Sunday, December 20, 2009

In memorium: Joe Cole 04/10/1961 - 12/19/1991

Today is the 18th anniversary of the death of Joe Cole, an actor and a roadie for Black Flag and the Rollins Band as well as Henry Rollins' best friend.  Joe and Rollins were victims of an attempted robbery - Joe was shot and killed during the crime.  His murder remains unsolved.






Following is the "Unsolved Mysteries"  piece on Joe's murder...


Today I have spent the afternoon with Joe as he shared with me his stories of life on the road as a roadie, by way of his posthumously-published book "Planet Joe".  I had purchased the book on eBay after searching for a deal for quite a while, and the book arrived on the very date of his death.  His emotions and writing brought back memories of the workings of the 20-something mindset.  I hope that he somehow knows that his writing brought me enjoyment and that I can't help but care for him after having been a part of his most deep inner thoughts.

I, too, have lost a loved one to a heinous murder.  Today my thoughts go to those who truly loved Joe Cole and are spending this day thinking of him and missing terribly his presence in their lives - his family, friends, and Henry Rollins.




I mention Henry Rollins because he has enraptured me with his spoken and written word concerning the loss of his beloved friend.  Rollins is frank yet eloquent in his tributes to Joe.  In fact, the first I knew of Joe Cole was by coming across the following segment taken from one of Rollins' spoken word performances.  Rollins' profound loss first gripped me, then my own loss flooded my conscience, then I found myself outright weeping after experiencing Rollins' heartfelt tribute ...





R.I.P., Joe.

No blah, blah, blah here.

Therefore, I shall...

Rock On.

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