Mater sent me an email to note that Warren Zevon has succumbed to cancer. It is pretty impressive that he lasted this long, since doctors gave him until last December to live.
On Saturday, I bought his swansong The Wind, and unlike Queen's final effort, this is a stellar album. His cover of 'Knockin' on Heaven's Door' is a tour de force. This is not maudlin affair, rather a testament to one of the best songwriters of the 20th century and one of the funniest songsmiths ever.
If you have VH1, I highly recommend that you watch the documentary on the making of the album and decline of Zevon. It is a damn good bit of television. Its sad but not maudlin, touching without being po-faced, and Warren's determination to finish the album is worthy of any underdog story. The end of the show, with Zevon saying goodbye to all his friends in New York was a truly moving experience. Even this cynical ole' wolf of a rock critic got weepy.
Farewell Warren, thanks for all the good tunes and fond memories. You will be sorely missed.
I will make sure to howl out a lament next time I am in London town.
Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
very nice little obit Marty, thanks
2 - Dude
"I was known to rock the boat/Some may drown but we will float/Grab your coat, and let's get outta here/You're my witness, and I'm your muniteer."
Float on, Warren.
3 - Jim Carruthers
I would like it if I could get a year of eulogy before I go.
It still makes me sad that one of the few to make real music had to go, but that's a hell of a send off.
Roll with the punches, Warren.
4 - Peace
Time marches on
Time stands still
Time on my hands
Time to kill
Blood on my hands
And my hands in the till
Down at the 7-11
Gentle rain
Falls on me
All life folds back
Into the sea
We contemplate eternity
Beneath the vast indifference of heaven
The past seems realer than the present to me now
I've got memories to last me
When the sky is gray
The way it is today
I remember the times when I was happy
Same old sun
Same old moon
It's the same old story
Same old tune
They all say
Someday soon
My sins will all be forgiven
Gentle rain
Falls on me
All life folds back
Into the sea
We contemplate eternity
Beneath the vast indifference of heaven
They say "Everything's all right"
They say "Better days are near"
They tell us "These are the good times"
But they don't live around here
Billy and Christie don't--
Bruce and Patti don't--
They don't live around here
I had a girl
Now she's gone
She left town
Town burned down
Nothing left
But the sound
Of the front door closing forever
Gentle rain
Falls on me
All life folds back
Into the sea
We contemplate eter.0 2
Beneath the vast indifference of heaven