Photos: Let’s say goodbye to the unloving 2016

To say 2016 has been rough for the music industry would be putting it mildly. The aging out process to one of the greatest times in musical history seems to have hit this year with excessive force. After Bowie died, I in jest said, “Who’s next, Prince?” I really should just bite my tongue when those thoughts cross my mind.

When Leonard Cohen released his latest album, You Want it Darker, a few months back, I was legitimately was scared. I was hoping he wasn’t pulling a Bowie. To my surprise he wasn’t, but the album really is a testament to his mortality. He must have had some premonitions of something coming as by an accident of fate, he left this world. He was one of a kind and will always be entangled with me and my wife as we used “If it be your will” in our wedding.

Continuing the unlovingness of 2016 was the news about guitarist Dave Rosser:

“It is with a heavy heart that The Afghan Whigs are announcing two special performances of their classic album Black Love in its entirety in New Orleans and Los Angeles along with performances from other artists. Long-time Afghan Whigs, Gutter Twins and Twilight Singers guitarist Dave Rosser was recently diagnosed with inoperable colon cancer.”

“Dave Rosser has been my close friend and bandmate for over a decade now,” Greg Dulli commented. “By doing these shows for him we hope to ease any financial stress he may face as he pursues treatment to combat his illness. 100% of the proceeds from these shows will go to his medical care. I’m hopeful that folks will come out and show their support for Dave who will be performing with us.”

The New Orleans show is taking place at The Civic Theatre on Saturday, December 10 and will feature performances from: The Afghan Whigs, Mark Lanegan, Ani DiFranco, Morning 40 Federation, King James & The Special Men, and C.C. Adcock & The Lafayette Marquis and more special guests.

For fans who cannot attend either show (tickets are selling out fast), you can help out Dave’s medical fund here: https://www.gofundme.com/daverosser. There are other shows playing through town and in LA that will also go the help out the fund. Vanessa Niemann – aka Gal Holiday – has been friends with Dave for what might seem forever. She and James Hall have such a love for Dave that they have been doing benefit shows ever since the announcement, so be on the lookout for rockers helping rockers.

Because we all know that music is all about the love.