RIP Alistair The Optimist
Alistair passed away yesterday :(
"What's A Dying Man Got To Sing About? I (Alistair) was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease 18 months ago. Me and a group of friends decided to write and record a collection of songs under the banner "Alistair The Optimist", and in the summer of 2011 recorded an album in 3 days.
The album captures a moment in time when my weakening muscles still allowed me to play drums, something I am no longer able to do, and as such, the band will never play live.
Be an incurable optimist and do something optimistic today."
(, Thu 10 Jan 2013, 19:10, Reply)
Sorry to hear that mate.
(
Dawn Of The Bread $$$$ E-THUG 4 LIFE - THAT'S HOW I SCROLL $$$$, Thu 10 Jan 2013, 19:18,
Reply)
This made a hard-hearted git cry
Really lovely song. RIP.
(
mookay immune to icons since, Thu 10 Jan 2013, 19:28,
Reply)
Edit:
But a great message left to us still here.
(
The Scrunt Wants a Dozen Pints, Thu 10 Jan 2013, 21:14,
Reply)
Sorry to hear the news.
What an inspirational man. x
(
Herb Alpert's Taxi Driver I have very beautiful lips, Thu 10 Jan 2013, 19:57,
Reply)
The strength involved just staggers me
Beautiful
(
TownsendsPublisher is all gravy baby, Thu 10 Jan 2013, 20:49,
Reply)
GC (kidding, of course).
Really sad. I've heard that song a few times on here and its lyrics and tune have always struck me as being rather wonderful. Sad times, but nice to have this to remember him by. Where's the rest of the album?
EDIT: if this doesn't get on the newsletter, there'll be a mutiny, I fear.
(
Fray Brentos *mega-belms*, Thu 10 Jan 2013, 21:51,
Reply)
thanks everyone
it's on the popular links page which is great - Alistair's family wish to continue raising awareness of Motor Neurone Disease.
The album is still available, and it's fucking great (I wish BBC Radio 2 would play one of Al's songs btw) - links to download, and more about this incurable optimist here : alistairtheoptimist.org/
(, Thu 10 Jan 2013, 21:54, Reply)
Genuinely moved by that. What a wonderful gift to leave for others.
So sad to hear the news.
(
NooShmoo It's a fantazmagorical pile of ultra bollocks, Thu 10 Jan 2013, 22:17,
Reply)
I feel a fraud
Me pissing and moaning about my work and the "terrible injustices" I must "endure".
But really, its all about nothing.
Never knew Alistair, but I will try to be more optimistic this week. See if it makes a difference
(
Fire & Forget it's the only way to be sure, Thu 10 Jan 2013, 22:57,
Reply)
:(
Amazing tribute though, nice job, I am sure that he would have appreciated it, lucky guy to have friends like you. All the best dude. Really sorry for your loss.
(
skeltonator Needs some new daps., Thu 10 Jan 2013, 23:55,
Reply)
*delurking after four years*
This is genuinely one of the most beautiful songs i've ever heard- i've played it about four times! I'm so sorry for him and his family; i really hope this gets spread more widely.
(, Fri 11 Jan 2013, 2:18, Reply)
Sadly never signed. We made music together for years though and had a fucking great laugh doing it.
(, Fri 11 Jan 2013, 12:12, Reply)
Sorry to hear that.
Gah, I only seem to unlurk these days to post in sad threads.
Album sounds great.
(g'wan... go buy it)
(
Zak McFlimby Twibbling @McFlimby, Fri 11 Jan 2013, 12:17,
Reply)
RIP
My condolences to the family.
Motor Neurone Disease is very nasty - there's just no cure nor much in the way of symptomatic relief either.
The disease can be worse than cancer - at least with cancer there's a chance of remission - but research into it doesn't attract much funding; neither do the charities that help people with this disease.
If any of you have a spare couple of quid to give to a good cause, please consider donating to the Motor Neurone Disease Association. They provide a lot of support to people with this illness and to their families:
www.mndassociation.org/
www.justgiving.com/mndassoc/
(
wheelybird mreee!, Fri 11 Jan 2013, 14:33,
Reply)
I
For one feel very humbled in my friday night boozing. Will actually bookmark this to use for future times. Especially during depressive cycles. Am, considering that one so plagued with problems achieved something of such merit, whilst I pish away my life reading Irvine Welsh's latest.
Feel invigorated, this having this put my life into perspective.
(, Fri 11 Jan 2013, 17:48, Reply)
I will delurk too
to say this is a wonderful and very moving song, especially knowing the circumstances.
(, Sat 12 Jan 2013, 21:03, Reply)