Kirk Rundstrom R.I.P.

Kirk Rundstrom, guitar player and songwriter for the alternative bluegrass band Split Lip Rayfield died today of cancer. He was 38. He was mixing a soon to be released solo album in New York last week when he became ill and was hospitalized. He ultimately made it home to Wichita before passing.Tim Finn posted a good write-up with web site and video links at his Kansas City Star sponsored blog, Back to Rockville. Here's another excellent tribute by Rachel LeClear from Lawrence.com.I witnessed Split Lip Rayfield at Davey's in Kansas City in 2005. They were fantastic. It was pure country and bluegrass on the surface, with underpinnings of punk and metal driving the songs like a locomotive with a full head of steam on a downhill track. I hope you saw them live. They played my region often before Kirk's diagnosis (and some after as well). About three years ago they toured with the Drive By Truckers. They also blew away many a slack jawed gawker at the Winfield Bluegrass festival on more than one occasion. I can't believe the dude is gone. Rest in Peace, brother.