I just woke to this sad news from friend Sara Sherr...

I'm shocked to even type this. Just found out through Paul Dellevigne that Rick D co-owner of Tritone passed away from a heart attack just a few hours ago. (late Saturday night, April 7)

I've known Rick D for over a decade, first as a music journo, back when he booked The Firenze, JC Dobbs, and Upstairs at Nick's. He was an early supporter and adopter of all kinds of punk bands, most famously booking Green Day at Dobbs pre-Dookie. He also ran a label called Black Hole and was in a band called The Newbyles. He probably has a history pre-bar scene, but someone older and wiser than me should fill in the gaps.

As a promoter, he's been a big supporter of all of my endeavors: Plain Parade, Sugar Town, etc. He had a big punk rock heart, a great sense of humor, and a love of all genres of music. He wore a leather vest like no one else. Some of my fave Rick D sayings: "They call it Drag City cause it's a draaaaaaaaaaag." "If you wanna make money get a day job." "That band can't even draw a picture in this town."

This is a loss for me and an even bigger loss for the Philadelphia music scene. Truly the end of an era. A plate of pierogies and a special will never be the same. I'm sorry if this sounds cheesy. I really don't know what else to say.

As someone who has lived off South Street for a quarter century, Rick was not only a good friend, but a beacon on this strip. Wherever he was, you knew he was doing his part to keep hope alive ... by that I mean hope that quality underground music would have a place in Philadelphia. I haven't wrapped my head around this news - I am sure I will post more about Rick later this week on my blog.

God Speed, Rick.

You can hang up that vest with pride - you did a great job.

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REFLECTIONS OF A ROCK LOBSTER

sad news
when i read this i didnt think i knew who rick was....reading the name the firenze brought back some memories and i googled "newbyles" to find a picture and realize that i used to see this guy at every punk rock show i went to (back as a much yougner nipsey russell, that is!) and new he arranged the shows at the firenze. talking to him once in a while, it was obvious that he truly cared about the philly music scene. I wish i made it to tritone more than once...

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SITUATION: MOISTURIZED
thor must be failing -

From http://www.myspace.com/tritone

Arrangements

The Memorial for our beloved Rick D will be held this Thursday morning from 10am to 11am at The John R Freed Funeral Home located at 124 N. Easton Road in Glenside, PA. Please repost this so that the word gets out to as many people as possible

Where is/was The Firenze?

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-ct

Democracy is four wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch.
~ Ambrose Bierce

In Chinatown, on 11th. Crazy (in a good way) place to see shows.

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"The good news is the dogs of Pennsylvania have health care; I can't say the same for the people of Pennsylvania"-- Edward G.

Thank you for posting this, Rick was a good guy. He will be missed.