From Still They Ride – A Tribute to Journey: Friends, it is with a very heavy heart that we, Still They Ride – Tribute to Journey announce the sudden passing of our keyboard player Chris Fischer. No bigger fan of Journey, he was a true Journey nerd, that’s what got him into the band and that’s why we got along. Incredible keyboard chops and knowledge of his instruments. A one of a kind. He will be truly missed by everyone who has played with him through the years.
As far as the future of the band – at an appropriate time, Phil, Rich and myself will discuss our future. For now, all local and national gigs have been cancelled.
If you’re the praying kind, please offers prayers for the repose of his soul and his family who are devastated as we all are. Thanks in advance. ~ Pat Casey (guitar)
https://www.facebook.com/StillTheyRide
Photo: Chris Fischer | From Still They Ride’s Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1409484344652245&set=pcb.1409490347984978
Dave Streml: Last night the word got out that Chris Fischer has passed away. I spent the rest of the night hoping and praying it wasn’t true. I texted him hoping to get one back.
We first met when Project Foreigner did some shows with Still They Ride. He showed up with enough gear to make Jonathan Cain jealous. That big red piano husk. When we both were booked to play The Full Throttle Saloon in Sturgis, they started loading in while we were on stage. The room was packed due to it raining for 3 days, leading me to calling it the 1st annual Sturgis truck rally. As Chris came in, he had that dang red piano in tow. Which lead to me to introduce him and his big red organ. We laughed.
A few years ago I get a call from him at 11pm, he’s all excited and tells me that Foreigner just booked an acoustic show at Left Hand Brewery and he was to provide the PA. He said, “you’re doing this with me, you have to”. That day I got to meet his son and get the PA up and running. One of the speakers had a slight issue that he hoped the Foreigner sound guy wouldn’t notice, but of course he did. We had to go into fix it mode and driving around Longmont I suggested maybe Leslie Kaczeus would let us borrow one of her speakers . Drove over and we were back in business. Two musicians brainstorming can be a nerve wracking thing, but it’s what we do when gear inevitably has issues. It was a great day and an experience I’ll always reflect fondly upon.
My last conversation with him was a few months ago. It was a meaningful one, and I am thankful for that. The last words spoken with someone tend to roll around in your head, we talked about getting together and just jamming on songs for fun. Truly sad I’ll never have that honor.
My heart goes out to his two kids, who have to navigate some tough emotions now, to his family, his musical family and his many many friends.
Fly high my friend, I’ll see you when this ride is over. God bless. ~ Dave
https://www.facebook.com/dave.stremel
Chris Mercer: If you wanted to be in a group with someone who had all the toys, all the gear, had all the connections, you needed Chris Fischer. This is from our show at Pelican Bay. We rode in right up to the stage in Chris’s Boat. Such a blast. Peaceful Crossing Chris. Comfort to all who loved you.
I won’t forget you. See you on the other side brother. ~ Chris
https://www.facebook.com/chris.mercer.58
Photo: Knot Rock | From Chris Mercer’s Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10245356661436749&set=a.2041159954356
Photo: Dave Streml with Chris Mercer and Mike Learn
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10230709689240120&set=pcb.10230709853124217
OTHER NOTABLE MUSICIANS’ DEATHS
Warning Signs of Suicide – National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or if you want to discuss, call the old numbers at 800-273-TALK or 800-273-8255 for English and 888-628-9454 for Spanish. Learn the signs of someone who may be contemplating suicide.
Posting for my Veteran/singer/songwriter/musician friend Troy Hoss: Heavy on my heart so here goes: This is a very real problem … 22 Veterans a day surrender to their demons. #SuicideAwareness | Call Veteran’s Hotline: 988 #1 or 844-647-1354
From Care2 via Jock Bartley on Facebook: Trump shut down our LGBTQ+ suicide and mental health hotline, but CANADA opened a US toll-free number to theirs… so our citizens can get help anytime, at no cost: 1-877-330-6366
Kindness & empathy have no borders.
If you want to know more about any of the musicians we lost, find them at http://www.wikipedia.com
September 2026
30: John Bröcheler, 81, Dutch operatic baritone; Gabino Palomares, 76, Mexican singer-songwriter and political activist.
29: Donald Bergagård, 90, Swedish singer, accordionist and evangelist; Náfer Durán, 93, Colombian accordionist and songwriter.
28: Bob Davenport, 94, English traditional folk singer; Lieutenant Stitchie, 60, Jamaican reggae musician and DJ.
27: Mighty Sparrow, 91, Grenadian-born Trinidadian calypso musician; Manuel Seal, 66, American record producer and songwriter (“Just Kickin’ It”, “My Boo”, “We Belong Together”). Grammy winner (2006).
26: Ronnie Golden, 78, British singer (The Fabulous Poodles) and comedian, heart attack; Eduardo Rodríguez Rodway, 81, Spanish musician (Triana); Kristina Safrany, 54, German vocalist (First Base); Angela Stribling, 58, American television and radio host (BET, WJZ-TV), and singer, brain cancer.
25: Aleksei Kozlov, 90, Russian saxophonist; Bruno Kramm, 58, German musician (Das Ich); Liu Huan, 63, Chinese singer (“You and Me”) and songwriter; Chuck Varga, 68, American musician (Gwar), cancer.
24: Moses Matovu, 77, Ugandan musician (Afrigo Band), beaten; Roberto Müller, 89, Brazilian singer.
23: Jackie Jackson, 79, Jamaican bass player (Toots and the Maytals); Maureen Jones, 99, Australian classical pianist; Sergey Sosedov, 58, Russian journalist and music critic, head injury from a fall.
