GOODBYE, PETE

Thursday, June 24, 2010 8 comments

The day was going to come.

It could have been Ray, when he was shot by a mugger in New Orleans. It could have been Dave, when he had his stroke. It could have been Mick, but Mick’s a golfer so he’ll probably outlast them all.

The day came, today. Peter Quaife, original bassist of the Kinks, died of kidney failure in a Denmark hospital. He was 66.

The phone call came in this afternoon from a dear friend who understands and mourns, too. The day was going to come, the call was going to be made, and I am glad I heard it from him. The Kinks have been so important to both of us. It was the unique combination of talents and personalities – Ray Davies, Dave Davies, Mick Avory, and Pete Quaife – that made rock n’ roll greatness, from driving proto-punk to the loveliest, most thoughtful ballads. Take one away and you can still make good music, but it isn’t that.

“That” changed my life. I have no adequate way to express my gratitude. All I can say is thank you.

I had to leave the phone call to take my son to a class, not at all in the mood to drive. Parked at a red light for a moment, waiting to turn on to the busy four-lane road up to school, “All Day and All of the Night” comes on the radio. That was the first Kinks record I ever bought, on a 45 with pocket change that my grandpa gave me, too little to even see over the store counter. I had to have it. That sound!

It takes a whole lot for me not to just lose it sitting there in the driver’s seat. Tears fill my eyes. That song, today, now. I shake my head, my arms, wipe my eyes, pull it together. The green arrow comes on. The song ends, as always, with raw power, kicking sand back in the bully’s face, coolest song ever.

I drop off my oldest, then drive miles north to get the younger ones from summer day camp. It’s a beautiful sunny day.

Mr12: Mom?

Me: Yes?

Mr12: You are sad.

Me: Yes. I got some bad news today, that Pete from the Kinks died. He had been sick a long time and was in the hospital. I do feel sad.

Mr12: It’s OK, Mom. He had people taking good care of him. He probably didn’t even know when he died. He wasn’t upset, I bet. Please don’t be too sad.

MissSeven: The easiest way to die would be to fall on a soft pillow.

Count on my daughter for the black humor comic relief, something Pete would have liked. He was a very very funny guy.

My radio, determined to completely own me again, now plays the Kinks “Beautiful Delilah,” on a different channel. I pull over to the coffee house, and leave it on to finish.

MissSeven: Was that Pete singing?

Me: No, that’s Dave.

MissSeven: Oh, good. It sounds like he’s choking on something.

I can’t help but laugh.

Goodbye, Pete. Goodbye.



























8 comments:

Yes, Marianne, those of us who are of the AARP age group have a special place in our hearts for the original Kinks. Pete was a very funny guy and would appreciate your childrens' comments. My hopes are dashed for a reunion of the original four members, but I will cherish the times I did meet and chat with Pete. May he rest in peace.
Kate

The Kinks. Always changing, always rocking. Pete is surely in R&R heaven, or what's the point? I hope he's lazin' on a sunny afternoon, sippin' on his ice cold beer.
Lahna

Thanks, Marianne. I think you expressed everything we feel now. It's a sad day, we all knew it was going to come. I was afraid of it and did my best not to think about it. Now that it's come I can't help myself...
May he rest in peace. He will be missed by his friends and family.

DAYS

Thank you for the days,
Those endless days, those sacred days you gave me.
I'm thinking of the days,
I won't forget a single day, believe me.

I bless the light,
I bless the light that shines on you believe me.
And though you're gone,
You're with me every single day, believe me.

Days I'll remember all my life,
Days when you can't see wrong from right.
You took my life,
But then I knew that very soon you'd leave me,
But it's all right,
Now I'm not frightened of this world, believe me.

I wish today could be tomorrow,
The night is dark,
It just brings sorrow, let it wait.

Thank you for the days,
Those endless days, those sacred days you gave me.
I'm thinking of the days,
I won't forget a single day, believe me.

Days I'll remember all my life,
Days when you can't see wrong from right.
You took my life,
But then I knew that very soon you'd leave me,
But it's all right,
Now I'm not frightened of this world, believe me.
Days.

Thank you for the days,
Those endless days, those sacred days you gave me.
I'm thinking of the days,
I won't forget a single day, believe me.

I bless the light,
I bless the light that shines on you believe me.
And though you're gone,
You're with me every single day, believe me.
Days.
===
Perfect for so many occasions, trite or profound. RIP Pete

You don't have to be of AARP age to love the Kinks. They've been my favorite band since I first discovered them in 1989, when I was 16. His kidney dialysis cartoons revealed what a fantastic sense of humor the man had, and I mourn his passing. A very fitting tribute to a man who loved laughter.

C'mon now, who doesn't love the Kinks? :-)

Thanks for this, Marianne -- just beautiful. I wonder, did the DJs play those Kinks songs on the radio because of Pete's passing, or did they just happen to cycle up? It would be nice to know that the DJs were recognizing Pete and his remarkable contribution to the greatest band ever.

The two Kinks songs that came over my car radio were complete coincidence. The news had not reached the press at that time.

I am very happy to see so many people writing about Pete and what he and the Kinks meant to them. People all over the world really cared about him and appreciated what he did.

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