Page 58 - 08_Oct-2025

Memoir
CRES
CEND
OING.
After my friend and bandmate
was diagnosed with a rare
muscular disease, we decided
to finish what we’d started by
recording our first album while
there was still time
by SCOTT MESSENGER
58 EDify. OCTOBER.25
Colin
minutes away, Colin is suddenly,
With the start of the show a few
debilitatingly exhausted. We just
hauled in drums, guitars and
amps from our cars parked outside this rundown
northside bar. But Colin didn’t. He hasn’t had the
strength to do that for years now. The walk to the
stage alone has left him collapsed in his folding chair
— now necessary for every show. His guitar sits at
his feet, his right hand rests atop an aluminum cane
planted in front of him. I ask Colin what he needs.
He raises his other hand gingerly from his knee, a
gesture meant to reassure me. It doesn’t.
“Just a bit of time,” he says.
I get him a glass of water and return to setting up,
stealing glances. Colin looks confused, even mildly
angry, the resentment probably aimed at the disease
that’s doing this to him. I check the time but it
doesn’t really matter what it says. The truth is, time’s
running out.