It's not easy to say goodbye to a friend. It's even harder when your friend passes like a whisper in the wind; suddenly and helplessly gone. I can't speak for the band, but I wanted to share some thoughts about a guy that had a big impact on me, musically.

I saw Matt the last time on Thursday the 12th of October. He was doing what he loved most, playing guitar with his friends. And the greatest friends indeed. Matt left the BUICKS about 3 years ago to pursue his love or more rock-edged blues. Frankly, after 20+ years playing in the band he formed, I'm amazed he never left sooner - says a lot about his dedication and his ability to work through adversity. But he did decide to move on without an idea of where that road would lead him. Amazingly, it lead him back down history's path to his original band-mates and people I know he's considered the best of friends during his life. That band - which in essence "is" the original Buicks line-up - is called, Blues on Fire. I saw one of their earlier shows and though they were still working things out, you could hear that pocket developing and see that bond. Matt really seemed happy and I was happy for him. This last Thursday, I saw a veteran group that had truly, "worked it out". They were tight, their song choice was great and Matt was ripping it up, like he always had. He was having fun.

We talked for a bit and though he bitched about his carpal tunnel syndrome (which was a constant problem for him even back when I joined the band), he was in a great mood and happy to be onstage. All in all it was classic Matt: He was chugging a Yuengling, telling me how he'd just seen Indigenous tear it up and work was good and he felt good about where the band was and seemed genuinely interested in what I thought about their sound. We hugged and he told me it was good to see me. I stood on stage next to him for but a minute or two but as I looked over, there he was, having a great time and doing what he loved. Man, I had no idea that would be the last time I'd see him...none of us did.

But that was the last I saw Matt and I bet you anyone who knew him would be able to tell you a similar story. He was one of the good guys. He didn't talk shit about other musicians, he always showed up on time, he never really bitched about some of the less glamorous sides of music and most of all, he gave it his all on stage every show.

There was another side of Matt that few of us saw and that was the guy off stage. We didn't hang out much outside of music but I could see his effect on others. His relationship with his son, Brian, clearly didn't have the trappings of a typical father/son relationship. These two were so close I suspect many mistook them as brothers (and because Brian is the spitting image of Matt). But the bond they have (yes, have still) is amazing and something that said volumes about my friend Matt Gusz, the father, the husband, the brother, the dedicated provider and one hell of a guitar player.

I'll always have a special bond with Matt (though I don't think I ever told him that). He was the one that so many years ago said to me, "you belong in this band" and he quietly kept on me over those years to make the effort. I did and it's been a great ride since. Thanks buddy...we'll catch up when I see you again.

Guy

People have been asking about the cause of death. The funeral arrangements were made so quickly and under such duress that the cause was never stated. Matt had a chronic blood disorder called ITP (idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura) that caused his platelet count to be low. About 25 years ago, he had his spleen removed, because it is in the spleen that the platelets were being destroyed. Then, he was fine for many years. Last week, he got an infection (perhaps from one or more dog bites or some other cause- a cut finger? The flu? We are not sure of the exact origin). The infection quickly became septic. A septic blood infection in a person without a spleen is 100% fatal. So he did not have a chance, even though a team of doctors worked to save him.