Monday, November 16, 2009

RIP Jerry Fuchs

Last week the phenomenal drummer Jerry Fuchs passed away following an unfortunate accident where he fell down an elevator shaft at his home, truly a sad day indeed:



Juan MacLean will DJ a benefit show in memory and in tribute to friend, band mate and legendary drummer Jerry Fuchs, who passed away in an unfortunate accident in the early hours of November 8. The show will take place November 20 at San Francisco’s Mezzanine (444 Jessie Street). The show will also feature a DJ set with Parallels. A donation will be made to the Fuchs Family.

Jerry was a celebrated drummer, having recorded and toured with The Juan MacLean, Holy Ghost!, Maserati, !!! and Turing Machine. Born December 30, 1974 in Marietta, Georgia, he attended the University of Georgia and moved to New York in 1995, quickly becoming a beloved fixture on the city’s music scene. When not touring, Jerry worked as a graphic designer for publications like Chunklet and Entertainment Weekly. Juan MacLean describes Jerry as “the absolute best at what he did” and a “supportive and loyal friend.”

The Juan MacLean has released a video of the extended version of “Happy House,” featuring some of Jerry’s best work. Shot at the Double Door in Chicago on June 16 of this year, the song is a crowd and critic favorite, having been named one of Pitchfork’s 100 Best Tracks of 2008. At nearly 20 minutes long, the performance is a testament to Jerry’s talent and dedication to his craft.

TJM and DFA also just released "Happy House 2 x 12" with remixes by a wide range of dance music's all-stars: Chateau Flight, Paul Woolford, Will Saul & Mike Monday, and VHS Or Beta. Lazaro Casanova, an up-and-coming artist and DJ from Miami, who turned in the highest-rated remix of the last Juan Maclean single, has been invited back once again.

The Juan MacLean - Happy House (Live @ The Double Door) from The Belmont Sessions on Vimeo.



Some tributes for Jerry:
Juan MacLean
Jerry Fuchs was one of my best and most loyal friends. In other situations it might seem trite or misguided to mention someone's music career in light of such a tragic death, but the truth is that music was an integral part of our relationship. Jerry was with me from the beginning of The Juan MacLean. The band allowed us to travel the world doing something we loved more than anything, and we constantly reminded ourselves how lucky we were, pushing each other to appreciate the life we were living when things got tough.

It is not hyperbole to say that Jerry was the absolute best at what he did. He was a legendary drummer. Other drummers revered him and fans were astounded by his playing. He was always the best part of any band of his which he was a member. And in light of all that, he was relentlessly humble to the point of self-deprecation. He exuded qualities that are are rare in the circles he travelled. He was disarmingly sincere and valued honesty above all else.I have never played with anyone as great as Jerry. I would be hard pressed to name a more supportive and loyal friend. I hope his family finds some bit of solace in the fact that Jerry touched the lives of so many all across the world, as evidenced by the outpouring of support and condolences come flooding in.
Jonathan Galkin - DFA
Today was a really bad day, Jerry, and I could have used one of those big sweaty hugs you gave after a show, when you were genuinely excited and surprised to see me. “Galkin, what the fuck are YOU doing here?!”, you would exclaim, as if i didn’t ever attend the live shows from bands on my own label. You were truly one of a kind, and whether you knew it or not, people wanted to be in the same room as you, or near the same room as you, because maybe just maybe, some of that radiant joy and in-the-moment spirit you exuded would rub off on them. You didn’t take it all with you, because there are a lot of people today who are going to feel mighty responsible to carry and spread that joy with them for the rest of the time they have here. And who knows now how long that might be. You were a really good drummer, some might say the best we had, but you were a greater friend. I love you and miss you, Jerry.
Brian Long - Yes Know Management
Jerry cast an incredible glow on every situation he entered into. It was an honor to work with him. His drumming skills were truly a gift which he used to connect with many people. This is what musicians are put on earth to do. Jerry embodied this to the fullest. He will be missed but remembered with a smile and a laugh.

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