Kill Your Idols
Thanksgiving 2001. School was out, I didn’t have a car, a girlfriend, and most of my friends were out of town. I spent most of the break listening to The Beatles’ later albums, with emphasis on George Harrison’s contributions. I also remember experimenting with my new turntable and my vinyl box set of Harrison’s All Things Must Pass. When we returned to school the next week, I would long for the chance to come back home and sink into my futon while blasting Cream’s “Badge” (on which Harrison performed) or “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” from my $30 Wal*Mart boom-box. Then, at the end of that week, it was reported that Harrison was dead. I specifically remember reading some of his song lyrics in a Beatles Illustrated lyrics book that I had before going to bed that night. ”Here Comes the Sun” and “Within You Without You.” The devastation was intense. Not only was I a confused, angst-ridden teenager, but I had also been in the midst of bonding with Harrison’s artistry.
Not ten years later, I found myself obsessively listening to one of my old favorite songs, “Would?” by Alice in Chains. Last night, I even posted the video on my Facebook. My friend Leah posted the comment, “so sad” and another friend, Jessica, posted a frowny-smiley face. But, I figured this was in reference to the content of the song. Or maybe even in reference to the untimely death of Alice In Chains front-man, Layne Staley, some years ago.
Alice in Chains bassist, Mike Starr
However, after getting out of my Speech and Language Disorders in School Aged Children and Adolescents class, today, I walked into my room, double-clicked on “Would?” and began browsing social networks, catching up. It was then that I noticed a tweet from Alyssa Milano: “Rest in peace, Mike Starr.” Mike Starr being the bassist of Alice in Chains and “Would?” a song dominated by an awesome bass-line.
So, do I feel responsible for the death of Mike Starr? No. Absolutely not. Well, maybe a little. But, I can’t help but find it intriguing. Last week, I probably hadn’t listened to Alice in Chains in years.
