I saw Silver Jews in Chicago around 06 or 07. The show was amazing. I then snuck into the bar in the basement of the venue (The Double Door i think - or maybe the Empty Bottle) after the show. I first saw David standing in front of a big, industrial fan (summer in Chicago) and lifting the back of his corduroy jacket up revealing that his shirt was as much sweat as fabric. He went into the adjacent Green Room briefly, then went to the bar and got a cub soda. I summoned the courage to sit next to him. I was pretty drunk, and knew that he was in a sober period. I felt immediately terrible. David introduced himself and shook my hand. I told him I loved Actual Air. He said, "so you're the one". Laffs. We chatted for about 10 or maybe 15 minutes. I was so star struck - I sadly don't remember much of what either of us said. Probably little of any consequence. I said that I wanted his autograph, but neither of us had anything for him to sign other than money and a small photo of my long deceased father that I have kept in my wallet for my entire adult life. David signed the back of the wallet-sized black and white photo and dated it. I still have it. I will always have it. The signature is faded. The photo is too. I look at it often when I am feeling the encroaching Dark. Thanks David. I met my Hero, and it was actually awesome. We'll miss you.
I wrote Dave a fan letter as a teen, probably like 1994, he sent me back a package with the Dime Map of The Reef 7", Silver Jews and New Radiant Storm King split 7" & the Hotel Massachusetts comp along with a note. Still have them to this day. Did get a chance to tell him the story later in the 2000's. He remembered! RIP Dave.
Thank you. So he did published his graphic book but not his autobiographical one. So we still have something to hold on too. The poetry book is a stunning piece of art. I wondered why he didn't published more books? what happened in the last ten years of his life? why did he lost his wife? lost his fate? But i thank god for the Purple mountains and for his eternal words. Yes, please publish more interviews.
He didn't publish more books because he was a perfectionist and would often change lyrics dozens of times up until the very last moment of recording, books were the same deal. He spent the last ten years of his life reading and blogging from a suburban home in Nashville, living as a virtual hermit. David and his wife separated because Cassie wanted to go out and do things and meet people while David wanted to sit at home and read continental philosophy and blog. David stopped practicing judaism because he stopped seeing the presence of god in his life. At least this is how I understand it. His work will remain forever and we'll never forget him.
I saw Silver Jews in Chicago around 06 or 07. The show was amazing. I then snuck into the bar in the basement of the venue (The Double Door i think - or maybe the Empty Bottle) after the show. I first saw David standing in front of a big, industrial fan (summer in Chicago) and lifting the back of his corduroy jacket up revealing that his shirt was as much sweat as fabric. He went into the adjacent Green Room briefly, then went to the bar and got a cub soda. I summoned the courage to sit next to him. I was pretty drunk, and knew that he was in a sober period. I felt immediately terrible. David introduced himself and shook my hand. I told him I loved Actual Air. He said, "so you're the one". Laffs. We chatted for about 10 or maybe 15 minutes. I was so star struck - I sadly don't remember much of what either of us said. Probably little of any consequence. I said that I wanted his autograph, but neither of us had anything for him to sign other than money and a small photo of my long deceased father that I have kept in my wallet for my entire adult life. David signed the back of the wallet-sized black and white photo and dated it. I still have it. I will always have it. The signature is faded. The photo is too. I look at it often when I am feeling the encroaching Dark. Thanks David. I met my Hero, and it was actually awesome. We'll miss you.
Great share. Thank you! RIP DCB
I wrote Dave a fan letter as a teen, probably like 1994, he sent me back a package with the Dime Map of The Reef 7", Silver Jews and New Radiant Storm King split 7" & the Hotel Massachusetts comp along with a note. Still have them to this day. Did get a chance to tell him the story later in the 2000's. He remembered! RIP Dave.
6 months have gone by and I still cry whenever I hear any Silver Jews/Purple Mountains song or listen to any David Berman interview.
I’ll never stop missing this man. His music and poetry felt like a close friend.
I just discovered him - and I'm crushed that he's already gone
top notch recollections...ty!
Thank you. So he did published his graphic book but not his autobiographical one. So we still have something to hold on too. The poetry book is a stunning piece of art. I wondered why he didn't published more books? what happened in the last ten years of his life? why did he lost his wife? lost his fate? But i thank god for the Purple mountains and for his eternal words. Yes, please publish more interviews.
He didn't publish more books because he was a perfectionist and would often change lyrics dozens of times up until the very last moment of recording, books were the same deal. He spent the last ten years of his life reading and blogging from a suburban home in Nashville, living as a virtual hermit. David and his wife separated because Cassie wanted to go out and do things and meet people while David wanted to sit at home and read continental philosophy and blog. David stopped practicing judaism because he stopped seeing the presence of god in his life.
At least this is how I understand it. His work will remain forever and we'll never forget him.
Thank you, I know that I'll be enjoying this.
Thanks! Share the other interviews?
Been thinking about it! Thanks for listening.
Greg W. Locke please?!
Greg W. Locke yes, please do. Thank you
"sometimes very beautiful things do happen, and all you have to do is be around for them"
K Billy’s super sounds of the 70’s
Ha!
❤️