Warren Zevon R.I.P. - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

KeyserSoze · 09-08-2003, 07:23 AM

By JOHN ROGERS, Associated Press Writer

LOS ANGELES - Warren Zevon (news), who wrote and sang the rock hit "Werewolves of London" and was among the wittiest and most original of a broad circle of singer-songwriters to emerge from Los Angeles in the 1970s, has died. He was 56.

A lifelong smoker until quitting several years ago, Zevon announced in September 2002 that he had been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and had only months to live. He spent much of that time visiting with his two grown children and working on a final album.

Zevon died in his sleep Sunday at his home, publicist Carise Yatter said.

He faced death with the same dark sense of humor found in much of his music, including songs like "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead," "Life'll Kill Ya" and "Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead."

Zevon said he "chose a certain path and lived like Jim Morrison (news) and lived 30 more years. You make choices and you have to live with the consequences."

He released his first album, "Wanted — Dead or Alive," to little notice in 1969, but gained attention in the '70s by writing a string of popular songs for Linda Ronstadt (news), including "Poor, Poor Pitiful Me," "Carmelita" and "Hasten Down the Wind."

His next two albums, 1976's "Warren Zevon" and 1978's "Excitable Boy," followed those songs with darkly humorous tales of prom-date rapists; headless, gun-toting soldiers of fortune; and werewolves who drank pina coladas at singles bars and were particular about their hair.

They cemented Zevon's reputation as one of rock music's most politically incorrect lyricists, giving him a lifelong cult following that included gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson, former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura and "Late Show" host David Letterman (news - Y! TV), who provided backing vocals on "Hit Somebody," Zevon's 2001 elegy to a professional hockey goon who longs to be a goal-scoring hero.

"I always like to have violent lyrics and violent music," Zevon told The Associated Press in 1990. "The knowledge of death and fear of death informs my existence. It's a safe, kind of cheerful way of dealing with that issue."

Other admirers included Bob Dylan (news), whom Zevon cited as one of his principal songwriting influences and who performed on his 1987 album "Sentimental Hygiene." Still another was Bruce Springsteen (news), who co-wrote "Jeannie Needs a Shooter," Zevon's tale of a lover shot to death by a woman's jealous father.

Not that all of his music was dark and violent. His body of work contained some straight-out comedy as well, including "Mr. Bad Example," "The Hula Hula Boys" and "Gorilla You're a Desperado." The latter told the tale of a Los Angeles Zoo ape who escapes by locking a yuppie in his place and going off to live in the man's apartment, only to end up depressed and divorced.

His compositional style reflected a number of genres, from hard-driving rock to folk, as well as classical, polka and other influences. In his final months, he summoned the energy to complete a last album, "The Wind," released in August. It includes the poignant "Keep Me in Your Heart," a cranky "Disorder in the House" and a remake of Dylan's "Knockin' on Heaven's Door."

Zevon, born in Chicago to Russian immigrant parents, moved to Los Angeles in the 1960s, making a living writing jingles for television commercials. He also composed the song "She Quit Me Man" for the movie "Midnight Cowboy." He was just out of his teens when he went to work for the Everly Brothers, first as a pianist and later as their band leader.

In his last months, he told various interviewers he had no regrets, expressing particular gratitude that he had quit drinking in time to watch daughter Ariel and son Jordan grow up.

"I got to be the most (expletive deleted) rock star on the block, at least on my block," he once said. "And then I got to be a sober dad for 18 years. I've had two very full lives."

His family had noted that he lived far longer than was expected at the time of his diagnosis, long enough to enjoy twin grandsons born to Ariel.

___

God Bless

hawkeye · 09-08-2003, 07:48 AM

the world is a more serious place today. <sniff>
thanks, warren, for all that you left us.

OMFUG · 09-08-2003, 08:31 AM

Warren can finally sleep. RIP, man, and thanks for the tunes.

mml · 09-08-2003, 12:09 PM

Oooowwooooo - RIP

90degree · 09-08-2003, 01:07 PM

OOOOWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO.... .. heh.

stldickie · 09-08-2003, 01:23 PM

A true loss of wit. Anyone heard his newest stuff? It will sort of get to you.

Double D · 09-08-2003, 07:34 PM

Along with his new stuff, which for me right now, is a little rough to listen to without tearing up, check out songs like My Shit's Fucked Up, Mutineer, Life'll Kill 'Ya, & Accidently Like A Martyr.

Zevon was a gifted songwriter--some of his fans include Bob Dylan & Springsteen, as well as some of the bands that comprise the Southern Califorina rock sound of th 1970's--Eagles, Jackson Browne, Stevie Nicks (Fleetwood Mac), as well as some of the foremost studio musicians of the last 30 years.

If you haven't really listened to him or think Werewolves & Lawyers, Guns, & Money are all he wrote/performed, dig a little deeper. You'll be glad you did.

Craven Morehead · 09-08-2003, 09:13 PM

David Letterman had a great tribute to him tonight. Played Mutineer from his last appearance on Dave's show back in Oct. 2002. Was also Warren's last live performance.

Good night Warren.

xaneidolon · 09-08-2003, 10:37 PM

Was a tough as hell day when I learned of his passing. Was by far my favorite performer - for a variety of reasons.

Would that I should go out with half the dignity and grace when it's my time.

I'm just sitting here listening to him...should be asleep...just cannot turn off the music yet...damned misty eyes.

Double D · 09-08-2003, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by xaneidolon
Was a tough as hell day when I learned of his passing. Was by far my favorite performer - for a variety of reasons.

Would that I should go out with half the dignity and grace when it's my time.

I'm just sitting here listening to him...should be asleep...just cannot turn off the music yet...damned misty eyes.

I feel for 'ya buddy.
VH-1 replayed the special --kind of a making of Warren's last album installment-- tonight and I got the biggest lump in my throat. I couldn't watch it--not now, not yet.

It's amazing--how he hung on just long enough to complete the album and see it released--and to hold his daughter's brand new twins.
Those were his two last wishes and he got them.

09-08-2003, 07:23 AM	#1 (permalink)
KeyserSoze Psycho Location: Lost Angeles	Warren Zevon R.I.P. By JOHN ROGERS, Associated Press Writer LOS ANGELES - Warren Zevon (news), who wrote and sang the rock hit "Werewolves of London" and was among the wittiest and most original of a broad circle of singer-songwriters to emerge from Los Angeles in the 1970s, has died. He was 56. A lifelong smoker until quitting several years ago, Zevon announced in September 2002 that he had been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer and had only months to live. He spent much of that time visiting with his two grown children and working on a final album. Zevon died in his sleep Sunday at his home, publicist Carise Yatter said. He faced death with the same dark sense of humor found in much of his music, including songs like "I'll Sleep When I'm Dead," "Life'll Kill Ya" and "Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead." Zevon said he "chose a certain path and lived like Jim Morrison (news) and lived 30 more years. You make choices and you have to live with the consequences." He released his first album, "Wanted — Dead or Alive," to little notice in 1969, but gained attention in the '70s by writing a string of popular songs for Linda Ronstadt (news), including "Poor, Poor Pitiful Me," "Carmelita" and "Hasten Down the Wind." His next two albums, 1976's "Warren Zevon" and 1978's "Excitable Boy," followed those songs with darkly humorous tales of prom-date rapists; headless, gun-toting soldiers of fortune; and werewolves who drank pina coladas at singles bars and were particular about their hair. They cemented Zevon's reputation as one of rock music's most politically incorrect lyricists, giving him a lifelong cult following that included gonzo journalist Hunter S. Thompson, former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura and "Late Show" host David Letterman (news - Y! TV), who provided backing vocals on "Hit Somebody," Zevon's 2001 elegy to a professional hockey goon who longs to be a goal-scoring hero. "I always like to have violent lyrics and violent music," Zevon told The Associated Press in 1990. "The knowledge of death and fear of death informs my existence. It's a safe, kind of cheerful way of dealing with that issue." Other admirers included Bob Dylan (news), whom Zevon cited as one of his principal songwriting influences and who performed on his 1987 album "Sentimental Hygiene." Still another was Bruce Springsteen (news), who co-wrote "Jeannie Needs a Shooter," Zevon's tale of a lover shot to death by a woman's jealous father. Not that all of his music was dark and violent. His body of work contained some straight-out comedy as well, including "Mr. Bad Example," "The Hula Hula Boys" and "Gorilla You're a Desperado." The latter told the tale of a Los Angeles Zoo ape who escapes by locking a yuppie in his place and going off to live in the man's apartment, only to end up depressed and divorced. His compositional style reflected a number of genres, from hard-driving rock to folk, as well as classical, polka and other influences. In his final months, he summoned the energy to complete a last album, "The Wind," released in August. It includes the poignant "Keep Me in Your Heart," a cranky "Disorder in the House" and a remake of Dylan's "Knockin' on Heaven's Door." Zevon, born in Chicago to Russian immigrant parents, moved to Los Angeles in the 1960s, making a living writing jingles for television commercials. He also composed the song "She Quit Me Man" for the movie "Midnight Cowboy." He was just out of his teens when he went to work for the Everly Brothers, first as a pianist and later as their band leader. In his last months, he told various interviewers he had no regrets, expressing particular gratitude that he had quit drinking in time to watch daughter Ariel and son Jordan grow up. "I got to be the most (expletive deleted) rock star on the block, at least on my block," he once said. "And then I got to be a sober dad for 18 years. I've had two very full lives." His family had noted that he lived far longer than was expected at the time of his diagnosis, long enough to enjoy twin grandsons born to Ariel. ___ God Bless __________________ THERE IS NO KEYSER SOZE!!

09-08-2003, 07:48 AM	#2 (permalink)
hawkeye back from sabbatical Location: Mosptopia	the world is a more serious place today. <sniff> thanks, warren, for all that you left us. __________________ You're not fat, You're just a giant ball of love, covered in anger.

09-08-2003, 08:31 AM	#3 (permalink)
OMFUG Insane Location: Philly	Warren can finally sleep. RIP, man, and thanks for the tunes. __________________ This space intentionally left blank.

09-08-2003, 12:09 PM	#4 (permalink)
mml Adrift Location: Wandering in the Desert of Life	Oooowwooooo - RIP __________________ Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so." -Douglas Adams

09-08-2003, 07:34 PM	#7 (permalink)
Double D Junkie Location: Chicagoland	Along with his new stuff, which for me right now, is a little rough to listen to without tearing up, check out songs like My Shit's Fucked Up, Mutineer, Life'll Kill 'Ya, & Accidently Like A Martyr. Zevon was a gifted songwriter--some of his fans include Bob Dylan & Springsteen, as well as some of the bands that comprise the Southern Califorina rock sound of th 1970's--Eagles, Jackson Browne, Stevie Nicks (Fleetwood Mac), as well as some of the foremost studio musicians of the last 30 years. If you haven't really listened to him or think Werewolves & Lawyers, Guns, & Money are all he wrote/performed, dig a little deeper. You'll be glad you did. Last edited by Double D; 09-08-2003 at 09:57 PM..

09-08-2003, 01:07 PM	#5 (permalink)
90degree Insane	OOOOWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO.... .. heh.

09-08-2003, 01:23 PM	#6 (permalink)
stldickie Addict	A true loss of wit. Anyone heard his newest stuff? It will sort of get to you.

09-08-2003, 09:13 PM	#8 (permalink)
Craven Morehead Custom User Title	David Letterman had a great tribute to him tonight. Played Mutineer from his last appearance on Dave's show back in Oct. 2002. Was also Warren's last live performance. Good night Warren.

09-08-2003, 10:37 PM	#9 (permalink)
xaneidolon Tilted	Was a tough as hell day when I learned of his passing. Was by far my favorite performer - for a variety of reasons. Would that I should go out with half the dignity and grace when it's my time. I'm just sitting here listening to him...should be asleep...just cannot turn off the music yet...damned misty eyes.