01/13/2011 - R.I.P. Vern
R.I.P Vern, you will be highly missed, but always in our hearts.
Vern made a huge impact in my life about 16 years ago. I was playing in a band called Ichabod, and we would frequently play at the old Billy and Earls, and Irish Rose. Vern would always make his way over to see us. We used to talk for hours about bands and music. Vern always had great taste in music and would even support new, young bands that would come into the Rockford music scene.
Last time I saw Vern was during this past fall's Groove Walk. I ran into him at Bar 3 where one of our favorite bands was playing - Too Deep. Jam packed, wall to wall, I found him all the way in the back sitting by himself. I was supposed to be making my rounds, as one of the sponsors of Groove Walk, but realized I needed the world to stop for awhile to spend time with Vern, knowing about his condition.
Same conversation as usual, not missing a step in date, bands, and venues he had been to over many years. I spent a half hour with him, wish it had been more. He will be highly missed! My heart, On the Waterfront, Harlan, Too Deep, Stone Free, and many other shows will not be the same and will always have a void - a spot that is Vern's.
I say to everyone he touched, the next time you are at a show, that you know Vern would have been at, get up front, right where Vern would have been, and just dance. Dance for one minute for Vern.
Love and miss you Vern.
-Wade Chamberlain
Vern made a huge impact in my life about 16 years ago. I was playing in a band called Ichabod, and we would frequently play at the old Billy and Earls, and Irish Rose. Vern would always make his way over to see us. We used to talk for hours about bands and music. Vern always had great taste in music and would even support new, young bands that would come into the Rockford music scene.
Last time I saw Vern was during this past fall's Groove Walk. I ran into him at Bar 3 where one of our favorite bands was playing - Too Deep. Jam packed, wall to wall, I found him all the way in the back sitting by himself. I was supposed to be making my rounds, as one of the sponsors of Groove Walk, but realized I needed the world to stop for awhile to spend time with Vern, knowing about his condition.
Same conversation as usual, not missing a step in date, bands, and venues he had been to over many years. I spent a half hour with him, wish it had been more. He will be highly missed! My heart, On the Waterfront, Harlan, Too Deep, Stone Free, and many other shows will not be the same and will always have a void - a spot that is Vern's.
I say to everyone he touched, the next time you are at a show, that you know Vern would have been at, get up front, right where Vern would have been, and just dance. Dance for one minute for Vern.
Love and miss you Vern.
-Wade Chamberlain
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