The Resounding Echoes Grow
Barefoot Bob (1975-2013)
Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of the Phish experience is the people we meet while on the ride. Amidst personal exaltation and sonic revelation, the friends we make are the most lasting treasures of the traveling circus we call home. So many of the people we hold dear at this point in life we have met through the interconnected circles of the Phish universe. As we have gotten older, however, many of us in the Phish community have dealt with unexpected losses of people with whom we have shared such powerful life experiences. There is nothing more heart-wrenching than a kindred soul plucked from the earth before his time, and on January 7, the community lost another dear friend who was taken from us far too soon. Robert Eckhart, known to many as Barefoot Bob, succumbed to cancer at the young age of 37.
Bob was a significant presence in the Phish world in several ways, specifically through his participation on Phish.net and Twitter. Sharing his passion for Phish, The Grateful Dead and other bands with fans far and wide, Bob actively reccomended his favorite shows and provided copies for anyone who needed them. He helped initiate the Phish Twibe Listening Party, a weekly online get-together for participants to listen to and discuss classic Phish shows. Above all else, however, Bob was an exceptional person. His love for people and enthusiasm for music were catalysts for the formation community and close friendships, and his influence moved far beyond those who were lucky enough to meet him in person.
Barefoot Bob (right)
When Bob was diagnosed with tongue cancer in May of last year, he went through painful surgeries to have part of his tongue and the lymph nodes in his neck removed. This was followed by many difficult radiation treatments, and when his doctors finally thought he was cancer free and all he had left was to rebuild his body and learn how to speak and eat again, tumors began to appear around his stomach. The only course of action was a brutal schedule of chemotherapy. For a time, it looked like an experimental trial conducted at the University of Chicago would provide Bob and his family with a bit more time together, and he even had hopes of attending some of December’s New Year’s shows at MSG. Sadly, though, Bob’s health quickly declined. Thankfully, he and his family were able to spend one last Christmas together. Bob leaves behind his wife, Danelle, and two sons, Joseph (7) and Noah (6).
The community to which Bob gave so much of himself is now giving back to his family. Both Phish and Phish fans have generously donated more than 50 prizes for a raffle and an auction to raise money for a memorial fund which will help pay for the education of Bob’s young boys. The prizes for the raffle include an autographed Fishman, show-used drumstick, a $100 Ticketmaster gift card and a wide variety of concert prints including a Boston 20th Anniversary Pollock. There are even more items available through the auction, including a set of two 2010 SPAC Pollocks and a set of three 2010 Atlantic City Duvals. To enter the raffle, just make $20 minimum donation to his memorial fund and then forward your email receipt to bobmemorial2013@gmail.com.
The Eckharts
Watching our community rally around Danelle, Joseph, and Noah has been truly special, and you can contribute to this effort. Please consider entering the raffle, bidding in the auction or donating to the fund today. You’ll have a chance to pick up some incredible Phish memorabilia while helping out a family in need. We ask you to dig deep and give generously. That’s the way that Bob lived his life, and you can honor his memory by doing the same.
Complete rules for the raffle, as well as links to the auction and more on Bob’s life and courageous battle can be found here.
LINKS: Memorial Fund, Raffle, Auction, & Memorial Site
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Jam of the Day:
“Waves -> Undermind” 8.15.11 II
From what I gather, this UIC show was one of Bob’s favorite in recent years.
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Have Gorge ’11 Antelope cued up.
Nothing takes Carini’s lunch money.. Carini will always getcha…
9/12/99 Ghost dick punches Carini.
must say. Marble IPA is a fine, fine brew. Comes in the can as well.. $$$
Now I will try the Marble Red Ale.
his description for my favorite part of the jam:
Trapped in Hell (22:09-25:30)
THE SHROOMS HAVE TURNED!
Heyya. I threw a mix together of Chicago juke/footwork/trap stuff that I have been loving lately, think some of you might enjoy it. It is short, 30 minutes, but a nice chunk of tunes there and a fun mix. Hope you enjoy it.
http://www.mediafire.com/?nmxvdnmyhby3yic
“Cash for Gold”
01.2013
1. Child of the Ghetto – 618 Footwork
2. iiiiiii hiiiii – DJ Rashad
3. She Turnt Up – DJ Spinn
4. Chicago – DJ Rahsad
5. Vibe – DJ Diamond
6. Ghetto Tekz Runnin It – DJ Rashad
7. I I I I – Boylan
8. Trapp Bakk – DJ Rashad
9. 4 A $5 Bag – DJ Spinn
10. Kush Ain’t Loud – DJ Rashad
11. Luve U – DJ Rashad
12. I Choose U – DJ Diamond
13. What You Need (Juke Edit) – DJ Phil
^ “This makes 2012 MSG Carini look like Strawberry Shortcake.”
Thanks AJ. Dj Jr.D Strikes Again!
lopeG with the cast…classic days. Drinking in the sun makes even pibbers enjoyable.
I came up in the wrong era. Nothing appeals more to me than the deep psychedelia of Fall 94 – Summer 95, especially the latter
Def not dissing Lope G, how can i since he doesnt yap, text, throw glow, or get schwilly
Easily wish more fans were like today’s Lope G
And if you cant laugh at your phishy self, youre doing it wrong
very respectful memorial piece Miner. Much love out to Bob’s family
spinnin Tweezabella
Tweezabella is always a good place to be. I want to live in it.
Trey teased us with Izabella at JB this summer. Almost positive it was Sand. Thought for sure he play it at the end of Leg one, a few days later at SPAC.
Nope. Instead he decided to throw down the Blister in the Sun Disease..
#Troy’d
RIP barefoot Bob. didn’t know him, but my brother had tongue cancer 3 yrs ago, and had it removed just in time. doesn’t smoke, no warning signs. Went to the dentist complaining of a lump/trouble swollowing. Went to doc next day/consult/etc. Went in for removal a week later, and it had doubled in size.
Doc said that if he had known how big it was when they started the robotic surgery, he wouldn’t have operated. Almost had his taste buds, and saliva glands removed, which means he wouldn’t ever be able to taste, or spit. Got super lucky though, and back to full health. Scary shit.
anyway – cancer is no joke. check yourself. watch out for the lumpy head.
def Izabella tease on the JB Sand.
if you’ve seen the ‘behind the rig’ video w/ Trey you will notice he is at jones beach before the show (i think Page’s episode was as well) and during one of his explanations drops that same Izabella riff out of nowhere.
Thanks aj.
Barefoot Bob had good taste. Glad he got to hit UIC at least.
Yep, Izabella tease in JB Sand plain as day, and in the gear video that was recorded there…
typing from a new apple computer makes me feel dirty. figure someone better help me with that falling stock price.
lovin it so far actually.
Go Hawks!! looking good. hope ya’ll had a nice weekend.
laterz comrades
Don’t jizz all over the keyboard RL.
I regret typing that now. That isn’t becoming of this board.
I laughed hard, but I still kinda regret it.
I chuckled
Workaholics, season 2 with the Australian girl is hilarious.
jizzing over the keyboard is why I hard to replace the last one
Too irie to type^