This news hit me hard last weekend.
While so many of the posts I'm seeing about Aspen are from guitarists about his Tube Amp book and other guitar-related adventures, my dealings with Aspen (much like Dave's and others here at KC) were in the realm of recording and keyboards.
What a creative genius, what a kind soul - I truly enjoyed working with Aspen, even when the unwavering stamina of his enthusiasm was outlasting my short attention span. Working in Sweetwater as a buyer, we lamented Groove Tubes ownership change as we watched the studio gear and Spacestations disappear. Perhaps Aspen always planned to relaunch some of those products - but I was glad to at least be a part of Spacestation's re-introduction to the market several years later.
Seeing his obvious multi-faceted impact on the industry and so many different individuals who are telling their own Aspen stories, it's obvious that he led a full life, and one filled with more accomplishments than most people could ever hope for. I'd say rest in peace, but I think he'd be happier staying busy, surrounded by the sound of music or car engines - or both. Gonna miss that guy.
