PARTY FOR BOOTSEY X TONIGHT

Bootsey X and the Lovemasters - Coldcock "I Wanna Be Rich" by Wizard of Livonia ...live at Mr. Christian's. Bob Mulrooney known as Bootsey X played drums with several notable bands including Coldcock, The Ramrods, Tse Tse Flies before his rise to glory as front man. Though this was a similar path to Phil Collins, Bootsey X was always much much cooler. We miss him but remember fondly.

HONORING GARY GRIMSHAW: WIZARD OF LIVONIA NEW VIDEO

Best known for his rock poster art Gary Grimshaw's significant and lasting contributions to the arts were celebrated along with the release of "Detroit Rocks" a book he co-authored with photographer Leni Sinclair. Friends and fans gathered to enjoy an exhibit showcasing the wealth of his creativity at the Scarab Club in Detroit Mi.

Best known for his rock poster art Gary Grimshaw's significant and lasting contributions to the arts were celebrated along with the release of "Detroit Rocks" a book he co-authored with photographer Leni Sinclair. Friends and fans gathered to enjoy an exhibit showcasing the wealth of his creativity at the Scarab Club in Detroit Mi. 

Gary's original and colorful psychedelic posters are considered quintessential examples of 60s era artwork. As a Vietnam veteran he was an anti-war activist. He worked in the underground press at the Ann Arbor Sun and other publications. He was also involved in the Rainbow Peoples party, Trans Love Energies and the White Panther Party. Sadly Gary passed away a few days after the reception. Our best goes out to Laura, his family and friends.

GRIMSHAW GARY age 67, died peacefully January 13, 2014. Beloved husband of Laura. Dear father of Alan Morgan (Lisa Racutt) Grimshaw. Loving brother of Edna Ann (John) Semler and Dr. Celia (Izzy) Ortiz. Cousin of Naomi (Randy) Bussinger. Son-in-law of the late Mary Ann and the late John Eccles. Brother-in-law of Martin (Tanis) Eccles and Susan Roberts. Visitation at the Museum of Contemporary Art, 4454 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, Saturday 6-8p.m. Musical Tribute 8-9p.m. Funeral at MOCAD Sunday 11:11a.m. followed by New Orleans Style Brass Band Parade to VA Hospital lawn for Military Honors (all local artists and veterans encouraged to join and express). Reception to follow at the Scarab Club. Memorials appreciated to Scarab Club, MOCAD, or Detroit Meals on Wheels. Obituary and condolences at lynchfuneraldirectors.com - See more at: http://deathnotices.michigan.com/view-single.php?id=334410&Submit=View+Notice+%2F+Guest+Book#sthash.Im4xRXzO.qVHGtKPx.dpuf

MC5 PHOTOS PART 2

DETROIT DRUMMER RICKY LAWSON PASSED AWAY TODAY

 Detroit Drummer Ricky Lawson

Sadly..Ricky Lawson passed away today Dec. 18th 2013 from a stroke ...

The Yellow Jackets

Today the music community lost a great soul in the form of Ricky Lawson. A native Detroiter, Ricky Lawson was an extraordinary drummer, always on the cutting edge, Ricky's performances were always mesmerizing. His list of who he has performed with reads, like a who's who of greatest music artists. I met Ricky while he was playing with Whitney Houston.

I had heard of him through the normal channels, all of us Detroit musicians are sorta privy to when one of us leave Detroit to wander the world. He was a founding member of The Yellowjackets, I was blessed to play with him on one of The Winans' tours.

He has toured with Michael Jackson, Genesis,Steely Dan and countless others. I'm surely going to miss this young man as a dear friend and brother, and the world will miss the rhythm of his presence.

Farewell my friend, David Winans II

David Winans II is the eldest son of the famed Gospel group the Winans family. David is a well respected guitarist, composer, producer and was a close friend of Ricky Lawson.

IN MEMORIUM: BOOTSEY X (ROBERT MULROONEY)

Robert "Bootsey X" Mulrooney

It is with great sadness that I post the news that Bootsey X passed away at around 7 pm November 28th at Detroit Receiving Hospital. I loved how much joy he found in performing...and I am honored to pay tribute to Bob tonight...

Stanley T. Madhatter introduced me to Bob at a fundraiser in 2009 at the Painted Lady in Hamtramck. Bob was very ill then and his many friends gathered to raise money for his medical care. Madhatter adored Bob and spoke of him all the time. Madhatter and I sat at my computer and played all of Bob's videos the next day.  My very favorite video is Secret Agent Man...

Bob was so damn cute...had such a girlie crush on him. We became buddies on Facebook in 2010 and real life too. While chatting one night, I invited him to go with me to an appearance at the Guitar Center Drum Off. He was just the best to photograph! He and I had a blast shooting that night.

Bootsey at The Drum Off

What a fun night with Bootsey and Gerald Shohan his best friend, his guitarist and his protector. The love and friendhip these two men shared was so inspiring. My heart goes out to Gerald tonight. This tribute is to Gerald as well, and his magnificent giving soul.

 

Bootsey and Gerald performing (photo: MetroTimes)

Bill Holdship

"Would like to believe that Lili is pouring my friend Bootsey X a few shots at that great rock bar up in the sky tonight. Safe passage, my friend. We'll see you again further on up the road..."
 

Bill Holdship "You have to go with me to this crazy 'History of Rock' class I'm taking at community college, Bill. The teacher is an idiot. And she's crazy. I don't know how she got to teach anything! She talked about Altamont and then said, 'After that, someone was killed at almost every Rolling Stones concert for years!' I raised my hand and told her that isn't true...and crazy bitch got mad at me! So now I'm afraid i'm going to flunk 'History of Rock' at community college!" --Bootsey X
 

 Joe Michnuk and Bootsey X

Joe Michnuk "I visited Bootsey X over the last several years we would go out for pizza when he was still able to walk. He loved Loui's Pizza in Hazel Park. It was always cheese pizza no toppings that was his favorite. After he lost the ability to walk, I'd visit him with vanilla ice cream since everyone else brought the pizza.
 

 
We'd eat as much of a half gallon as two guys could & tell stories about chicks 'n music. We made each other laugh so hard that the nurses would come in to see what was going on. They all called me "The Ice Cream Man" @ both HFH & St Joe's Nursing Home. I'll miss his sense of humor & tremendous creative genius the most."
 

Last year we had a small holiday party in Ann Arbor. Gerald and Bootsey came out and they performed my favorite...SECRET AGENT MAN.  Kyle Davis and his band backed up Bob and Gerald on RAMROD BABY too which the young guns really loved...

My friends Danny Creadon, Steve, and Art Godoy headlined that party and were just in love with Bob. As more information comes in I will update this tribute..Not sure about any details as of yet.

Willy Wilson R.I.P. Bootsey X (Robert Mulrooney) - Too many great memories to share from shows, parties, record stores and the launching pad. Bob was a true rock n' roll legend. I picture him in the great Fortune Records building in the sky talking musical smack with Jim Shaw and Tony Fusco. 
 

Kelly, Valorie, and Bootsey X Chris Scott Dellas "He was a cat I always looked up to and admired. He seemed to drum for every band I saw when I was a teenager and later I rarely missed a Bootsey X show. He was always cool and smiling with me and always treated me with kindness. This many people are mourning not just Bob's passing, but not being able to see him make people happy again from the stage. Thanks man for being nice to a once-dopey kid."

Valorie Synwolt Bob was a jewel. He was genuine genius. There is an angel rockin in the name of Detroit out there- he was a true friend- my heart is shattered, because I got back home too late to sing with him one more time.I will miss my Boot Karen Neal Looks like Bootsey X is re-united with Julie Hecker. Prayers for Robert Mulrooney's loved ones and family and of course, remembering Josie Salash and the Hecker family too! Rest in peace!!!

Jerry Vile In addition to fronting or drumming for virtually every band in Detroit Bob was a very good writer. He was on staff of White Noise And had his own page in issue 4.

Jerry Vile and Bootsey X I will miss you Bob. You are the spirit of rock and roll and everything else worthy of vinyl. Hopefully one day we will build a memorial to you. Rock In Peace..

Mortichia Pippenshmooze I will really look forward to seeing Robert Mulrooney on the other side, where as somebody said, he will be surrounded by music and babes. Boots was always so sweet. He was the only man who ever asked me to be a "Sugarbaby of Soul" but I can't sing. I could only shake my ass and dance along. So much fun. Sad sad goodbye for now.

Andi Sparks Divetta ...and another light goes out.Robert Mulrooney was a strange and wonderful creature. just the way i like them. love to all of our hearts who knew him. there are so many. I love my friends and what they do. Bootsey X Joe McGuire Bob sold me my first record when I was 12 years old at Desirable Discs II in Dearborn (and he sold me many more after that).

Later I worked with him at Peoples Records when I was in college. He was always really nice to me, friendly and very funny. He was one of those rare unique individuals and it's really sad to hear that he passed.

To all who knew him and supported him in his life and in his art I send my heartfelt condolences. Joe Kidd ... i first met bob at a bar on michigan ave in inkster. he was drumming in a band called STREETS. i was in my first band called THE SILVER CHORDS. we were friends right from the start. we loved each others music. it was around 1976. we were all doing a lot of cover songs then. bob used to come to see us just to hear us do 'under my thumb' 'you better move on' and the big blue oyster cult hit 'dont fear the reaper'. i remember at the end of one summer night somehow we had in our possession a bow & arrows. we were firing them into the sky trying to shoot out the streetlamps on schoolcraft road. . - peace to you - j.k. //oo\\

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