― chaki (chaki), Friday, 22 August 2003 20:29 (twenty years ago) link
― cinniblount (James Blount), Friday, 22 August 2003 20:31 (twenty years ago) link
― amateurist (amateurist), Friday, 22 August 2003 20:32 (twenty years ago) link
― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Friday, 22 August 2003 20:32 (twenty years ago) link
― amateurist (amateurist), Friday, 22 August 2003 20:35 (twenty years ago) link
― hstencil, Friday, 22 August 2003 20:36 (twenty years ago) link
"thanks, mom."
― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Friday, 22 August 2003 20:38 (twenty years ago) link
― hstencil, Friday, 22 August 2003 20:39 (twenty years ago) link
they're clearing not headed toward each other, and the one on the left isn't showing its brake lights, so I don't think you have to worry.
Wesley's eye for the Pynchonesque messages encoded in CTA timetables is what got me over the lump he left on my forehead. Whenever I'm gripped by the chill that accompanies seeing a bus pulled up on every side of a 4-way intersection, I think immediately of the man.
RIP.
― brian nemtusak (sanlazaro), Friday, 22 August 2003 20:40 (twenty years ago) link
― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Friday, 22 August 2003 20:42 (twenty years ago) link
― amateurist (amateurist), Friday, 22 August 2003 20:48 (twenty years ago) link
― jaymc (jaymc), Friday, 22 August 2003 20:49 (twenty years ago) link
― hstencil, Friday, 22 August 2003 20:50 (twenty years ago) link
how many guys died today who didn't make music? why aren't we discussing them? on i love music?
― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Friday, 22 August 2003 20:51 (twenty years ago) link
― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Friday, 22 August 2003 20:52 (twenty years ago) link
― hstencil, Friday, 22 August 2003 20:52 (twenty years ago) link
― David Allen, Friday, 22 August 2003 20:53 (twenty years ago) link
x-posts galore
― amateurist (amateurist), Friday, 22 August 2003 20:53 (twenty years ago) link
― amateurist (amateurist), Friday, 22 August 2003 20:55 (twenty years ago) link
― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Friday, 22 August 2003 20:56 (twenty years ago) link
― hstencil, Friday, 22 August 2003 20:57 (twenty years ago) link
― amateurist (amateurist), Friday, 22 August 2003 20:57 (twenty years ago) link
― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Friday, 22 August 2003 20:58 (twenty years ago) link
― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Friday, 22 August 2003 20:59 (twenty years ago) link
Wesley Willis R.I.P. http://www.alternativetentacles.com/news.php?sd=U44fjr6Wacz8tU5CycQ#165 08/22/03: Rock Star Wesley Willis Dead at 40 Dear Friends and fellow Wesleynauts, We are deeply saddened to report that one of our artists, Wesley Willis passed away yesterday, Thursday, August 21st. Wesley will be greatly missed by all that had the privilege to know him, as well as the fans who have been fortunate enough to experience his genius. Wesley was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) at the end of 2002, and had to undergo emergency surgery on June 2nd to identify the source of, and to suppress internal bleeding. It is not clear if this bleeding was related to his leukemia or not, and the exact cause of death is still unknown. Wesley had been recovering at a Hospice in Illinois, and since the surgery his health had deteriorated rapidly. His songs were simultaneously disturbing, hilarious, blunt, and intoxicating. Wesley's sheer excitement and unaffected honesty about every cultural phenomenon, defined his music as truly individual, and truly punk rock. Wesley released well over 50 albums - 3 of which are on Alternative Tentacles, and a 4th, entitled, Wesley Willis Greatest Hits Vol. 3 (CD) had already been scheduled for release in October of this year. For more information on Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, please visit http://leukemia-lymphoma.org . Currently there are no plans for any funeral service but we will inform you if there will be. -- Sam J. (xp75hid0...) (webmail), August 22nd, 2003 8:02 AM. (samjeff) (later) (link)AnswersRIP -- s1utsky (parrisactava...) (webmail), August 22nd, 2003 8:05 AM. (slutsky) (later) (link)RIP -- dleone (d_leon...) (webmail), August 22nd, 2003 8:06 AM. (dleone) (later) (link)RIP -- Ned Raggett (ne...) (webmail), August 22nd, 2003 8:07 AM. (Ned) (later) (link)RIP -- nickalicious (nza2342...) (webmail), August 22nd, 2003 8:09 AM. (nickalicious) (later) (link)RIP -- nickalicious (nza2342...) (webmail), August 22nd, 2003 8:12 AM. (nickalicious) (later) (link)RIP -- Dale the Titled (cpre...) (webmail), August 22nd, 2003 8:12 AM. (cprek) (later) (link)RIP -- Horace Mann (handsomishbo...) (webmail), August 22nd, 2003 8:12 AM. (Horace Mann) (later) (link)RIP -- Spinktor the Unmerciful (kentuckysharkwhiske...) (webmail), August 22nd, 2003 8:13 AM. (mawill5) (later) (link)RIP -- Spinktor the Unmerciful (kentuckysharkwhiske...) (webmail), August 22nd, 2003 8:15 AM. (mawill5) (later) (link)RIP -- Horace Mann (handsomishbo...) (webmail), August 22nd, 2003 8:17 AM. (Horace Mann) (later) (link)RIP -- Spinktor the Unmerciful (kentuckysharkwhiske...) (webmail), August 22nd, 2003 8:23 AM. (mawill5) (later) (link)
http://www.alternativetentacles.com/news.php?sd=U44fjr6Wacz8tU5CycQ#165
08/22/03: Rock Star Wesley Willis Dead at 40
Dear Friends and fellow Wesleynauts, We are deeply saddened to report that one of our artists, Wesley Willis passed away yesterday, Thursday, August 21st. Wesley will be greatly missed by all that had the privilege to know him, as well as the fans who have been fortunate enough to experience his genius.
Wesley was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) at the end of 2002, and had to undergo emergency surgery on June 2nd to identify the source of, and to suppress internal bleeding. It is not clear if this bleeding was related to his leukemia or not, and the exact cause of death is still unknown. Wesley had been recovering at a Hospice in Illinois, and since the surgery his health had deteriorated rapidly.
His songs were simultaneously disturbing, hilarious, blunt, and intoxicating. Wesley's sheer excitement and unaffected honesty about every cultural phenomenon, defined his music as truly individual, and truly punk rock.
Wesley released well over 50 albums - 3 of which are on Alternative Tentacles, and a 4th, entitled, Wesley Willis Greatest Hits Vol. 3 (CD) had already been scheduled for release in October of this year.
For more information on Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, please visit http://leukemia-lymphoma.org .
Currently there are no plans for any funeral service but we will inform you if there will be.
-- Sam J. (xp75hid0...) (webmail), August 22nd, 2003 8:02 AM. (samjeff) (later) (link)
Answers
RIP
-- s1utsky (parrisactava...) (webmail), August 22nd, 2003 8:05 AM. (slutsky) (later) (link)
-- dleone (d_leon...) (webmail), August 22nd, 2003 8:06 AM. (dleone) (later) (link)
-- Ned Raggett (ne...) (webmail), August 22nd, 2003 8:07 AM. (Ned) (later) (link)
-- nickalicious (nza2342...) (webmail), August 22nd, 2003 8:09 AM. (nickalicious) (later) (link)
-- nickalicious (nza2342...) (webmail), August 22nd, 2003 8:12 AM. (nickalicious) (later) (link)
-- Dale the Titled (cpre...) (webmail), August 22nd, 2003 8:12 AM. (cprek) (later) (link)
-- Horace Mann (handsomishbo...) (webmail), August 22nd, 2003 8:12 AM. (Horace Mann) (later) (link)
-- Spinktor the Unmerciful (kentuckysharkwhiske...) (webmail), August 22nd, 2003 8:13 AM. (mawill5) (later) (link)
-- Spinktor the Unmerciful (kentuckysharkwhiske...) (webmail), August 22nd, 2003 8:15 AM. (mawill5) (later) (link)
-- Horace Mann (handsomishbo...) (webmail), August 22nd, 2003 8:17 AM. (Horace Mann) (later) (link)
-- Spinktor the Unmerciful (kentuckysharkwhiske...) (webmail), August 22nd, 2003 8:23 AM. (mawill5) (later) (link)
― amateurist (amateurist), Friday, 22 August 2003 21:00 (twenty years ago) link
― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Friday, 22 August 2003 21:01 (twenty years ago) link
― hstencil, Friday, 22 August 2003 21:02 (twenty years ago) link
(x-post.)
― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Friday, 22 August 2003 21:03 (twenty years ago) link
― hstencil, Friday, 22 August 2003 21:05 (twenty years ago) link
― amateurist (amateurist), Friday, 22 August 2003 21:06 (twenty years ago) link
― s1utsky (slutsky), Friday, 22 August 2003 21:15 (twenty years ago) link
― juiceboxxx (juiceboxxx), Friday, 22 August 2003 21:17 (twenty years ago) link
― Spinktor the Unmerciful (mawill5), Friday, 22 August 2003 21:17 (twenty years ago) link
go fuck yourself, jess.
Seconded.
― J (Jay), Friday, 22 August 2003 21:18 (twenty years ago) link
― s1utsky (slutsky), Friday, 22 August 2003 21:20 (twenty years ago) link
this is fucking madness.
― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Friday, 22 August 2003 21:23 (twenty years ago) link
― amateurist (amateurist), Friday, 22 August 2003 21:24 (twenty years ago) link
― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Friday, 22 August 2003 21:24 (twenty years ago) link
― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Friday, 22 August 2003 21:25 (twenty years ago) link
― J (Jay), Friday, 22 August 2003 21:26 (twenty years ago) link
― s1utsky (slutsky), Friday, 22 August 2003 21:27 (twenty years ago) link
― J (Jay), Friday, 22 August 2003 21:28 (twenty years ago) link
― amateurist (amateurist), Friday, 22 August 2003 21:30 (twenty years ago) link
sorry...
We lost Wesley Willis some time before 9PM Chicago time August 21, 2003. Word is he died peacefully. The likely cause may be heart failure. Wes had been battling leukemia for less than a year.
No services are planned as of yet. There will probably be a memorial concert, or at least a gathering in his honor in Chicago in the near future. We will let you know.
Wesley will go down as one of the most unique songwriters and entertainment personalities in history. His music, lyrics, drawings, insight and the way he put them together are like no one else. Ever. There will never be another.
As I got to know Wes, what really struck me was his sheer will power, his unrelenting drive to succeed and over come his horrifically poor background, child abuse, racism, chronic schizophrenia and obesity among other things. He was the most courageous person I have ever known.
Yet through it all he had such a deep, all-encompassing love of life. Little things, big things. He loved bus rides. He loved watching trains. He loved writing songs about how much he loved his friends. He loved travelling to new towns so he could headbutt new friends. Is there any band he saw that escaped being in their own song about how much he loved their show? He was so warm, so sweet, so giving. He could be a handful when he came to visit; but as soon as he left, wed miss him immediately.
As his long time friend Dennis Cooper said, "No More Demons." The voices in Wesleys head cant yell at him and put him down any more.
Wes was deeply religious. He was afraid that if he died he would no longer get to go see bands play. If there is a hereafter I hope hes right up front as Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, his beloved Otis Redding and his dear friend Bradley from Sublime "storm the stage" as the crowd "roars like a sea monster."
All opening for Wesley, of course.
It will be hard now that hes gone, but Im not going to let myself stop enjoying the funny stuff, or the look on peoples faces when they first hear "Rock n Roll McDonalds," or the memories of the good times and Wesleys many adventures. He wouldnt want it any other way.
There are many down times when all I have to do is think of one of Wess songs, something he said or simply marvel at his Wesley-isms, and the clouds part and a smile comes to my face. I think he does that for a lot of people. He always will.
Rock over LondonRock on ChicagoSail on, Wes. I love you.
Jello Biafra8-22-03
― chaki (chaki), Friday, 22 August 2003 21:36 (twenty years ago) link
It pays to discover.
― nonthings (nonthings), Friday, 22 August 2003 21:39 (twenty years ago) link
OTMgrebt"something something in something, shockah!"or "x-post"
Then I get offended.
― David Allen, Friday, 22 August 2003 21:49 (twenty years ago) link
― Adam In Real Life (nordicskilla), Tuesday, 19 July 2005 19:25 (eighteen years ago) link
― Amateur(ist) (Amateur(ist)), Tuesday, 19 July 2005 19:27 (eighteen years ago) link
That's what someone said to me on Sunday who was friends with Blount in GA!
― jaymc (jaymc), Tuesday, 19 July 2005 19:28 (eighteen years ago) link
xp
― Adam In Real Life (nordicskilla), Tuesday, 19 July 2005 19:29 (eighteen years ago) link
-- gygax! (gygax0...), August 22nd, 2003 1:01 PM. (gygax!)
This is such a good song, even some Apples in Stereo and Moby fans might agree.
― gygax! (gygax!), Tuesday, 19 July 2005 21:30 (eighteen years ago) link
― Amateur(ist) (Amateur(ist)), Tuesday, 19 July 2005 22:01 (eighteen years ago) link
― gygax! (gygax!), Tuesday, 19 July 2005 22:11 (eighteen years ago) link
― Dr. Glen Y. Abreu (dr g), Tuesday, 19 July 2005 23:50 (eighteen years ago) link
― discus, Saturday, 21 January 2006 16:19 (eighteen years ago) link
thinking 'baout wesley willis today, miss <3
― buzza, Saturday, 20 November 2010 04:06 (thirteen years ago) link
Another post on this thread = more clusterf posts disappear into the "show all messages" bin.
― Mark G, Saturday, 20 November 2010 09:34 (thirteen years ago) link
I WHUP BAMANS ASS
― jumpskins, Saturday, 20 November 2010 09:43 (thirteen years ago) link
Amazing thread.
― James Ferraro Boyz (Whiney G. Weingarten), Wednesday, 14 September 2011 16:26 (twelve years ago) link
KISS A WARTHOG'S FUNKY ASSHOLE
― Jamie_ATP, Wednesday, 14 September 2011 16:27 (twelve years ago) link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtgYvUpto4M
― citation needed (Steve Shasta), Wednesday, 14 September 2011 16:59 (twelve years ago) link