Not Local || February 23, 2007

Kirk Rundstrom, 1968-2007

This photo's from a SXSW Yard Dog day party that I attended in probably 2001, one of my very first. Kansas' Split Lip Rayfield was blasting its unique blend of bluegrass and country-rock, and the group's lead singer, Kirk Rundstrom, decided to dive into the thick audience. The man was sweaty as all get-out--understandable, considering how fast he had to strum to keep up with the band's overzealous tempo--and I had to wipe my damn hands off as soon as he got back on stage. But I certainly never forgot the set, nor any of the others I caught (including an ACL Fest gig some years ago). Truly the most invigorating country-minded band I'd ever seen, SLR was the most effective gateway into the shades of country music I'd never bothered with before, much more so than Uncle Tupelo.

Shortly after I started this site, SLR tore through Texas for a "farewell" tour, as Rundstrom found out he'd gotten cancer and shored up enough energy for a big tour through the band's fave cities. They skipped Dallas but played Austin's Continental Club for a 2-night stand...neither of which I attended, as I was out of the country as part of my post-firing recuperation. Yesterday, Kirk passed away from his esophageal cancer, and I figured it was only fair that I push local stuff out of the way to honor one of my all-time fave live performers. Sorry I missed ya, man. -SM