Andrew Glackin 1963-2008

Drew Glackin, the most original lap steel player we have ever heard, one of the best friends we have ever had, and one of the most special humans this world was lucky enough to be treated to, passed away on January 5th 2008. He was unaware of an overactive thyroid condition that led to severe heart damage. Our thoughts are with his amazing family who has shown tremendous strength and love.

The world just got a little bit more boring without you, Drew. Forty four years was not enough. We are all applauding, banging on the tables, demanding more. You made a difference, and we thank you so much for everything you brought us, who you helped make us to be. We hope to make you proud of the years we have ahead. We know how you'd like it to be. It's not like you were ever vague about what you wanted. Thank you so very very much Mr. Glackin sir. What an amazing time we had.

— Jack Grace

Drew was such a character. We at Jack Grace land had loads of fun teasing him about the microphone ban (digestive woes are not meant to be discussed onstage), making up crap for his Jack Grace bio, smoking cigarettes outside venues, celebrating his birthdays at particularly awesome shows, and generally laughing our asses off. We'll miss all of that. But mostly we'll miss the soaring sounds of his incredible lap steel work that helped to define the Jack Grace sound. The first time I ever saw anyone play a lap steel was the first time I met Drew at the Lakeside Lounge too many years ago to count, and it was a long time before I found out he rocked out on the bass as well. The man could play any instrument he put his mind to, and he did all of it pretty well. The full inventory of his armaments is said (by the man himself) to be ...

Electric Bass, Guitars, Lap Steel, Dobro, Weissenborn, Mandolin, Organ and Piano.

Ridiculous ain't it? For those of us non-musicians, it seems pretty unfair that one guy had to be that good. What's really unfair is that for fans of The Silos, Tandy, Crash Test Dummies, Susan Tedeschi, Graham Parker, Chris Mills, our own Jack Grace Band, The Hold Steady, Down to Earth Approach, Grainne Ryan, A Don Piper Situation, David Roland, Mary McBride, Willard Grant Conspiracy, Tom Freund, John P. Strohm and all the rest is that we don't get to heckle him at live shows, buy him a beer and/or whiskey, shoot the breeze and marvel at his talent, energy and sense of humor. It just ain't the same without you, buddy. You are sorely missed. Check out the Guestbook on his site for more evidence (and pics of Drew with LONG HAIR!).

We love ya Drew.

— Editor