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Alembic Club » Miscellaneous » Archive: 2009 » Archive through August 13, 2009 » RIP JOHN "MARMADUKE" DAWSON « Previous Next »

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crobbins
Senior Member
Username: crobbins

Post Number: 407
Registered: 6-2004
Posted on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 - 4:51 pm:   Edit Post

[moderator's note: the following announcement was copied from nrpsmusic.com]

"JOHN "MARMADUKE" DAWSON (1945-2009)"

"John passed away peacefully on July 21, 2009 at the age of 64 in Mexico, where he had retired several years ago. It is with great sadness that we relay this news, and extend our deepest condolences to his family and all his many fans out there."

"His songs inspired us in so many ways. His energy, passion and commitment to the New Riders brought us all so much joy over the years. We can all be thankful that his music and legacy will live on forever."

(Message edited by davehouck on July 21, 2009)
sonicus
Advanced Member
Username: sonicus

Post Number: 202
Registered: 5-2009
Posted on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 - 5:28 pm:   Edit Post

That's Sad . I always enjoyed what he brought to the music scene and will continue to enjoy from his recordings.
jerryme
Intermediate Member
Username: jerryme

Post Number: 114
Registered: 1-2008
Posted on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 - 9:00 pm:   Edit Post

Awful... He made a lot of wonderfull music..
cozmik_cowboy
Senior Member
Username: cozmik_cowboy

Post Number: 522
Registered: 10-2006
Posted on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 - 4:24 am:   Edit Post

I became a Deadhead because I was into the post-Gracia NRPS, & someone pointed out the connection, so I checked out the other guys; so I have 2 great bands to thank John for. I am so bummed. Well, I know what the first 2 discs into the tray will be when I get to work today.

Peter
bassman10096
Senior Member
Username: bassman10096

Post Number: 1225
Registered: 7-2003
Posted on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 - 8:08 am:   Edit Post

What an affable voice. He was always lots of fun to listen to, more fun to hear live.
benson_murrensun
Intermediate Member
Username: benson_murrensun

Post Number: 152
Registered: 5-2007
Posted on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 - 11:34 am:   Edit Post

Hey - Cozmik Cowboy: me, too. I got into the Riders when their first album came out. Then I worked my way into the Dead body of work, starting with the "Skullfuck" album, then Workingman's, etc.
The Riders were the first rock show I ever saw, back in '73 (I was a late bloomer). They were my favorite band for a long time, and a lot of it had to do with Marmaduke's tunes and voice. I loved it when he yodeled....
lbpesq
Senior Member
Username: lbpesq

Post Number: 4011
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Thursday, July 23, 2009 - 5:31 pm:   Edit Post

I've been away from my computer for a few days and just saw this. How sad. I'd heard Marmaduke was in Mexico in ill health, but it still is a shock. Way too young. I saw NRPS numerous times. In 1974 I used my friend's draft card to get into the Keystone Berkeley (I was 19 and there was a 21 requirement) to see the Riders. At this time Jerry had left and Buddy Cage was playing pedal steel. As they climbed back on stage for the second set, Jerry showed up with his Strat (Alligator) and played the second set with them. Another time, I saw them do a wonderful acapella version of "Amazing Grass" (how sweet the weed, etc.) And, of course not only did Dawson write many of the Rider's best loved tunes (Glendale Train and Last Lonely Eagle to name a couple), he co-wrote one of the greatest Dead songs: Friend of the Devil.

May the Four Winds Blow You Safely Home.

Bill, tgo
davehouck
Moderator
Username: davehouck

Post Number: 8426
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Thursday, July 23, 2009 - 7:23 pm:   Edit Post

Here is a nice video of the New Riders from 1972.

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