R.I.P.: Rick D.
As many of you may have already heard, the city’s music and arts communities lost a very dear friend in one Rick D. this weekend. Rick passed away of an apparent heart attack on Saturday evening. Many will recognize Rick from behind the bar at Tritone, the bar he opened in 2001. Rick’s history in this city’s scene, however, goes back much farther. Rick D. was a punk rock booker in this city at a time when there couldn’t have been more than, say, three, tops, which, back in the 80s and early 90s, would have been a feat unto itself. But over the years, Rick revealed himself to be kinder than his exterior ever led on ‚Äî in the trademark black leather vest and slicked-back hair, he always looked like a dude you’d want on your side if anything ever went funky ‚Äî and to be sure, he feared no band and refused few shows. Rick’s booking aesthetic, from the Firenze to Upstairs At Nick’s to Tritone, was punk to its core, and more democratic in practice than most other punks ever were, even in theory. It seemed to be Rick’s belief that everyone had a right to perform, especially out there on the fringes, and when he finally got his own place, Tritone, he made his mark by producing a venue unique to the entire city. It’s our hope, of course, that Tritone carries out Rick’s legacy, both as tribute to his memory and, here’s where Rick would have been proud, because it’s absolutely necessary. It’s a part of us now. Friends of Rick’s, which includes many of our own friends, as well as Rick’s family, please accept our fondest wishes and memories at this time. And to Rick, you gotta know this, buddy: You will be missed.
[Photo credit: City Paper, August 2001]
April 9th, 2007 at 10:48 am
I remember meeting Rick back in 83 or 84 when his first band, The Social Parasites where opening for D.O.A. at Love Hall. The night was slow, and all the money went to the touring band from Vancouver. Joey from D.O.A. heard that the opener wasn’t getting paid, and pealed a little cash from their small amount so Rick and his band wouldn’t go home empty handed. It’s obvious Rick never forgot this small kindness, because he repaid it hundreds of times over. I remember many a slow night at Nick’s, where Rick would make sure we all went home with a little money, some kind words, and an extra shot of Jager. Putting together an interesting and varied night of entertainment was more important than the bottom line. Regardless of the style of music on stage(and there weren’t many that Rick didn’t book at one time or another), Rick embodied the age old axiom: Punk is an attitude.
Nobody knew it better than Rick D.
April 9th, 2007 at 11:30 am
yeah, never knew that barkeep’s name till this unfortunate obit. He threw me out of Tritone once. (was a misunderstanding re: a drink order) Went back the next day with a gift (Bob Dylan’s autobiograhpy – Chronicles) to make amends/no hard feelings. He was off that day so kept the book for myself. Every time after that he’d still serve me drinks though with an arched eyebrow.
April 9th, 2007 at 3:57 pm
I have known Rick on and off for years and his death makes me very sad. He was a supporter of music–punk, blues, avant-garde, jazz and even poetry. He had a good sense of humor and was great with faces.
He will be sorely missed.
April 9th, 2007 at 6:08 pm
The year was 1984. I was in 10th grade when Dave Angel (drummer for COS) and Rick D invited me to their table to sit down for lunch. In a few weeks they had me tucking my new biker boots into my pants and armed me with compilation tapes of the greats of the day. The pranks we played at Abington High School would make another boring day at school bearable. Rick and I would spend many times together. I roadied for Stalin’s Daughter (pre- Newbyles) while he helped being the Lizard Man during the Love Gutter shows. The shows in Bethlehem, PA were some of my favorites!Throughout the years I played all the venues including the Tritone (with Live Not On Evil). I remember talking to him a number of times on the phone and in person and how distraught he was when his father passed. It really affected him but he kept pushing forward helping shulbs like me get our music and words that meant so much to us out to Philadelphia throughout the years. He was witty, he had enough guts to fill any horror movie and I pray for his family’s distress at this difficult time. Love ya Rick -Thank you for all the good times – John P Begley
April 11th, 2007 at 3:56 am
We are planning the first of a bunch of Sundays dedicated to Rick. The first one is this Sunday, at Tritone, and from what I understand, will feature some BALLS-OUT, COCK ROCKING Rock and/or Fucking roll. No cover.
Help us celebrate Rick’s life. To us, he was our boss second to just simply being our friend.
Kelly – staff
April 13th, 2007 at 3:03 am
Scotty Parker here,
[long time friend of rick and was a sound man for upstairs at nick's and on occation tritone]
gonna try to put together some type of memorial CD, not exactly sure what type of form it will take but if anyone is interested in helping me out or any bands that have been close to rick over the years wish to be a part of please contact me at scottparker@comcast.net
thanks,
Scotty