Gary Primrich has died.

[TomInTib]

I received this email just a few minutes ago.

Damn.


email:
Gary Primich, considered by many to be one of the greatest harmonica players in the world, passed away suddenly on September 23rd. Not only is this the loss of a world-class talent, but also of a true world-class person. Offstage, Gary was a caring and gentle soul—a real Regular Joe of the best kind. Onstage he played with a ferocity and indescribable sound that was often mind-blowing. He’d say Thank You to his fans then quickly change the subject because he didn’t want it to be all about him. He loved animals, he loved people, he loved music and he loved life. Gary’s career sent him around the world, traveling thousands and thousands of miles for his love of music, but he’ll always be right here, in our hearts.


Details regarding a memorial service for Gary will be posted as soon as more information is available.

[abq e streeter]

1. I heard at a gig last night

from our bass player. I play sax and harp, not even remotely close to as well as Gary. I met Gary on several occasions; one hell of a nice guy in a business where not everyone is. One of those times was in a bar in Burbank , California. A week night, and the place was pretty empty. I was there with my cousin, and the woman I was visiting out there. There was also a guy sitting by himself at the bar. The next time I saw Gary was back in Albuquerque a year later. He remembered I'd been at the bar in Burbank and asked if I remembered the guy alone at the bar, and told him yeah, sort of anyway, and he told me the guy was Roger Clinton. Just thought of that story when I heard that Gary died. A damn shame--49 yrs old, way too soon. My buddy Alex was his drummer on his most recent road (and local Austin) gigs; I'll probably get more info about what happened the next time Alex is back in Albuquerque for a visit. Gary was no more than an acquaintance, not really more than a fellow musician I met a few times, but always friendly as hell; like a lot of people have described him (just saw tributes on an Austin music website), a regular Joe... Sounds like you knew him a lot better than I did, but I feel privileged to have known him at all, and very privileged to have seen him play on a handful of occasions. Rest in peace, Gary.

[abq e streeter]

2. Talked to my drummer friend

last night, and he confirmed what I 'd heard; that Gary died of an overdose... He also confirmed what my impression of Gary had been: just a sweetheart of a guy. He said neither he nor anyone in the band had any inkling Gary was doing drugs, but sadly, he at least started, or resumed while house sitting for his ex-wife. He said among the musicians at the funeral were Sam Myers, Anson Funderburk and Delbert Mc Clinton, showing the esteem with which Gary was held by his peers.