The Fuzz

There have been quite a few bands that have disbanded over the last few years that I have mourned, but the one that struck me the deepest was a band by the name of Supafuzz. It has only been two months since the announcement, but it is a tragic loss to me.

I heard their first label cd while still in college but didn't actually see them in person until late 2000 when they opened for Tonic (another favorite). We couldn't believe what we were hearing. Why had no one told us about this band? It was back to good old rock and roll; amazing, intoxicating, and magical. Every friend I have was dragged to a show at least once, and they usually enjoyed themselves. From that first show I think I only missed 1 in Lex, and maybe a couple in Richmond. As my friends tired of going to see them at least once, maybe twice a month, I began to make friends at the shows. I may have gone alone, but once I got there I was among friends brought together by the fuzz.

And the fuzz became friends with their fans. I became a friend of their bassist, Jay, early on. He is the most humble and gracious musician I have ever met and he is a fabulous musician. He is also one of the most energetic and lively bassists I have seen on stage. By him, I was introduced to Dave, the consummate performer and ring leader handling lead vocal and guitar duties, with bleach blond hair spiked a foot off his head in all directions. He was very gentlemanly and you felt he was truly engaged in whatever conversation you were having with him at that moment. The crunch of his guitar is unmistakable and his voice could go from screaming banshee to melancholy child in a moment. He liked to talk between most songs with a tremendously funny banter that you came to understand the more shows you attended. Through my friendships I began hanging out backstage after shows and going to after parties where I met even more wonderful people and saw many crazy things including the Kentucky wristwatch. I still miss that camaraderie; the familiar faces, hanging out before and after the show with friends I only saw those few hours, catching up with Jay, trips to the Waffle House at 3 am, and above all, watching my favorite band perform their hearts out each and every show, so close I could touch them. I wouldn't trade those years for the world.

Another band, which included 1/2 of Supafuzz, emerged during this time called Devil May Care. It is helmed by a woman with so much poise, grace, determination and moxie by the name of Aleah X. She is the wife of Dave, and they have made beautiful music together. I became an acquaitenance of hers by keeping a front row position at their many shows, and have come to know how truly nice a person she is. Without even knowing my name she gave me a hug thanking me for coming to their shows, and asking where I was if I missed one. She admitted that she still gets nervous before shows, but then when she is up there she is fearless. I am shocked that she doesn't break down every show, her lyrics are so powerful and personal. I am happy that they are continuing on.

The Supafuzz website is still in existence, do go check it out. You can also listen to a couple tracks while there in the media section. You can also check out the label started by Dave, called Mine's Bigger Than Yours where you can hear streaming audio of their cds. They've disbanded, but the music will last forever, at least at my house.