Tuba Man – 1955-2008 – RIP

Dori writes…

There are a handful of people who make a city truly unique. On that short list in Seattle was Ed McMichael. You probably never knew him by his given name – because to all of us he was simply Tuba Man.

After every sports event, he was there. As we walked out of the Kingdome, Safeco Field, Qwest Field, Key Arena, Tuba Man provided the soundtrack as we trudged into the night. How many of you tossed him a back or two? How many stopped to say “hi” or “thanks”?

This PI blog has a video of Tuba Man playing and also this photo of Ed McMichael

The way Tuba Man died is simply shocking – and horribly depressing. He was at a bus stop Oct 25th near 5th and Mercer when he was attacked by a group of suspected gang members. They beat and robbed him shortly after midnight. They kicked him as he curled on the ground in a fetal position. He was treated at a hospital for his head wounds and was back home recovering. Monday, his brother came by to take him to a doctor’s appointment, but McMichael wasn’t in the lobby. The apartment manager let the brother into his room – where they discovered Tuba Man was dead from his injuries.

A few months ago, Mayor Nickels declared that Seattle doesn’t have a gang problem. This weekend, a gang shooting led to the murder of a 15 year old boy near Garfield High School. Monday, Tuba Man died from a suspected gang attack.

Perhaps our mayor needs to stop worrying about plastic grocery bags and reviving the music scene – and start focusing on the violence that is taking over this city.

As for Edward McMichael, it’s hard to believe he’s gone – especially in such a violent, senseless way. He sent millions of us off into the night with his music. A fun, quirky part of our city has died. Tuba Man will be missed.