Goodbye Doug. (Patreon)

I am profoundly heartbroken over the loss of my dear friend Doug Doyle. Doug was not only a brilliant recording engineer who was instrumental in helping to create what I believe to be some of my best work but he was, more importantly, a loyal friend and fellow believer who impacted my life in profound and lasting ways. The number of life's ups and downs we shared, both artistically and personally, are such that it would be impossible for me to detail them all here.
Many years ago Doug had moved on with his life, making the decision to move out of state. It was only relatively recently (before learning he had cancer) that I had contacted him specifically about working together again. Doug was as thrilled with the prospect as I was. Then came the diagnosis, and with it came the urgency of making this dream a reality as soon as it was humanly possible. As is often the case, God had other plans and it was not to be, at least on the scale we had originally envisioned. For me there would be no reuniting again with Doug and Rob Watson, that golden trio of close friends and musicians who, back in the day, had never failed to collectively bring out the very best in each of us. I am deeply grateful however that Doug was able to play a pivotal role in the creation of the new Horrendous Disc reissue by contributing his formidable mixing skills in its creation. His passion, enthusiasm, dedication, and relentless work ethic through this process never wavered, and the constant pursuit of excellence he'd maintained throughout his professional life, along with his bravery even in the face of his pain, suffering, and the knowledge that he might be near the end, will remain a testimony to me of inexpressible profoundness.
I am swamped with memories. We had laughed and cried together, and together we had trusted in the One who would one day gather us in his arms and wipe away every tear from our eyes. Doug just happened to get there first. I truly believe we will make music again together, but until then I will sorely miss my friend. Goodbye Doug, and when you see our old pal Dave Perry, please give him a big hug for me.