This one really hits me deep, man. I actually teared up looking at my signed Bat out of Hell vinyl this morning (and I dropped its display frame and it shattered everywhere). I'm not one to say things like "music is my life" or "I'd rather be blind than deaf so I could still hear music", but Meat always talked to me. I hated listening to him interview, but I loved him as a performer. I rarely interpret lyrics when I listen to music. I usually don't even register the words, let alone their meaning. But something about Meat singing Jim's words just struck a chord with me. I've listened to him almost daily now for the better part of 15 years. His music got me pumped up and positive before I did mushrooms for the first time, and it was also what I turned to at some of the darkest points in my life. I have dozens of amazing memories that I can tie this man's work to.
I'm bummed I only got to see the man perform once (3 Bats Live tour - Great live DVD btw). Speaking of which, as much as I like Bat out of Hell 3, that title should have been reserved for Braver than we Are. I was actually piecing together a post about that album earlier this week and got sidetracked and never finished it. That album, for being so late in Meat's career, is a goddamn masterpiece. Going All the Way is right up there with Anything for Love and Paradise if you ask me. Objects in the Rear View, Out of the Frying Pan, and Dead Ringer get and honorable mention.
Tis' a sad day. I'm hoping however he went, that it was quick and and calm.
What a team. True masters of their craft.