In memorium...
Today 15 years ago was the day the music industry changed... On this day 15 years ago (October 25th 2001) Bill Graham died in a helicopter crash. Bill inspired me to do what I do today for a living... I was fortunate to have met him, and very fortunate for him to open up his door for me at a young age... On this day 15 years ago, I knew the moment I heard he died, that the business I'm in is the business I will be in for the rest of my life....
Now many of you know who Bill was, some of you I know knew him personally as well, and others... We'll you're wondering "who the f*ck is Bill Graham. Is it that preacher"? No, it's not Billy Graham the preacher, but Bill Graham (born wolfgang grajonca). Bill lived in many ways, what I would consider the American dream.... Growing up w/nothing and becoming an icon... He fled the Nazi's at 11 (while having family die) escaping with a red cross worker and other children (many whom died). He came to the Bronx an orphan, was adopted and became not only the person who is known for bringing some of the best bands to the publics attention (Grateful Dead, Janis - Big Brother, Santana, Hendrix, CSN&Y, and the list goes on for miles...). Bill not only helped develop and mold the business, but he realized and knew how fortunate he was to be alive and became one of the worlds biggest philantropists, putting on some of the biggest and best benefit & global relief concerts/events known to man...
Shortly after Bill died, I had a great talk w/Wavy Gravy among many others who Bill also inspired and touched our souls. Carlos, John Popper, Huey Lewis (one of the last people with Bill before he died), Eddie Money, Paul Kantnor, Phil Ramone, Richie Havens, and the list goes on and on... All people that through Bill the door opened for me and these people entered my life... Many who helped me in my career for the years to follow... The people who helped me grow in many ways in this business all were students also of Bill (of course having many more years of experience then me), but many saw that light and helped me throughout the years... I'm grateful to all them, but most importantly to you Bill....
One of the last times Bill and I talked, it was all about the Grateful Dead (this was about a week before he died). We were planning on getting together in November when the Garcia Band was in NY, but that didn't happen due to the tragic accident. I'll never forget that conversation, as the big question for me was what his favorite song was... Many thought it was sugar magnolia (which he loved especially the long break in the middle), then there was Iko Iko, but he was very specific to me that if he were to pick one song by them it was Terrapin Station...
So again, 15 years ago when he died, I knew this was the life I wanted.. To be in this business, and to use my power and ability to create positive change. One of his quotes "If you have the power and ability to do something, do it. If not, shut up!". I feel strongly about that and will always use my voice when I can to create positive change for humanity...
Every time I do an arena show I spend some time in the morning looking at a room filled w/empty seats. 12-14 hours later, after all is setup and the band is onstage I look into those same seats now occupied by fans having a great time. That feeling of making something special happen is one I cant describe, but I always say in my head "Thank you Bill. Thank you so much for being there for me through the years".
He wasn't the best at what he did, he was the only one who did what he did. Friends (old/new), please all join me today in celebrating Bills memory. Leave a comment! It's not about mourning his passing... It's celebrating his life, cause in all honesty... If you go to concerts, you have been affected by this man indirectly... The business wouldn't be the business it is today without him, nor would we know many of the bands many of us and/or our relatives/loved ones grew up with. "You're not dead unless society makes you dead, and talking about him only alows his spirit to live on". Every year on this day if I'm not working a show, I spend time listening to old tapes and calling old friends and talking about Bill.
Thank you Bill! 15 years later, you're still in my heart and as the dead used to say it all the time "ya know our love will not fade away"....
Cheers,
Dave
