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The Local Music Community Mourns Richie Hass
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Richie Hass and wife Michelle
Richie Hass has lost his battle with cancer.
Richie was a founding member of local art-band Zoogz Rift And The Amazing Shitheads, and played a number of instruments in a number of bands, most recently seen on vibes in Saccharine Trust, behind the drums with the Page Turner Band and playing bass for Freehead.
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Richie was an incredibly natural musician, proficient on every instrument he picked up. On the number of occasions this author had to work with him, he brought an energy and a commitment to the task at hand that was inspirational. Getting the sound out there in its pure form was no small thing, but something he approached as a personal mission.
The music community rallied around Richie during his struggle, staging a benefit at Safari Sam's that became one of the best gigs of 2007. The benefit featuring Mike Watt, the Bellrays and more than a dozen others. It ended up being a ten-hour gig; everyone wanted to be part of it and he was too nice to say no to any of them.
His was a rare and genuine spirit and he will be sorely missed.
For more information, read Michelle's Blog
Donations can be made to the International Myeloma Foundation
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Richie Playing Vibes with Saccharin Trust
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Richie Playing with Freehead at 2007 Benefit
All photos by Elise Thompson
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