Me and Harry were lucky enough to see Jay with the new band on Nov. 23, 2009. Lucky because my car wasn't broke, we found the place, we had money, and most of all because we were the first people there and we were (still are) 19, and it was a 21+ show. After realizing they let us in, we kinda convinced them to let us stay. We got right in the front of the crowd, right in front of Jay too. It was insanely fun. We both we're itching for him to come back to Pittsburgh right away. I kinda wish I'd taken some pictures, but then again, it's kind of special for that experience to just live in our memories. Anyway, no matter how Jay died, it's really shocking, and super depressing. And now, with everything happening in Haiti, I fell a bit selfish and guilty for being so bummed about one person, but music means a lot to me, and Jay was really one of the only people I think I'd actually care about if what happened happened. I can't help but think about all the great music he would have made in the future, and it really really sucks that that future is cut short. I'll definitely miss his insane twitter/facebook updates, the demos he'd post on his blog, the crazy band feuds, of course the music, and just.. everything. Jay put out a string of consistently incredible, unique, and emotional albums, and singles (personally I still have his huge back catalog to dive into). And at a time when music is so unoriginal and soulless, it takes a very hard blow in losing him. To warp this up, this sucks, I feel bad for his parents and family, and all the fans. Jay will be missed.
"The tragedy here is two-fold: Not only did we lose Jimmy Lee Lindsey and Jay Reatard, but we'll also never know his full potential as an artist, songwriter, and performer. Not nearly enough people will realize the void he left." - Mike Burr
"The flying V never looked more at home than in his hands" - Sky Larkin
"Jay was what few people have the capacity to be. He created an undeniably classic album that contained so much pain transferred to tape in such an explosive way that it made you feel different after hearing it. He was transgressive and honest. His flaws were something he focused on and overdubbed and distorted until they made you forget who he really was-- a person with feelings and a good heart. He loved music and worked hard from a young age to pursue it. He was a self-made and unmade man. I am truly sickened to see him go." - Bradford Cox of Deerhunter
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