Requiem
Last weekend there was a memorial service for Dustin, attended by a large room full of friends and family. The walls were adorned with flyers and set lists from his many bands, and attendees were given drum sticks, as it really was his favorite thing in life. The service was about an hours worth of stories, some serious, and many not. This was followed by an excellent and very touching photo montage. Afterwards, several friends and bands came up to play songs. The three of us did attempt to perform a song written about Dustin, which was hastily finalized that morning. It sounded thin and hollow without drums, which I suppose was how we all feel without him. The whole event was an excellent send off, and although we wouldn’t have missed it individually, am still glad we participated as a band.
We played with Dustin about 8 1/2 years, and if the math is correct, we played (ironically) 138 shows. We’re thinking the number of practices would have to be well over 500 and I can’t even imagine the number of hours in the van. We had a lot of time with him, but given how many other bands he had played in over the years, he really did make music his life. It’s a shame it ended when it did, as he’s the only one among my circle that truly lived and breathed music every day.
Throughout the past two weeks, we’ve told lots of stories, and reminisced on lots of things, some funny, some sad. I suspect “do you remember that time Dustin…” will remain part of our conversations for a long time to come.
Much love to Dustins’ friends and family. You are missed Dustin. RIP.
-Eric
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