Messages For Martin!
Welcome to Meester’s blog.
Please feel free to leave messages for Martin and the Meester commmunity here. As you know, he adored us all, fans, friends and family alike… so don’t hesitate to express your love in return!
Peace,
Dave
Hey nice blog, chut up Dave! Keep strong and recover Meester. Your health and well being means so much to so many of us. A wise man once said that your light will continue to affect those around you, even during this rough time. I can assure you that your undeniable light will forever shine and affect the hearts of all of us.
What a gift you are.
Forever and always your friend,
Jake
My first musical memories of Martin date back to the Legion of Mary days in 1975 — Jerry Garcia, John Kahn, Paul Humphries on drums, Merl Saunders and Martin. Thirty three years later I still remember the amazing flute Martin played on Merl’s “Wondering Why”. What an amazing band!
And then, of course, all the years of Zero. With Hadi, without Hadi. With Cipollina, then without. With more keyboard players and singers than even I can remember. Driving all night halfway up and down the East Coast to hear the band in all manner of semi decent clubs (e.g., the Blue Sky Cafe in Hartford) and low dives (Valentine’s in Albany; a ten minute walk across the park from my house; 7 paying customers in the audience!)
Gathering of the Vibes 2005, the Jerry tribute, right before I had my cancer surgery. Hanging out with Martin and TC in the VIP tent, Martin telling me, “You got nuthin to worry about, muthafucka, only the good die young!” To which I had to remind him, I wasn’t young anymore. And neither is he.
And then, the Zero reunions. Introducing new fans to timeless music and endless laughter.
And now, the last and most difficult gig of all.
There’s an interesting “hidden track” on Bruce Springsteen’s latest album, “Magic”, about his late friend Terry Magovern. I never knew Mr. Magovern, but the chorus of the song most definitely applies to Martin: “When they built you, brother/they broke the mold.”
What else is there to say but that we love you?
What can I say about you but I love you and we have had so much fun over the years. Remember I didn’t save you in Hawaii for nothing. Remember the pig races at the rib burnoff and you singing “old mcdonald” and you graciously played the most beautiful “Danny Boy” for my dad recently. You are a positive light in so many people’s lives so keep it shining. THe dogs say Chut-up Meester. You want to buy some watches!!! love ya Cookielady
WE LOVE YOU MEESTER !!!!!!!!!!
I think that about says it all.
Hey Meester: I’m sending healing energy your way. I miss you and love you. Be well and be strong.
Martin,
On one or two occasions at MFQ gigs several years ago I heard you sing a song about “Dad”. When I heard you sing that song with such beautiful feeling, I wanted very much to bring my dad to a MFQ show and humbly request the “Dad” song for him to hear (regretfully I did not). Since those times I’ve come to know you better and how much your children mean to you and how much you loved and respected your parents. It’s now obvious to me that much of the beautiful music that you share with us comes from your heart and all of meaningful life experiences that have nurtured it and made it golden.
Love and Healing Prayers for You Brother,
Jeff Tucker
Hey Meester,
Shut up! We’ve been through so many bizarre incredible times. Just be the miracle man some more if you please and we’ll get through some more. I love you. Shut up.
Banana
Meester,
Keep telling the illness to CHut UP! Always remember, you are a strong MF! Much love to you and your family..
We love you Martin!
Meester! Chut up! I know you will come through this using your mystic shaman ways. Keep the faith and know I love you! Can’t wait to see you blowing that sax again soon.
Meester.
You are the antithesis of what one expects from such a HUGE music legend. Kind, caring about each person you meet, down to earth, approachable, hysterical (funny comes no where near describing you). . . When I need a laugh I think, “What are some of meesters nasty jokes anyway?” I can go on, but I’ll leave some for others to say.
I always cite you as the example of the man who has more real friends than anyone on earth. It’s another of your great gifts, besides the great talent you’ve shared so generously throughout your career, and other things. It’s an understatement too.
Thank you for showing the NMS boys what grace is.
We’ll be here waiting for you to come back and kick our asses some more.
love you, chut up mother fucker.
Lisa
Meester Martin, All best wishes for a speedy recovery. Here’s to many more good times.
Martin,
I am writing this with so much love and appreciation…
Thank you so much for all the times, from waaaaaaay back with Sir Doug in West Marin to Shades of Joy, and then to the incredible Zero run at Maritime-the house band!! I have seen and heard a lot with you, and your many friends and yes, you are the warmest, best fan magnet there is. here’s to all the fun and now I will chut up.
Hey Meester! Chut Up!
((((((((Martin))))))))
You’ve touched my soul with your wonderful music. Thank you, You are SO loved!
Meester,
I am praying for you everyday. I keep you in my thoughts and prayers always. You’re an amazing man with so much love, light, and music to give. I am so proud to know you. We have laughed, and shared wonderful memories, that I will hold in my heart forever. You are the funniest musician I have met. I remember Thanksgiving with you, and the Ayers, and all the laughter, and great times. I adore the stories you have told me. How sweet it is to be loved by you. Listening to LOM right now. You rocked it!
We all love you so much! You rock my soul, and touch me deeply! Stay strong love!
Love you always,
Janice Wulf
Martin,
I am holding you in my thoughts and have been thinking of you often.
I will never forget when you sat in with Yonder Mountain String Band at Baja Bash. A saxophonist with a bluegrass band?!?! You betcha! YEAH!!!
Take Care Brother!
meester
we love you so fuckin get better soon
we miss you and love you more then words can tell
chut up mother fucker
walker
Meester,
From the first time I saw you play live at the Bayou in DC (I went to see Cip, but came away a fan of the crazy MF saxman with the Chingaderas), to when you played Yenta for Naomi and I on Zero tour in Hawaii, and all the crazy chit since, you have been a special soulful shining star in our lives.
We love you brother, and are with you all the way on your latest tour, no matter how tough some of the gigs are.
- Eugene, Naomi & Sofia
Martin,
Your music touches many, including myself. And I feel so blessed to have gotten close to you through Dave. I remember when I saw you at our kid’s gym class, and I thought to myself, wow, there’s a celebrity in our midst! and from the moment I first spoke to you I felt a connection, a feeling that here is a brother, a real human being, and the love and strength just shines through you!
And I feel so honored to be able to have your friendship and to think about those funny stories you tell and all those crazy times you like to laugh about. And you know that I am sending you all good energy, as you are an Apache warrior and we love you!
xoxo
-Melinda
Martin, I got my mojo working. Give ‘em hell. All my best. Rock on>>> PAUL
my dear martin,
i feel such love for you. you are one of the most beautiful souls i have ever met. i met you at a time when there was a huge hole in my heart, and you helped heal it…less than a month after jerry died when you came to play cubby bear in chicago, zero’s first chicago gig. i remember how excited and honored i was to meet you, and when i heard and saw you play in person it was love and light and melting puddles of happiness… remembering how i had very precious cargo in my van a couple of times (you and the guys).. and your jumping on my son’s bed in minneapolis to wake him up while telling one of your jokes, lol…so many awesome wonderfilled high memories… so very much love to one of THE most loving wonderful people i have ever had the privilege to know. anyway, i think of you every day sending you lots of love and healing light and energy.
Bill, Chris and Greg all send their love too!
love always, dear friend,
coertje
aw chut up!
p.s. and you have REALLY cute cheeks! : )
which ones you may ask….
Missssssssssssster,
I love you so much, we love you so much. You are with us, with our love, through this. Together we can tough this out!
Chut up!
Mister Martin Fierro, you have brought me so much love. I return it ten fold.
Hold on to it my brother,
Love Will See Us Through!
Its like a raging river!!!
Meester I love you so! I laugh everytime I think of all those candles on your 60th birthday cake!
Touched in so many ways throughout all the years, positive thoughts and well wishes for you and your family for a speedy recovery.
Dear Marteen,
You are an incredible human, so full of light and positivity, and your music reflects that. Thanks for being you. Hang tough, keep on fighting. we’re here for you, man.
Dear Martin,
You are in my heart and prayers. We all know you are a softy at heart, however; there is no doubt in my mind that you will kick the chit out of this cancer! I look forward to the day when your beautiful saxaphone caresses my ears again and brings a smile to my heart!
Sending joyous vibes of love and healing light your way EVERDAY meester!
Big ol warm hugs!
Kem
Het Meester
Be strong. I know you will, because you are. The best music I ever made was with you. Nothing will ever take that away! Liberators, Once A Year Band, Other Band. Too much fun! My thoughts are with you. Beat this soon, we need to hear your music!
Darling Soul,
Continue in strength. So many of us get hit, and we can keep going and live courageously. I believe in you. My prayers are for you.
Love Rodleen
PS: Eat organically grown food.
Greetings,
I shall always cherish the honor I felt, and still feel, having shared the love of music with such a wonderful person. Albeit only a few brief moments of my existence, the time spent actually playing music along side Martin brought me and everyone in attendance great joy and true inspiration. His words of encouragement and respect towards me will stay with me forever. The entire Albanese family conveys our deepest heartfelt wishes to you and your family in this most difficult time.
p.s. Music is the healing of all nations…..so get to healing MEESTER!
Get well Martin, my thoughts are with you. Much love.
Hey Meester,
Wanna sign my Zero underwear? I promise not to giggle…you can even sign it with a squeaky hand puppet. Ahhh, Chut UP!
It’s been 13 years since I first saw you play…13 amazing years of getting to see you every chance I could…and all along that merry path you’ve been an absolute joy to be around. I’ve never met a more genuinely warm, caring person who would also call themselves a musician….you almost give “rock stars” a bad name!
Ahhhhh, Chuddafuggupmutherfugger!!!! Beat this thing, heal quickly, and we’ll see you on down that Golden Road.
Strength and Love,
Dave
Meester,
Your music has brought such joy into my life. From the first LOM tapes I heard in the late 70’s though the incredible 90’s ZERO years. The magic you share through your playing lights my life every motherfuckin’ day.
Then to meet and spend time with you, finding you to be one ofthe most down to earth, loving, caring individuals I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Your crazy sense of humour, the chut up motherfuckers, the squeeky toys, the
BAD jokes. These memories will be with me for my entire life.
I thank the universe for you, and pray for your health and
peace.
Peace, love and ZERO consciousness,
Kevin Lee
Hey, Martin! I’ve been out of town and will be for a short time longer, but when I come back I’ll stop by and give that illness the what-for! Dude! You so rock, and you’re not done yet, so keep your chin up and your attitude your usual forever bright and shiny. To know you is to love you, and we do.
Marteen, We wish you a speedy recovery. We need the laughs you create, and the music you make. You have always understood how to live and play in the present. It is a gift to be able to offer that part of yourself to the world. We love you and want you well. Rock on. Love, Peter & Karen
Marteen, I wish you the best energy and vibes your way to help speed your recovery. I’ve loved watching you play over the years and it was so exciting for me to see you play with Karl Marinko, my ex-fiance, who was so grateful to play with you. All the best in love and wishes.
Melanie
You shine Martin Fierro.
You shine so bright one can’t help but see.
You have given me gifts that I can only hope to repay, priceless sacred Gifts… irreplaceable Gifts. I want to Thank you for Seeing, and showing your truths. I Thank you for your Raging Rivers , your magic, your music, your soul, your laughter, your light, your unconditional love… and yes, your smartass remarks!
Thank you so much for all that you are, you crazy magic man!!!
My energy and prayers are with you and your family every step. Now kick this thing in the ass! We know who’s boss around here, you baaadddd muthafucka’!
I know, mmkay… I’ll chutup already!
Hey Now Meester- thinking of you - LOVING YOU!!!!!!!!!!!! ,your family, and all of your music. We are all with you on this my friend, keep on keeping on and take our love to help you heal. See you at the jubilee…..
PEACE, LOVE, and MUSIC
Chief and Maurine
oh yeah- SHUT UP!!!!
Lo Maximo Querido Senor Fierro!
Words simply can not express the joy, laughter, love, kindness, community, levity, brightness, understanding, generosity of spirit, acceptance, light, genuineness, singularity, respect, grace, and true meaning you bring to and share with everyone, including myself.
I feel so blessed that we have become friends in the past few years, and I treasure the mind-opening, musical experiences we’ve had and will continue to share. Your saxophone sings on a sacred breeze & your music has always brought me such happiness & inspiration for a unifying ZERO consciousness.
Usted es “El Gran Hombre!”…
And, don’t you EVER forget it.
Like everyone, I know YOU of all people, will kick this sucker in it’s mofo ass…so yea, c’mon now & CHUT it UP DEEP El Paso style!
We really hope to see you this week.
Bottom line…Te amo/amamos tanto El Topo!
Enormes besos y brazos,
Dana
p.s.—btw, your sax IS melting over there, but u can sign my ZERO underwear ANYtime!
Martin - I hear you’re walking the warrior’s path.
“In ancient times, the warrior learned to master the challenges of life, both on and off the battlefield. He acquired a sense of personal freedom and power—not through violence or aggression, but through gentleness, courage, and self-knowledge. The Japanese samurai, the warrior-kings of Tibet, the knights of medieval Europe, and the warriors of the Native American tribes are a few examples of this universal tradition of wisdom.”
“The basic wisdom is that in this world, as it is, we can find a good and meaningful human life that will also serve others. That is our true richness.”
from the book ‘Shambhala’ by Chögyam Trungpa
I wuv you honey and still want to tell you all about it.
Art
To my dearest and most colorfulest breakfast companion ever.
Aside from years of brilliant, soulful, soothing sounds and smile-inducing hijinks onstage, I shall always treasure having my eggs and hash browns with a side of Santana. But seriously, it is YOU who are the salsa in our omelettes. There is nothing about you that generates anything other than smiles, laughter and good will, the guidance mechanisms of life as we know it. You and your music are a precious gift to us all.
Healing vibes to you, our beloved Sax maniac.
Mr. Martin Fierro
I am thinking of you often during your difficult time.In the time I have known you we have shared many good times. I am looking forward to better times for you. When we first met in 1986 I knew that I was not just meeting a “musician friend” but a real friend. Back in 1986 in Tiburon at The Dock. Those were great nights !! . The Martin Fierro Quartet was our house band.One Memorable show
we booked there was the MFQ with John Cippolina on Valentines Day 1987. I wish we had rolled tape for that one ! We did record some other shows in October 1986 that I’d be glad to make you copies of
( I thought I may have already done this but I’ll do it again).
Playing onstage with you is always great fun.Ned Endless & The Allniters are a different and better band when you play with us. .Many of our friends who are not online so much are thinking of you too. They would include The Pasquels-Jim,Ned,MaryLou,Abby & Meg, Fred Falk, Jeremy, Don Saks and many others. You ever hear from Avrom our sound man ?
Your spirit is inspiring to all of us. The way you recovered after the accident in Hawaii is amazing but somehow I’d expect nothing less from you. You once chewed me out after we tried cancelling a Dock gig (3/7/87) because you got sick during a tour(1987).We thought we were doing you a favor by rebooking this particular show. You played that gig as scheduled. You played with more intensity. I was working the door that night and you took several opportunities to state your medical condition to the crowd then turn my way and stick your tongue out. Go ahead rub it in !!!!!
I have learned much from you. I won’t get too gushy about it. I can now boast that I know the difference
between a moose and a blues band.You are as solid as they come.You and your family are in my thoughts everyday
Only the best for you my friend
Robert
Martin, Stay strong and keep shining bright. You’re so much to so many. Remember, We’re all sending it back at you, so take that energy and channel it. We can beat this. I love you brother!
Hey meester
just get better as soon as you can I really miss you and all the good times you bring I am so honored to have you as a friend you have brought so much joy to soooo many of us we are truly grateful
I wish you and your family the very best
you are truly a great friend , man , human , brother , father and a guiding light chut up
your brother
steve walker
Get well, Meester … let’s have another b-day party for you here.
Remember, you’re too old to be fucked with!
Get well - and stay positive.
Jeff in CO
Hey Meester,
I’m glad you have been a part of my life, loving me and kicking my ass when I needed it, sharing the blessings of what life served us up, the tears and the joys and all the dirty jokes… And all those wonderfuly magical musical moments, bewteen the long days on the road…
and our children… such beautiful kids… and the friendships that you’ve initiated, nourished by your selfless love…
by the way, My Seester is doing fine.
with Love and Light,
_.Dave
Thinking good thoughts for you always Meester! I know you can beat this cancer, as I am sure it just does not know the power of your horn! It is going to run for the hills once it figures out it should never have pissed off a mutherfuker with so much MOJO! Keep the chin up, and stay positive as we all will be sending out healing vibes to our favorite sax man! You ARE going to beat this disease, I just know it! Sending healing waves from Costa Rica for you my amigo! PURA VIDA, Ed
:::martin on stage, greg and bobby giving him THAT look:::
Everyone…………
Love you!
We do too meeeeester
Martin,
Chance, Charlie and I are praying for you and sending peaceful thoughts your way. We love you so much! Thank you for loving us back!
Thank you for all of your music, laughter & stories. For sharing your life with us. For all the good times we have had!
Even though we might not be there physically with you. Our hearts are and will always be.
Love to you and your family,
~Charlie, Chance & Kimmie
My life closed twice before its close–
It yet remains to see
If Immortality unveil
A third event to me
So huge, so hopeless to conceive
As these that twice befell.
Parting is all we know of heaven,
And all we need of hell.
- Emily Dickinson
Heal well Martin…
Meester….. You are my brother, shaman, spiritual guide , teachar, 2nd father but most of all my best friend. Benjamin and I love you with all our hearts…..
woke up with these lyrics in my head this mornin…
Love is a chain….
A chain reaction!
oxo,
_.dave
Martin,
LOVE - I will AllWays Be There With You- in that Light
of A LOVE SUPREME!
Dios te quiede,
Inez (and Miles)
“moderation”, Who said anything about-Moderation??
Martin,
So many rivers to cross in our lifetimes. I am so happy in my heart that our rivers crossed paths so long ago. You and your saxophone have meant so much to me, given me such joy in times of happiness and comfort in times of sorrow. You are in my heart forever.
Love, Beth
Meester,
You and I have had some great times. All those Zero gigs. All those MFQ gigs. I always looked forward to seeing you, trading jokes, and wondering what you were going to come up with next. I’ve loved every minute of it, my friend. Thanks for everything, and may Godzilla never step on your saxophone!
Love, Mike
NEVER TOUCH THE STOMACH AREA
Hey Martin!
Had I tried to offer my appreciation in person for the years of good times you gave us through your music, you would have told me to “Chutup”. Now I can say it.
The world never seems to work out quite the way we expect. I don’t know what I was smoking at the time, but me and my pals were convinced that Zero was going to get huge after Jerry died. I still don’t know what was wrong with all those hippies. Zero was the best mojo jam band in the world after the end of the Dead. Well, I damn sure didn’t miss out. Thank you for many magical nights.
Zen Ben the Elder
my dad,is the best thing ever!I hate to see him like this,I will miss him dearly.I love his jokes,his music,and his heart and soul especially,and also love his spirit.He is the best and the coolest dad anyone could ever have.All my love to the readers and my lovely daddy,jessica also known as martins daughter.
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you or drawn a flyer with Mike. I’m glad i went to all those shows and helped out with the flyers. I’m definitely thinking of you as are all these other people.
dear jessica,
several times your dad sent me pictures of you and i look at them and pictures of him with lots of love.
you are right. your dad is the best thing ever! like you said you are very lucky to have the best and coolest dad anyone could ever have. i love what you wrote. and thank you for your love to all of us who love him so very very much too.
we know this must be so very hard for you. but your dad will always be in your heart right? he will always be with you. and you are in his heart more than anyone in the whole world. so remember, he will always be with you. and you will be with him. always.
all our love to him and to you!
your friend,
coertje
jessica,
also you said you love his jokes, his music, and his heart and soul especially,and also love his spirit. and all of that, his humor, his music, his heart and soul and spirit, all that is what is really martin. that IS the person. and that is the part of him that lives on forever. and where is that person? where he has always been and always will be, in our hearts.
much love and light from our hearts to his heart and yours!
one love,
coertje
Martin,
It was 4 years ago you came to Fayetteville to read at my wedding. It was the most wonderful suprise you and Winwood could have done for Andy and me. We both have found a friend in you and we will continue to send our healing thoughts and prayers for you to jump yet another fence in your life. Light and love to you and your beautiful daughter Jessica. You have a fighting spirit and peace in your heart and many friends to help you along the way. Keep up the battle!
Meester,
You have been more then a musician, you have been a spirtiual teacher and friend to so many folks. Know that you are in my and so many others prayers.
Love ya, Chut Up!!
Turtleboy
how many meester?
i’ll always remember those early morning phone calls and crazy ass e-mails…playing with you on your 61st birthday here in Ashland…even when I thought you’d throw me off the boat…the call after that…the love you’ve shown my family has been inspiring through it all….i saw jessica’s post…and you know how beautiful she is…damn man…this is really hard i know but i also know you must feel all this love…craig, vincent, silas
Sweet, kind and gentle soul you are! Thank you so much for being the man you are. Your gifts you’ve shared with us are treasures to be passed on.
May the healing love and light gather you in its warm embrace and comfort you and your lovely family. You are so loved
Aubyn
Brother,
I am so very grateful to have shared in your life. Words get in the way…I am proud to call you my friend.
We have journeyed through some wierd times together, you and I. Thank you for the caring, the reflections and the respect that you have shown me through the ride.
peace and love, George
Oh, Meester. What a joy you bring to so many… Thank you for sharing the stage with me, my friend. You are unforgettable! So Much LOVE for you!!!!!!
Tanya- Mountain of Venus
Thinking of you on this Thursday, and know that I love you, and thinking of that Chut Up!! look. You are so many different gifts to so many people. Your gift of music and your heart will sing to our hearts forever and a day. Be Well brave one, and know that when I dance, it is my way of sending that healing love and vibe to your body, heart and soul.
I believe in you
Valerie
Love you honey!! Always in my heart, and soul!! Thinking of your sweet smile!!
Kissing you,
Janice
jessica you are right your dad is the very best and he loves you so much for being such a big strong girl . we all love your dad stay strong you are the best !!!!
your friend
steve walker
Meester, We all Love You So Very Much!!!!!! You are one of the most beautiful souls I know, with much Love in Your Heart, it surrounds everyone you come in contact with! We are all praying for you! The strenghth will come from all who share your life!!!
With Much Love, Donna and Family
Dear Jessia and family,
I too am dealing with a father who has terminal cancer. Jessica is living through her dad’s passing with such grace and bravery and love, that she has given me the strength to deal with my own dad. Martin must feel all the love.Love, Anne
Jessica -
Your dad’s light shines on through you, beautiful girl.
M
Peace be with you on your journey home. Thank you for sharing your beautiful soul with us in this lifetime. Thank you for the laughter, the love, and the music.
Much Love,
Alan and Leigh Anne
Martin,
You will be missed. It was an honor to meet you on JamCruise 5 and we missed you on the last one… Thank you not only for the music, but for being you. And for sharing the story of your near death with me and my wife. I will never forget it. Or you.
Cheers bro, and I will see you next time around…..
bodhi
Martin,
My brother you will be truly missed.
Play on my brother
Keep On Keepin On!
Merl
RIP brother you have brought us much joy and happiness you will be missed
MARTIN…I LOVE YOU SO MUCH AND WILL NEVER FORGET YOUR INCREDIBLE SHINING LIGHT…YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOT MY FRIEND…LOVE AND BLESSINGS FOR ETERNITY!
(((Martin))) May Your Spirit Soar Free now my friend…
Mi Querido Amigo,
Vaya con el Gran Espiritu y tocar tu musica en el cielo. Hay muchisimas amor en las palabras de todos aqui.
Entregale mi amor a Bonita cuando vele.
Nunca callate tu boca. NEVER chut up!
Te amo mi hermano y gracias por todos las memorias.
Anita Flores
To all of Martin’s loving family and friends - may we find the Warrior’s strength in this time of great sadness and joy in the memory of one who blessed us all. Selah.
martin we all love you so much we will never forget the good times you gave us all
now go blow with j&j
love you brother see you again
steve walker
p.s.s ohhhhhh chutt up
May You Soar With The Angels Martin, much love to you and your loved ones
Meester;
You were a rock, my brother. When the mind wandered into unknown territory, all one had to do was focus on your laugh or your music and it led right back to where everything was right. Whether on the big stage, Main Street, or in DT’s living room, when you played there was nowhere I’d rather have been.
You made me laugh until I cried, now I am sitting here crying until I laugh. Either way, the ride was always worth it. I will miss you terribly.
Thanks, ya freak.
love
ryan
dear Jessica,
Sorry about your dad.Please be strong-we are all with you.
your friend
Sona
Meester,
May the 4 winds blow you safely home, Amigo.
W
Dear Jessica,
Iam very sorry about your dad.He was a very nice man.
I know your very speacil to him and he loves you alot.
your being a good sport about it.
Love,
Mimi
Wow, words don’t come close… I had the honor and absolute pleasure of playing with Martin/Meester for almost 3 years in our band, Fact or Fiction, plus any other time we could jam or sit in with others. I came to love him like a brother and his spirit was one of love, joy and inspiration. Jessica was always a hoot, and the love of his life - she has his smile and will continue to remind us all of what Martin gave to us. I miss you more that I can say, and only hope I can come close to giving back as much as you did… Chut up, Meester, we love and miss you! Play on, brother…
Meester,
I send you all of my blessings, now & forever. Losing you has reminded me again that nothing lasts forever. Thanks for teaching me about balance & music. The Hawaii tour was the best time I ever had. Zero is my favorite band & will always be my favorite band. I will not forget you & your jokes. I will think of you every time I head by the Blue Star Cafe.
“I never actually knew that I was an audio engineer till Martin called me one one day……”
Thank you for all your love, light & energy.
I will dedicate a special microphone to you in the morning.
Jessica,
Your dad was awesome! I wish he was still around.
He will always be with you in your heart and everywhere
you go.
I’m so sorry for you and I know your dad will always be
watching over you.
Love,
Edyn
Dear Jessica…A lot of people will miss your daddy, I will miss the funny jokes he used to tell me when we waited outside the classroom to pick you up.All our love to you.
Teresa Baradaran(Cirrus and Darius’ mom)
Martin-
You were such a good soul so sorry to see you go, but you left a beautiful mark on all of us who were blessed with hearing your life’s breath through your Sax. I was one of the fortunate ones to know your kind spirit,
funny charachter and good heart. You were one of Chet’s
favorite people, now you get to watch the struggle here
from a different view and with some great company. You will be missed, remembered and loved for all of the joy
you brought through spirit and music. - JON HENDRICKS
Martin
You will be missed but never forgotten. You are an inspiration to many and a great friend.
“Meester Ed, I’m hungry! Ray knows what I like.”
“Fuck the soundcheck! Lets go bullshit on the radio!”
Your soul is now free from your body. Go blow that horn.
Peace and Love, my friend.
Ed
I would to just wish my deepest condolences to the Fierro family. Martin was an amazing person who blessed us with his many talents, and the wonderful music he gave us. He always made me laugh, and he sure had expensive tastes in tequila. My memories of him and his music will always live on in my heart and soul and I’m sure countless others as well
wharfratpat
You will be grately missed Martin! You and your music will always continue to have a big impact on my life, and I will never forget the the moments of seeing you on stage and jammin! I can’t imagine the jam you’ve gotten into with Jerry and company! Rest in peace friend!
Peace and Love
Mike
Meester, I was a 15 year old seeing you play for the first time, meeting up again, years later, becoming friends. I’m grateful I got to know you some. You had a way of making everyone around you feel good. Your infectious smile, crazy jokes, I’m going to miss you forever.
Chut Up!
Love,
Bob
I’m a television reporter with ABC in El Paso. Would love to do a story on Martin’s passing and honor him correctly in his old hometown. But I need to move quick. Can you help? Please email me contact numbers for anyone you think would like to talk about his legacy. Thank you. I will keep Martin’s family in my prayers.
Darren Hunt
dhuntabc7@yahoo.com
Be at peace my brother, Run with the Great Spirit….
Your musicial legacy will continue through your family here in the material world …
I feel honored to have been able to play and record with Martin, via the Jupiter Hollow family. so many memories..
Jah bless and much respect and blessings to the fierro family from The Macaoidh Family ….
t Macaoidh
jessica, a big loving hug for you.
Thank you Martin! You made so many people happy…as I think what i’m going to write here “chance in a million” starts to play on my itunes-which happens to be on shuffle…..wow…thanks again. You’ll be missed!
I love you.
Shut up.
Jessica,
Your daddy loved you so much. You two spent so much time together and you brightened each day for him. You are so lucky to have had him in your life and he loved your turtle too. Last time I visited him, he kept showing me your turtle. You are a beautiful girl and we are all sad. We love you and you take care.
Love Cindy Cort and George
Once in awhile you meet someone so special and you don’t realize it at first because they have this innate ability to disarm you. These people put you at ease when they are talking to you and you know that you don’t have to be guarded. These people are your immediate friends and they ask nothing in return. Marteen Fierro was that person for me. He was the ambassador of good will for the band called Zero and would take you on psychedelic rides with his sax as your magic carpet. He played horns on my favorite Grateful Dead album which possesses his same ability to pick you up and return you to the same place you were while changing your whole perspective on the world. There was something so subtle about him, nothing changes, yet all has changed more then you will ever know when you meet him. Marteen was also a part of Jerry Garcia’s Legion of Mary which always blows me away when I indulge. Riding the wave of his sound during a show was the only way to travel and I think about Jerry smiling as he played with Marteen and just watched the notes coming out of that sax. When I booked Zero to play Quixote’s True Blue back in 1997, I didn’t realize that it was going to be the most important booking of my life. Yes, it was the biggest show I booked up to that date, but it also was a show that shaped my booking for the future. The music was so good and pure that night. Our venue was transformed and changed forever. Without that show, I would have given up a long time ago. The rag tag crew of Zero made their mark on me. Years later, I was able to effect a reunion of the band and Marteen asked for not one, but two shirts from me. Those shirts travelled on him to numerous shows and every time I saw the ambassador of good will wearing my shirt it put a smile on my face and a tear in my eye. To be a part of his life makes me feel successful. I am honored to have known him.
Jay Bianchi
Cervantes’/Quixote’s/Dulcinea’s/Sancho’s
I had the extreme pleasure of having Martin as my good friend and musical partner for the past 20 years. I was with him until a few minutes before he died, and while I’m happy to have been able to say goodbye, that’s a small consolation compared to the massive hole his departure has left in my heart.
I first met Martin in 1986 within weeks of moving to San Francisco. Being a longtime Deadhead, I knew of Martin primarily through his work on “Wake Of The Flood” and Legion Of Mary. When I met him at a restaurant close to the old ‘Stone on Broadway, I was immediately struck by his warmth and lack of ego. I told him that I was a keyboardist, and that I was a fan of his. He said that we should get together to make some music, and I readily agreed. Shortly thereafter, we had our first jam session, and our piano/sax duo felt as natural as if we had been playing together for many years.
Thankfully, we DID play for many years. Throughout that time, Martin’s warmth, humor and generosity came through at just about every performance (Martin would rarely hesitate to bring his sax somewhere and play his heart out, even when he wasn’t being paid). Whether I was sitting in with Zero, playing a piano/sax duet, with my All-Star Band, or in the studio, Martin always gave musically in such a way as to include him in the short list of musicians who have created a unique voice on their instrument. One can easily identify Jerry Garcia, Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Jimi Hendrix and others by hearing just a few notes; so, too is Martin’s sax style unique enough to be easily identified as his. Sometimes honking, occasionally squeaking, but mostly soaring, there’s never been a more honest and deep player. Anyone who saw Martin perform knows that his main goal was to always let the audience in on his process.
When he told me about his condition over the phone just a few weeks ago, he said he was more pissed off by the inconvenience than anything else. When my wife Barri and I visited him at his apartment a little more than a week ago, he told us in detail about his ordeal. The diagnosis came as a surprise, and it wasn’t good; however, he was hopeful that a regimen of treatments would help him to put the cancer into remission.
When I told him that I was in the midst of planning a benefit concert to help defray some of his upcoming medical costs, he thanked me and told me and Barri that he believed that his community of good friends and family would ultimately come together so that, in his words, “we will ALL beat this thing.” He then looked at us, leaned forward just a bit, smiled that sly smile that only Martin had, and said, “But if not, then at least it’s been a hell of a ride!”
He told us how thankful he was to have been blessed with 50 years of making music; how fortunate he was to have traveled all over the world and met and played with so many of his own musical heroes as well as scores of younger artists. He mentioned Jerry, the Sir Douglas Quintet, the Radiators, String Cheese Incident and others, and did so in the context of listing all the reasons he had to be thankful instead of being pissed off at his surprise predicament.
The day before he passed, Betty Cantor-Jackson and I visited him in the hospital. He was smiling, giving his beautiful daughter Jessica kisses in return for those she kept placing on his hands and face, and although he was medicated and it was clear that he didn’t have much time left, I was able to catch some glimpses of the Martin we know and love so well. When I asked if he wanted to hear the rough mixes of the tracks he recorded with my band Groove Division, he said, “Put it on!” As I played the tracks, he smiled and nodded his head slightly.
I will be forever grateful that he got a chance to hear and enjoy the work he did on our tracks. But more than that, much more than that, I will be forever grateful for the many years I was able to spend with Martin Fierro, Meester to you and me, who always had a bad (and occasionaly good) joke to tell and totally heartfelt music to make. He was and will always be my brother, and I am better for having known him.
Say hi to Jerry, Chet, Bill and anyone else we might know, Meester…
Now, CHUT UP!!!
Jessica,
Your dad was so excited when you were born. He always talked about you and when he did his eyes twinkeled even more than usual. You are his light. Try to be strong in this very hard time. You are lucky that there are so many pictures and recordings of your dad and his great music and fun jokes. He is a very special person and you are too for having him in your life even if it was a short time. It is okay to be sad but know your dad would want you to be smiling soon too.
Love Pam
An old cowpoke went ridin’ out one dark and windy day
Upon a ridge he rested as he went along his way
When all at once a mighty herd of red eyed cows he saw
A plowin’ through the ragged sky, and up a cloudy draw
Their brands were still on fire and their hooves were made of steel
Their horns were black and shiney and their hot breath he could feel
A bolt of fear ran through him as they thundered through the sky
He saw the riders comin’ hard, and he heard their mournful cry
Yippee-i-yay
Yippee-i-yooo
Ghost riders in the sky
Yippee-i-yay
Yippee-i-yooo
Ghost riders in the sky
Their faces gaunt, their eyes are blurred, their shirts all soaked with sweat
They’re ridin’ hard to catch that herd, but they ain’t caught ‘em yet
They’ve got to ride forever on that range up in the sky
On horses snortin’ fire… as they ride on, hear them cry
As the riders rode on by him, he heard one call his name
If you want to save your soul from hell a’ridin on this range
Then cowboy, change your ways today or with us you will ride
A’tryin’ to catch the devil’s herd across these endless skies
Yippee-i-yay
Yippee-i-yooo
Ghost riders in the sky
Yippee-i-yooo
Yippee-i-yay
Ghost riders in the sky
Yippee-i-yay
Yippee-i-yooo
Ghost riders in the sky
Yippee-i-yay
Yippee-i-yooo
Ghost riders in, the sky
Fare you well my brother.
Thank you for your kind words and gentle spirit. It was a pleasure to share the stage with you. May you be at peace…
Somehow when Martin got a computer I got on his joke list…I wanted to share a typical email cause I know he’s want us to laugh a little right now and I think the punch line of the joke sums up what he feels about us..(also note his “punctuation face” with the little beard.) — Love to all in this sad time, Alan
********************************************************
HEY A . PLEASE DON’T SPLIT YOUR PANTS UPON READING THIS !
MARTIN -}:0)=
A priest is out in a small motorboat one day and isn’t having any luck. Not too far away, he spies another fisherman struggling with his line, but finally pulling out a magnificent fish. The priest motors on over to say hello and congratulate the fisherman. He greets him, “what a great catch you have there sir!”
The guy replies, “yeah, that’s one nice sumbitch isn’t it?” The priest is taken aback and says “sir, I’m a priest and am sensitive to that kind of language.”
“Oh, that’s just the name of the fish. I wasn’t cussin,” the fisherman answers. “Here, why don’t you take it home and cook it up?”
The priest answers, “Well, if that’s just the name of it, that’s ok. Thanks.” He takes the fish back to his church and gives it to the cook for dinner. He meets the bishop there and tells him “wait until you see the big sumbitch we’re going to have for dinner.” The bishop isn’t amused
and scowls, “how dare you use that kind of language in front of me. I should have you–” The priest interrupts and says, “oh! it’s the actual name of the fish, not profanity!” The bishop calms down and says, “well,
that’s fine then. It had better be delicious because we have the Pope himself coming to dinner.”
The Pope arrives and dinner is served. The priest takes a bite of the fish and says, “boy this sumbitch sure is good.” The bishop says “this sumbitch is delicious!”
The Pope, with an amused expression pauses and says, “you know, you motherfuckers are alright.”
******************************************************
(I can hear him sayin it now followed by a big CHUTTUP)….
Thanks for the music, the fun and the love. A spirit like yours will soar forever. I didn’t know you personally, but every time I saw you you had a big smile on your face.
My condolences to his family and many friends.
Rest in peace Martin. Jessica, lots of love to you too. Your Father was an amazing man and musician. We will all miss him.
Stephanie
Dear Jessica,
I’m sorry about your dad, I know you will miss him very much. Yesterday was so nice having you at the field trip, I bet your dad was happy you were there.
It was pretty cool when you got to see your heart rate at the fire station.
My mom and dad are very sorry about your dad too….it was hard for me when my little sister died on the day she was born. I wish I could have gotten to at least see her, know her and spend time with her and play with her: you got to do that with your dad and even though it was not for as long as you would have wanted, you will always have your happy memories and the sound of his voice and music to keep you going.
My mom always says, Just because we can’t see them doesn’t mean they are not still with us.
I don’t know what to say, I have never felt this losing my dad, but when I think about it it makes me very sad.
I hope you will come back to school soon.
Your friend,
Max Sherman
Dear Lisa,
I cannot express how sorry I am for your & Jessica’s loss.
And not matter what I say, it won’t help you feel better now:
but as time passes, all the good will remain and hopefully the pain will lessen.
In reading some of the comments about Martin, he was truly loved and had a great sense of humor and zest for life!
What a good choice you made for Jessica’s father.
It seems like he lived more life during his life than alot of us do who are here longer than he was.
That’s, in my humble opinion, a great way to go out of this world.
It seems like he didn’t have to suffer very long, which is a blessing.
So, he has moved on to his next adventure and would no doubt want you to do the same, when you can, in your own time.
I the meantime, please let me do something for you and Jessica–my cell phone is
415-990-2043 and Max, Sloane (our new little baby) and & I would love to take her for ice cream or a movie or something;
I make a pretty good enchilada too….let me know what night is good for that next week
I am very sorry,
Love,
Amy
so many years of seeing happiness, irreverence and fantastic music from Martin. What joy to remember it all. So sad to hear this news.
BTW, Great picture of him onstage at GAMH last night for SKB. Kept him right there with us all. Here’s to good memories for all.
my inspiration as a sax player in foriegn territory, thank you so much for everything. my students will be listening to zero today, i’ll be listening to it forever. thanx,
g
Martin…
Thanks for all the smiles you brought to every show.
Your light shown through at Jerry Day 2006, when you with your family all around you, played so sweet and joked for all of us. It was a pleasure to be on the faders that day, making sure your art was “in the mix”.
You music lives on. Thanks for all of it.
bo
Dear Jessica,
I am so sorry about your dad, I think it was really cool that you came on the field trip yesterday and I know your dad was proud you did that.
I can’t imagine how sad you feel, when I think about my dad dying it makes me want to cry. but when my sister died it happened so fast I didn’t even get to meet her; at least you got to know your dad, and spend a lot of time with him during your life, even though it probably was not as long as you wanted it to be.
My mom always says, just because we can’t see them anymore doesn’t mean they aren’t here with us.
Sometimes when I see a butterfly I think about my sister in heaven;and we say “Hi Emma”–it makes me feel better, probably you will have something like that too.
It was cool to see your heart rate at the fire station yesterday.
I hope you come back to school soon,
Your friend,
Max
Martin,
Your music, friendship, and humor has given me much joy over the years. I always called the sound of your sax angelic. Rest in Peace Meester.
Thanks for all the laughs and great tunes. You are one of a kind and will surely be missed. So many shows, so many guest appearances, so many bad jokes….I think the last time I heard you was at the Mystic w Hot Buttered Rum? That was cool for sure…You are the best…peace, love and hugs to your family….
Shine on forever, brother! Thanks for all the beautiful vibes… Some of the best times. All those nights with the great energy and incredible music. You always brought a warm feeling when it was needed most. We will miss you very much.
My heart is broken and i do not know what to say.
Fare you well meester i love you more than words could tell.
I am thankful and lucky for the privelage of knowing him.
All of my love to lisa and Martins family.
chut up! i mean it this time.
We will miss you so very much. You brought sunshine and brightened up any room you entered. No matter what was going on in your life, you always had a smile to share. Say hello to Jerry and we’ll see you again my friend!
Your music lives on brother…Thank You for all of the fun you added to anything you touched…You are a beacon of positive energy and we all are blessed to have had the chance to share the rooms with you…May the rest of your trip be a joy! Till another day!
Peace to you and your family.
Loved your playing with Jerry in Reconstruction. You will be much missed
I remember once asking him what it was like playing in LOM
he said basically that between Jerry & Merl
those 2 would keep turning themselves up
he said he thought was going deaf
he had to start playing thru an amplifier just to hear himself
I left out a few expletives
but it was funnier than hell
but he always was so much fun to be around
we all will truly miss the MEEESTER
GOD Bless my friend
Rest in peace Martin! May you be rocking out with Jerry on another plane….
My condolences to all of you.
RIP ~ Martin ~ Peace and Love to you and your family
I will always remember Martin!
Always there with a big smile or joke and amazing Sax.
(((Jessica))) (((All of Martin’s family and extended family)))) We will all miss Martin! I can recall so many great times laughing and dancing with Martin- he was always personal in his greetings to his fans - he seemed to remember us all individually and took the time to talk with us wherever we met… he played with Cubensis a few times in So Cal and was terrific!! Spending time with him on Jamcruise 5 was amazing and Rus and I got ‘married’ on the ship and he hugged us. I will never forget Martin - his amazing capacity for love and how it showed in his music - when he played with Zero and then later with SKB, I was moved beyond words. THANKYOU. I hope his family can gain some comfort from knowing how much he gave to us all and how much his zest for life did for others!
May the four winds blow you safely home! FOLLOW THE WHITE LIGHT and soar, brother!
Martin
Your jokes and warm spirit made the scene very special for me and my family. We could see and feel your warmth and love coming through always..
Rest in peace and chut up!
Larry Narachi
Martin you are a jewel in my heart and forever you will stay in my heart. I have known you since I was a young man and I enjoyed every minute of your laughter. I learned many things from you and i will cherish those memories until we meet again. I love you my brother and thanks for the amazing music. Thunderbolt Lives………………………………………………..
Tony Saunders
I Loved your smile ! You were one of the nicest people ive ever met. Love out to Jessica and Lisa and everyone else profoundly effected by this . Love you !
Marteen-
The spirit and joy that you shared with all of us will carry on, not only in the music you made, but in all of the memories we have. From a bar in Philly to a beach in Hawaii, you lit up the stage with your infectious smile. Thank you. You will be missed and never forgotten. Now, I will chut up….
Martin
RIP…
Thanks for all the notes that filled the air.
Those notes will never be forgotten
JG
How many saxaphone players does it take to tell a joke?
Dammit, We’ll never know now…..
Thanks for the wonderful memories……
What an enormous loss. Martin was one of the greatest musicians there was playing that saxophone straight from the soul. Legion of Mary and Zero are two of my all time favorites. His onstage antics with all those bad jokes will never be forgotten. It was such a treat over the years to see him play with Zero and many up and coming musicians as well. I got to meet him and his wife Lisa a couple of years back at an Annie Lenox/ Sting concert. He was so gracious and kind. We spoke many more times at the Blackthorne Tavern and other shows after that. I am so thankful for knowing him. I was blown away by what a nice and genuine man he was. With all of that talent and history playing with so many greats, he was still so humble and happy to play in a tiny little bar with the young musicians as well. He was a very proud father and grandfather and spoke with such love of life, music and family. My heart goes out to his family and friends and especially little Jessica. He is deeply missed.
Life truly is a dream dreamt by dreamers………thanks for providing a great soundtrack to the dream, Meester!
Never “Chut Up” Brother. As your spirit soars away from us
to the Promised Land, know our thoughts & hearts will be with you til we all meet again for that great gig.
Blow On Brother! Kerry
Dearest Lisa and Jessica,
We are so sorry for your loss. I remember the day that Martin came to our kintergarten class to show everyone his amazing talent of playing the sax for these little 5 year olds….. I had never seen Jessica so proud. Her face was all smiles.
Arman and I are thinking of you.
Please let me know if I can help you in any way.
My deepest love to you.
Negissa and Arman
You brought laughter to us when we had almost forgotten how to. You brought soaring beauty to us with your sax. You helped us remember our big family. Now we send you our love to help light your journey. We will always remember. Thank you, Jon
Hey meester…you brought joy to my life and inspired me every time we had occasion to play music together or just chat. You will continue to inspire with your sounds, your stories, and your presence which remains. Travel well, my friend - you will be missed. All my love, and goodspeed to your next adventure, Jason
Martin - Many Memories…a small blues club in North Beach with Chip sucking on an inhaler…Wow Hall in Eugene. Up in Catati, at the ashkanaz in Bzrkly, PineStreet, La Luna in P-town on numerous occasions…you made us all smile!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
THANK YOU.
I’ll never forget seeing Martin for the first time with Zero at the Wetlands in ‘97. The banter with the crowd was priceless.
There was this kid up front wearing a Phish shirt. Martin asked him if he wears a Zero shirt at Phish concerts.
Chut UP!
What do you call 500 Indians without nipples?
The Indianapolis 500!
Rest in peace, Brother.
Such a long, long time to be gone
and a short time to be there.
All my love, respect and heartfelt condolences to Jessica, Lisa, the Fierro family and everyone touched by the Meester.
Rich
Thanks for the joy and fun you brought with you to all your performances. You always seems to be one of the folks and very accessible. Your smile, jokes, and playing will not be forgotten. Peace be with you, Meester!
So, I guess the only way to start this is to say simply, my father died on March 13th, 2008. It was at around 2:45, three ish. And it was the end of a week that has been among the most heartrending weeks of my life. I love my father so much, and am going to miss him so much. He was such a beautiful, generous, kind man… even when he was growly. He was everyone’s friend, from the busboy at a diner to a fan on the street, he always had a smile and a joke. And to see play music on stage, it was a gift. It was as if he communed with a higher power to make the sound that came out of his saxophone. A sexy high power, cause they say the sax is the instrument of love. I got to see him play some great gigs too from weddings to when we went to Koh Samui and played to the final show of his that I saw at the Filmore last year. SOLD OUT. He got to have his rock star days come back one last time. I was like yeah, that’s my Dad, getting the glory. It didn’t matter where he was playing wedding or the Great American Music Hall, he played with everything he had everytime.
I just want to tell you all that as he lay there, fighting that cancer in the hospital, he had so much love come into his room. There was the family of course, all of us, to whom it’s been absolutely the worst thing in our lives. Then there were all of his friends who came out to see him off. It was like how it used to be when I was a kid, a bunch of people would come in and just hang out, tell jokes and make music. The only thing missing was the pot smoke, and if they could have gotten away with it, I’m sure that hospital room would have gotten hotboxed. But he was so happy to see everyone. And at one point we were listening to a Bill Wither’s album, and “Lean on Me” came on. I started to sing to my dad and then everyone joined in. Even he did. We didn’t know the verses very well, but we sang the hell out of the choruses.
And of course the most important thing was that my whole family was there, to help him be at peace. And to be with him one last time. But it was time for him to go to see his friends, and his parents, and have one great jam up in the sky. And now he can tell the angels to “Chut up.”
This all happened so suddenly, in six weeks, the cancer claimed him. I can only say to touch base with your family, tell them you love them. Don’t think I’ll do it tomorrow, sometimes to you lose tomorrow to today.
I love you, Dad.
Martin -
I feel honored to have known such an honest, sweet soul during my lifetime. You will be greatly missed.
Thank you for sharing so many things - jokes, laughter, honesty, music, friendship. And for being such a loving father to Jessica.
I seek comfort in knowing that you are no longer in pain, and that your spirit will live on in the hearts and souls of the many people you touched during your lifetime through your love and your music.
Dear Darling Sweet Jessica,
Native American Prayer
I give you this one thought to keep…
I am with you still…I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints on snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift, uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight
I am the soft stars that shine at night
Do not think of me as gone…
I am with you still… in each new dawn
************************************************************
The rubber ducks that you received are a very special gift to talk with Daddy, The Native American meaning of the duck is to provide protection and care for you. Remember what we talked about~ Daddy is always with you as your Guardian Angel.
Love and blessings to you,
Suzie
Spirit Wind
Quivering delight overtakes me
With gay anticipation as
I watch the eagles soar
Riding on the winds of time
It creates an amorous
Wooing within the spiritual realm, Joy comes so
Easily to my spiritual side
I sit in awe and passionate
Delight as I experience
Daily, deeper understanding
Of my spiritual world
How delightful the power
Of the eagle as it soars
Above me, Carrying my
spirit to the wind
Martin… “May the four winds blow you safely home”
this is sort of like an online wake. all i know for sure is that martin is an extraordinary spirit of love. the love from him and to him thru his playing and being has had to raise the vibrations of the universe. i didn’t know if i could put on some zero and listen to him play today, but of course i could. it was good medicine as it always has been. it is true that everyone he came in contact with was blessed by the experience, could feel the love and warmth of him. thank you also to all his friends and family for sharing your stories of love for this man. martin said on this site, “Being the kind of person that I am, I have always shared my love, laughter and tears through the music I have played for over 50 years now. Please reflect on that and hold it in your thoughts and prayers for me and my extended family…” and i will continue to reflect on that, and hold it in my heart with much love to him, his family, and all of us…
3/14/08 Just heard the sad news . Martin you are a mentor to me . I’m crankin up my tapes of Jonnie D’s , Blue Star , and the Middle East ! Suckin on some reeds and I’ll play my Martin pro tennor for ya all night long !!!!!!! Baby baby I love you . And we’ll all miss you in New England .
All my love
Tom Yoko Zuna : )
Hey now Meester, What a special blessing it has been knowing you over the years. From the Jerry days on thru Zero and much more. I went right to one of my Legion of Mary CDs last night and blasted it. Sweet! There are so many dear memories that I hold of you. Your kind and hilarious nature, your incredible talent, your true friendship… Sending loving thoughts of peaceful journeys your way. My heart goes out to your family. Love, Deb
God Bless Martin Fierro!
Thank you so much for all the comfort you have provided/continue to provide for my soul with all your music…damn are we gonna miss the shit out of you!!
Peace
Timo
Thank you and God Bless
Were really gonna miss you …..alot….
Peace
Timo
I had the wonderful experience of spending a few days following Zero in September ‘97 during their midwest swing. I have never met a more genuine and personable human being in my life. I can’t fathom how anyone could possibly be unhappy after being in Martin’s presence for any length of time. He had an amazing ability to pick up your spirits if you weren’t doing so good and knowing how to draw laughter out of you whether you wanted to or not. I am deeply saddened by your passing brother. You are missed like no other. I sincerely hope I will see you again on the other side. Rest in Peace Meester!!!!!
Meester,
What a wonderful inspiration you were to many of us. You will be missed. Nothing like the sweet sound of your sax that could take us all to another level. I can only imagine the band that is now together up there somewhere creating beautiful sweet music…oh how we will miss you! Martin you were one of the warmest and generous people that I have ever known. We love you and will miss you.
Sending prayers and loving thoughts to your family….Luv you,Susan
Please post where services will be held in order to say our last goodbyes to our beautiful and wonderful friend.
’m in tears in front of a friend’s computer right now as I have just learned of the passing of a very important person in my life.
2 days after the death of the great Chuck Day, whom I admired from a distance, Martin left our plane this last Thursday. He was 66 by my math.
I won’t go into all the great music Martin played, because I was largely ignorant to it to be honest. I did always know he was in the band Zero, and played with many remarkable musicians.
My tribute to Martin is in my tears right now. He was one of those people who managed to be so kind and so cool, so comfortable and happy that he made you cool just by talking to you. Every time I ran into him he was so nice and positive, and really gave me a good feeling in my heart.
I grew up with his kids. Mostly Rafael. I wish I knew where I could find him right now. Martin was so kind to me when I lost my mother Patricia Axtell 11 years ago. He loved her, and I’d like to say that he was especially sweet to her, but the fact is he just treated everyone that way, like I already said. She always brightened up visibly whenever we saw him. As she was battling MS my whole life, things to brighten up about were few and far between. Thank you Martin.
Music is my life’s work. I can’t say that I’ve done a great job of it, but there’s still time. Martin gave me my first experience of a jam. I grew up a suburban kid in San Anselmo. One day I went over to the Fierros’ house. Me and Rafael were doing a lot of taping of albums around that time if I remember right. I don’t remember how old I was, or anything else about the day other than the fact that when I arrived in their downstairs room there was mad percussion going on, the rhythm was hot like tomatilla sauce, and upon seeing me Martin quickly ran over and handed me a cowbell and a stick. I don’t remember anything else, like whether I even hit the thing or not, but he made me part of the music, and I still haven’t stopped, although my reasons for sticking with it have not always been clear.
I’m no longer an idealist. I won’t say that I knew him well, ’cause I didn’t. And I also won’t say that music is the answer to everything. But I can say that it’s given me a reason to go on living more times than anything else. I always loved music from before the day I was born, but Martin actually invited me to join the band, and in the same action convinced me that I could be useful there. My only regret in writing this is that I never played music with him, not since that first time when I was just a little boy.
Thank you so much Martin. I already sorely miss you.
Peace, Martin. You are truly one of a kind.
Thanks for the music and the laughs.
jessica,i`m sorry that your dad is not here anymore.
don`t be sad, you no exactly what to do. DO NOT CRY BECAUSE YOU MISS HIM,SMILE BECAUSE YOU REMEMBER HIM.
you are so brave to handle this at 8 years old.
Querido Martin,
Nuestros almas estarán juntos siempre.
It is so hard to say goodbye ~
Gitanita
thank you my friend on tape.
Meester,
I will always remember the warmth, music and LOVE you brought to Portland every time you visited. You are a shining example what human beings can become in their time on this earth. Your example and music will live on in many hearts and minds.
Peace be with you.
‘Chut up.
Rob
Yesterday, I received news of Martin’s passing just as I was headed out out the door to do environmental restoration at a local beach. On the drive to the beach I reflected upon Martin’s beautiful music and spirit…most especially how he always made a point to stop and give me a laughing, smiling, open-hearted hug every time we saw each other at music festivals throughout the years. Martin was more “one of us” than some sort of holier-than-thou rock star…I always appreciated this.
As I began my solitary work at the beach I pushed “shuffle” on the iPod and, wouldn’t you know it, two “random” songs that both featured Martin’s music played back-to-back. Now, what are the chances of that? In this case, 100%.
Martin’s smile is in my heart and his music plays in my head. Perhaps he’s not gone after all
In Light and With Love,
Johnny Dwork
Martin,
What can I say? Where to start? How about thank you. Though we’re brothers, bro’s, you’ve been more like a father to me. You’ve taught me to grow up, to tolerate, to share. You’ve taught me to push my point, but to be humble and not show off. You’ve taught me to chut up and listen, and to not get caught up in a bunch of worries and fears. You’ve taught me to be an, “equal opportunity chit giver”. You’ve taught me to except any and all love, and to not give up. You’ve taught me that I can handle an awful lot, but that it’s important not to burn bridges, so that I’ll have friends whose shoulders I can count on when it’s time to cry.
I love your sax licks so much! My little flute style wouldn’t be the same without your influence. Thank you for your generosity, your big heart, and of course your willingness to let a rookie flute player like myself share your stage. I’ll never forget those tunes, those heartfelt tunes that you’ve made your own. Tell me all about it, Chain Reaction…..Afro Blue, Sun Sun Sun. Meestery Train.
The list goes on and on and on, through your 5 decades of entertaining us.
Thank you for introducing me to so many wonderful big hearted people, and giving all of us somewhat of a roadmap to selflessness, humility, courage, and of course senses of humor. Thank you for giving me a glimpse into your world.
I’ll look forward to celebrating your life each year on the 18th of January! I hope and believe you will find peace, happiness and a good party with your compadres of
yesteryear…. Thelonius, Miles, Coltrane, Janis, Cipollina……. and so many countless others you’ve grieved over, for years. It’s rough getting old and watching the passing of all your buddies.
Meester, you were blessed with a gift from a/the god(dess) and I’m sure you’ll either be entertaining the residents with your soothing sax, flute, piano, “pantsing” the motherphuckers, or showing them through your sheer sense of humor and sincerity that life’s short and we can’t take it for granted. I hope you get everything you deserve in your next place, and still get a chance to watch us love, learn, and grow. I’ll miss you, but I know you won’t be gone. I believe the legacy of Rafael Martin Fierro will continue to blossom for years to come, and I’m just so glad to have had the chance to consider you my friend.
Back when I played my first sit-in with you and MFQ I thought..Man, I can die happy now. Well, my appreciation for you has done nothing but multiply ever since. My heart has a giant hole in it as I envision the days/years to come without your company, but god(ess) willing, that hole will be filled with the humor and grace that is my indelible memory of you, and your undeniable fiery spirit. I won’t be able to remember your jokes for chit, but I know someone here will…… further confirmation that your impact spreads far and wide.. Everyone you’ve met seems to ‘get’ the, “Martin factor”. You’ve never gotten too big for your britches, nor have you lost touch with the average person. You shine Meester. You’re a legend in your own slime, ahchutup!
Have a peaceful trip to the next dimension Mister Blister, and please don’t forget to send us some signs…
a reminder of our hopes and dreams that we may once again enjoy your company. I’ll surely find comfort in that, on my journey through life, and in my passage. I wish for your superhuman level of strength, love, and lots of courage for your kids and family. I know you have been the glue that’s held together so many.
You’ve been one hell of a bandleader and I wish mucho strength to all your bandmates. There will never be another you. Your leadership was the kind your compadres could count and rely on. I know I will try my best in my own little way to carry and prolong the torch that burned so strong and so bright in you. I won’t let you down Meester. I’d better chut up…. that’s plenty of the internet for now!
Thanks (for the billionth time) for the memories, they’re gifts to all of us. The pleasure of knowing you is beyond description. We’ll all be looking forward to partying hard in your honor…. all your boys together for the sake of paying homage to you would be really great. Meeeeester! It’s time for us to give back some of the love you’ve so surely given us.
Let the angels sing!
Your pal, team-mate, friend,
Jake
You’re my main mang, mang.
Sending blessing, good vibes and respect and love to you, your family and your friends, on your journey onward. Thank you for blessing us with your Eagle Spirit of heart, magic, joy and peace. May you reach us continually with your Spirit to awaken us all and realize our dream of harmony and everlasting peace and love ~ d
Swing low, sweet chariot, coming for to carry you home, dear Martin. For Jessica and the rest of your beloved family and friends, there is a saying that having a loved one die is like watching them sail out to sea on a ship. As he disappears over the horizon, we wave good-bye and sadly say, “He’s leaving.” But at the same time, the people on the opposite shore are joyfully shouting, “Look! Here he comes!”
Thanks, Martin, for the myriad gifts you gave us. You will be missed.
Miriam
Meester Martin,
You are a special spirit.
You gave me much joy and memory through the years from back at Spagnoli Estates…Oh the parties we had. You brought a special glow to those Bonfires.
Boogie on through the years til last I saw you at studio 333.
You are missed by a huge family of friends.
To you remaining Fierro’s, and friends, here is a beautiful poem
Do not stand at my grave and weep,
I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there, I did not die!
Mary Frye (1932)
Martin enriched my life and the lives of my children, Jody, Monica, Gary, and Robyn, so incredibly much.
I will always feel his loving presence in my heart.
Love to all, Patty
We loved Martin. The world is a little less fun now. We have his music to make us smile.
Picture borrowed without remorse or permission from a Rob Cohn photo
Chutting Up
Greg
Hey Martin-
Just wanted to wish you bon voyage on the great trip home; it was truly a pleasure to have had the privilege to play with you over the years. I learned a lot from you, probably the most important thing being not to take it too seriously- it’s only music, after all… You are one of the most spiritual cats I have ever known- not by devotion, or contemplative study, or any BS like that- just by who you are. Peace be to you, my brother!
Much love,
Kevin Hayes
martin: i’m so sad about this. i remember many, many years ago i was working at Longs in San Anselmo - that was the first time i met you. then julie farey took me to George’s to see her brother play and my mind was completely blown away by the music. there you were again! it’s strange that i recognized you but there was that “thing” about you people don’t forget. Zero was an event - even Phil Glass gave you guys great reviews! “here comes the saxophone - SCREAMING FROM OUTER SPACE” were his exact words. you’ve been my friend for all these years, the only one from Zero (besides my lovely Johnny Cip) that truly means something to me all these years later. that will never change. i never stopped loving johnny and i’ll never stop loving you.
i still have the flute you gave me! now it’s not just a flute but MARTIN’S FLUTE!!
may your children find peace in knowing what a great and humble man you are and the beautiful legacy of music and laughter you gave us.
tell john hello and dammit, martin, i will miss you so much. but i will always have you in my heart. Thank you for being my buddy!! Thank you so very much.
On behalf of the Gathering of the Vibes family, I’d like to extend our deepest condolences and greatest love to Martin’s family and friends. He is and always will be a big piece in the mosaic of our hearts.
Martin’s music will forever be heard and loved by generations to come. My daughter is 9 months old and she already listens to the JGB and the GD everyday. Martin was an amazing man and a legendary musicain, he will be greatly missed and even more importantly never forgotten.
RIP
P.S. He will be missed at The Gathering Of The Vibes this year. He was phenominal w/ Dark Star and Zero in the years past.
thanks for being a great man and musician, Legion of Mary is where i learned of Martin’s saxophone and am so glad to be such a young fan of this music scene and to still have been able to see him with zero and Kimock and friends.
you know i was wanting to take a drive tune it up real loud and just remember so i grabbed 9-7-1991 zero w/merle at the starry plough in berk one of my favorite nights of ALL time (YES ALL TIME..LISTEN TO IT OR CALL ME I’LL MAKE YOU A COPY 916-212-6016) and I started driving along hwy49 to go see my mom… and holy shit let me tell you it was incredible!!!!!!!!
so sorry must have hit the send button just wanted to say ZERO WAS a great band and any other form of that band will NEVER reach the incredible heights it reached with our good buddy martin !!!!!!!!!!!!!!you will be greatly missed my brother
“keep on keepin on”
steve walker
Martin was a brilliant musician as well as a hilarious comedian on stage and I feel so lucky to have seen and heard him perform. I will always treasure the music and memories from those many Zero shows I enjoyed. From ‘95 through ‘99 I saw Zero more than any other band, and Martin never failed to wow me with his incredibly lyrical and melodic playing, and make me crack up laughing with some rambling, stream-of-consciousness rap or silly joke. I loved that besides saxophone, he would also play all those great percussion instruments, pan flute, squeaky toy, etc. He was a cool, cool cat and he spread shades of joy all over this joy-starved world. We’ll miss you Martin! O.K., I chutup now:(
Dave Farey told my that you had died. It hasn’t even been a month since you called me to tell me of your affliction. I am devastated by your passing. Standing next to you on a stage for five years were incredibly illuminating. We were irreverant, we misbehaved, we were the f-ing HORN SECTION! I’ll see you up there, puto! I miss you so much, my brother!!! Wish I could have been with you at the end, I just didn’t know how bad it truly was. Save me a seat in the brass section, but don’t be too pushy.
Hadi
I will never forget that smile! Geez, could Martin smile. And make us all smile back.
Love you forever.
i’ll never forget the time i got to record and play with you. the short time i knew you will always be magic.
farewell meester! honk-on!
Adios Marteen!! The hours of joyful music and fun you so happily gave us will never be forgotten.
Martin,
Your light’s Gonna Shine A LONG LONG TIME !!
I feel blessed to have known and hung out with Martin.
I first saw him in 72 at NY’s Academy of Music with Jerry & Howard Wales, doing Hooteroll. Damn they were good!!!!
Many shows over the years with Jerry & Merle.
Then, I got to meet him through my dear friend John Cipollina in the Zero days.
Hilarious on stage!! Even more so backstage!! A pack of wiseasses, all of us.
Schenectady NY 88 jamming acoustic in the motel room,
John & me on guitars, Martin playing this little Yamaha battery powered keyboard, tearing it up. Little did I know it would be the last time I saw John.
All of us,the next morning, turning the motel pool into a primordial swamp of freakasurus’s, honking & croaking.
(he brought the duck) the straight folk all got out when they saw us coming.
Martin had the gift.Not every musician can connect.
That magical fusion of past, future, & NOW. That sense of urgency.A gift from God. Many are called, few stand up.
I’m going to try to keep that beautiful Grace that you showed in my life, and do my best to spread it and live it.
That’s my promise to you, it’s the least I could do.
May God’s Love continue to Shine on You
Thanks, Dan
PS Say Hey to Johnny
I just want to send my love to the entire Fierro family. He loved you all so much and he showed us, his friends and fans unconditional love and always called us family. When my dad passed this summer, he played Danny Boy at his memorial service. He walked in to the cultural center on a walker with Jessica, and I knew his back was really bothering him. I thanked him for playing the most beautiful rendition of Danny Boy and he said “he was my father too”. He will always be with all of us and I remember coming over to the San Anselmo house in the basement and him playing his keyboards and running around the basement jamming. I remember backstage in Madison or Milwaukee pantsing him in the cellar of the bar. I probably videotaped it. I am going to dig out the many videotapes I have him. There was a really funny one of him telling jokes in Cleveland with John Cip on a Zero tour during the harmonic convergence. He was so beautiful and always told me I asked too many questions and would tell me to Chut-up. But he was always smiling and laughing. LOVE TO ALL OF YOU.
Cindy Cort
As I think of you today the sound of Harvey echoes the most. I remember your birthday in 1992 in Berkeley, vividly. Then Later, I got to meet you at Palookaville. The first handshake was solid and it came with a smile. Hanging out with you backstage at the Maritime were some of the most fun times I have ever had. I remember the story you told me about your neighbor who was sick and how sad you were about Ella Fitzgerald the day she died. I remember the stories about Jerry and Jackie King too. I remember your birthday in 1997 at Cipp’s place and still have the photos in my scrap book and the reed from the Ventura Theatre show in 98. You gave me the MFQ tape and the early Sleeping Lady Cafe stuff. Of all the times I shared near your stage, hanging out with you on Sunday and jamming I can’t say I would ever change a thing. I am going to miss your smile your heart and your soul brother Martinello.
Hey Brujo!! The first time I played with Martin, they said ” You’ll really dig this sax player “. We played for awhile …Martin no show. Then I hear this searing alto sax from the front of the club, and he comes rolling in on a skate board playing his ass off. Oh yea, I dug that. And continued for 30!!? years. Oh Chut up! WE LAAAVE YOU. Alex
If you ever loved or cared about anybody you know how Martin felt inside.
Lucky enough to have worked as producer arranger with Martin from 1969, Blue Cheer thru 1995 for George Michalski’s , San Francisco, Martin was the San Francisco Sound. Martin played and recorded with everyone that contributed to what San Franciaco came to be. If and when the memorial for Martin Fierro takes place an icon with the simple ” Martin Fierro-the San franciaco Sound
should be given to his family .
I will miss his smile just about as much as his music.
when i read all these posts, i’m struck by how much martin loved all of us. he was always talking about how much he appreciated the people he had met, all of you and more. he knew old friends of mine, that had moved away to the midwest or eastcoast or somewhere, and we had lost touch. but not only did martin know them, he had been over to their house or had dinner with them on his previous tour. each person in every walk of life,(busboy, rock stars, fans…) he tried to remember and appreciate every one of us.
so anyway;
wolff
Dear Beloved Meester:}
Thank you so much for all the Faboooo times. I look back very fondly on being de-pantsed on more then one ocassion.Boy were you surprised when my drunk ass put his fine white Arse squarely on your horn after one too many shots of love. Me and Wendy are forever thankfull for being part of your world. My only regreat is that are children will never meet you on this plane.
Love
Bryan & Wendy Blackledge
Martin-
I was lucky enough to see you w/Zero a dozen or so times 95-99 & again in ‘06 at the OCF. (Not enough - My FAVORITE band.) Walked away from each of them with a memory of a joke, wisecrack or other Martin-ism. Not to mention some hot shit sax playing! I’ll never forget meeting you outside the Cal-Neva: I said ‘Hey Martin!’ & you walked right up and gave Rita & I big hugs.
I’ll be listening to your music the rest of my life. Thank you.
Mark
Its been a couple of days since I heard the bad news.Its been great to read the postings here.I was lucky enough to have played onstage with him with my band Ned Endless & the Allniters.We did sporadic gigs around Marin from 1989-2006. He was always a great sport even if something unexpected was going on.Getting the upper hand on adversity and letting the music rule the moment-that was Martin Fierro !.
I have read some postings here with people talking about their own loved ones who became ill and how supportive Martin was. Hope there’s room for one more story. My Mom passed in 2006 after a long illness during which time I was her caregiver. About a week after her passing I was
driving home after finishing some paper work at the funeral home.Martin was living about a mile from me and i used to drive by his place. On this particular day I was not exactly upbeat to say the least.As I was driving I saw Martin as he was going into his apartment. I pulled
over and said hello and told him about my bad news. We went inside and just talked about life and all the ups and down that make up a lifetime. I’ll never forget this conversation
that lasted about 2 hours, despite a couple shots of fine tequilla that Meester brought out.This conversation was philosophical,sympathetic,supportive,celebatory and humorous.I don’t think music came up.
I hope that Martin’s family gets some peace.The feeling of grief is going to be there.Little things can trigger big memories. I know its often said but try and remember
the good times and always remember the joy he brought to so many people.Lisa,you gave so much happiness to Martin. He was so proud of Jessica I wish only the best
for all of his family.
Robert
wow,
How hard is this? Martin’s gift to the world is joyous. Through my tears today I laugh because I remember something silly that he once said, or did, or his laugh, or his accent. I loved his jokes. Here’s one I remember….”Did you hear about the gay midget? He came out of the cabinet.” Ha! And the best thing was, He cracked himself up!!! My chest hurts because i know that i will never see him again, and i am honored to have known him . He was so happy, loving, positive and most of all, he never passed judgment. From tequila shots until i passed out on his stairs, to “the bitches in the corner”–I will freakin miss you Martin! Thanks for passing through–You are a LEGEND.
with eternal love,
jana
This is a tough one.
We of course have lost some of rock’s most gifted musicians, but Martin was more than that. He was a person. He had a musical talent beyond our norm, but he still made us feel that we were important, and apparently we were.
We are so fortunate that that we got to hear him in so many different settings and also had the opportunity to know a little about the man himself.
I am cherishing the recorded history right now & it proves that Martin was one of, if not the best, horn player that our scene has ever known.
Thank you Martin!
Andy & Jill
Martin’s soulful music touched my heart from the first notes I heard. It was easy to see why he was loved by so many in the industry as a great player. It was not his music, however which touched my soul the most. Martin taught me what it means to live a warrior’s life, each day’s joys and struggles taken with his indubitable exuberance. He met life head on and never let anything stand in his way when it came to living his life large. In many ways, he was the ultimate trickster, who never let us get too down when times were rough. There was always a “chut up meester” when anyone got too serious. When Martin learned of my transition…he changed the expression to Ms. Meester…never one to let a moment escape without his amazing wit and sensitivity. Martin…you will live in my heart forever!!
I know you are rockin’ out with John, Nicki, Jerry, John and all your other friends…I’ll meet you again some day…
love,
robbi cohn
dude…i miss you so much already, in a cold hard industry, you always showed me respect and love..thank you for your kind heart
blessed be
liquid Steve
It was such a blessing hangin’ w/ Meester…having the honor of sharing the stage…most of all I loved the long hours traveling from here to there, listening to that crazy Mexican Indian ramble on and on and on and on about whatever the hell he wanted to. I almost never cry…for whatever reason…when I heard I’d never see or hear Martin again I sure cried. Fly on sweet angel…back to the source.
Do you think Martin feels our tears from wherever he is now? I KNOW he does! Whenever my eyes overflow with tears of him, I soon hear his voice coming from my heart, saying, “It’s allright, Sweetie, I’m here.”
I just had to tell y’all that.
Love, Patty
Thanks Martin for showing me how to get outside my musical self and play with abandon. Will always treasure the days with you, Merle Senior, Merle Junior, Tony and Jerry.
Tom Donlinger
‘Santa’
I feel like I need to write something here. It’s a bit odd, publicly displaying my feeling about my father, but I guess I feel like I want people to know how I saw him, as he did raise me.
I’m not sure I really understood how special of a life he had given us until I was a little older. When I was young, having a father who lived on the edge (and he did) was actually not easy to get used to. Some people have said recently that my dad lived his life like a sax solo. I agree. He always were flying by the seat of his pants. Whatever was going on with my dad was very clear in a couple of minutes. If he was happy, blue, whatever. He expressed it. My dad would let it out. His music was no different. It was just more direct. Sometimes people have feelings and they say that words can’t describe them. I think that’s what his music really was. He was really letting us know how he felt. He was a complex human being. He needed a more complex way to communicate.
Growing up with my dad being a musician made it so I almost took it for granted. But later on when I got into music myself, I realized how talented and soulful he was. He was a thinker, an artist, a performer, an entertainer, a comedian, a musician, a kid, and a father. My father. This is the guy who taught me how to ride a bike and skateboard, played catch with me in the park, drove me to school, barbecued for us in the backyard, made Christmas happen in our house, and later on in my life this was the guy I would call when it was really hitting the fan. He loved me and always let me know. He loved all five of his kids. He always told us that we were the most beautiful songs he’d ever played.
Dad, I love and miss you already and I’m thankful everything you’ve done for me throughout the years. You showed me that it’s ok to be an artist and stand with your truth. It’s ok to have some joy and some heartache. It’s ok to live.
Also, I want to thank everybody who has been there for my dad and my family throughout this difficult time. This has not been an easy time for anyone who loved and knew my father. We’ve all been trying to fumble our way through this process in the dark. At one point during all of this, I thought, “Damn I wish Dad was here to help us with all of this.” Well, that’s just it. He is. You can always talk to him. And if you’re really quiet you might be able to hear him tell you to chutup.
So thanks again for all the support. I know he loved all you guys.
Cheers, Miguel Fierro
p.s. - to Jessica:
Dad loved you so much. And so do we all. You’re really a sweetheart and you brought pure joy to our Dad’s heart. We love you, kiddo… :0)
Everyday is a first day without you, Martin. It’s really hard but we’ll make it.
Love and kindness to Lisa and all of Martin’s family.
Walk in Peace,
Aubyn
Its gonna be tough knowin’ your not around anymore….I’ll definitely miss those magic moments you spent with so many of us….I know Jer’s makin’ a space on stage for you in Atzlan….Rock it out…we’ll be there soon enough…
Entra en paz mi amigo….
Well I’ve gone beyond devastated… I’ve tried to come to grips with this loss but only thing that comes to me is tears. Martin, I will never forget you. I know I need to chutup however I wanted to say I love you man…
We have been blessed, thank you for your gift.
I am posting this here as Rob and Natalie saw this on the Kimock list and I was reminded that I forgot to post this here…
Dear Martin,
I am not sure why it has taken me so long to gather my feelings, my thoughts, my emotions, somehow they just don’t seem to express what it is I am truly feeling inside. I am still some what in shock that you are no longer on this earthly plane…because all weekend it was as if I could hear your beautiful saxaphone mysteriously between all of the other notes that were being played in your honor. And when the tears came, as they did all thursday night and into the wee hours of friday morning I could hear your gentle voice saying “hey baby don’t cry” and then I would remember the way you would light up when telling a joke (some of which I never even got) and the laughter that would fill up the room after it’s telling, and then my tears would stop for a moment. The beautiful picture of you and your son that (((((Jake))))) put on the stage at the Great American Music Hall was a big help as well…when my grief seemed as if it would consume me, I would glance at your
beautiful smiling face and know that you were no longer in pain. My words of condolences all weekend somehow seemed to not fill up the space (in my own heart) that your absence has left behind, not that they could ever do that anyway. I just want to take this moment and thank you Martin. THANK YOU for your beautiful and soulful music, thank you for ALWAYS inquiring about my dad, and for including me on your joke e-mail list. It seems like I was just getting to know you outside of the music…though you seemed to look straight into my soul with those big warm eyes those times when we did have the opportunity to talk. Thank you for offering to teach me to play saxaphone, and getting my WHOLE LONG STORY in regards to THAT…I miss you already Martin, and feel such sadness that we did not have the time to get to know oneanother better, and that I thought I had more time to tell you all of this in person…
May your spirit fly free sweet Martin, free from pain, free from sorrow and with the knowledge that you were, are and will always be truly loved by so many people.
Until we meet again…
Kem
REST IN PEACE, MY BROTHER MARTIN . . .
I loved you, I will always remember
you and I will hold you beloved
within my soul for every last
moment that I draw
breath on this
earth…
You were, and shall forever remain
a ray of gleaming positivity &
light to and for everybody
and everything you
have ever graced with
your unmistakable
glow.
I am proud to have known you, and even prouder to have been
able to call you my friend. I will always miss you.
Guess I’ll chut up now, eh?
UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN ON THE RAINBOW BRIDGE . . .
Your friend . . . for eternity,
bruce gregory
Everyone’s comments and thoughts here have been so moving and right on.
Thank you so much, Martin, for all the years of beautiful music that you gave. Whether you were jamming with kids from West Marin or with Jerry Garcia, at the Fillmore or in a meadow in Lorane, you always gave it your all and made the music sweeter, bigger, and more soulful. Your smile, jokes, and open, friendly nature made everyone feel welcome and good at your shows. I’ll miss your playing and inspiration so much, but will always cherish the really deep, incredible music you made and all the good times of going to hear you play.
“On the need to remember: –Remembrance is the only paradise out of which we cannot be driven away. Pleasure is the flower that fades, remembrance is the lasting perfume. Remembrances last longer than present realities; I have preserved blossoms for many years, but never fruits.”
–Bruce Lee
I can’t really profess to knowing Martin himself all that well. He floored me as a horn player and either made me laugh my ass off or kind of terrified me as a person, so I was always pretty quiet around him. What I do know is that he made a beautiful family of some of the nicest, smartest, funniest people I know - and that’s a great thing to do in the world.
Martin –
You never met me, I’m writing from way east of the Mississippi, but I speak for thousands who knew your beautiful heart through your music.
You’ve been with me since Mother Earth in the late 60s, and I rediscovered you through the Zero years. Something about your tone and the spirit of your music was so very special. Although I’m a guitarist and devoted to Steve and Cip, when I turned people onto your bands and recordings, I always pointed out that inspired guy on sax as the center of it all.
I was visiting in SF several years ago with my wife, riding on a bicycle cab, of all things. Suddenly, I heard your sax coming from a club we were passing. So sweet, so recognizable. So cool.
Meester, just as we could see so clearly into your heart, it seemed that you had climbed into ours, messin around, making things just a little better inside there.
So on behalf of all of us, thank you. Nice goin. Come back and do it again sometime, will ya?
Ah, I’m weeping for a dude I never met who made my life better. Time for me to chut up and pass it on.
RIP Martin! I was blessed to see you and the energy you emit on and off the stage up @ Doug and Cid’s with my closest friends, Brian Bowes and Matt Howard. That experience changed my life! I am grateful to you for being in my mind! 2 Good + 2 Be = 4 Gotten!
-DAVE NYE-
martin, i met you stumbling thru the woods late one nite at hornings hideout in oregon. between the trees, i spotted your tye dye…and it was amazing !
not nearly as amazing as the notes that blew out of your sax,of course. i was the crazy olympia washington woman that founded the organic brewery of fish tale ales.
we shared some swill, some smoke and traded heaps of New Orleans stories and caught up on mutual friends.
i can still hear your voice, and know excactly where your RV was parked. No doubt, the next time that i grace Bob Hornings residence, i will dance naked with a peacock feather in my hair and invoke your spirit!!!!
sadfish, yet so…soooooo… grateful to have known you !
i will see you on the other side.
much love.
arigatoo gozaimasu
da feeshwhich
Whew, in tears over this news I read this morning. May the jams continue. Kind words and love by all, paz.
I woke up this morning put on the Mahavishnu O. ‘Birds of Fire’ album and for the first time - read the back of the album- I felt this is sooooo Martin…
Revelation
No more my heart shall sob or grieve.
My days and nights dissolve in God’s own Light.
Above the toil of life my soul
Is a bird of Fire winging the Infinite.
I have known the One and His secret Play;
And passed beyond the sea of Ignorance-Dream,
In tune with Him, I sport and sing,
I own the golden Eye of the Supreme.
Drunk deep of Immortality,
I am the root and boughs of a teeming vast.
My Form I have known, and realised,
The Supreme and I are one-all we outlast.
(Sri Chinmoy)
P.S. -And thank you to New Monsoon for “Meet You On The Other Side”; to be able to hear it Loud and SING IT TO YOU!
Back in the late 90’s my band played on the same bill as Zero a few times and I had occasion to hang out with Martin. He was one sweet guy, one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet! My fondest memory of him was eating pancakes with him at a coffee shop at 4AM after a show in Santa Cruz. It was one of those absurd momemnts that only rockers on the road can relate to:-)
Came to California last week, but too late to see you, of course. I still remember laughing with you when Buddy Miles played guitar with us at the Sausalito Art Festival in 1987 with that diamond star in his tooth, with the excruciatingly long solo of ‘Them Changes’ that never seemed to end. We were really bad togther off stage, but we were always on with our audience. So many jokes between us, and I have so many pics. You recorded the best trumpet solo I ever pulled of with the exception of the Titans in Cuba, in your BASEMENT on San Francisco Blvd. With you singing, of course. Zero was a hoot, but playing next to you with the MFQ was the best. ‘Little Sunflower’ w/ you, Matt and myself. No comparison. And of course, 4AM dinner at La Rondalla after Zero gigs, watching you power-slam burritos while no one else could eat. Cruising home in Greg’s Hudson on the Golden Gate Bridge at 4AM, feeling like Kerouac on, well, you know. I miss you so much, I can’t believe we won’t do the comedy act you spoke to me of so often.
My love to all your children, sorry if I indirectly cause you any grief; the party never stopped at your house, but neither did the love I had all of you. Hope to be at the Fillmore this summer to stand on stage next to where you should still be; ah hell, you WILL BE THERE.
Hadi
Martin, you were there for me at one of the most difficult times of my life. You took me to your house and cared for me until I detoxed.I will never forget your kindness. When everyone else had turned their backs on me, you embraced me, and nursed me back to health, you understood my demons.
Not long after that I brought my father to see the MFQ play at New Georges. When the band took a break you came over to meet my Dad, You asked me to get you a glass of water from the bar. Still till this day I’m not sure what you and my father spoke about, but my involvement with music was always difficult for my Father to accept. Something you said to him changed his perception of not only the “music environment,” but my involvement with you and music in general. I have never asked my Dad what you said to him that night, but what ever it was, thank you.
When my Dad and I left, on the car ride home he said he thaned me for introducing him to you. He also offered to help purchase a Selmer Mark VI that you helped me pick out from Haight Ashbury music. I’ll never forget playing next to you with Ned Endless And The Allnighters.
I sometimes wondered how I would feel if you passed away. It has affected me more than I imagined, I’m grieving, in a way that I can’t really explain. I’ve cried, I’ve laughed, but mostly I miss you. Even that I hadn’t seen you much in recent years,(because I’ve moved to Florida,) I walk on the beach at night and we talk. You always were a great listener, and you’ve continued to be.
I love you, and have wonderful memories of a wonderful human being. I know that Ned, Jimmy, Robert, Freddy, Dave, and all the rest of the Allnighters are grieving as well.
Love you, Jeremy
fillmore! 8-8-08 why isn’t it posted here? i hope martin’s son will play the sax..
Mitch Stien is also doing a gig for Martin at the cafe de nord in San Fran on may 6th. Hope to see you there…
Mark
Rest in peace Meester. I only saw martin a few times live,but I attended jam cruise 5 in Jan 2007 and got to share many moments with Martin thruout the week at sea.When the cruise was over we ran into each other at the fort lauderdale airport,We both had about 6 hours to wait until our flights, so we just hung out. It seemed like we were old life long friends. He told me all about his life ,musical career,and his children. He showed me his picture of his little girl many times. He asked me about my life and what was my “gig”. He is a one of a kind person and his spirit will live on thru his music he gave us.
Mike J.
I first used to see Martin in North Beach shortly after I moved here from the east coast when I would go to cafes and write in around 1980-ish.
Then I would see him playing the sax, one of my favorite hauntingly beautiful instruments, around the Bay with various bands over the years.
The last encounter I had with him was in downtown San Rafael last year. He was, as always, pleasant, kind, familiar and open and happy to see me even though he really did not know me very well…something great to encounter in a being who is part of our humanity.
I will always remember his smile and generosity of spirit as well as his soulful music.
Blessings to his spirit, his family and friends.
Zenovia Jennifer Limberakis
Zenovia.org
Hi Rafael,
Please send me an e-vite. I’ll see you Sunday June 15!
Hi Rafael,
evite me. I’ll see you Sunday June 15th! This should be a wonderful tribute to your dad. I know it’s hard..I lost my dad last year. I just feel he’s in a better place, playing with one of the hottest bands there ever was!
God Bless,
Val Fuentes
Dear Friends and Family,
Thank you so much for inviting Normal Bean band to the tribute to Martin. All of the musicians seemed to be especially inspired, and the music was sublime. What a blessing to have Howard Danchik at the board– I can’t think of anyone else who could’ve so exquisitely manipulated the sound in the unusual setting we had.
We were treated so very kindly, we were even fed breakfast before we left for our drive back to Oregon– much appreciated!
We all made so many powerful connections– and reconnections– like some kinda cosmic matchmaker was at work! Excellent tours and shows will be emerging from this little event.
I know Martin would have been proud of Cassidy. We’re looking forward to playing with Cassidy again and with some of the other musicians we met, at the Eugene Hemp Fest in Oregon July 18-19-20.
Thanks to the Fink Family, the Fierro Family, and the sweethearts who worked to make the party safe and comfortable for everyone.
Martin, I miss you.
Love to you all.
Stella*
Many Thanks to the Fierro family, Steve Fink and everyone else for putting together A really fine tribute to our friend. I enjoyed seeing the photos albums and talking to family members in addition to meeting new people and swapping stories. It was a perfect setting for remembering Martin. As I was driving home it occurred to me that as time goes on and I meet other people who knew Martin that an instant bond will be created- who knows it might even result in making some music !
Robert Holtz (organist “Martin Fierro Tribute Band”- we played Sat PM around 8:30)
I heard the news today and it was a shock. I had the great pleasure of playing with Martin many times as one of the Liberators - he played with us every chance he could and always gave everything he could. I remember playing a lick once only to hear Meester’s sax right behind me answering the call and we would just trade off. He was just such a great guy and I feel extremely fortunate for having had the times I did with him and the wild and crazy Liberators. Thanks for the memories! You are deeply missed. Chut up!
Hey Meester- What a great show last night… loved hearing your voice between sets… and what great music….Jessica your song was so sweet and wonderful…. peace n love always…. Chief
Meester,
I heard your sax fill up the Fillmore the other night and realized that you weren’t physically there, a few times. It was a great tribute to you and your music. I miss you Meester! Jessica, very brave and wonderful to hear your sweet voice! I know your Dad was looking down smiling proud.
love ya forever Meester..
Mike
Man… having a 3 yr. old and going to school has me so out of the loop. I have some very sweet memories thanks to Martin and Zero at the W.O.W. Hall in Eugene in the late 80’s. Will miss ya.
Chi pisa la chike!
Nick
man miss ya meester.
a little prayer for ya
I give you this one thought to keep…
I am with you still…I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints on snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift, uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight
I am the soft stars that shine at night
Do not think of me as gone…
I am with you still… in each new dawn
Martin, Merl is with you now. You both feel no pain and we expect there is a great show going on up there now. I am sure you are getting the band back together with Jerry!! love you and miss you so much. CINDY aka cookielady
Give Merl a hug from us Meester…….
Dear Martin,
There is not a day that has gone by since you left us that I don’t think about you. I sometimes think back to when the doctors told us that you had 6-9 months and I realize that you could have still been with us today if that had been true. I know losing you so quickly avoided months of your suffering and I am truly grateful for that but haven’t ever stopped wishing you were still here with us.
Jessica is doing so good. She got all A’s and one B on her report card and she is dancing and singing so beautifully. You would be so proud of her! We talk about you often. Sometimes happy memories and sometimes sad but always with our loving hearts. I went through all of our years of pictures recently and made Jessica a beautiful professional photo book with pictures of you and her, past & present stage photos and many pictures of just you shining your beautiful spirit being happy & silly as you so often were. I want Jessica to never ever forget how much her Daddy loved her and please know how much we love you!
Martin,
The music will always sound good…but I bet it sounds
pretty great up there also…with Jerry, Merle and You…
Peace, and Love.
Jim
To Martin,
On your Birthday. Just wanted to say “Happy Birthday, I miss you deeply brother.”
“You’d say Chut Up!!!”
I’d say “thanks for all the good times. I will always remember you…”
Toni Fishman
Martin, Happy birthday. I was thinking of you but didn’t write on your birthday. I got a temp job and it’s a schlep back downtown Chicago and I am exhausted. But I know you are always with us. love you and miss you.
Hi dad,
I want you to know that I love you
and I wanted to say happy birthday to
the greatest dad in the world!
-Jessica
Martin, you are so loved and so missed! you truly have the sweetest most loving heart i have ever known. my life is so enriched by having met you, it is one of the biggest blessings of my life to have known and loved you. you have a huge loving family who all miss you so much!!! we think of you all the time, and still feel your love and send you ours! thank you sweet man for your love!
love you, love you, love you!
chutting up,
coertje
Hey Meester,
I miss you my brother. Thinking about you today, as everyday. Say hi to Jerry.
Love you
Pete
To Martin, I still miss you man… Your the one and only….
Hey (((((Martin))))),
I am sitting here thinking about you and missing the heck out of you and seeing your beautiful smiling face in my minds eye…you are never far from my thoughts and will ALWAYS be in my heart! I still feel the warmth of your hand in mine as we sat and listened to New Monsoon at Yoshi’s!
Oh Martin - I just was listening to the pre-home on the range
(shadowlands) from 1/23/91…I love and miss you…
Lobster Tom
Today 4/19/09 I found out that Martin had passed away and only knowing him
for only little more then a year and a half through Kimock and Mickey Hart.
The first did I walked on the stage he new who I was and was my friend, I am so sorry to hear of his passing the band up there is kicking I know for sure.
porter, jr.,
I ran into Bobby Vega in Boulder Colorado where he was playing bass for Etta James and he told me of Matins passing and I was deeply saddened to hear the news. I spent many shows with the Zero gang and it was some of the best times ever in my life and martin never failed to make me laugh and his playing alway touched my soul.
Meester, you will be missed and never forgotten.
Larry Lizzie and Lily
thinking of you today.have a meester xmas.awchutup!rafa
hi Daddy!
Merry x-mas and happy new year! I love you!!!!!
love your little squirt, Jessica
p.s. 100,000,000 kisses
Happy Birthday you Motherfucker……. We love and miss you…..
happy bday dad!!
Hey Martin,
Thanks so much for the inspiration you gave so unconditionally!
I bet you and Johnny are having a hell of a Jam up there.
Much Love.
JP