Jay Reatard - RIP

You ever had that strange feeling of loss when a celebrity, no matter how popular dies? Even though you didn’t know them, it feels like you did. The sadness, although not in the same league as losing a family member or a friend, is still there. The knowing that they will never perform your favourite song or act in another movie can be a strange realisation.

Well, I have never had that, even when Wacko Jacko died. Until today when I learnt that maverick punk nutcase Jay Reatard had died in his sleep. No other ‘celebrity’ death has affected me as much. From underground garage punk teenager to a solo artist on the cusp of breaking through, his death is a tragedy. Reatard played in numerous bands, including The Reatards, Terror Visions, Bad Times and Lost Sounds to eventually his solo moniker, he died having released 20 albums. He was a prolific songwriter and often had more than one band on the go at any one time.

Although I never knew Jay, I loved his music. For someone in their late twenties (the same age as Jay) it speaks to me. When I hear it, I reminisce my teenage years, listening to The Offspring and not giving a shit. The reckless naivety of youth and the excitement of what is around the corner. It makes you feel young again, chasing girls and drinking with your friends. It is raw, urgent, infectious and unbelievably catchy. Without ever compromising the punk ethos, Jay never sold his soul to advertising agencies or ‘the man’, despite the fact that he could have.

The noisy pop genius never quite broke through into the mainstream, but no doubt would have given the time. If you knew of him, you would try your damnedest to get everyone else to listen.
A massive loss and a rare talent who definitely died before his time, his potential was vast. The only true contemporary American punk outfit in a sadly diluted, corporate and soul less scene. The saddest thing is, we will never hear anything new, or performed ever again.

RIP Jay, you crazy bastard.

EDIT: Looks like Jay died of a Cocaine / Alcohol mix. Sad times.

Jay Reatard: See Saw


Jay Reatard: Ain't gonna save me