small brush shouldn't fuck with big timber

Death's Door, the view from the Spanish announcers table: and the monkey flipped the switch

Tuesday, September 11

and the monkey flipped the switch



Hi, it's Michelle. I wish I could be guest blogging under different circumstances, but it's not to be.

Greg Beck has passed away. He was found in his home by his family this morning, and we believe that big, generous heart of his finally gave out. Funeral arrangements are being made, and I'll post an update when there are more details.

And as Greg would say, here's a blast from the past...

"As a cat gets older we sometimes begin to think of death and living and how we want to be remembered. And I’ve decided that not only do I want to be cremated... but I want every chick at my funeral rocking the red dress. That’s right, a low-cut red dress with those come fuck me at midnight heels. Well, except for my mother cause I doubt she’ll be having any of that shit. So remember, if brain dead, pull the feeding tube, cremation, and red dresses."

Greg Beck, June 28th, 2005



"and the monkey flipped the switch"

101 Comments:

Blogger SmedRock said...

Have a good trip...

6:03 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

The Internet is suddenly smaller.

6:14 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Godspeed, Big Guy

6:16 PM  
Blogger Mark said...

Rest in peace Greg. You are truly a Kansas City original. You will not be forgotten.

6:18 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Man I wish it wasn't true.
I will miss you sir.
I gonna go buy my wife a red dress

dave/ex

6:29 PM  
Blogger Dan said...

A man who lived his life and brought us along for the ride. I've been reading his work for years, and I'll miss him.

6:43 PM  
Blogger Spyder said...

Thanks Michelle! I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm sure Greg is glad that you have your hubby to lean on at this time. Now, I'm heading out to get a red dress.

6:47 PM  
Blogger Ole Blue The Heretic said...

Damn...I wanted to meet him and listen to his stories in person.

7:12 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I'm going to truly miss our daily one-sided e-conversations here.

tonight I raise a beam and coke to you.

R.I.P.

7:19 PM  
Blogger Mike said...

God, I just can't believe it.

What a loss. He was one of the internet's true originals, a gravelly-voiced, Beam-and-Coke soaked truth tellers who stayed at the top of my bloglist no matter what.

Damn.

Blessings to his family, friends, and all the rest of us who hung so closely onto Greg's every word.

"Dreamland" Third World

There's a land that I have heard about
So far across the sea
To have you all, my dreamland
Would be like heaven to me

We'll get our breakfast from the tree
We'll get our honey from the bees
We'll take a ride on the waterfalls
And all the glories, we'll have them all

And we'll live together on that dreamland
And have so much fun
Oh, what a time that will be
Oh yes, we'll wait, wait, wait and see
We'll count the stars up in the sky...

...And surely we'll never die

7:23 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Greg, I so wanted to be able to meet you someday. Godspeed.

7:56 PM  
Blogger HateTaxes said...

A sad day in the world. One less good guy.

Greg you will be missed, even here in NJ.

7:59 PM  
Blogger Satyavati devi dasi said...

I can't say anything more than I said back at my place, but Michelle.. could you put up an address or something to send to? Please?

And thank you so much for everything.

8:37 PM  
Blogger Avitable said...

I'm so sorry. I loved his stories.

8:41 PM  
Blogger Xavier Onassis said...

This is devastating news. The world became a much smaller, less interesting and duller place today.

9:07 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Greg, like I said on my blog, I wished I could have known you better. You were a helluva guy.

9:11 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is a very sad day indeed. You'll be missed Greg.

Thanks for the great blog...one of the few places on the internet that actually made me think and really made me laugh.

9:12 PM  
Blogger paisley said...

oh my god... i am numb....greg you are the best,,, always have been always will be,,, i loved you in life,, and i will never forget you... never.....

9:20 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Godspeed brother.

9:28 PM  
Blogger ...JustCara said...

I looked forward to reading this blog every day - Greg was everything I wanted to be in a writer and then some. My sincerest condolences to all who loved him.

9:30 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I've been reading your blog since the Season of Risk days. It still hasn't sunk in. You will be greatly missed...
~ v

9:40 PM  
Blogger GB, RN said...

I just can't believe it...

9:44 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

This comment has been removed by the author.

10:12 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Greg honey, I will be there with my red hoochie dress on as requested, I promise.

I want you to know how special it was to have you officiate our wedding. Kyle and I are forever grateful for what you did for us.

I also will never forget all the stories Kyle told me about when you'd visit him in the hospital when he was going through his cancer treatments. And every time you'd mention him in your blog, you'd talk about how happy you were to just have him around. We discussed this weekend just how much he loved you and he knew the feeling was mutual. We only wished we had another chance to let you know how much you mean to us and to give you that bear hug I loved so much.

You were one of a kind, Mr. Beck. This world will not be the same without you. We feel lucky enough to have had you in our lives, even if just for a little bit.

Rest In Peace, Greggy

Love,

Paulina & Kyle

10:15 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

For someone I've never actually meet, I feel like I lost a family member. He was so open and honest. Like I wish I could be.

11:21 PM  
Blogger tumple said...

When I first read his blog a few years ago b/c everyone else linked to him, it didn't take with me immediately. But then he posted some crazy bus stop story that I loved, and I clued in. He had a great writing voice, and I'm glad he shared it with us. Sorry that I never met him.

12:01 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

wearing red in your honor.
don't rock heaven's gate to hard before we get there.

12:01 AM  
Blogger Trelvix said...

Figured out how to live forever in all of us.

I knew you were up to something!

Well played.

12:08 AM  
Blogger Rusty said...

It was an honor to say that Greg was my friend.

I wish all of you that hadn't met him had been able to do so.

He will be terribly missed.

1:13 AM  
Blogger New York City's Watchdog said...

Good journey Greg...

See you @ the next "big one"...

3:40 AM  
Blogger Geeky Tai-Tai said...

Unfortunately, I've not had the pleasure of reading Mr. Beck's blog. I hope that it will continue to be here so that I, too, can enjoy his writing. Please accept my sincerest sympathies for the loss of such a special man.

4:48 AM  
Blogger golfwidow said...

Dude, I wanted a reason to wear that dress again ... but not this one.

5:53 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Michelle,

Thanks for telling us. I'm so sorry that you lost your best friend. I'll miss that big ol' titty lovin' teddy bear.

I gotta go dry my eyes now.

Damn.

6:06 AM  
Blogger Irreverent Antisocial Intellectual said...

Consider a slutty red dress with requisite fuck-me pumps being donned in Calcutta, USA.

I'm gonna miss my favorite muthafucka.

To a better place, my friend.

6:33 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

you were truely one of a kind, my friend.. and I am very glad I got to meet you the handful of times I did.

Consider a beemer and coke in your honor this weekend, and consider my band playing "Something's Wrong" Saturday night in your honor.

Much love, brother.. safe journey to you, and I'll see you on the other side.


Justin Perkins
Black Ribbon Sky

8:16 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Who is going to hug all over me to make Billy jealous!!!!!!
You will be missed. I hope you are enjoying stripper heaven!
I will miss the belly-flop!
XOXO
The Donkey misses you too!

8:33 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well I guess my daily check in yesterday was before word went out.

I found out on the Johnny Dare show, cuzz their Gregg was up drinking Beam to Beck last night. So first thing I got to an internet connection I looked to see if it was the GB from Deaths Door.

All I have to say is he really lived, and I am touched by the fact that he shared so much with us. I'll miss the stripper-bangin, cat-keepin, Beam-drinking dude.

8:37 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Damn. Rest in peace, friend.

8:45 AM  
Blogger Mama en Fuego said...

I don't have a red dress but for you big guy, I'll go get one.

God Speed, Rest in Peace.

9:27 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

To Michelle and Greg's family and friends, please accept my deepest condolences on your loss.

I'll really miss my daily visits with Greg. Rest in peace, brother, and say hi to Rob "Acidman" Smith, for me.

~~Surfie~~

9:37 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

WOW this is such a shocker. I will miss his post he had such a great way putting things into light.
I will miss his blogging.
RIP Greg.

9:48 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I will miss you Greg, and I never even met you :(

9:59 AM  
Blogger Stevie said...

Just damn.
Gonna miss you, big guy.
Give Rob a big ol' bear hug for me, would ya?

Unbelievable...

10:19 AM  
Blogger Donna said...

I just commented that I didn't understand why he didn't have more commenters.

It's sad that his death has brought them out.

I am heartbroken.

10:22 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I was shocked to find out about this yesterday and sorry for all who knew GB as a friend.

From 500 miles away, blogs have kept me in touch with the place I grew up and miss so much; Death's Door was one of the first KC blogs I discovered. I enjoyed checking it frequently because of his insightful (and often hilarious) perspectives.

It's just such a terrible shame. Wish I could raise a glass of Boulevard Pale Ale to you today, Greg.

J in Dallas

11:04 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I will miss his stories. He always made me laugh out loud. God speed Greg the blogger world will surely miss you.

12:09 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Rest In Peace, Greg!

Here thru NYCWD

12:28 PM  
Blogger FTWinsor said...

You touched a lot of people, not only in your life, but with your blog. I never met you but I feel that I know you. Rest in peace, big guy, and thanks for sharing your time with us while you were here.

12:34 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Rest in Peace - I think I'll just wear a red dress tomorrow.

12:40 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Goodbye Greg,

Wanted to tell you we didn't see any ghosts at the Cresent Hotel...I always meant to email you about it.

Condolences & Hugs to all of Greg's friends and family.

12:42 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sadly I never met him, and only just started reading his stuff. But I can say in my mind he was the best local blogger Ive had the pleasure of reading. My heart felt condolences to his loved ones. And Godspeed.

12:58 PM  
Blogger Faith said...

So glad I had the chance to meet him and talk to him about our misunderstanding (among other things, of course) at that meetup we had in July. He just seemed like such a good guy...quiet, introspective, smart as a whip. I can't believe he's gone.

2:00 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Greg- You will missed. Although I didn't know you for that long- you truely touched me. Thanks for all the laughs and conversations this summer. To Michelle and his family- you are all in my prayers.

2:05 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

You are missed.

2:10 PM  
Blogger OMMAG said...

Crap..... Now I'll never have the chance to buy you that Beam&Coke.

Now it's time to go go shed a manly tear.......

2:29 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Greg & Family:

I am truly sorry for your loss. Greg: I hope you are living it up - wherever your soul has taken you. I will drink a beam and coke and I will don a red dress for you, too.

I cannot believe it. Life is too short.

Peace out,
Laura

3:10 PM  
Blogger Reg said...

I just started reading Greg a few months ago and loved his style, humour and bravery. My condolences to all who knew and loved him.

3:48 PM  
Blogger Nightmare said...

I met the legend just once, I bought him his first Beam and Coke of the night. I have this eerie feeling that Greg is currently sitting at the diner with the rest of "Taken too Soon" Bunch, Hendrix, Joplin, Cobain, Presley, and making them laugh and think much like he did with the rest of the world who had the opportunity to meet him here, and in real life.

I hope to catch up to him one day in that bitchen, dark, smoky bar in the sky where the fallen rock stars go to play him his favorites, and he always has the best seat in the house.

4:00 PM  
Blogger Matty said...

I miss you, Greg. You were a guy that I looked up to when I was looking down on most everyone else. You were there for me when I needed a friend and it seemed the whole world had turned its back on me. One smiling face is sometimes all it takes to keep a man from falling off the ride, and you were always that. I miss your stories, and I miss your wit, and I even miss that big-ass arm of yours across the back of my neck, pinning me to my barstool when I've had way too many and I'm itching to play hopscotch on the skull of some douche at the other side of the round bar whose face I just don't like. Last night at the Record Bar a bunch of us who loved you got together to remember you. I didn't have a lot to say, and that didn't seem wrong or unusual to me at all. Some of the best times I had with you, all we did was sit and watch the band, nurse our drinks, and wordlessly appreciate the tit parade, maybe occasionally raising a cup when a really great rack wandered close by. I don't think I will be able to do that anymore. You were one of the best guys I have ever known, and there is a Greg-sized hole in what passes for my heart now that you're gone. It was too soon. I love you, my brother, and I hope I will see you again someday.

4:20 PM  
Blogger KC Sponge said...

It really just sucks - this life thing. I remember thinking the first and last time I saw him - at a blogger meet up - I gotta make sure I talk to him next time. . .

That's the cruel part of life - the next times that never happen. But it is getting to meet people like him - even once - that make the cruel parts worth it.

Hope that time heals those who loved him . . . and memories make you smile.

5:21 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Even though I only met Greg once in person (http://gregbeck.blogspot.com/2004/03/this-isnt-what-i-planned-on-writing.html) I will miss him and his thoughts pretty badly. Sadness.

-Eric

7:29 PM  
Blogger WLIB said...

He was one of a kind, for sure.

8:46 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

never read greg's blogs,, i worked with him in westport at the Lonestar. and to be honest if it were not for greg working side by side with us on some of those shows i might not be here today to type this. i'll miss ya "death".hope you're working the door when i get there, i may have to slide in.. peace brother.
big carl.

9:58 PM  
Blogger BlondeBlogger said...

I never met Greg but found out about him the other day through NYC Watchdog. I thought he was so funny and loved his post about the "ethereal sounds." I am so sad to read this now. My thoughts and prayers go out to all who knew and loved him.

10:37 PM  
Blogger Sara said...

No. :(

12:53 AM  
Blogger Eartha Delights said...

My hottest red dress and most uncomfortable high heels are standing by.

Wish granted, big guy.

10:47 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Heres to the man that would hear your cryin your bitchin and your sorrows, then tell you to shut the hell up you didnt need him anyway, or offer the tender bear hug to console you. There were times I am sure that each of us would not have made it throught the soap that was the "cast and crew of the old Lonestar". I can truely say it was my pleasure to serv your first beam and coke of the night in a time we all refer to as "back in the day", with Johnny and Tracy at the wheel for our musical entertainment, you were sanctuary to all who needed you...even when we thought we didn't. You will be missed. So, we'll leave the first barstool on the left open with a waiting beam and coke. LET THE RED DRESS PARADE BEGIN!!!!!

Your Lonestar Beer Wench,
Lenni

12:36 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

God, we give you Greg "Death" Beck, try not to piss him off.

3:14 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

hope your working the door when i get there brother so i can get in...
carl.

3:49 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

S'um bitch - what a blow. Give us a sign, stir up some hell set this freak'n universe straight. Catch up with you later Greg - you made me laugh when I needed a laugh. From a freind you never knew.

7:17 PM  
Blogger annie said...

Bless you, Greg. You will be missed.

10:18 PM  
Blogger Frank Blunt- said...

Aww, man. I had just found Greg's blog.

I am so very sad to hear this.

Greg was a certified, card-carrying character who will be missed dearly.

I am so very sorry.

Joe 'Guido' Welsh
The 4 Sknns

12:08 AM  
Blogger Steve Berven said...

Shit. Damnit. Crap.

Just...well, damn.

Goodbye, Greg. See ya when I get there.

1:34 AM  
Blogger Danny said...

You'll be out there just watching us and go: jeez, now I see even more morons.
Too bad you can't write it to us any more.
You always put a great smile on my face. So long Big man.

1:12 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

K Sose

2:39 PM  
Blogger constantlyej said...

The bartenders entrance at the Hurricane for many many years had the finest client a rock & roll club could ever ask for. A man who has more stories about being stabbed with beer bottles and sad tales of love gone bad will be extremely missed.

I can firmly say that more than just a little part of my life has been made into a lot better of a person from having known Greg Beck. See you in a bit big man.

-ejd-

4:54 PM  
Blogger Joe said...

Family and friends I send my condolences from California. I enjoyed Greg's writing and poached a few of his pics. My blogging stops will be missing one place, sadly.

6:37 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Prayers and blessing upon your family and friends Greg. You are missed.

Thank you for all of your support and help. I will see you in the hereafter. Love you.

6:53 PM  
Blogger The Conservative UAW Guy said...

Damn shame.
Godspeed, Greg.

7:34 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

"One flew east, one flew west..." Thanks for all of it.

1:54 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Rebecca & Tammie wrote:

I always looked forward to finding you sitting on the same perch at the Hurricane. I was ready for a great back rub and you always came thru..I think my neck and shoulders are still sore all these years later. Wow, don't know what else to say. I am writing this for T. and I since she is in Florida with her family and we missed the Sunday night event at the Record Bar.

What an outstanding man I must say !

8:57 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thank You so much for all the smiles and gut-laughs throughout the years, Greg. if laughter truly extends human life, then you've added a least a decade to mine alone.
we never met in this world, but i hope to share a drink with you in the next . . .
jd franklin

10:01 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Well, damn.

I really didn't want to hear this.

It was as if I was a daily Greg Beck reader, but everytime I visited, I read everything since the last time I'd visisted. So I guess it's about the same.

I always figured one of these days I'd walk into a bar in Westport and meet him in person, buy him a drink, debate the relative benefits of large and small tits, and be one of his friends. Or, at least, the guy someone would say, "Who's that scrawny old white guy talkin' to Greg?"

He packed a lotta livin' into his too-few years. I took my time, expecting stuff that I'd finally get around to. As a result, I missed meeting Greg in person.

I'm gonna live a little more from now on, in his honor.

10:32 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Greg was one the only guy online who would make me actually laugh my head of out loud on an almost daily basis. A previous commenter called him an “internet original” and I concur. He was one of a kind! Be easy Greg, till next time. I hope it all went well today.

9:34 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Sam and I held down the bar stools to Greg's left at the Hurricane many nights. I also had the pleasure of working with him as a doorman at several local clubs. That's where he got his nickname. He was one of the few guys that could make me feel petite. He was a good friend and he will truly be missed.

2:48 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Damn

You were a straight shooter Greg, loved your writing, been a regular for years. Left or right, both sides got the whip.

My web world is a whole lot smaller.

Bye and god speed
MM

6:50 PM  
Blogger Assrot said...

Well I'll be goddamned. What the hell is going on? All the good bloggers are dying and all the shitty ones live forever and keep flinging crap against the wall.

I will surely miss reading Greg's wit and wisdom. I've been busy as hell at work and missed a week reading this blog and the guy goes and dies on me.

God bless his soul. I know he's in a better place now. I'm sure going to miss him. I was just getting used to "Acidman" being gone and now Greg up and croaks too.

My most sincere condolences and prayers go out to his family and friends. Thanks for letting us know Michelle. Drop a flower on his grave for me now and then will you?

Joe

7:12 PM  
Blogger User451 said...

Rest in peace my friend. You will be sadly missed.

2:40 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Chad Parker/The Raven Said:

When a man cries he must learn to whisper. Guess you already know all the stories I was going to tell you about my new life in colorado springs. This just fucken sucks.


Why are the innocent punished? Why the sacrifice? Why the pain? There aren't any promises. Nothing's certain.
Only some get called. Some get saved. He won't ever know the hardship and grief for those of us
left behind......"cries"....It takes alot to make a man like me cry.....Rest in peace....Evermore

P.S. You the man big guy! You The Man!!..Gregzilla...guess I will just have to wait till I get to heaven to buy you that drink in the mean time show all the lady angels in heaven that big think you call a camel toe.

The thing I will miss the most about you is. You always knew how to treat a woman right. You were always a gentalmen and you will always be a giant teddy bear in my book. I learned alot from you big guy. You always made me laugh the hardest and you alway brought a smile to my face...."tears"..I love you big guy and you will be dearly missed.....Evermore

3:03 PM  
Blogger Ole Blue The Heretic said...

I hope his family keeps his site up.

Perhaps we can just start posting his old post from the start.

8:39 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

should have shot the fucking monkey so he couldnt have flipped this switch!

2:44 AM  
Blogger KittySplit said...

Goodbye Greg...I hope to meet you one day.

Tina

12:37 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

WOW this is such a shocker. I will miss his post he had such a great way putting things into light.

11:43 PM  
Blogger OMMAG said...

It's been a month now and I can't bring myself to take down the link to Greg's musings from my blogroll.

This site would make a wonderful memorial to the man.... hope someone keeps it alive!qrnmt

7:24 PM  
Blogger Christine Hammond said...

I think it would be awesome if Greg's blog were published as a book. Something tangible, permanent, that we could hold in our hands. I know it can be done through LuLu.com in small numbers. I'd be willing to help make that happen in whatever way I could (time, money, etc.).

If Greg's family or Michelle would like to explore it as an option, you can contact me at narsissy(at)yahoo(dot)com.

BTW - This isn't spam, if you search Greg's posts you'll find me there.

~narsissy

10:56 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Godspeed, Big Guy

12:27 AM  
Blogger Well Hell Michelle said...

I don’t know how I got so lucky, but I’m happy that you let me be part of your world. I love you, and I know from where you are now, you have a kick ass view of all the cleavage and big racks that your heart desires.

3:23 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

5:48 PM  
Blogger Clint said...

A thousand comforts for Greg's family and loved ones. He was truly a treasure. His blog was the very best way I connected back to KC after I moved. He lived more in his too-short years than 10,000 others did put together.

Ji Jiang Bosal, Greg. I have a sneaking hunch you were a Buddha this time so it'll be a while before I see you.

12:38 AM  
Blogger Well Hell Michelle said...

Greg, I love you and I miss you tons. I still have a picture at work of you on the last night of the Hurricane. You were having such a good time that night, and that's just the way I want to remember you.

9:16 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I worked with Greg, traveled with Greg, partied with Greg, talked with Greg.

His words on this site were the very ones he'd use when he spoke to you.

Not only was he a wonderful person, he was genuine. He was who he was, whether he was talking to the homeless guy outside the bar, or the head of a government agency.

The world is less colourful without you, man. I'll drink some Wild Turkey and call your name.

I hope God laughed when you told him what you think. And I know he agreed...

2:37 PM  

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