car crash in Australia:
http://mobile.reuters.com/article/article/idUSTRE72C3AF20110313?irpc=932What a pioneer on so many levels. Besides the iconic acid-king stature, he was responsible for much of what spun out of the Grateful Dead world, equipment-wise. I'm certainly in his debt, and will always treasure the kind words he gave me re: Bobby's first guitar we made. He insisted on picking up the phone in the GD office to tell me about how it sounded at Madison Square Garden, how clear it was. One couldn't get a much better compliment than that. Alembic guitars wouldn't exist without him, and much of what modern sound systems and taping of live shows have become are descended from his work. His live recording of Old and In The Way is historic for its simplicity and presence.
A strange character indeed, but one who made concrete contributions.
also:
http://www.jambands.com/news/2011/03/13/owsley-bear-stanley-dies-in-car-accident