When I initially wanted to write this post the idea was that Fattback (a St. Louis based band comprised of old friends of mine) should in my opinion be the unofficial band of Chef’s everywhere, this was at least the idea that I pitched to Dave Hagerty on Friday July 30th when I caught a show that he played at Boogaloo in Maplewood. However, due to recent and tragic events, the direction had to slightly change.
During the early morning of Sunday August 1st, Dave and his girlfriend Ellen were involved in a tragic car accident. Dave sustained critical head injuries that he would not be able to recover from and on Monday August 2nd he passed away.
Dave was an extraordinary person of whom I had the pleasure of getting to know during my high school days. I generally don’t look back at those times as the highlight of my life, but it was having friends like Dave that made them easier to get through. Every time that I would walk into a class for the new semester and saw him there I new that class had a much improved chance of being amusing and worth staying awake through. This was simply because Dave was a natural entertainer. Some might not have picked up on that the first time they laid eyes on him, but as soon as you would engage in conversation that wonderful and vibrant personality would jump right out. After taking notice of that myself, I found wanting to be around him when ever possible.
Dave was one of those few people that could keep me laughing almost endlessly, and I have always felt that laughter is one of the most precious gifts one person can give to another. So when he was looking for some part time work I was happy to get him in to a local pizza place that I managed. Dave became a delivery driver, cruising around the suburbs of St. Louis in his maroon Subaru wagon that he called “Deloris”, but more importantly he made work fun. As I reminisced with another old co worker we both came to an agreement that the Cecil Whitakers Pizza on 8754 Big Bend was probably the most eclectic place that either of us had ever worked to date, and a character like Dave Hagerty only added to the merriment, and helped to make the monotony an afterthought.
I have a couple of different year book inscriptions from him that definitely showcase his random sense of humor and still make me laugh to this day.
Nick,
If ever you are washing a car or some dishes and you are using a very, very abrasive cleaner, and some of it gets on your pants and makes them change color, check the warranty on the pants. You may be able to get a refund or even exchange them for a new pair of pants. If the warranty is expired, however, give the pants to me. I love stained pants.
Your friend,
David Hagerty
There is another entry that Dave inscribed, but that goes in to a mutual dream that he and I shared, but for now I am going to keep that one to myself. If and when I fulfill that dream I will be happy to share it with everyone.
The laughs would continue to come with Dave over the years that I knew him, and even after we spent many years apart pursuing different interests our paths would cross once and awhile and we would pick up right were we left off. I have always appreciated friends like Dave; it always seems that no matter how long it had been there was always a great conversation to be had. It didn’t matter if we were discussing different points of view on conspiracy theories, or television programs that should and should not be made. The discussions were always lively and thought provoking.
Whatever the occasion would be that we were able to get together, we were always interested in what one another was doing. I was happy to see that Dave was pursuing his passion of music with such purpose and dedication. Dave got in to teaching guitar lessons giving guidance and passing on techniques to those who shared that same passion. It is not easy to try to make your way as a musician, and Dave was no exception, but he kept after it and went on with his band mates from Fattback as well as Ashaka and the Ram Jam Reggae Band to create some amazing music.
As a song writer Dave’s personality and witty sense of humor always seemed to carry over in to his lyrics; this coupled with his superior instrumental work always gave audiences a unique musical experience. It didn’t matter if the songs where about taco stands, being a dinosaur, or a man named John Green. I always felt that it was easy to identify with the artistry that was being put forward. And like any good showman he was able to allow you to escape in the moment, the outside world would become a thing of little concern. All that mattered was what was happening on stage.
In regards to FattBack I have no idea what the rest of the band will decide to do and understandably for now it may seem like it is all over. I do know that I, like many others, am grateful to them for sharing their wonderful songs, playing those fun filled shows and permanently placing their work on CD format. At least we still have something to go back to and remember those times and can hear the musical stylings of our dear friend Dave. So to John Joern, Mike Apperson, Shawn Dallmeyer, & Grady Breidenbach you were all a part of creating something special, and I can only encourage you all to keep moving forward and pursuing your ambitions. Not for anyone else but yourselves, but also for what its worth I believe (and I’m sure that I am not alone) that Dave would want to see you all keep playing. Simply because you are all too talented not too!
Thank You FattBack Rest assured you will receive your fair share of play time in my kitchens for years to come, but also thank you Dave, for being a great friend, and an inspiration for us all. You will forever be missed. R.I.P.
