Monday, November 09, 2009

Drummerobit: Jerry Fuchs

Former !!! drummer Jerry Fuchs has suffered a fatal accident in Williamsburg.

Besides the Google-defying !!!, Fuchs drummed for Holy Ghost, Turing Machine, Juan MacLean and Maserati. And he drummed his ass off for them. More into solidity of sound than the rhetorical flourish, Fuchs made the insanely difficult look incredibly easy.

Born in 1974, Fuchs studied graphic design at the University Of Georgia. Alongside drumming, he also did freelance writing and design work.

Fuchs died after attempting to jump from a broken lift. He'd been attending a charity event raising money for women in India, reports the New York Post. He was 34 years old.

UPDATE: I've just received the following statements:

Juan MacLean
Jerry Fuchs was one of my best and most loyal friends. In other situations it might seem trite or misguided to mention someone's music career in light of such a tragic death, but the truth is that music was an integral part of our relationship. Jerry was with me from the beginning of The Juan MacLean. The band allowed us to travel the world doing something we loved more than anything, and we constantly reminded ourselves how lucky we were, pushing each other to appreciate the life we were living when things got tough.

It is not hyperbole to say that Jerry was the absolute best at what he did. He was a legendary drummer. Other drummers revered him and fans were astounded by his playing. He was always the best part of any band of his which he was a member. And in light of all that, he was relentlessly humble to the point of self-deprecation. He exuded qualities that are are rare in the circles he travelled. He was disarmingly sincere and valued honesty above all else.

I have never played with anyone as great as Jerry. I would be hard pressed to name a more supportive and loyal friend. I hope his family finds some bit of solace in the fact that Jerry touched the lives of so many all across the world, as evidenced by the outpouring of support and condolences come flooding in.

Jonathan Galkin - DFA
Today was a really bad day, Jerry, and I could have used one of those big sweaty hugs you gave after a show, when you were genuinely excited and surprised to see me. “Galkin, what the fuck are YOU doing here?!”, you would exclaim, as if i didn’t ever attend the live shows from bands on my own label. You were truly one of a kind, and whether you knew it or not, people wanted to be in the same room as you, or near the same room as you, because maybe just maybe, some of that radiant joy and in-the-moment spirit you exuded would rub off on them. You didn’t take it all with you, because there are a lot of people today who are going to feel mighty responsible to carry and spread that joy with them for the rest of the time they have here. And who knows now how long that might be. You were a really good drummer, some might say the best we had, but you were a greater friend. I love you and miss you, Jerry.

Brian Long - Yes Know Management
Jerry cast an incredible glow on every situation he entered into. It was an honor to work with him. His drumming skills were truly a gift which he used to connect with many people. This is what musicians are put on earth to do. Jerry embodied this to the fullest. He will be missed but remembered with a smile and a laugh.


1 comment:

William Haun Photography said...

I saw Jerry perform just once earlier this year. I didn't know who he was but told friends after the show that "that dude with the awesome 'stache was incredible"! I hate to hear of this great loss.

Here are some photos I took of Jerry Fuch at that Juan Maclean show at The Earl in May 2009. He is really in his element behind that drum kit.

http://www.whaun.com/2009/05/the-juan-maclean-the-earl/

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