June 25th, 2009
R.I.P. Steven Wells
Cancer has reared its head in a particularly ugly way in the past two weeks, first claiming a high school friend of mine, then Gary Papa, and now PW music scribe Steven Wells. I can say without a doubt that Wells (I didn’t know him personally, so it doesn’t feel quite right referring to him as Swells) is one of my favorite writers, music or otherwise, ever — savagely funny, entertaining, provocative in the best and most needed way possible, insightful, and generally right on the mark. I’ve often thought how wonderful it would be to be able to write as well as him, to turn a phrase so vividly and precisely and get directly at the meat of the matter with no bullshit fluffery whatsoever, though I never ever considered trying to ape his style or approach: Enough music writers try to imitate their idols and favorites (think of all the wannabe Bangs, Christgaus, etc.) and it’s embarrassing. Wells was absolutely one-of-a-kind, I greatly admired his work, and I’ll really, really miss reading his stuff every week. I’m gonna go back and read through some of my favorite pieces of his today and laugh my ass off. My deepest condolences go out to his wife, family, and friends.
2 Responses to “R.I.P. Steven Wells”
By Emma on Jun 26, 2009
I love your blog. It was very heart-felt.
By James McMahon on Sep 1, 2009
Great words.
http://www.nme.com/blog/index.php?blog=10
I posted some video of Steven’s wake in London. There’s some great stories there.