@AFistfulOfVinyl

I'd like to talk about who Erik was to me.

I met Erik Petersen summer 2015 when we recorded this A Fistful Of Vinyl session with Mischief Brew. We'd been in contact for a long time before that, and exchanged admiration for one another's projects. His deserved far more than mine hah.

It's common, when someone passes, that people tend to embellish their excellence. With Erik, no embellishment is necessary. When we were a young radio show, run by two college sophomores who didn't know what the hell we were doing, Erik was one of the first to give us positive feedback and attention. He helped us feel like what we were doing - archiving music we found meaningful, and bringing forth the human element of the artist - was a worthy endeavor that we should believe in.

We met in person, and we were fast friends. He had an incredible ability to make you feel both so important and so equal at the same time. We recorded this session after a show they played with Ramshackle Glory, Days N Daze, and Moon Bandits at Los Globos. We walked around chatting until we found a spot we liked, opened up a flask, and just hung out and passed it back and forth for a while. We laughed all through the session. Jesse from Days N Daze and some friends came to hang out, and a small crowd gathered. It felt like we were all just hanging out. He kept up such a positive and informal energy that everyone involved felt super relaxed and open to having fun. There was more b-roll that maybe I'll release at some point. Damn charming fellow, is my point, I suppose.

Well afterwards, Erik still kept in touch - often he'd be more proactive about it than I was. He'd take the time to send us vinyl, just because he knew I loved vinyl. Last week, we did a tribute to his record label, Fistolo Records, on-air on KXLU. He thanked me for doing so, and said he was glad I enjoyed the vinyl he sent. These were the last words we exchanged.

There was a tweet that went out by the Upper Darby police department earlier this week, saying Erik was missing. He was a risk because of some emotional issues.

Today, his wife let his friends and fans know that Erik was no longer with us. Several people came to me, asking about the cause of death. I don't know. These moments in which we experience such unfiltered interactions with mortality, I charge myself to do what seems right. To me, that's supporting his loved ones, and remembering the times we shared. I'll also ask that, out of respect for Erik and those close to him, that we don't ask or speculate about the cause of death at this time. Listen to and share his music, and let other people know what sort of person he was.

I miss him deeply, and I can already tell that I'm going to think about him every day. Part of me is still waiting to find out that this is a misunderstanding, or a joke of some kind. I'm waiting for the "Just kidding, guys! I'm totally fine! Let's rock!" I'd be pissed at Erik for all of 10 seconds before I'd be overcome with gratitude that he's okay.

Tonight, I'm raising a glass of Kentucky bourbon to Erik. Now, I hope to just share a piece of who my friend was with all of you.

For Erik Petersen, may he live on through us.

‪#‎mbbadideabears‬

My sincere best,

Alec / A Fistful of Vinyl

@thedarknight000

This has probably been said a million times but the way you say “that would really make me happy” and erik responds without any thought “that would make me happy” is such a testament to his character and that is something that I think is incredibly powerful. Thank you Erik you will live on forever brother

@user-ik8pd5xm5q

Erik continues to be the most influential artist I've ever encountered, and his work has shaped my mind, my heart, and my very life. His songs keep me going in so many ways, and they'll live on forever in me. I wish I could thank him.

@andrewgreene3065

I revisit this all the time. You’ll live on forever. Just wish you were here to know that.

@thatpickingguy

I'll miss you Erik.      [Capo: 3rd fret] D, G, Bm, A, G, A, G, A

@timgazsy666

This man and this song changed my life in so many ways, and god damn do I miss the days of old… RIP Erick

@gonzomax9662

Bye Eric. I said my goodbyes a good few years ago but as you passed, my newborn babe was in my arms. She's nearly 4 now, but just wanted to say, she loves your music, and she gets it. She will grow up a greater human being for hearing your voice and for the lessons you teach her now, and the lessons you taught me in my 20's. I wish I believed in an afterlife enough that writing this all made sense, but it doesn't, won't and never will. Yet we all leave these messages to you and to those that mattered to you. I say this: you mattered, you made a difference, you still do, and to we few merry men and women: that will never be forgottten. <3

@DJkingofkings

It's so sad to think. You don't know how much someone is hurting, thinking about the worst kinds of thoughts. It really brings into perspective how you should be kinder to people. Try and help each other. Erik's music inspires me to be a better person to my fellow man. His legend will live on.

@TheDruidCowboy

I only had the chance to meet him twice, back in 2011, on our 2 day stent through Penn. on a northern US tour. I had never heard him prior, but I still haven't stopped listening.. thanks for the sounds man

@jamesusher5308

Its not fair when thanks to the genius of spotify you discover a new artist, binge on all the music then look for any dates of a tour to Australia (rare) and discover they have passed.. This sucks, im loving all of mischief brews music and there will be no more. How is it that im grieving for someone ive only just discovered and they have passed long ago.

@KSS_Comics

The world just isn't the same without this soul.

@danajoe1563

I remember coming home from classes and seeing his passing. One of the few times I got emotional over an artist death. Rest in peace brother.

@axutgautam1187

RIP ERIK, YOU'RE BLOWING MY MIND WITH YOUR ALL OF YOUR CREATIONS, I'M EXPLORING IT ALL AS A HONOUR TO YOUR LIFE.

@NoblePineapples

That "That'd make me really happy man" at 0:08 puts such a big smile on my face.

@ellieblack8028

“Why should we tolerate a diet of weak poisons, a home in insipid surroundings, a circle of acquaintances who are not quite our enemies, the noise of motors with just enough relief to prevent insanity? Who would want to live in a world which is just not quite fatal?” - That Rachel Carson quote reminds me of this song...

@noahjohn7579

You were too good for this world, Erik. I have been listening to a lot of your music as of late. Your lyrics remain forever relevant

@thomaskey9688

If more people listened to and understood Eriks music the world would be a better place :(

@Castandconverse

this song came up on my spotify playlist today in the machine shop. A older man we call cowboy. Nobody knows his name and you can tell his life has been wild. I work with heard it starting and just sat down for the whole song. He normally listens to country western or classic rock and keeps to himself. After it ended he just gets up and says "damn I miss my dad." amazing how this song has the ability to grab anybodys attention and brings up all sorts of memories.

@Nuvizzle

I revisit these recordings pretty regularly, and whenever I do I'm blown away by the passage of time. Hard to imagine it's been almost a decade at this point. Nobody's even come close to filling the void Erik left in all that time - especially since Pat retired around the same time Erik left us. The world keeps turning no matter what we do.

@sickboy-yl8sc

Eriks laugh in the beginning is a real tear jerker. Years after Eriks gone and i still find myself getting ready to go hang out in a West Philly basement while mischief brews on stage. Miss them times.