Dirt Roads, Dead End And Dust - Supersuckers

Image stolen from the Interwebz

     Ya know, 2020 can just go suck the big one at this point. As if you needed any other reason to be bummed out for a bit, comes the heartbreaking news that Ron Heathman, guitar  virtuoso from the Supersuckers who had morphed into a certified coffee brew master extraordinaire, has passed away. The Loud Pipes played a shitload of gigs with the Supersuckers back in the days (the gig at the Boston in '04 is the stuff of Legend), both bands had sponsorship from Zinky Guitars, and I was more than fortunate to be a fly on the wall when Ron and Jesse would hold court and talk gear and BS every time they ran into each other. When I first met Ron I made the obvious joke of asking him where the cocaine was (Ron's Got The Cocaine) and he started reaching into his front shirt pocket, setting the room into fits of laughter. He was a cool dude, and watching him rip through all those classic Supersuckers songs was truly a blessing. I've lost all the pictures I've taken of the band over the years, but that doesn't make the memories of all those fun filled, alcohol fueled, debaucherous times any less vivid or grin inducing. I'm proud to have known him, proud to say he was someone I met, and even prouder to say I saw him play. He was definitely one of the truest most Rock and Roll dudes I've ever met in my life, and he will be missed that's for damn sure. Condolences to his family and friends. Let's pour ourselves a strong drink of your choice and spend some time listening to some Supersuckers at a ridiculously loud volume like I currently am, and raise your glass and give a toast to a guy who was truly one of the good ones, the legendary Ron "Rontrose" Heathman. The world is just a little bit darker today because of his passing, and that fucking sucks. RIP Ron. Go easy. Step lightly. Stay Free. Salud!

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