Saturday, September 14, 2013

Andrew Pasternack 1955-2013

I just learned that my dear chum and bandmate from the Floor Models passed away earlier this week. My deepest condolences go out to his wife and kids.


I have joked here, on several occasions, that a Rickenbacker 12-string guitar, well played, was the most beautiful sound occurring in nature. Thanks to Andy's genius, I got to stand stage right from that sound on more occasions than I can count.

Here's a track he wrote and played the Rick on. "Excuses Excuses." If there is a better ballad written in the last three decades, I have yet to hear it.



As a certain metallic gentleman famously said -- now I know I have a heart because its breaking.

15 comments:

Sal Nunziato said...

I'm very sorry for your loss Steve.

Gummo said...

Oh, steve, I am so sorry.

(((hugs))

Anonymous said...

Andy we will miss you, may your music live on and on.

Allan Rosenberg

vanwoert said...

Beautiful song, fitting tribute. My thoughts are with you at this terrible time.

buzzbabyjesus said...

I'm sorry to hear about Andy's passing. Bandmates are special.

steves said...

I'm very sorry to hear this, Steve. I didn't know Andy that well, but he seemed like genuinely good guy, and I loved his music. My sincere condolences to his wife, family, and all those who knew and loved him.

May his memory be for a blessing.

Elroy said...

Very sorry to hear it Steve.

Dave said...

All the best to you and Andy's family and friends.

And thanks for the great song.

Karen Glanz said...

Steve, Thanks for posting this. I couldn't access the song? Andy was my Editor for the past 3 editions of a book that I've edited - since about 2000. I didn't know his musical talents but he was a special colleague and friend, and will be sorely missed.

Jan Melchior said...

For some reason I have been thinking a lot about this song and about Andy and what a great songwriter he was lately. I'm thinking about working up a cover for this song. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends. He was smart and unique and gifted. Happy trails Andy. xo

Anonymous said...

Hello there:

I knew Andy while in San Francisco and what a beautiful person he was--gifted and a sweet soul. So very sorry for the loss of your friend. If you would, please email me at la.serenissima@yahoo.com as I have a couple of questions I'd like to ask you about Andy.

Thank you!

Elizabeth said...

I worked with Andy at JB toward the end of his life. He was a fine editor, well respected, with high quality standards, and he insisted on getting it right. He is very much missed. I did not know about his musical side--thanks for posting the song!

Museworks said...

Hi Steve, I'm an old friend of Andy Pasternack's and just found this link. Would love to hear the song you posted but can't seem to access it. Maybe it's not linked anymore? Would love it if you could send it over! Thanks much for the memory moment. ~Maria

steve simels said...

Maria -- e-mail me at ssimels@gmail.com and I'll send you an mp3. I can also send you a CD of the album its from, which has lots more Andy songs.

steve simels said...

In the meantime, I updated the song link; it works now.