The stage is set for four with a single spotlight focused on an unattended guitar at center. One can only assume that this is where Greg Gibbs would have stood. After his unexpected death on August 26th, what was originally slated as the long-anticipated Elders UK reunion show instead became an emotionally-charged tribute.
The remaining members gathered at the Goathead Saloon in Mesa along with family, friends and fans to commemorate Greg’s life and music. Robert Stacey had to step into the role of lead vocalist, a position previously shared with Greg, for the evening. Amid pulling out lyric sheets for Greg’s songs, Robert lamented to the audience, “Greg used to sing this song and now I have to fucking sing it and I don’t want to fucking sing it.”
The remaining members including drummer Fred “Freddy G” Gardea and bassist Ralph Bolvine delivered Elders classics along with an array of crowd-pleasing covers served all punked-up a la Greg.
I was left wishing I had a chance to hear the entire band because the 3-piece Gibbs left behind was not only a solid band but the music was fabulous. I understood the remorse in the room was not just for Greg but for the band as well, officially retired after the night’s performance.
With certain artists and musicians, their death need not mean the total loss of their life force in the world. If we can learn one thing from the late-great Arizona songwriter Doug Hopkins, music lives on. Watching longtime fans cheer for their favorite Elders UK song, I learned that Greg’s presence will remain with us all in the years to come.
