In Memory
of Joe LaCaze, 1971-2013
On Aug 23rd,
the metal world mourned the loss of a true legend within the
underground scene. Joseph M. LaCaze, a New Orleans native and
founder member / drummer for Eyehategod, has left a legacy which few
can match and it was with heartfelt sadness the news filtered through that another life was cut so tragically short.
I remember seeing
Philip Anselmo wearing an Eyehategod tshirt back 1994 on the I’m
Broken video if I remember correctly. I was in my early teens at the
time, as a result I convinced myself that I had to buy their music,
such was Pantera’s influence on me at the time. Now, 20 yrs later,
I can recollect with fondness that the record I bought was ‘Take
As Needed For Pain’,
which to this day is their best record. On first listen my virgin
ears could not cope, feeling that at the time, the record was
unlistenable, such was the angst of Mike Williams vocals. It is now
a mainstay in my metal playlist to this day and a must have for any
metal fan.
Eyehategod,
always seemed to be like a brotherhood and despite the various
mishaps or problems within the ranks, it only appeared to reinforce
their desire to continue. I had the pleasure of seeing Eyehategod
play in Manchester in 2012 and I have to say it was one of the
greatest gigs I have witnessed and indeed It was pleasure to observe
Joe LaCaze setting up his drums, emphasising to me, that despite
having been together for nearly 25 yrs, they had just the same DIY
attitude now, as they did when they first formed. Live, Eyehategod
were untouchable.
Behind every
great band, there is great drummer, if a band does not have that,
they don’t have shit. Joe LaCaze was just that, nothing flashy,
but just an awesome presence and at the centre of everything that is
Eyehategod was about. LaCaze — who also drummed in Eyehategod
offshoots Outlaw Order and The Mystick Krewe of Clearlight — leaves
behind a formidable legacy within what is now known as the sludge
metal scene. He will be missed.
The Sludgelord
want to show their support to Joe’s Legacy and we have set an
Eyehategod auction here on eBay. We are asking bands, labels, fans if they would
like to provide merch which can then be sold to raise money for the
Joe LaCaze family or a charity of their choice.
Following our
initial post on our facebook page, we have had many kind offers,
which is amazing, however we are asking for more. So please help!!
Once we receive the merch, we will auction it off on the Sludgelord
facebook page. If bands, labels, fans wish to offer something for
this auction please email me at thedoomentor@gmail.com
or visit the auction at eBay. Our aim is to raise as much money as possible for this brilliant
cause. It is time to give something back to a man, who has provided
the metal world with so much. Please email me and share this link
and help us raise awareness, so we can do the very best we can in
memory of the late, great Joe LaCaze. Hail The Riff!!
Thanks Aaron and
The Sludgelord Team
