Today, we salute Armand.
A few years back, our friends Dawna and Colleen started bringing Armand
to our gigs. The three of them came out pretty regularly, with Armand occasionally requesting a special song ("Go Ask Alice"). He always tipped his gratitude. He danced. Courtly and kind, it was good to see Armand in the audience.
Several months ago, we played a new venue in Worcester. Armand came alone. He sat through a set or two, then dropped a piece of paper on my palm. On it was written the name of another venue that might welcome us. He talked with the band. He left after the second set.
The next day he started treatment for cancer.
I didn't hear much more until a post informed us Armand was entering hospice care.
Last week, he passed, a much loved father, uncle, brother. He was a much appreciated audience who truly loved live music. He championed the band and became part of our... tribe.
Even though we didn't know much about him, we knew he loved live music, a grown up cocktail (but never too many), R&B, friends. Kind and warm, he was friendly without being too familiar. He became part of our musical family. He was one of us.
We said goodbye to our friend this afternoon. Armand, you will be missed. May flights of Temptations sing thee to thy rest.
