And so here we go again. Another one of Victoria's finest creative talents, and all around great person, is taken away from us far too early. John was found deceased in his apartment, apparently due to complications because of his diabetes.
I first met John when he was playing with local crossover legends, Mission Of Christ, in the mid-late 1980's. Despite the reputation most of the people involved in that scene, they were really friendly, and of course, amazing musicians. John actually started his musical ventures far earlier, when he and some very young friends decided to form the now legendary Jerkward(RIP Randy). Way the fuck ahead of their time, these 14 year olds were playing the thrashiest of thrash music, with songs coming in well under the one minute mark. I actually used to own the "Death Of A Cow" tape, which came out in 1984. John went on to play in bands such as Colour Out Of Space, Onionhouse, Giblet, Leech Harvest,Lummox, Budokan, and many more.
No matter what anyone said about him as an individual, it was universally acknowledged that he was one of Victoria's finest drummers. Throughout all of his ups and downs, I've never known John to be anything but a wonderful person to be around. I just recently saw him at a Breach show at Logan's, being the usual John London, hanging out and having a good time. This once again brings us back to the fact that so many of the best people go at such a young age, whether it's due to addiction, or other health problems. Time to reassess again how we treat each other, and to not take anyone for granted.
Last night's AK-47 practice was a little more somber than usual, all of us having known John for greater or lesser periods of time. Kent has actually been in two bands with Mr.London, so the news has been rough on him.
I don't have much else to say, except that we've lost another great one. It's been a difficult fucking year, and we're only halfway through it. Take care of each other. Rest In Peace, John.
I first met John when he was playing with local crossover legends, Mission Of Christ, in the mid-late 1980's. Despite the reputation most of the people involved in that scene, they were really friendly, and of course, amazing musicians. John actually started his musical ventures far earlier, when he and some very young friends decided to form the now legendary Jerkward(RIP Randy). Way the fuck ahead of their time, these 14 year olds were playing the thrashiest of thrash music, with songs coming in well under the one minute mark. I actually used to own the "Death Of A Cow" tape, which came out in 1984. John went on to play in bands such as Colour Out Of Space, Onionhouse, Giblet, Leech Harvest,Lummox, Budokan, and many more.
No matter what anyone said about him as an individual, it was universally acknowledged that he was one of Victoria's finest drummers. Throughout all of his ups and downs, I've never known John to be anything but a wonderful person to be around. I just recently saw him at a Breach show at Logan's, being the usual John London, hanging out and having a good time. This once again brings us back to the fact that so many of the best people go at such a young age, whether it's due to addiction, or other health problems. Time to reassess again how we treat each other, and to not take anyone for granted.
Last night's AK-47 practice was a little more somber than usual, all of us having known John for greater or lesser periods of time. Kent has actually been in two bands with Mr.London, so the news has been rough on him.
I don't have much else to say, except that we've lost another great one. It's been a difficult fucking year, and we're only halfway through it. Take care of each other. Rest In Peace, John.
