Thunderstruck
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Artist:
On Monday evening, with no real suggestion that anything might be wrong, my friend and confidant Brian Black went to his apartment and took his own life. A whole gang of us on San Francisco's Russian Hill have lost the companionship of a great guy - a smart, witty, cultured, caring and good-natured man - and the days seem a lot dimmer. Unknown to his pals, he had been wrestling with financial and emotional challenges that may have reached a tipping point some time ago, and, despite his generally cheery demeanor, he must have felt there was no hope to have taken such a drastic measure. But I'd just like to state here and now what I assume is an old adage: If you have friends, you have hope.
Brian Martin Black
For my part, I am absolutely stunned, and heartsick, and can't believe this happened. He and I spoke virtually every day, and had plans to do some stuff later in the week. I was surprised not to hear from him on the night of his death. He'd been incredibly supportive through a lot of tribulation over the past couple of years. Whether I was in the Bay Area or connected via my mobile while in L.A., we always found time to discuss sports, films, music, and general life experiences on a regular basis.
Questions of why and how he could do this aside, I feel cheated. British-born, a naturalized American citizen, and a proudly liberal San Franciscan, I know he would have continued to enjoy seeing the S.F. baseball and football teams on the upswing. He was thrilled by the first two films in the Millennium Trilogy, and said he was excited to see the third, due for release soon. He was eager to check out the latest Arcade Fire album. And I expected to be chatting with him about all of that and more in the coming months. I wish I'd caught even a glimmer that he was down, and I would have done whatever was necessary to get him in a better frame of mind. I'll miss him terribly.
I know he was a rock 'n' roller, and since his youth, had a fondness for the Rolling Stones and AC/DC, among numerous other bands. This one's for you, Brian. Rest in peace - but not too much quiet.
Locating MOG account...
Comments (21)
The loss of anyone close is always sorrowful and heartbreaking. Unlike the loss of a family member . . . adjoined to us by fate and unknown forces . . . losing a friend can be bewildering. A friend is someone we have opted to be with - a compatriot by choice. To find a good friend in this complex life we live is a rare thing. Condolences.
condolences man - total bummer
I lost my brother that way - it's tough to know what goes on in another's head
but - life is for the living - one foot in front of the other
Thanks, Andrew and rum. When confronted by what life has in store, I'm all about plowing forward in search of new fun and challenges for as long as I possibly can. I guess some people don't find it as easy as I do. From all I can tell, depression is a crippler. I can only reiterate the obvious - that people in crisis shouldn't be reluctant to ask for help.
sorry to hear it mike, I will think of you and your friend tomorrow as I drive 16 hours by car into canada.
hugs mike. sorry i can't do it in person.
I'm so sorry for your loss. You've given your friend a beautiful tribute.
Rawk: Kind of you. But whatever you're thinking about, please drive carefully.
Robin: It's okay. A cyber-hug will do the job, and is greatly appreciated.
Jules: Just writing from the heart - although I wish there had been no reason to do so.
Another cyber-hug for you Mike. So sorry to read about your loss.
It was such a shock, Jonh. I think you would've liked him, but, alas, he's moved on.
Wow. Totally saddened to read this.
Very sorry for your loss, Mike.
Wow- very sorry for your loss, Mike.
Rick Nielsen and Cheap Trick recently came up with this song- from "The Latest"- for just such a sad event as sudenly losing a close friend.
Give a listen (and forget looking at the video the person who posted this made).
All best wishes as you and your friend's family go through the grieving process. Sorry to say, it simply sucks.
My condolences to you Mike. It may take time to get over and through this, but you're in my prayers.
Heartfelt sympathy to you. Losing a friend under any circumstances is wrenching; the pain of suicide is unfathomable. So sorry.
Careful Mike, your humanity is showing. You have written an elegant little eulogy here my Friend. One hopes it cathartic to some degree. We never know what demons haunt our friends in the deepest recesses, pray we never do. All we can do is be there...its hard to reach in...if no one reaches out.
My Condolences Mike.
I am so sorry for your loss.
I am also honored that you took the time to share it with us.
Dave, Fasted, capn, deedee: It happened, and now, all of us who knew him have to deal. But your positive thoughts and good wishes help.
dmdm: Never thought of myself as inhumane, no matter how cynical I can be. As for the post, I guess I'm just trying to work through it all - and writing about it helps.
Cody: Not since Crash left us have I had to confront this sort of thing. As expected, fellow MOGgers have offered welcome support.
): the emotions that seemed to seep out of your post are not unfamiliar to me. one more cyber hug for you, Knifey. thank you for sharing it with us and ending it on a good note - If you have friends, you have hope.
Thank you for the empathy, poeby. I feel bad that anyone has to go through whatever laid him low - and that others are left to mourn and wonder why. And yet, it's all too common. I suppose I could have actually ended with the note of hope, but the swagger and crash of AC/DC seemed to chase away a little of the melancholy. Sometimes, you just have to careen forward, pitfalls be damned.
my sincerest condolences mike
i'm named after a man who did the same, my grandfather
the emotional pain someone has to be in to take their own life is beyond words
i'm sure he appreciated your friendship deeply
thunder!!
Your kind words are most welcome, Neil.
Hi Mike,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I just discovered this news as I was searching for Brian on the net. I'm really sad and shocked.
I'm Sandra A. I used to hang out at Royal Ground to study for many years. You and I met sometime in the 90's and we saw each other regularly.
Will you please contact me? I want to ask you something about Brian and share something that has to do with him. I'd really appreciate it. samat@sbcglobal.net
Best Wishes,
Sandra