Yesterday, I received the upsetting news that Larry "Rhino" Reinhardt had passed away. Who is he? He once was a guitar player for the rock band Iron Butterfly and also founded the 70s super group, Captain Beyond. While his Facebook page is now full of tributes and last good-byes from his fans, even two days after his death the official site for the band Iron Butterfly does not mention his passing, although they still have a tribute up for Steve Jobs.
A while back, I posted a blog "Everyone has a Story," and rock stars are no exception. Many fans either put them on a pedestal, or forget about them once they no longer make mainstream news. Sadly, the latter seemed the case for Rhino. He regularly posted on Facebook about his personal struggles with illness and the problems they caused, emotionally as well as financially. He, like many of the "regular" folks in the U.S, worried about a mountain of unpaid medical bills and the economy. Among all this, storms put a hole in his roof that he could not fix. The people on Facebook, who supposedly aren't "real" (if you listen to mainstream media), came to the rescue and offered their help.
My daughter once asked me why I can talk to "celebrities" like they are the people next door without exhibiting any nervousness. Well, to me they are just like us. Do they secretly long for immortality and hope to achieve that via their stardom? I can't speak for anyone else, but by observing myself and others, don't we all have that desire to some degree? I know I do. To leave something behind and someone to remember us when we are gone? Rhino's passing shows this is not a given, but if you combine technology with human compassion, anyone can aid in this and also leave a piece of themselves behind. Dance on, Rhino and yes, you are immortal.
6 comments:
Alex, I think people instinctively want to leave a mark of some kind on their passing--something to be remembered by. Why not leave something beautiful, compelling and worth remembering something that can enhance life in the future -it seems like a noble gesture to me. Everyone you touch in your lifetime is affected by what you do while you remain alive; equally, everyone in the future is affected by what you leave of yourself at your passing-- for their enjoyment,listening pleasure, contemplation, reading or study.
Perhaps what we leave behind is the ONLY tangible proof that we ARE immortal.
I keep up with rock music, so I'd heard he died.
Immortality - leaving something behind - can come in many forms. Making an impact on others can be more powerful than any amount stardom.
From the really-not-famous-Alex-but-just-Alex.
Hi Alexandria. First time visitor. Great to meet you! Thanks for the tribute to Larry Rhino Reinhardt. You can forget Iron Butterfly back in the day. Played it loud countless times myself.
Hi Alexandra .. I don't know Larry Rhino .. but we can all make that small amount of difference along the way - by helping others - too many go up the path and come crashing down .. it's very sad - but he knew he was loved at the end .. and that's the main thing.
Good to have you along on the A - Z come April .. cheers for now - Hilary
I hadn't heard about this. I was a big fan of Iron Butterfly and Captain Beyond.
It's somewhat surprising the number of artists who were once quite well-known or part of famous groups who fade into obscurity and hard times. Music and entertainment is often a wreckless career where people don't plan well for their futures. I guess there are a lot of people in many walks of life who do this.
Poignant video.
Lee
Tossing It Out
Raymond, we all go about it in different ways perhaps
Alex, thanks for gracing me with your famous presence, even if you argue that fact
Stephen, glad you knew who I was talking about.
Hilary, I tried aiding in just that.
Arlee, glad you were a fan and that you made time to stop by.
Alex
Post a Comment