Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

GReedDiamond

(5,371 posts)
Sat Oct 3, 2020, 03:21 AM Oct 2020

My best friend & bandmate in several bands starting in 1978...

...has just passed away.

His name was Brad Frost, and he was a DU member called "benchley."

He didn't post much here - if ever - but he was a staunch Democrat/Progressive/Trump Resister.

He was a great visual artist/animator/cartoonist/song writer/guitar player and he was my best friend for over 40 years.

Here are some links to stuff we did together:



Brad did all of the animation on DP for Pot.



On 72 Virgins he sang lead vocal and played e-bow guitar.



Brad wrote the song, sang and played guitar on Jenna.

All of the above are from the 2008 Benedict Arnold & The Traitors' "Star Spangled Bummer" CD.

Brad did the cover art below for my band Green Sparkle Frog's 2012 CD "Die Happy & Other Songs About Life"



Die Happy, my friend.
22 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
My best friend & bandmate in several bands starting in 1978... (Original Post) GReedDiamond Oct 2020 OP
Sorry for your loss brotha ... mr_lebowski Oct 2020 #1
Thanks mr_lebowski...he was the best friend anyone could ever have... GReedDiamond Oct 2020 #2
Damn. I am very sorry for your loss. MontanaMama Oct 2020 #3
Thank you MontanaMama...I am crying a lot lately...nt GReedDiamond Oct 2020 #4
I'm sorry for your loss irisblue Oct 2020 #5
Thank you irisblue, that means a lot to me... GReedDiamond Oct 2020 #7
so sorry for your loss. barbtries Oct 2020 #6
Thank you, barbtries...I appreciate that a lot...nt GReedDiamond Oct 2020 #8
So sorry, GReed Granny M Oct 2020 #9
Thanks, and Peace & Love to You, Granny M GReedDiamond Oct 2020 #12
I would like to add to this thread that Brad... GReedDiamond Oct 2020 #10
so sorry for your loss riverbendviewgal Oct 2020 #11
For some reason, I'm crying again... GReedDiamond Oct 2020 #13
Condolences on the loss of your best friend. gademocrat7 Oct 2020 #14
Thanks gademocrat7...I will...you too. GReedDiamond Oct 2020 #15
I'm very sorry for your loss. Alliepoo Oct 2020 #16
Alliepoo - I don't know how to thank you for those words... GReedDiamond Oct 2020 #17
My condolences on the lost of your friend. CentralMass Oct 2020 #18
Thanks CentralMass. Brad was an exceptionally good person. - nt GReedDiamond Oct 2020 #20
It sounds like you have some great memories and music to remember him by. CentralMass Oct 2020 #22
I'm so sorry for your loss LiberalLoner Oct 2020 #19
There was no better friend, and we had some great times together... GReedDiamond Oct 2020 #21

GReedDiamond

(5,371 posts)
2. Thanks mr_lebowski...he was the best friend anyone could ever have...
Sat Oct 3, 2020, 04:08 AM
Oct 2020

...plus he was an ultra-talented artist/musician that I was privileged to collaborate with.

GReedDiamond

(5,371 posts)
7. Thank you irisblue, that means a lot to me...
Sat Oct 3, 2020, 04:58 AM
Oct 2020

...Brad and I have not lived near each other for quite some time, but we spoke to each other almost daily.

Most of the time we were complaining to each other about how much we hated twitler, mcconnell, barr etc etc.

Now I have nobody to yell at over the phone!

GReedDiamond

(5,371 posts)
10. I would like to add to this thread that Brad...
Sat Oct 3, 2020, 05:25 AM
Oct 2020

...in his everyday life where he made his "money" was an underpaid "teacher's assistant" who had been working exclusively, for several years, with an autistic student in the school district that employed him.

He was able to teach this particular autistic student how to play a song on the piano, which he performed for a public audience at the school, which was unthinkable to all who knew this "special needs" student.

riverbendviewgal

(4,319 posts)
11. so sorry for your loss
Sat Oct 3, 2020, 05:26 AM
Oct 2020

of your friend. I can see he had such artistic talent . You both shared a long friendship that you will always remember him. may those memories bring you comfort today and the coming days. Treasure them and hold them in your heart. I send you virtual hugs

Alliepoo

(2,488 posts)
16. I'm very sorry for your loss.
Sat Oct 3, 2020, 06:10 AM
Oct 2020

It’s not an easy thing when you lose someone you love. Brad sounds like a great guy and obviously not only very talented but a sweet man as well. His memory will live on in the lives he touched. That student (and family) he taught to play piano will never forget him as well as a host of others, I’m sure. You can’t go through life with that kind of dedication and kindness and patience without scattering sweet memories among those in your life and I’ll bet Brad touched a lot of lives. Sending you a big ((HUG)) and a wish for you to find some peace in your memories of your best friend.

GReedDiamond

(5,371 posts)
17. Alliepoo - I don't know how to thank you for those words...
Sat Oct 3, 2020, 06:20 AM
Oct 2020

...everything you said about Brad is accurate and true.

I will be sending your comments - along with everybody else's in this thread - to his family.

Thank you all so much.



GReedDiamond

(5,371 posts)
21. There was no better friend, and we had some great times together...
Sat Oct 3, 2020, 03:47 PM
Oct 2020

...playing and recording music and working on various art projects together.

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Musicians»My best friend & bandmate...