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This Freebird You Cannot Tame

5/22/2015

6 Comments

 
Seems like yesterday when I met the blonde-haired kid playing "Freebird" on the guitar in 1981 at a high school party. He played the song over and over. About the tenth time through the song, I was a little aggravated but from that day on, the blonde-haired kid, Mike Kandel, would be one of my closest friends. We played in a band together. We traveled the country, camped, hung out in countless taverns, he helped me run my publishing business, he stood up at my wedding, he was there for the birth of my children. We never stopped hanging out. 

On my way to the Fishers card show in Indianapolis, I got off the 294 in Crestwood, Illinois, and drove the backroads all the way to Indy -- just like Mike and I used to do when we graduated college and spent six weeks driving the backroads of the West. Later that night, Mike called while I was watching TV in a crusty Motel 6. He was traveling the backroads of the West again. He was in Reno, Nevada. We made plans for when he returned to Chicago in about a month.

He died Sunday. We were supposed to drink Scotch and smoke cigars when my children grew up and got married. He was also supposed to take me to Aruba. There were too many things still to do. I am absolutely crushed.

I couldn't bring myself to write a blog this week. You guys are very patient with me. I've written far too many blogs about friends who have died. For this one, I want to share a video of Mike's band Tranquility Bass performing live in a club in Chicago in 1997. By this time, Mike had lost his blonde mop and replaced it with a Grizzly Adams' beard. That's him, fronting the band. 

I'll be back next week with a blog about cards. Thanks guys!
6 Comments
ted lee
5/23/2015 05:05:47 am

Sorry about your buddy. Take your time with blog. Friends are way more important than cards

Reply
Tony
5/23/2015 01:53:40 pm

Thanks Ted. I've made so many good friends from cards like you!

Reply
Mike
5/23/2015 11:17:34 pm

Real sorry about your friend.Listened to the vidieo and really liked it. Take all the time in the would before you write up your blog again Mike!

Reply
mark Smith
5/24/2015 10:38:33 am

Tony, So sorry for your loss. Just a reminder to tell your loved ones and friends that you love them. Mark

Reply
Tom Cowan link
5/24/2015 11:17:29 am

Hi Tony, we've never met. I'm a regular reader of your blog though, and I find it very entertaining. I'm very sorry to hear about your friend. Take your time and write again when you're damn good and ready. Losing a friend is a lot bigger issue than worrying about us reading a blog. Take care. -Tom

Reply
Will Schwenn
5/26/2015 01:29:43 am

Hey Tony,

I am so sorry to hear about your loss of such a good friend. When you are ready to write again we will be here waiting. God bless you and your family and may your buddy rest in peace.

Will

Reply



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    Tony Gordon

    Vintage Sports Cards Addict

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