The Metal Files

On January 20th one of my older brothers died in his sleep.  He was 47.  It was unexpected and quite a shock to the family.

Robert was 6 years older than me and really is the person responsible for my love of heavy music.  In the mid 70s I can remember him bringing home KISS’ Dressed to Kill and that is what started it off for me.  From there it was Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Alice Cooper, RUSH, Uriah Heep, Wishbone Ash and a slew of other bands in those years.  It wasn’t all hard stuff though.  He got me into the Rolling Stones, early Neil Young and Elton John as well.  The Stones are my 2nd favorite band of all time behind Iron Maiden. 
As we got older and he had moved out, I was able to get him into bands like King Diamond, Metal Church and some others.

Music was always our bond and even in these last few weeks, there are certain songs that I’ll hear that just remind me of him.  I’m glad that I have that lifelong connection to him and his spirit. 

I’ll always miss and love you, Robert.  Even more than I have in recent years of not being able to see you.

I can’t thank you enough for helping me be who and what I am today.