R.I.P. Chicago Rocker Tom “Pickles” Piekarski

It’s never easy to lose a friend.  Chicago’s music community lost a great one last Friday.  If you don’t remember the name Tom “Pickles” Piekarski (he rarely ever went by Tom) you may recall seeing a tall man wearing sunglasses playing bass for a number of bands in Chicago over the past few decades: John Prine, Famous Potatoes, Mike Jordan & The Rockamatics, Betsy & The Boneshakers, The Blue Balls, The Bad Examples, JP & The Cats, Bucky Halker and he also jammed in the studio with Ralph’s World and many other artists who recorded for Waterdog Records.  He suddenly passed away last Friday at his home in McHenry.  According to Ralph Covert, Pickles was found with “his beloved dog curled up at his side” and seemed to go in peace.

Fitting for the late musician there will be a memorial for Pickles this Wednesday, August 14 at Fitzgeralds (a venue where he often played).  The public is welcome following a private service for the family with a special video montage to be shown promptly at 8pm.  Many of the musicians he worked with over the years will perform that night in his memory, and in honor of Pickles‘ knack for making the what many consider to be the worlds best jambalaya that dish will be served.  The Ralph Covert Songwriting Class Showcase originally scheduled for the same night has been moved up to Tuesday, August 13th.

David Hoekstra wrote a wonderful tribute to Pickles here.  If you never knew Pickles you likely will wish you did after reading about such a fine man who left us far too soon.