RIP LeRoi

Jessie just called me from Boston with the bad news that LeRoi Moore, saxophonist for the Dave Matthews Band, died from complications due to injuries he sustained in an ATV accident in June.

After checking the band's site, I confirmed what she'd heard. Here it is:

LEROI MOORE 1961-2008
08/19/2008
We are deeply saddened that LeRoi Moore, saxophonist and founding member of Dave Matthews Band, died unexpectedly Tuesday afternoon, August 19, 2008, at Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center in Los Angeles from sudden complications stemming from his June ATV accident on his farm near Charlottesville, Virginia. LeRoi had recently returned to his Los Angeles home to begin an intensive physical rehabilitation program.

Several things came rushing to my head as I struggled to process this news, especially in the wake of such an evil day. First snippets from the many times I've seen LeRoi in concert got me thinking about how I missed his presence when I saw the band in July.

Next I wondered if they'd play their final shows of the tour. Jess is flying to LA tomorrow to visit some friends and see one of their last performances this summer.

Finally, I let the possibility creep into my mind that this could be the end of DMB.

I didn't verbalize it at first, but once I knew Jess was on the same page, I almost cried at the thought of it.

That sounds silly, I know, but to understand the relationship I have with this band is to know me from the time I was 13 or 14 years old.

My point is, RIP Roi. You're already missed.