Post by jptheprofessor on Feb 21, 2009 12:04:28 GMT -5
I'm sorry to have to report this sad news. Eric Kelly - "Fat Vinny" of Fat Vinny & the Wiseguys fame - passed away this morning after suffering a massive heart attack at his home near Altoona. He would have turned 42 on March 1.
I've known Eric for many years, as a friend, musician, and former radio coworker.
He was a talented singer and guitar player, and always delivered a robust performance onstage. He and the Wiseguys put out three albums between 1999 and 2005. They performed a number of times in the Harrisburg vicinity, including several appearances at the Millennium Music Conference and other venues in the area.
Eric was frequently first in line to help out with benefit shows. He and the Wiseguys were involved with a number of benefits I helped organize over the years. He had a big heart, and was passionate about his music and beliefs. In recent years, he was involved in political work, and still did occasional Wiseguys and solo shows from time to time.
I had just seen Eric about 3-4 weeks ago, performing solo at the Commonplace Coffeehouse in Altoona, during their Open Mic night. He was happy that night, and the last thing I remember was his encouraging a young lady who had just recited poetry on the stage for the first time, giving her supportive words about not being afraid to pursue her art.
I'll be dedicating the last 30 minutes of next Sunday's "Homegrown Rocker" (March 1) in memory of Eric, and feature music he sang and performed on.
My heartfelt condolences go out to Eric's parents and family, his Wiseguy bandmates Randy and Jeff, his former bandmates, and all his friends and musical associates.
Eric, performing at the Hitching Post in Altoona in January, 2005.
I've known Eric for many years, as a friend, musician, and former radio coworker.
He was a talented singer and guitar player, and always delivered a robust performance onstage. He and the Wiseguys put out three albums between 1999 and 2005. They performed a number of times in the Harrisburg vicinity, including several appearances at the Millennium Music Conference and other venues in the area.
Eric was frequently first in line to help out with benefit shows. He and the Wiseguys were involved with a number of benefits I helped organize over the years. He had a big heart, and was passionate about his music and beliefs. In recent years, he was involved in political work, and still did occasional Wiseguys and solo shows from time to time.
I had just seen Eric about 3-4 weeks ago, performing solo at the Commonplace Coffeehouse in Altoona, during their Open Mic night. He was happy that night, and the last thing I remember was his encouraging a young lady who had just recited poetry on the stage for the first time, giving her supportive words about not being afraid to pursue her art.
I'll be dedicating the last 30 minutes of next Sunday's "Homegrown Rocker" (March 1) in memory of Eric, and feature music he sang and performed on.
My heartfelt condolences go out to Eric's parents and family, his Wiseguy bandmates Randy and Jeff, his former bandmates, and all his friends and musical associates.
Eric, performing at the Hitching Post in Altoona in January, 2005.
