Distracted by the sudden appointment of a new editor-in-chief at my office yesterday, I only today heard the shocking news of the weekend death of former Wilco member Jay Bennett, in his sleep at age 45. I haven’t cared much about Wilco in recent years, but I did back in Bennett’s era with the band, not only because of his multi-instrumental virtuosity but because he seemed to make Jeff Tweedy’s musical thinking markedly less insular. His death is a mystery for now, though we know he was in chronic pain awaiting hip-replacement surgery (apparently due to rock-moves-related injuries, for instance from stage-diving - will this be the new tinnitus?).
Along with sympathy to his friends and family and former bandmates (however estranged), here’s condolences as well to his Toronto connections, partly through Blue Rodeo (whose steel guitarist Bob Egan is ex-Wilco, and Bennett & Jeff Tweedy also appeared on a Jim Cuddy solo album), and partly through the lesser-known, now-defunct Staggered Crossing, whose indie label Bent Penny released one of Bennett’s solo albums. Julian Taylor of SC sent out a personal statement yesterday, which you can read over at Eye, but they followed up today by announcing that Staggered Crossing is reuniting, along with friends, to play a tribute show to Bennett on July 9 at the Horseshoe.
Still reeling about this loss, although I’ve actually been more in love with Wilco since Jay left, I saw him perform with the band several times and feel the loss, especially as Being There was and still is one of the most remarkable recordings I heard in the nineties. Thanks for noting this and for the great links to other memorials. I’d love to be there for the Horseshoe event. Michele and I will be there in spirit, I suppose…as will Jay. That room must still have him lingering in the shadows somewhere.
Yeah, Wilco’s not as good as they used to be, just like Dylan’s not as good as he used to be. Actually, none of us are as good as we used to be. Everybody always likes the old stuff better. Is it nostalgia or the fact that nobody has time to really listen to all the new stuff anymore?
Dylan is just as good as he used to be and so am I!