Likewise for me. Sad times, indeed... Reed was a monstrous groove machine back in his prime.
C.O.C.'s Deliverance and Wiseblood are timeless albums in my mind and Blind isn't too shabby either. I think the vocalist should've been reined in a bit on that one and, well, he pales in comparison to Pepper anyway.
The first two proper gigs I attended in '96 had C.O.C. warming up for Metallica. I was a rabid fan back then and was singing along to all the songs. A totally fucking awesome way to kick it all off.