On Wednesday, word spread by tweet of indie singer/songwriter Vic Chestnutt falling into a coma, later revealed to have been the result of a suicide attempt, sadly not Chestnutt’s first. We followed the story, despite having never been previously exposed to Chestnutt’s music. We read about his discovery in the 1980s by REM’s Michael Stipe, and his recent performances backed by members of Fugazi, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, and A Silver Mt. Zion. We read about a car accident that left him in a wheelchair since age 18. And then, about an hour ago, we read his friend Kristin Hersh’s words: “He’s gone… So much to go away in a moment.” Chestnutt was 45.
It’s a sad truth that Vic Chestnutt really was special. This live performance of Everything I Say is a powerful example. We’re devastated to only be discovering him now, but Chestnutt has left us so much to remember him by, despite us never having known him. Today, we’re mourning with all of the fans and friends that he touched with his life and his music. May he rest in peace, immortal in our hearts.
Credit for the live video goes to plan9films. Brooklyn Vegan has collected some other highlights.
I, too, had never heard of him before, but that is a brilliant performance. What a massive loss. RIP.
It’s rare to see a wheelchaired musician in this industry. The only other person I can think of is MF Grimm. It’s a shame only the “beautiful” ones get the real push from the major labels. It’s a shame that Vic’s pain was so deep that he felt it necessary to leave us early. At least we have his music to remember him by. Thanks to Micheal Stipe for giving Vic a chance and the exposure he may never have gotten otherwise.
My roommate got to perform on the same bill and speak with him rather recently in a show in Denton, TX. He’s deeply hurt about this whole thing.
Now that’s what I call giving it your all. Such an uninhibited, raw performance…What a loss.
wow. that was incredible, going to have to check this out
wow x2 that shit rocked and was fucken beautiful x19
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