Loss of a great musician and friend

[Diff_Drummer]

Hi to all my friends on AM. I am sorry to report that Sam Gauthier, my lifelong friend and electric violinist/lead singer from my old prog/fusion band "North" was found dead in his home in Minneapolis on Monday 3/5. Cause of death is unknown at this time. Sam and I had known each other and played together since 1970. He was a dear friend and a great musician.

We both went to Berklee College of Music along with our other longtime friend and keyboardist Tim Siefkes, known as Kingston Crim on AM. After graduation in 1978 the three of us formed "North" to play the best of prog and fusion (ELP, Genesis, Yes, Rush, Gentle Giant, U.K., Jean Luc Ponty) along with our original material of the same style. We were on the road for many years together. We were fortunate to have a 25 year reunion in 2005 when we got together to play a set for my wifes 50th birthday concert.

Dale will be closing the next Corner of the Mooniverse show starting on Friday 3/9 with North's recording of Jean Luc Ponty's New Country and a dedication to Sam. I hope you can tune in. I will miss my friend very much.

[Laudio9]

Sorry to hear about Sam, sad news.....its never easy loosing a friend...

[Yesspaz]

DD, that's tough, man. I hope all is well and the family is okay. Send me some North and I'll put it on the DRH as a tribute too.

[Diff_Drummer]

DD, that's tough, man. I hope all is well and the family is okay. Send me some North and I'll put it on the DRH as a tribute too.

Thanks Spaz - you have the links now

[marquer]

Sincere condolences, DD.

[Thor]

It is sad when anyone leaves our world... it was fate that brought your paths together in the time that it did. the result was one of man's greatest expressions, music. RIP Sam. Sorry to hear this news DD.

[VAXman]

Sorry for your loss of your musician friend, DD. It seems there have been too many musicians who have passed in these recent weeks.

[mariocc]

Sad to ear that Diff...my best wishes for you,,true friendship is one of the best gifts that life gives to us. Regards amigo

[dinosaur]

A moment of silent prayer from me to your friend, and to you, Diff.

[KeithieW]

Very sorry to hear of your loss DD. My thoughts are with you and everyone affected by this sad event.

[NorCalKurt]

Sorry to for the loss of your friend. Thoughts and condolences to all.

[OverHillandDale]

My condolences as well.

I will be doing a tribute to Sam at the end of the show. I hope you can swing by and listen to his talents.

I should warn you. Someone told me there's a different drummer on these tracks.

See you in the Corner.

Dale

[Diff_Drummer]

Thanks to all my friends on AM for their thoughts and wishes.

Diff Drummer

[podakayne]

sincerest condolences to you and sam's family and friends, seems it is a season for losing family and friends of late...may your hearts be lifted and not weary in remembrances of those who have moved on.

it will bring me joy to hear the music he made.

[Diff_Drummer]

I wanted to post an update about this. We received the medical examiners report and evidently Sam died from asphyxiation from nitrous oxide abuse. He had an unfortunate history of substance abuse and this was his latest "high" of choice.

If any of my Moon Friends are using nitrous oxide recreationally, I ask you to please stop. Sam's death was accidental but totally preventable. He was a great musician that had a lot more to say musically. Tragically he will never have the chance now.

[dnsrees]

"When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure." Author Unknown

Please accept my heartfelt sympathy DD.

Dennis