Energy Joe, Energy Joe, Energy Joe. Baby, baby. Energy Joe. C'mon!!
"Energy Joe"

I remember it well. It must've been five years ago. Fresh off the heels of press release after press release of the upcoming Versus, the zombie flick by new(ish) director Ryuhei Kitamura. I was in discussion on some message board or other. "Sure, Versus looks cool." One horror-savy denizen had to say. "But what about Wild Zero?"

Wild Zero? I queried, not understanding. I'd never heard of such a thing. "Sure, it's about this Japanese rock group that fights off zombies with electric guitar picks and grenade launchers."

But Wild Zero was something so much more than that. And the band, Guitarwolf, was so much more than that.

My food is Rock n' Roll. Nothing I can do about it, just cramming it in.
"Wild Zero"

I remember it too, going to my local indie record store. I remember perusing the selection in G. Nothing... nothing... nothing... Guitarwolf... GUITARWOLF!? Fresh off the heels of seeing Wild Zero I was a man possessed. I bought everything they had.

Guitarwolf's music was like a kinetic explosion. Self-described as "Jet Rock", they had no compunctions about sound quality. Hell, they hated fidelity in their music. A clean sound was like anathema to them. But theirs was a style of beauty. I fell in love with Guitarwolf immediately. They showed me there was something coming out of Japan that wasn't sixteen year old girls singing about how they're still in love with you. They showed me there's more, if you look beneath the surface.

I'm the one who knows the secrets of mars.
I'm craving all the earth core magma I can scarf.
"Far East Man"

I remember passionately trying to decipher whatever lyric I could. I remember blasting them so loud on my stereo in the old apartment that I was afraid the neighbors would call a noise complaint it. I remember people turning over their seats to look at me on the bus as my headphones blared Devil Stomp. I remember driving down Belmont Avenue at four in the morning, screaming out Kung-Fu Ramones Passion.

And I remember being enamored with Basswolf. I always did have a special place in my heart for a cool bass line.

I remember Final Fantasy XI. When we all started playing, we had to decide on names. "What about Guitarwolf?" I suggested. Joel played the titular role. Jerry as Drumwolf. I took that of my hero, Basswolf, of course. Even writing the name brings back nostalgia. During boring groups I'd whittle away the time by inappropriately typing things like "LOCK N' LORR!!!!" and "ACE!!!! LOVE KNOWS NO BOUNDARIES, GENDERS OR NATIONALITIES!!!". I would surge with pride when a new addition to the party would ask where our monikers came from. "Hold up on pulling that Hill Lizard for a moment," I'd say, "I want to tell you a story." How many I turned onto the music sensation, I'll never know. But I wanted to believe that we were doing our part. And Guitarwolf was doing theirs. Every time I shouted "REFRIGERATOR ZEEEEEEEEEEROOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!" so that all of Valkurm Dunes could hear I got a warm feeling inside. Guitarwolf had given me more than just their music or some B horror movie. They'd given me pride. They'd given me love.

My heart is on Mars, My heart is on Mars. Planet Heart
"Planet Heart"

I chose the name Basswolf without a second thought. I always joke that in my musical dreams I'm a dork. I sing along to the backup vocals when I'm in the car, I air guitar to the bass part. Even in my fantasies I'm not cool enough to be the front man. But Basswolf was cool enough. Basswolf didn't need to be the front man. He was there on every track. He rocked every bit as hard as his counterparts. He was no second fiddle.

But Basswolf died... on March 31st, 2005 he passed away of a heart attack at the age of 38. Hideaki Sekiguchi, aka Billy, aka Basswolf, is dead. He died just hours ago from when I'm writing this. I had never felt so grieved before. I'd never had someone who I considered an idol pass away. February 25th Guitarwolf played in Philadelphia. I didn't see them. I resolved myself I'd be on it next time, I'd know when a show was in town. I'd be THERE.

Super speed is with what I'll be flyin'. Straight towards the heart of that Miracle Girl
"Invader Ace"

What happens now? The group's without a formative member. I'm still crossing my fingers, hoping against hope that this is some cruel April Fool's joke. If I woke up tomorrow on the 2nd and it was all a big hoax I'd laugh and pass it by.

But I don't think that's going to happen. Basswolf is dead. The man I loved in the only way a straight man can love another straight man and be comfortable is gone. I just hope there's a better place up there, because with all the joy he's brought to my life, if anyone deserves it it's him.

Smoke as many cigarettes and drink as much beer as you want in heaven Billy. You've earned it.

"Rock n' Roll is NOT over, baby!! Rock 'n Roll NEVER DIES!!!!!" ~Ace, Wild Zero