A few years ago I went to see Andrew Bird at a little venue in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I step out for a smoke, light it up, get settled against this little rock ledge and look up and god damned Dylan Rieder is standing right in front of me. In Tulsa Oklahoma. On a Tuesday. I about had a heart attack. Of course I awkwardly introduced myself and told him I was a huge fan. He was in town on tour and decided to break away and see the show by himself. I always thought that was cool. We smoked a few cigarettes and talked for about ten minutes. He was instantly warm and friendly, and though he seemed a little reserved he didn't seem bothered to be recognized and heckled by a fan. I left the show that night with an ear to ear grin that probably lasted three days.
I saw the news today on the way to the corner store for a pack of smokes. I sobbed like an idiot for thirty minutes. It's strange how these people you grow up idolizing become a part of you. I didn't know him on any level, but I certainly feel a loss. I always anticipated some new footage, something new from him, any day. This was the last thing I expected, the last thing any of us wanted to hear.
Rest in peace man. Fuck this day.