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John Oates: Blog

OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM DARYL HALL AND JOHN OATES ABOUT THE PASSING OF TOM “T-BONE” WOLK

Posted on March 1, 2010 with 5 comments
Daryl Hall:
To say that I am shocked is the ultimate understatement. T-Bone was my musical brother and losing him is like losing my right hand. It’s not if I will go on, but how. T-Bone was one of the most sensitive and good human beings that I have ever known. And, I can truly say that I loved him.

John Oates:
His character was pure and his unique and quirky personality touched everyone he encountered. His musical sensibility was peerless, any instrument that he touched resonated with a sensitivity and skill level that I have never experienced while playing with any other musician. He possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of styles and musical history which he referenced to support all the artists that he played with over the years. He became our band's musical director over time leading by example and by the deference and respect that everyone who played alongside him so rightfully accorded him. He made everyone he played with better. So many times when I'm working on a musical passage or part, I think to myself: "How would T-Bone play this" and aspire to his level every time I perform. To this day I always keep one of his "I Love Vermont" guitar picks with me where ever I go and know in my heart that starting today the Heavenly Band just got one of the greatest multi-instrumentalist of all time and that band will from this day forward sound better than they ever have before.

M. Lockwood

April 7, 2010

I'll be seeing John & Daryl next month here in NJ. It will be strange not seeing T-Bone up there. Perhaps, he will, in spirit.

Dennis & Maria Gerhart

March 24, 2010

Our sincere condolences for the loss of your friend. He was a great musician.

Terese

March 19, 2010

My heart sunk when I learned of T-Bone's passing. He made America and the world one great musical place, and we will never have another like him. My heart is with all of the band with hopes that great memories of his unique spirit will replace the grief and loss you feel now. Thanks for all of the wonderful video you captured for all of us fans on your websites where we too have enjoyed him (and all of you) right in our own living rooms. We feel like family too.

Stacy Franks

March 17, 2010

T-bone was a hell of a player, and will be sorely missed. I, like you, mourn his passing.

Jeff

March 16, 2010

Everyone knows Hall and Oates as a duo, but if you attend their concerts, you realize a band of excellent musicians is making the music we know so well. T-Bone was so important to that sound. Thanks T-Bone for creating so much for others to enjoy.

 

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