Photo: Mike Wall & Marty Jones | Marty Jones: My longtime stickman, the great Michael E. Wall, has died. For over forty years he has been my main man, pal, music guru and biggest fan, mentor, text buddy (he lost his ability to speak long ago from throat cancer complications) and so much more. He was a unique cat and character and a man of the finest sort, just the kind of dude you want at the top of your friend lost.
I feel terrible for his wife Nadia, daughter Lydia and grand kids, and ex-wife Holly, who set an unmatched standard for how to be the greatest and most supportive ex ever. And I feel terrible.
His death leaves me a wealth of memories and stellar fun and friendship, along with the giant unfillable hole one has when they lose a great pal. Mike hipped me to so much great music and colorful Grade-A people, including Southern Culture on the Skids, for whom he was the band’s greatest flag waver in Tidewater. (Along with many other acts that he lured to town and drummed up crowds to buy tickets.) Five minutes after introducing me to the band on its set break at Kings Head Inn, I was on stage for the start of the next set, singing “Tear it Up” thanks to Mike’s glowing introduction.
Unlike no person I’ve ever known, Mike also endured a couple decades of heath issues, and never grumbled or whined or gave up on getting as much joy from life as possible. That’s a heroic dude in my book.
It’s hard to stop thinking about all of the things I’m gonna miss with him being gone. But I am so immensely thankful to have had him so deep in my life for so long, and to have had so much fun with him along the way. Our trips out West were the best! I love you, Michael E. Wall. RIP “Rockin’ Daddy”! I hope you run into Elvis, Link Wray, James Brown, Gene Vincent, Arthur Alexander and Dickie Harrell up there soon.
Photo: Mike Wall & Marty Jones (Provided by Marty Jones)