January 14, 2004

I'm sad

...about the disappearance of Spalding Gray. It sounds to me like he has had a devastating time the last couple of years, and it seems now that he has chosen to check out, without letting anyone know of his intentions.

I always liked him. It always made me happy when he would show up in a movie. I liked his vaguely snarky world-weary vibe.

I am sorry to hear he was in such agony over the last couple of years.

Not like we were friends or anything, and not like there is anything I think I could have done to help him out ... It just saddens me to learn he was so unhappy, sounds like he was desperately unhappy.

A great talent.

Posted by sheila
Comments

Sheila-
Exactly why I make a point in music of seeking out websitesof musicians I've loved over the years,and signing their guestbooks.Some even email you back.
The point is as a fan is to be proactive in
sharing your love.
The best example I can give is my experience with
drummer Richie Hayward of Little Feat- my all time favorite band.
A year or so ago I discovered that Richie's son,had been severely injured in a car crash,and contributions,both financial,as well as auction
ready could be offered.I added my services as a coach in a heartbeat.I also made sure to meet Richie at the band's next NY stand so I could let him I know that I could never ever repay him for the years of joy I'd received.
I got to do just that.

Posted by: dave rudbarg at January 14, 2004 06:03 AM

Dave - hey you!

I had no idea that Spalding Gray was even having a bad time. It was not in the news, or anything, because he's not really a star of any enormous magnitude. I just read about it in the article regarding his disappearance. He has tried to commit suicide a couple of times in the last year, was hospitalized, etc.

Posted by: red at January 14, 2004 09:23 AM

Dave, basically what I'm trying to say is: I wish I had met Spalding Gray, and I wish I had been able to say to him, "I LOVE how you created your own career - You are a real idol to me - Thanks for everything you've given to me..."

No guest book. It makes me sad.

Posted by: red at January 14, 2004 09:31 AM