Mars Williams - R I P

[Chuck Nessa]

After a courageous battle with cancer, our friend Mars Williams has passed. Ann and I had breakfast with him in September when he went back on the road with the Furs.

 

Edited November 21, 2023 by Chuck Nessa

[clifford_thornton]

Really, really sad to hear this. He was a hell of a musician and a kind man. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

[JSngry]

Sorry to hear this. RIP. 

[david weiss]

Aw. So sad. I met him when I was first starting at a workshop at the Creative Music Studio. 

He was soon entrenched in the downtown scene when that meant rock-n-roll gigs. 

For him, it was a band called The Waitresses if I remember correctly. 

Lost touch with him when I went to music school some 30 years ago but would see his name from time to time. 

I just remember him being a really nice guy and talented of course....

[jlhoots]

R.I.P.

Loved his Ayler Xmas CDs among others.

[clifford_thornton]

  On 11/21/2023 at 2:15 AM, david weiss said:

 

He was soon entrenched in the downtown scene when that meant rock-n-roll gigs. 

For him, it was a band called The Waitresses if I remember correctly. 

 

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yup, and then The Psychedelic Furs. IIRC he replaced Gary Windo in the Furs...

[Chuck Nessa]

My friend

[Steve Reynolds]

gut punch

was just listening to him play yesterday on some amazing recording of a great Chicago ensemble

First saw him with the legendary Brotzmann Tentet in 2000 at Tonic

will never forget KV, Mars, Mats & Peter. Now THAT was a reed section !!

deep condolences to you, Chuck

 

RIP, Sir 

[mjazzg]

That's sad news.

Always enjoyed his playing. Only ever saw him with the reformed Psychedelic Furs, by accident. 

[Rabshakeh]

Terrible news 

[rostasi]

Mars Williams Has Left the Stage

[Steve Reynolds]

I also saw the Ayler X-Mas project 12/4/17 at The Stone. Right in front about 5 feet from Mars. Incredible set. Will never forget it.
 

SO joyful and beautiful. With Tomeka Reid, Nels Cline, Chris Corsano etc.

[Jason Bivins]

Terrible news. RIP.

[clifford_thornton]

  On 11/21/2023 at 3:38 PM, rostasi said:

Mars Williams Has Left the Stage

Expand  

Excellent piece. That Hal Russell Story with Michael Shannon, wow.

[mjzee]

Apparently, Mr. Williams played on one of the most iconic songs of the holiday season: The Waitresses "Christmas Wrapping."  A huge thank you and RIP.

[rostasi]

 

[Chuck Nessa]

Lengthy interview by Howard Mandel HERE!

[clifford_thornton]

Wonderful. Looking forward to reading this; I wish I'd had the chance to interview Mars, but I'm glad Howard got in there.

[mjazzg]

Extraordinary Popular Delusions, what a band

[Steve Reynolds]

One of most amazing things I’ve read in a long time.

Chuck - you are very blessed to have had a friend like Mars:)

I’m sure you miss him madly 

Edited November 28, 2023 by Steve Reynolds

[Chuck Nessa]

Just ran across this in my files - Roscoe and Mars circa 2013.

[Chuck Nessa]

Just saw  THIS

[clifford_thornton]

Great tribute.