Where Have all the Good Times Gone?
Posted on April 20, 2009 – 11:00 AM | by OldManFoster
Micah Kennedy, R.I.P. 2009
I Just got the news that Micah Kennedy passed away last night.
I first met Micah in 1993 at a hastily thrown together Midtown music ‘festival’ called the Garage Sale-A-Go-Go. Micah and his buddies rolled up on vintage bikes, sporting 60’s polaroid sunglasses and generally looked as if they had just ridden out of an episode of My Three Sons. Turned out that they were a surf band, or were about to become one, and were looking for a bass player. Enter Tim White, who was about to go onstage with his frat/garage combo, The Trainspotters. White was a perfect fit for the band that was soon named the Tiki Men, and within weeks they had made their first recordings at Micah’s warehouse lair, the Sing Hing Bean Sprout Factory.
Though Scott Miller and Pete Husing had formed the Tiki Men with Micah, it was clearly Micah’s band. He wrote and arranged most of the songs, played lead guitar, recorded and produced the records, and generally set the tone for the group. Never quite comfortable in band ‘outfits’ like the Hawaiian shirts they wore early on, Micah gave the group an edge that no other ‘retro’ band of the period could touch. And his playing didn’t hurt either. Probably the best rock and roll guitarist that Sacramento has ever produced, Micah’s work in the Tiki Men and in later groups such as the Lazy J’s cemented his reputation from nearly the moment he set foot on stage.
For a time, anything Micah touched seemed to be solid gold. The Tiki Men immediately found themselves the darlings of the 90’s garage/surf revival, playing the prestigious GarageShock festival in Bellingham and releasing records on a variety of labels. He produced the debut single from Tiger Trap, Sac’s now legendary riot girl band, and the first record from Lil Bunnies- which ended up at #1 on Rolling Stone’s punk charts for a week. Relocating to San Francisco in the late nineties, he formed the Original Sinners, a sort of proto-Alkali Flats with future Flatter Chris Harvey. Their whiskey-soaked hillbilly blues were devastating, with Micah and Chris channeling the spirit of the Louvin Brothers.
Health and other issues challenged Micah over the past decade, and though he never stopped playing music, his output decreased dramatically. He and I were never particularly close, but we kept in touch, and I enjoyed running into him now and again, almost invariably when he was working on an old car or motorcycle. Micah was a sensitive soul, much beloved by his friends and family. Very sentimental, he’d stayed close to friends he’d met as far back as preschool, and he died surrounded by those close to him.
When my first band put out our first record in 1995, it came with a questionnaire which asked each of us our musical goals. My answer was short: “To play guitar like Micah.” The answer would be the same today.
He will be missed.
Tags: Micah Kennedy, Tiki Men
50 Responses to “Where Have all the Good Times Gone?”
By Dave Downey on Apr 20, 2009 | Reply
I had not seen Micah for close to a decade now and was unaware he had health issues….this is very sad news.
By keara on Apr 20, 2009 | Reply
Thanks Tim – this was a very thoughtful tribute. We’ve lost one of the angels of our clan.
x
-keara
By Anonymous on Apr 20, 2009 | Reply
Oh man, this is just terrible, terrible news.
—-Woodhouse
By Anonymous on Apr 20, 2009 | Reply
I’m stunned and devasted. Very sad indeed.
– Alex Z.
By Kunai-Gurl on Apr 20, 2009 | Reply
Hi,
I’m Micah’s little sister. What you wrote means a lot to me and my family. Micah would have been so happy.
Thank you,
Rebecca
By Anonymous on Apr 20, 2009 | Reply
Hey everyone- Tim’s piece is a great ode to one of my oldest friends and is very much appreciated. I knew this event would reverberate (no pun intended)among those who knew him as they recalled their memories of time spent with him. I know it did for me. It was hard to say goodbye but I think Rebecca’s note really says it all.
-Ed Carroll
By Tessa on Apr 20, 2009 | Reply
Thank you for honoring Micah this way. Our family will deeply miss his warmth, smile and his unconditional love. I clearly still hear his laugh ringing in my ears. I really enjoyed reading this Blog; it shows that he was loved and will be missed by countless others.
By smitty on Apr 20, 2009 | Reply
Man, this sucks. I always enjoyed running into Micah. We both have a love of tiny motorcycles and Dodge Darts. Plus, as I’ve always said, he recorded the only Lil Bunnies record that was any good (sorry, Woodhouse).
-Dave
By Anonymous on Apr 20, 2009 | Reply
I’ll always remember the (really corny) jokes Micah would tell. Well, maybe I won’t remember the jokes, but I’ll remember how he laughed after telling one (or three).
I usually don’t comment on blogs. But I had to this time.
We will all miss Micah.
-Dawna D.
By Tom H. on Apr 20, 2009 | Reply
Oh, man, this is sad. This is the first I heard about his passing and his health problems. A true talent that could never be replaced. He will be sorely missed. Thankfully he left us a ton of great music to remember him by.
Tom H.
By Anonymous on Apr 20, 2009 | Reply
I am so sorry to hear of this. Micah was such a sweet spirit, and it was always great to see him. Love and good thoughts to his family and family of friends- Amy
By Anonymous on Apr 20, 2009 | Reply
Beautifully said, Tim. What a loss to all.
-Mary
By Anonymous on Apr 20, 2009 | Reply
Every boy has their “dude”-the slightly older guy who strikes you as the coolest person who ever lived. Micah was mine. Not only did I get to know him, I got to hang with him, play with him, and just have some of the best ever times in his presence. He’ll forever be near and dear.
-Tristan Tozer
By David on Apr 20, 2009 | Reply
Later Micah, pave the way for us.
- Davo
By Anonymous on Apr 20, 2009 | Reply
Damn, Micah was super sweet, always liked running into that guy. Keep on rockin’ baby doll!
- Keri
By Anonymous on Apr 21, 2009 | Reply
Tim-
Thanks for the thoughtful words. Mark, Tim and I are feeling pretty far away this morning. I dedicated our set last night in Antwerp to him, and it was pretty hard to get through The Everley Brothers “When Will I Be Loved?” which was one of the first songs Micah and I learned to sing together for The Original Sinners. He was a wonderful friend, singing partner, roommate, and inspiration to me for many years, and I’ll miss him sorely. Guphy, Scott Miller and all of us drank some good Belgian beers in his honor last night.
C. Harvey
By rockuba on Apr 21, 2009 | Reply
In the Spring of 1996, we somehow convinced our college residence to let the Tiki Men play for our annual Heaven/Hell party. It was the pinnacle of my lawless college days; full of suds, buds, geeks, fights, all manner of lewd & lascivious behavior, campus police and even a few guys dressed as astronauts. That night had everything, especially my big brother Micah. I can't believe you're gone. I miss you so much.
-Sean
By Anonymous on Apr 21, 2009 | Reply
Sean, what is your email address? I brought some old photos to scan at work today. I’d love to send them to you. I don’t know if you remember me, I’m an old friend of Micah, Scott, Ed and Jason. Sometimes when you were a wee lad (ok, you weren’t a wee lad) you would come over to our house on 18th street.
Ella
By rockuba on Apr 21, 2009 | Reply
Hi Ella, my email is rockuba(at)hotmail(dot)com.
Please feel free to send any photos my way, I would like to put a photo book together.
We don’t have a set date for the memorial service yet, but probably mid-May. I’ll post it as soon as I know more.
All the best,
Sean
By Anonymous on Apr 21, 2009 | Reply
a few people want to work on compiling micah’s work for friends and family. if you have any of the “random” (brilliant) stuff that micah recorded alone on his 4 track, or otherwise, please let me know so that we can include it in the comp.
janehemmerling@yahoo.com
By Anonymous on Apr 21, 2009 | Reply
Thank you for this fine tribute, Tim. Reading your kind words makes this a little easier. A while ago I showed Micah your comment about how your ambition was to play guitar like him and in typical fashion, he got a kick out of it but was also embarrassed. He never quite believed he was as talented as he was, or so loved and admired. He would have been humbled and touched by this outpouring from everyone. He left us so many wonderful memories and amazing music. I will be posting as many photos of Micah as I can on Facebook, so I invite anyone interested to take a look.
-Megan Garrett
By Anonymous on Apr 21, 2009 | Reply
Rest in peace, Micah. You are sorely missed. And thank you, Tim, for a great tribute.
By Anonymous on Apr 21, 2009 | Reply
Not only was Micah a great musician but he was a great photographer too. And he was one of the best road trip buddies one could have. Micah was the bee’s knees.
- Jason R.
By John deNecochea on Apr 21, 2009 | Reply
The most beautiful person I’ll ever know. Thank you for your friendship, your humor, your music, your poems and countless letters. I will miss our 1 am phone calls and our hourlong ramblings about who we want to be when we grow up. All of dreams and fantasy -forever young. I’ll always cherish the first song you taught me on the steps of that old flat on 28th Street -Helpless by Neil Young. As I held your hand for the last time, I kissed your sweet brow and said goodbye, I never felt more helpless in my life. I am at peace knowing that you are not suffering anymore but my selfishness is having a hard time letting go. I love you and hope you have found some open land full of song birds and trees. Souls forever.
-John de Necochea
By Mary Kate on Apr 21, 2009 | Reply
Micah was always kind and often bashful. A great talent. I still love to listen to his demo in my car on long drives. Micah would love to visit and bring gifts for the kids. They, in turn, would climb all over him and laugh. Our youngest son bears his name and I get great joy every time I call him near, for I will now be reminded of his beautiful spirit each and every day. Micah, you will be sorely missed and often remembered.
–Mary Kate
By Elena DeNecochea on Apr 21, 2009 | Reply
Hey Micah. If you can hear me I miss you very much. You’re a good friend and I love that picture you put on your facebook of me and you. And I know maybe you can’t hear me but we all miss you. God bless you.
Love,
Elena DeNecochea
By Anonymous on Apr 22, 2009 | Reply
Micah,only wish we had more time to share with such a very special soul. You will be missed!
-Annie
By Anonymous on Apr 22, 2009 | Reply
I just had a rad memory pop into my mind:
it was at the spencer/micah estate on franklin, when Micah was very much at his peak, I think. There was a few folks around listening to records and drinkin brews and Micah and I started talking about Lightnin Hopkins. The next thing I knew we were at that old piano downstairs and he was showing me how to play some of Hopkins stuff. it was so fun, and he had so much energy and enthusiasm to share. I totally sucked at playing lightnin hopikins but micah thought that was the best.
- jane hemmerling
By Anonymous on Apr 22, 2009 | Reply
Micah was one of my best friends for the greater part of my childhood and adult life. I will always love his memory and am grateful for all he brought to our friendship over the years. I have no further adjectives, as others here have characterized him beautifully, but would like to wish him love, grace and forgiveness.
It will always pain me deeply that I wasn’t a better a friend to you towards the end, Micah. I simply didn’t know how to deal with it, and I assume you passed not knowing that I loved you. But I do.
Jason D
By Michael L. on Apr 22, 2009 | Reply
Here’s another person very sad to hear about Micah. There always seemed something vaguely princely about the lad, so the only thing I can think of to add is, “Good night, sweet prince.”
By Anonymous on Apr 22, 2009 | Reply
I will miss you always, Micah. Your creativity, humor, loyalty and moodiness is loved by all of us. I’m sorry you didn’t find your path out of pain until the end, and I will keep your search in my mind as life goes on. Thanks for helping us move in ‘07– we couldn’t have done it without you!
Tim, thanks for setting this up.
-Krsna
By Anonymous on Apr 22, 2009 | Reply
I didn’t know Micah really well, but I loved the Tiki Men, and I did hang out with him to help him fix amps and stuff a few times when he lived in Sacramento. I hadn’t seen him in years, then a funny thing happened not long ago, when I emailed about an audio console on SF craigslist, and the reply mail was signed ‘Micah.’ I asked him if he was the Micah I remembered from Sac, and it turned out he was. I bought the console from him and we spent an enjoyable couple of hours at his place in SF chatting about guitars, music, and recording, and he gave me a demo of some of his more recent music. It was so great to see him again, and so lucky just to connect by chance like that. I’ll always remember that slow smile when something cool or funny dawned on him. Such a great musician and a great guy. . .
Alex Adan
By Anonymous on Apr 22, 2009 | Reply
Thanks for putting this together, Tim. I think what touched me most about the comments was knowing that he wasn’t by himself, but with those who loved and still love him at the end. (That and what Tristan wrote about what a too-cool-for-your-cool-scene person makes a Micah Kennedy.) I wish his family well. If I ever stop thinking about him, it will take a very long time.
Ed Hunter
By Anonymous on Apr 22, 2009 | Reply
I’m very sad to hear that Micah passed away and I’m sad that I lost touch with him so long ago. Micah was one of those rare people without a mean bone in his body.
My thoughts are with you, Micah.
Tripp
By Josh Nice on Apr 23, 2009 | Reply
once at a party at 25th and P in like 1989 Micah was up in the attic experimenting with a new guitar tuning, and asked me if i wanted to try it out. i had never really played slide before, and the tuning was totally unfamiliar, but he gave me a beer bottle and told me to play it on my lap. he picked up an acoustic and this guy alex started playing harmonica. (maybe that’s one of the alexes on this thread?) for some reason it all clicked perfectly between us, like we couldn’t play a wrong note if we tried. as a musician he was always super supportive of the people he was playing with, egging you on. i’d kill to have a tape of that 10-minute jam now.
By Anonymous on Apr 23, 2009 | Reply
I know what you mean. I was a pretty shoddy player, but I always felt competent playing with Micah. When I first approached writing songs, I tried to rip off those spooky, 4-track hillbilly songs of his and it was a total disaster but it got me started. I miss smoking cigarettes on his too-small balcony above Old I, talking about girls and Nick Lowe.
– Patrone
– Patrone
By Anonymous on Apr 23, 2009 | Reply
Thank you Tim. Your words will help us with our loss.
Judy
By Anonymous on Apr 23, 2009 | Reply
I’ve known Micah since grammar school. He was always the sweetest, gentlest soul. We weren’t close but we always got a kick reliving our Crocker-Riverside days when we saw each other. Sadly, it’s been years since I’ve seen him but hearing his name will always bring a smile to my face. My prayers go out to his family and friends. Beautiful tribute, Tim.
-Marla K.
By Anonymous on Apr 23, 2009 | Reply
This terrible news. My cousin called this morning after seeing the notice. I don’t have alot to add to what has been said, and we weren’t very close but just knowing he’s gone makes me incredibly sad. We were neighbors above Old Ironsides and worked at Mag Hell together. I didn’t realize for a long time what an amazing musician he was. He was genuine and made it seem effortless. Truly an unpretentious and beautiful spirit. I send my condolences to his friends and family. Bye Micah…
-joe colley
By Roxanne on Apr 23, 2009 | Reply
What does a frog say when his back hurts?
Rub it.
Thank you Micah.
Love you forever.
By Anonymous on Apr 24, 2009 | Reply
Sitting here listening to "Love", possibly the best album of all time, and one of Micah's favorites way back when, and looking at all the photos on his facebook page. I see from the images, he was able to put my Starfire and my Westfalia to good use. I am glad.
I'm remembering Micah, Scott, Frank (or was it Jason?) & I crammed into his '77? Honda Accord Hatchback driving up to Old Folsom, BLASTING The Cult till our ears bled. We went to a cool Native American shop, Pacific Western Traders???, to get incense and look around. Man… we were like, 16 or 17… so long ago…
I also remember jamming (or rather, trying to keep up) with Micah and Scott in the Land Park amphitheater (free electricity!!! Oh my God!!!). Lots of Jesus and Mary Chain and Sisters of Mercy covers. The only band I was ever "in", so to speak. They were VERY patient putting up with my lack of talent.
Funny, about a year ago I started thinking about that Starfire, and wondering what Micah had been up to since I'd seen him last in The Tikimen era. So when I finally got around to looking him up on facebook a couple months ago, there he was.
Here's our communique:
Micah Kennedy
February 26 at 6:18pm
Hey Josh-
Funny, I was wondering how you were doing and then I hear from you. Wow. So how are you doing?
Josh Taylor
March 1 at 3:49pm
I sensed the psychic emanations of the Great Golden Eagle Spirit and was compelled to respond. Doing good. Got my own business as a Handyman. Just saw Scott and Ed last night at a party. What's Happening with you?
Little did I know…
This was a hard way to learn to visit friends and family while one still can.
I'm so sorry that Black Angel caught up with you so soon Brother… Hope you found The Sunrise sitting on the other side of the Sky… Love you man… my heart will be heavy for some time…
By Anonymous on Apr 24, 2009 | Reply
I want to say something but I really don't know what. I've been out of the country for the last few weeks – it was very strange hearing this news so far away but thankfully I was with a few of Micah's old friends when I heard. It's still just sinking in & reading all these nice rememberances is helping me sort it out.
Micah my man, we met in preschool and stayed friends even after you moved to Alaska . When you moved back in junior year of high school you weren't the silly, hyper kid you were when you moved – you were more thoughtful, intense, moody, funny, and just plain more enigmatic than before. To me that's the beginning of the enigma that was Micah. I can't even begin to sort out all the shit we did together. I love Josh's memory of us disovering the free electricity in Land Park & playing our sub-Jesus & Marychain racket at full volume on that big stage! We really thought we'd hit the jackpot there. The red VW bus was maybe one of the most Micah things ever – the way the horn would honk lazily every time he would turn a corner because there was some short when the key hit the steering column. I feel like I lived an eternity in that van. Our first apartment together with Jason D – it was only 2 bedrooms but there was no question who would get their own room & who would share a room. Micah needed his damn privacy! Funniest memory of that apartment is when it was being sold to a new rental company & Micah was the only person who could be around when it was being shown. He meticulously cleaned the whole apartment, did the dishes, tossed all the beer bottles, vaccumed….and left an ounce of brown weed sitting in plain view on his bed. Somehow we didn't get kicked out. He was even in Nar for a month until we got so frustrated that he wouldn't follow the changes that we gave him the boot. I still remember the one Nar song he wrote called "Greaser". "I'm a greaser! And I comb my hair back". Little did I know when I started my next band with him that he would've blossomed into not only a great guitar player but an awesome songwriter. The Tiki Men took off pretty quickly – all thanks to his rebel genius. And was there ever a man that could push a 4-track so far in the red & still make it sound so sweet as Micah could? And when the Tiki Men ended, he went & proved that he could also sing his ass off in the Lazy J's. The dude owned 'Runaway'! It always bummed me out – after he moved to SF – that it wasn't as easy for him to get a band together there. He needed that focus to harness all that wild Micah energy. I'd be lying if I said he didn't frustrate the hell out of me towards the end but I'm glad I told him I loved him the last time I saw him. I hope that rare Micah energy & spirit lives on somewhere.
On a final note – and I don't know why this typifies Micah so much to me – for the last few years, I would randomly get a call from Micah whenever I was at an airport. After the 5th time it happened I just chalked it up to the fact that the guy had some undeniable cosmic timing. RIP my brother.
-scott miller
By Anonymous on Apr 24, 2009 | Reply
What do you call a Mexican guy with a rubber toe?
Roberto.
-Micah Kennedy ca. 2007
Jason D
By Anonymous on Apr 24, 2009 | Reply
I remember just sitting around with Micah trying to crack each other up with guitar and/or bass riffs. Maybe it sounds weird, but I could come up with riffs that I knew would make him laugh. I love that we had that kind of musical rapport, translating sound into humor.
Many have testified to his guitar brilliance. Listening recently to his Tiki Men stuff, it strikes me again how unique his style was. It’s like the whole essence of his personality and soul is in every note. Some people learn to play notes, but few know how to invest each note with their whole being. He had this way of almost being off, just slamming home the chord or note just before it was too late in some offhand yet passionate way. Twas a rare style he had. And I think if you didn’t know him, you could get a sense of who he was by listening to his guitar.
Jason D
By David on Apr 25, 2009 | Reply
Thank you all for your kind and thoughtful words. We all loved the boy, he is special in so many ways. Alaska Family
By Robin on Apr 30, 2009 | Reply
I am grateful to read all these tributes, and so sorry to never have heard Micah play music…I’m glad to have known him as a teenager in Alaska for a brief part of his life. Are there recordings of the Tiki Men or other performances? Angels are happy to be jammin’ with you, Micah!
By Ol' Man Foster on May 2, 2009 | Reply
The Tiki Men have an LP and 45 still available from Hillsdale records:
http://www.hillsdalerecords.com/discography.html
and this week Scott Soriano posted some mp3s of the Tiki Men and the Lazy J’s on his blog:
http://crudcrud.blogspot.com/
By Jay Kennedy on May 10, 2009 | Reply
Tim,
Thank you for the kind words. I’m sure Micah would appreciate all of the memories from his friends and family. He will be missed.
Micah’s Dad, Jay Kennedy
By rockuba on May 12, 2009 | Reply
Thanks again, Tim, for your well-written article and the great photo on the cover of this month's Midtown Monthly. We all appreciate it.
Micah's memorial reception will be held this Saturday, May 16th at 1:00pm at 1729 Diggs Park Drive, Sacramento, 95815 (the home of John & Mary Kate Denecochea). This is open to all of Micah's friends and family. Bring a dessert or drinks; food will be provided.
Micah's ashes will be laid to rest that morning at St. Mary's cemetary. This is a private ceremony for family & close friends only.
If anyone has any questions, please feel free to give me a call at 415.202.4821
All the best,
Sean Kennedy
(Micah's brother)
By Jalew on May 19, 2009 | Reply
R.I.P. Micah. I will remember your unique sense of this life. I will remember you well brother.