Wednesday, Dec. 12, 1979 By On Kawara (Photo By Gail)
I took the above photo during Geoffrey and my most recent visit to the Museum of Modern Art this past Saturday, at which time the artist who painted it, On Kawara, was still very much alive. And now, he’s dead, having passed away on July 10th, 2014 at his home in NYC, at the age of 81. He had a good, long life!
Read about the career and art of On Kawara in the Huffington Post’s excellent Obit, found at This Link.
Philip Seymour Hoffman as Lester Bangs in Almost Famous (with Patrick Fugit)
By now, everyone with an Internet connection knows that American Actor Philip Seymour Hoffman died early this morning, February 2nd, 2014 of an apparent Heroin Overdose in his NYC apartment. He was just 46 years old. I am currently inconsolable over this tragic news. Hoffman was certainly among my favorite actors and I don’t think I ever saw film he was in where he didn’t blow me away with his ability to transform into his character. He was comparable to a male version of Meryl Streep when it came to his versatility. What a huge loss. Continue reading Eight Favorite Roles by Actor Philip Seymour Hoffman
Portrait of Lou Reed by Chuck Close Tile Mosaic in Q Subway Station at 86th Street and 2nd Avenue NYC(Photo By Gail)
Lou Reed, a pioneering and wildly influential rock guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, passed away today, October 27th, 2013 in NYC. Although Reed just underwent a liver transplant in May of this year, the cause of death appears to be liver failure. Very sad. Reed was 71 years old. Rolling Stone has a career comprehensive Obituary and This Link. Favorite Lou Reed Songs: “Perfect Day” and “Satellite of Love.” RIP.
Amy Winehouse Poster By Bruce Pavlow (Photo By Gail)
Singer Amy Winehouse was born on this day, September 14th, in 1983 (the year I graduated from college). Amy was found dead at her home in London, England on July 24th, 2011. RIP.
DEVO: Alan Myers is on the Far Right (Image Source)
Alan Myers, drummer for the pioneering new wave rock band DEVO from 1976 to 1986, passed away on June 24th, 2013 after a long bout with Brain Cancer. He was 58 years old. Myers’ uniquely metronomic drumming style can be heard on now legendary DEVO albums such as Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!, Duty Now for the Future and Freedom of Choice, the title track of which is one of my favorite DEVO songs. RIP Alan.