What a lovely eulogy. Realizing that not giving a fuck doesn’t equate nihilism is a huge lesson. From what so many people have said about Steve this week, he knew this and move importantly, how to live on the side opposite nihilism. I’m so glad you were lucky enough to grow up with him and will now carry some of his spirit with you. We need more people not giving a fuck about the things that don’t deserve our attention.
Hi Spencer, your eulogy about Steve Albini is beautiful, and everything you said about him is well deserved. I knew Steve as a super nice guy, and I hope that Heather is finding a way to deal with this terrible loss. Love, Zaid
Spencer, this made me cry. In all honesty, I've been very moved by Steve Albini's passing. I'm old and in his demographic. As a shitty, loud musician/cook in the 80's, I loved Big Black and was stoked to see them live. I saw Rapeman and there were protesters and the media there and it seemed to make Steve a little bit more squirrely. I somehow related to his version of FU rage. I didn't mind him cutting the set short (still played ZZ Top encore) I guess a lot of "fans" related to his "fuck all" attitude, but he didn't seem to care much about how edgy those fans were. It was distant but the music was totally my jam at the time. But, I wondered about this stance. But then he produced so much great music and his methods and ethos seemed more human and less FU...at least to people who cared.
Much later, through Letters To Santa (stumbled across because I am an insomniac and love improv) and WSOP and being a chef, I found Steve Albini to be one of those people who simply kept developing into a better person. I admired him like Anthony Bourdain, sort of, I guess. I didn't ever know him or anything like that. But you would see that he was doing so much in so many areas to make things better, louder, tastier, craftier, weirder, BETTER...I just admired that. And I want to imagine that I also changed from being that "fan" to at least trying to rectify, improve, help, feed, challenge. No way I will ever get to do it to the extent of SA, but every little bit helps.
And you are one of those helpers, albeit WAY earlier than Steve (and me and many of my contemporaries) Beyond your personal connection (and very sorry for this loss for you and your family) you not only saw Steve Albini's best qualities, but you do so much to embody them yourself. Please keep giving a fuck.
Learning how to embrace the no fuck philosophy is a life mission……one aspires to fulfill that brief and look to people like Steve for his success and inspiration in that goal….
But what I’d like to add is how much I do give a fuck about your eloquence, storytelling and ability to sketch a picture of such a man, to someone who has never met or known them.
I do give a fuck about such writing….others….and mine to be honest…..words writ large can spell out emotions in a way that sometimes has more resonance than those spoken somehow…..
You have a gift…..and I’m so glad you’re sharing it……and I’m certain Steve would give a fuck about such a eulogy written for him💖🌿🙏
I'm so sorry for your loss Blondie, sending all the love for Heather and everyone around.
By your beautiful words I believe Steve lived his life as he wanted, to the fullest, unconcern and 0 fucks given. I'll make sure to toast to his final trip.
This is a lovely remembrance and a reminder of what it is to live a life of purpose. Thank you and my sympathies to all who knew and loved Steve Albini.
I can remember my roomy coming back to our dorm with the first Big Black album…let’s just say that Big Black is Fucking Loud! Our neighbors hated us…a 1.75 of cheap bourbon and Big Black as loud as the speakers could handle….then seeing them the first time at to The Living Room in Providence….we weee like these guys made that record! Holy shit! He’s a genius. I never met anyone who would be so brutally honest right to someone’s face.,..not all things said are good….love the honesty, integrity and brilliance behind the board. Steve will be missed. RIP or probably making an album in the lower purgatory area, but that’s fine.
What a lovely eulogy. Realizing that not giving a fuck doesn’t equate nihilism is a huge lesson. From what so many people have said about Steve this week, he knew this and move importantly, how to live on the side opposite nihilism. I’m so glad you were lucky enough to grow up with him and will now carry some of his spirit with you. We need more people not giving a fuck about the things that don’t deserve our attention.
I’m so sorry for your loss.
Hi Spencer, your eulogy about Steve Albini is beautiful, and everything you said about him is well deserved. I knew Steve as a super nice guy, and I hope that Heather is finding a way to deal with this terrible loss. Love, Zaid
It’s great to hear from you, “Pedrobot”! We miss you and hope you’re doing well.
Spencer, this made me cry. In all honesty, I've been very moved by Steve Albini's passing. I'm old and in his demographic. As a shitty, loud musician/cook in the 80's, I loved Big Black and was stoked to see them live. I saw Rapeman and there were protesters and the media there and it seemed to make Steve a little bit more squirrely. I somehow related to his version of FU rage. I didn't mind him cutting the set short (still played ZZ Top encore) I guess a lot of "fans" related to his "fuck all" attitude, but he didn't seem to care much about how edgy those fans were. It was distant but the music was totally my jam at the time. But, I wondered about this stance. But then he produced so much great music and his methods and ethos seemed more human and less FU...at least to people who cared.
Much later, through Letters To Santa (stumbled across because I am an insomniac and love improv) and WSOP and being a chef, I found Steve Albini to be one of those people who simply kept developing into a better person. I admired him like Anthony Bourdain, sort of, I guess. I didn't ever know him or anything like that. But you would see that he was doing so much in so many areas to make things better, louder, tastier, craftier, weirder, BETTER...I just admired that. And I want to imagine that I also changed from being that "fan" to at least trying to rectify, improve, help, feed, challenge. No way I will ever get to do it to the extent of SA, but every little bit helps.
And you are one of those helpers, albeit WAY earlier than Steve (and me and many of my contemporaries) Beyond your personal connection (and very sorry for this loss for you and your family) you not only saw Steve Albini's best qualities, but you do so much to embody them yourself. Please keep giving a fuck.
Peace
Learning how to embrace the no fuck philosophy is a life mission……one aspires to fulfill that brief and look to people like Steve for his success and inspiration in that goal….
But what I’d like to add is how much I do give a fuck about your eloquence, storytelling and ability to sketch a picture of such a man, to someone who has never met or known them.
I do give a fuck about such writing….others….and mine to be honest…..words writ large can spell out emotions in a way that sometimes has more resonance than those spoken somehow…..
You have a gift…..and I’m so glad you’re sharing it……and I’m certain Steve would give a fuck about such a eulogy written for him💖🌿🙏
Beautiful tribute. This sentence is gold "You can’t outsource your conscience. You have to interrogate yourself about yourself."
So beautiful Spencer. <3
I’ve read many tributes to Steve, but Spencer, yours is on another level. Thank you for sharing.
Wonderful tribute Spencer, he sure seemed like the kind of person this world could use more of. So sorry for your loss ❤️
I'm so sorry for your loss Blondie, sending all the love for Heather and everyone around.
By your beautiful words I believe Steve lived his life as he wanted, to the fullest, unconcern and 0 fucks given. I'll make sure to toast to his final trip.
This is a lovely remembrance and a reminder of what it is to live a life of purpose. Thank you and my sympathies to all who knew and loved Steve Albini.
What a beautiful piece. "You can’t outsource your conscience. You have to interrogate yourself about yourself."
My sympathies to you and your family for the heartache and loss you’ve so warmly and eloquently shared with us. LoveAllAround
I can remember my roomy coming back to our dorm with the first Big Black album…let’s just say that Big Black is Fucking Loud! Our neighbors hated us…a 1.75 of cheap bourbon and Big Black as loud as the speakers could handle….then seeing them the first time at to The Living Room in Providence….we weee like these guys made that record! Holy shit! He’s a genius. I never met anyone who would be so brutally honest right to someone’s face.,..not all things said are good….love the honesty, integrity and brilliance behind the board. Steve will be missed. RIP or probably making an album in the lower purgatory area, but that’s fine.
What a beautiful tribute Spencer. Through your salute to him I really feel like I got to know him. Taken too soon.
Oh Spencer, I am deeply sorry for your
loss. He sounds like a true mensch!! Love to you and your family and his!
I really appreciate your thoughts and sentiments Spencer. The world will never see another person quite like him.