I won't pretend to know have known Brian all that well, but taping dozens of Mule and Allmans shows over the years as well as both living in Nashville we crossed paths a number of times, and he was never anything but kind, gracious and always up for a chat.

Ever since my time with The Loft I've always felt a kinship with road crew folks. it's a hard life with little reward and only a few are really cut out for it. Those who are though speak a common language and can immediately tell when someone else "gets it".

I remember seeing him outside a Walgreen's in Bellevue one night right a few years ago. He recognized me and we stood and talked a good fifteen minutes before making plans to hang out one day. We never did. I only wish now I'd taken him up on that offer.