Last week has been one for my personal record books.  Early Monday morning, I was starting write as I do every morning.   This particular morning, I was about to begin the transcription of my interview with the former member and co-founder of the group, America, that had taken place four weeks before.

Just as I was about to push the “play” button on my recorder, I received a message from, Steve Orchard, a mutual friend of Dan and me and who was responsible for getting us together for the interview.   His message read, “Randy--Brace yourself--Dan Peek passed away last night in his sleep.”

I sat there stunned as those words sunk in and as a chill ran through my body.  As is often the case when we learn of the passing of someone we know or are familiar with, I began to think about the brevity of life and how we just never know when our, or someone else’s, life on this earth will be over. Finished.  No rewind, no do-overs.  It’s done.

The splits with former band mates that Dan and others I’ve spoken with are well documented and have been hash and re-hashed ad nauseam and I’m not going to replay it all here.  What I will say is that, to a person, each one that  has been involved in a major band split has expressed bewilderment.  The bewilderment over the fact that there was no willingness expressed by the former band mates to get back together to give their fans what they want:  a ride back down memory lane if not the band making some great, new, memorable music together.

I do hope that all the bands that have split up over who knows what will take the time to set aside differences, mend fences, re-kindle old, cherished friendships and move forward with a new kind of relationship on-stage and off.  Happiness is a choice and, to steal and paraphrase some words that Dan Peek penned over 40 years ago, the worst part of living is when you no longer have a choice to make because it’s too late.

Rest in peace, Dan Peek, and thanks so much for the musical memories.