no longer wished to live for himself or for those others that he clearly deeply cared about. One who has brought so much happiness to others, could not find happiness for himself anymore.
The music lives on, but there will be nothing new.
Comments
"The music lives on, but there will be nothing new."
... and this is what I find so sad. Take most of the greatest musicians out there: Hendrix, Lennon, Elvis, Karen Carpenter, the list goes on... all of them died senseless needless deaths. The light was extinguished much too soon.
When it comes to my "heros" I try as much as possible to keep things into perspective. My dealings with a musical "superstar" at a very personal level has taught me... that they too are human beings and are susceptible to the same problems / vices / habbits as we are. Everyone's equal, at least on the playing field of being human.
However, I do believe that many people in the position of being famous take take things for granted... but it is THEIR life and they can do as they like. John Mayer said it best (i'll paraphrase it if i can from my head): Theres a time where you just have to do things for yourself because not every fan will agree with what you're doing. In a sense he's saying he has to live his life too.
I find it a crying shame that guys the famous guys who are ALIVE can't get their acts together and make some music. While Delp is replaceable by a sound-a-like, there's nothing like the real thing. Will Steve Perry ever rejoin Journey? Or rather would Journey ever be open to it? Why doesn't Triumph reunite? I guess its just good enough to take a photo and hold a reward?
I see the reasons why all of these reunions are coming into play though. A lot of people have grown up.. grown older... and they realize that life is just a fleeting moment. Either make music now and leave a legacy, or be remembered for what could have been.
Kudos to Genesis, The Police, Tears for Fears and the rest for letting the fans relive the memories.
Posted by: janitor | March 16, 2007 2:39 PM