Flemtone Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 The Flemtones lost their drummer, Mr. Orlando Staton, to COVID-19 on Friday. I had been playing with him since 1974 in various incarnations of the same high-school band, lastly in our current line-up. He was a great drummer, a wonderful friend and the kindest, gentlest soul I have ever and possibly will ever meet. Our last show together (and the last one for the Flemtones, obviously) was on February 28th, our 34th Anniversary playing a monthly gig at a pub in northern NJ. Three weeks after that, he was gone. No idea why I'm posting this here, except that fellow bassists will know the special relationship between themselves and drummers. That glance, the wink, the nod, the smile that says 'let's show 'em how it's done'...I'll no longer share that with this brother-in-arms. Anyway, salute - Mr. Orlando Staton. Gentle soul, loving husband to Donna, heart and soul of the Flemtones and good friend, gone much too soon. [video:youtube] Quote Play. Just play. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KuruPrionz Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 Rest In Peace, Orlando. I am sorry to hear about your loss. Family is more than genetic lineage. I am so grateful for my own "family" up here, yesterday I contacted many and today there will be many more to touch bases with. Be well, be safe!!! Cheers, Kuru Quote It took a chunk of my life to get here and I am still not sure where "here" is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EddiePlaysBass Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 Wow, suddenly it hits home, in a way. I didn't know Orlando, and I don't really know you, Flem, but do know I am baffled and sad to read this. My condolences to all concerned. Quote "I'm a work in progress." Micky Barnes The Ross Brown Shirt World Tour Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Schmieder Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 That is very sad; my condolences. We will all eventually know someone who was taken away from us by this disease, sooner or later. Sorry it happened so soon for you, and so close to home. One never fully gets over the loss of a musical collaborator; I have sequentially lost my three primary ones over the past decade. And I'm nervous about one older bandleader, hoping he doesn't get sick. Some of my bandmates in various bands, have the common cold but are watching for other symptoms. I don't know anyone who isn't on edge about someone they care about. Quote Eugenio Upright, 60th Anniversary P-Bass, USA Geddy Lee J-Bass, Yamaha BBP35, D'angelico SS Bari, EXL1, Select Strat, 70th Anniversary Esquire, LP 57, Eastman T486, T64, Ibanez PM2, Hammond XK4, Moog Voyager Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave Bryce Posted March 23, 2020 Share Posted March 23, 2020 I am sorry to hear about your loss. Family is more than genetic lineage. No question. Deep condolences to you and your bandmates, brother Flemtone. dB Quote ==> David Bryce Music • Funky Young Monks <== Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nursers Posted March 23, 2020 Share Posted March 23, 2020 Huge condolences - the video you posted shows the quality of the bond you guys have, loved watching it. Quote The Keyboard Chronicles Podcast Check out your fellow forumites in an Apple Music playlist Check out your fellow forumites in a Spotify playlist My Music: Stainless Fields Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveC Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 We will all eventually know someone who was taken away from us by this disease, sooner or later. Truth. It's an amazing time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
butcherNburn Posted March 25, 2020 Share Posted March 25, 2020 Many Condolences. You were family by choice, but no less brothers. It's never easy and probably should never be. I may be a callous soul but under that callus there is still flesh and blood. Take care. Quote If you think my playing is bad, you should hear me sing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcadmus Posted March 25, 2020 Share Posted March 25, 2020 Very sorry to hear this, Flem. My deepest condolences for the loss of your friend and band mate. I get what you're saying about the relationship between drummers and bass players. I've been playing with one guy for 19 years -- we know each other's moves so well he can't take a dump without me knowing it. You play with someone for literally decades, it becomes a relationship. Tight band, btw. Quote "Tours widely in the southwestern tip of Kentucky" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flemtone Posted March 26, 2020 Author Share Posted March 26, 2020 Thanks, gents. It's getting easier to deal with. I haven't picked up and played yet, though - we'll see how that goes. Sure will be quiet. Quote Play. Just play. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcadmus Posted March 26, 2020 Share Posted March 26, 2020 Well, take the time you need to for grieving. It's a big punch in the stomach, to say the least. Particularly when it's someone you're close to and a contemporary. I lost my college roommate to cancer two years ago and it's still tough to think about. But for the long run -- and I know this is a bit cliche, but I think it's true -- think about what Orlando would want you to do. Based on your characterization of him, my guess is he'd say, "Play on, dudes." Quote "Tours widely in the southwestern tip of Kentucky" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul K Posted March 27, 2020 Share Posted March 27, 2020 Wow. So very sad to hear your news. Rough times on a local and world level. Words fail me. Quote Things are just the way they are, and they're only going to get worse. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rumpelstiltskin. Posted March 29, 2020 Share Posted March 29, 2020 i'm sorry for your loss, and i'm sharing in your grief. that is awful. Quote because i like people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Capasso Posted March 29, 2020 Share Posted March 29, 2020 Tim - sorry for your loss. I've had the honor to play with some great musicians where we had "that bond". And it is special for bassists and drummers. I recently played with Jack - the Stonefly drummer for 20 years (before we all disbanded). It was so easy - I missed that connection, so I might have an idea how you feel. I'll pray for his family and his musician community. My condolences.... Quote www.stoneflyrocks.com Acoustic Color Be practical as well as generous in your ideals. Keep your eyes on the stars and keep your feet on the ground. - Theodore Roosevelt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flemtone Posted March 31, 2020 Author Share Posted March 31, 2020 Thank you, all. I've shared this with the band and the family and you have our gratitude. Stay safe out there. Quote Play. Just play. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wraub Posted April 4, 2020 Share Posted April 4, 2020 My sincere condolences for your loss. It has to be extremely painful. Please, take care. Be well. Everybody. Quote I'm a lot more like I am now than I was when I got here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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