Tony

Tony Markellis passed away yesterday. He was a truly remarkable human being. He was kind and had a sweetness to his personality, and he was the baddest bass player I’ve ever heard. I loved Tony, and I always will. I’m having a hard time processing this. Tony was the heartbeat to so much of my life, and to the lives of so many others. He played bass for my first dance with Sue at our wedding.We wrote First Tube and Sand together, and played so many years, so many memories.

I was very lucky to have had a very long phone conversation with Tony only a few days ago. We talked for almost two hours. We caught up on family, friends, and funny pandemic thoughts. It wasn’t often that we talked on the phone like that. I had no idea it would be our last conversation. Now it feels like it happened for a reason.

I’m so grateful today for those hours, and for all of the years together. Tony, we’ll all miss you. Thank you for the gifts you brought to all of us. RIP my friend.

Photo by Rene Huemer