December 6, 2020
JOURNAL 201206 – I just need to start writing again. It’s that simple.
The “before times” were a blessing. We know that now. We were young and so full of hope and wonder. But, the pandemic and all the sadness that can come with aging, have reminded us of just how lovely life can be.
I think of my students. Those who were robbed of their last semester of college in the Spring. They didn’t get to experience and enjoy their last show, their last concert, their senior recital, or senior recognition on their last home game ever. No graduation to celebrate an amazing accomplishment with their families. My current crop of seniors will lose the whole year and all its glory. Will they still fall in love with their college sweetheart? No doubt. But, they will also know how special love is during these hard times.
My own battles have been plastered all over television, billboards, and magazines. I am the poster boy for stroke recovery in Central New York. I won that fight. Although I must admit, this is not the notoriety I was looking for when I first took to the stage in 1962.
My stroke was in May of 2018. I have no lasting deficiencies. I can play and I can sing. Not that I have done so since February. Our industry is all but dead.
I recovered from the stroke, but I will never recover from the loss of my bandmate, Doug Montcrieff. He was more than just a friend. He was a mentor to my children, a remarkable songwriting partner, a great family man and co-worker, and one of the finest singers and musicians the world has ever known. The pain has not left me. It won’t. For any of us.
The Todd Hobin Band is no more.
The music and the memories remain. I am thankful for that. I am also thankful for the friendships we garnered over the last half-century. It is for that reason that I must continue to write. To stay in touch. To let you know that as much as I am hurting, I know that you are hurting too. Those of us still here need to celebrate the memories of those who no longer walk among us. Even in these darkest of times... a candle still burns.