R. I. P. Louis Bellson

As a kid, this guy blew me away! I wish we would've had Youtube back in the day! His influence is threaded throughout the great ones: The Appice brothers, Billy Cobham, Dave Weckle and on and on.

Louis was a solo extraordinaire. While not as flamboyant as Buddy Rich, who always seemed angry at his kit, Louis put on a "happy show". He just seemed to have so much fun while tearing up the skins! Buddy was a haunted house while Louis was Disneyland.

His friends say he was the same way in life. It's always sad when an icon passes - today is such a day.

Rest in peace, Louis Bellson, and thanks for the memories!

dh