I'd like to talk about who Erik was to me. I met Erik Petersen summer 2015 when we recorded this A Fistful Of Vinyl session with Mischief Brew. We'd been in contact for a long time before that, and exchanged admiration for one another's projects. His deserved far more than mine hah. It's common, when someone passes, that people tend to embellish their excellence. With Erik, no embellishment is necessary. When we were a young radio show, run by two college sophomores who didn't know what the hell we were doing, Erik was one of the first to give us positive feedback and attention. He helped us feel like what we were doing - archiving music we found meaningful, and bringing forth the human element of the artist - was a worthy endeavor that we should believe in. We met in person, and we were fast friends. He had an incredible ability to make you feel both so important and so equal at the same time. We recorded this session after a show they played with Ramshackle Glory, Days N Daze, and Moon Bandits at Los Globos. We walked around chatting until we found a spot we liked, opened up a flask, and just hung out and passed it back and forth for a while. We laughed all through the session. Jesse from Days N Daze and some friends came to hang out, and a small crowd gathered. It felt like we were all just hanging out. He kept up such a positive and informal energy that everyone involved felt super relaxed and open to having fun. There was more b-roll that maybe I'll release at some point. Damn charming fellow, is my point, I suppose. Well afterwards, Erik still kept in touch - often he'd be more proactive about it than I was. He'd take the time to send us vinyl, just because he knew I loved vinyl. Last week, we did a tribute to his record label, Fistolo Records, on-air on KXLU. He thanked me for doing so, and said he was glad I enjoyed the vinyl he sent. These were the last words we exchanged. There was a tweet that went out by the Upper Darby police department earlier this week, saying Erik was missing. He was a risk because of some emotional issues. Today, his wife let his friends and fans know that Erik was no longer with us. Several people came to me, asking about the cause of death. I don't know. These moments in which we experience such unfiltered interactions with mortality, I charge myself to do what seems right. To me, that's supporting his loved ones, and remembering the times we shared. I'll also ask that, out of respect for Erik and those close to him, that we don't ask or speculate about the cause of death at this time. Listen to and share his music, and let other people know what sort of person he was. I miss him deeply, and I can already tell that I'm going to think about him every day. Part of me is still waiting to find out that this is a misunderstanding, or a joke of some kind. I'm waiting for the "Just kidding, guys! I'm totally fine! Let's rock!" I'd be pissed at Erik for all of 10 seconds before I'd be overcome with gratitude that he's okay. Tonight, I'm raising a glass of Kentucky bourbon to Erik. Now, I hope to just share a piece of who my friend was with all of you. For Erik Petersen, may he live on through us. #mbbadideabears My sincere best, Alec / A Fistful of Vinyl
AFistfulOfVinyl i can't even imagine how it felt for the people close to him considering how much it hurts me and his fans knowing he's gone. Just listening to his music, you can tell there was a special kind of energy about him, a certain kindness and positivity. I wish I could have met him or at least seen Mischief Brew live but their music will be with us always, and everything he gave me will be passed down to future generations and anybody in need of it. I remember the first time I heard Mischief Brew, the song was Bury Me In Analog and i branched out from there. It was a particularly difficult time in my life and folk punk helped me through it. Mischief Brew was my first folk punk band and the reason I'm making my own music now; it just resonated with me in such a deep way, and despite the fact that we've never met, I owe quite a bit to Mr. Petersen. May he rest in peace and never be forgotten.
I, sadly and unfortunately, only discovered his music when a friend of his posted a touching tribute to him on Reddit after his passing. Since I've listened to this song countless times, it seems uncharacteristically appropriate to comment. I'd love to pay for a recording of this song in its acoustic splender if that's possible. He was too talented, loved, clearly admired, and far too young to meet such an early death. Kind words of his actions prior to his passing, like yours, solidify my beliefs. I wish the situation was different, and I wish his family the best.
AFistfulOfVinyl ive been listening to mischief brew for a few years and i just found out about erik a couple days ago. ive never felt so sad to lose someone i never knew. this video and o'penslytucky you posted mean so much to me. thank you for sharing your experience with us. made me wish i had got to meet him. raise a glass!
This has probably been said a million times but the way you say “that would really make me happy” and erik responds without any thought “that would make me happy” is such a testament to his character and that is something that I think is incredibly powerful. Thank you Erik you will live on forever brother
Erik has been such a big part of my life and he lived his life on the other side of the world, his music and character will live with us left behind after his untimely passing. Roll through those gates of hell brother.
@@bothevanbro1898 ----------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------- --------4-----4-------4-------4-------4------4------4------4- into D chord ------4-----4------4-------4-------4------4------4------4---- --0-2-----0----------------------------------------------0------- -3---------------3-------2------0------2----3-------------- this is the tab for the "Of a day when.." Part at the end
Bye Eric. I said my goodbyes a good few years ago but as you passed, my newborn babe was in my arms. She's nearly 4 now, but just wanted to say, she loves your music, and she gets it. She will grow up a greater human being for hearing your voice and for the lessons you teach her now, and the lessons you taught me in my 20's. I wish I believed in an afterlife enough that writing this all made sense, but it doesn't, won't and never will. Yet we all leave these messages to you and to those that mattered to you. I say this: you mattered, you made a difference, you still do, and to we few merry men and women: that will never be forgottten.
P.S. since writing this, we’ve had another baby. A boy. We called him Erik. He’s nearly 11 months now. Eric’s songs, I promise, will never get stuck out of his head. Freyr’s nearly six now. She knows most mischief brew songs off by heart. Whatever choices she makes, they’re hers, and she was brought up well. Love to all, hombres. Love to all.
“Why should we tolerate a diet of weak poisons, a home in insipid surroundings, a circle of acquaintances who are not quite our enemies, the noise of motors with just enough relief to prevent insanity? Who would want to live in a world which is just not quite fatal?” - That Rachel Carson quote reminds me of this song...
It's so sad to think. You don't know how much someone is hurting, thinking about the worst kinds of thoughts. It really brings into perspective how you should be kinder to people. Try and help each other. Erik's music inspires me to be a better person to my fellow man. His legend will live on.
Its not fair when thanks to the genius of spotify you discover a new artist, binge on all the music then look for any dates of a tour to Australia (rare) and discover they have passed.. This sucks, im loving all of mischief brews music and there will be no more. How is it that im grieving for someone ive only just discovered and they have passed long ago.
I feel your pain, I was lucky enough to see him play a couple of times, and also saw his wife cover Old Tyme Memry with leftover crack in NYC just after he died. I promise you it’s just as rubbish to have known and loved his music for 15 years and know you’ll never hear more. Opposite ends of the spectrum but the love for his music and him and the sadness of there being no more is something we share the same.
I find myself in this comments section of this video a few times a year. I never met the man, but he has influenced me and I miss him regardless. I can identify with him and he pulls me in, even if 8ts just a comments section. I have read all these so many times, I thought I would leave my own.
I dated this woman once, she introduced me to brew…I automatically loved the sound. I find myself, like you, coming back to these songs and checking new comments from time to time. I never knew this man, but feels like it’s one of those gone too son artist.
@KAR1492 thank you for the well wishes. We also have never met, but if you are here, you would probably give the shirt off your back, and I for you. Have a great day, and don't let the bastards grind ya down.
It's funny watching videos of people who are now dead, especially musicians. I get the same feeling from Jimi Hendrix footage. Video recording technology is so young that it's difficult for the human brain to fully comprehend that the person in the video is no longer around.
+Kenny112 Nothing much really everyone was standing around listening to him just a couple of people. one gent was drunk and was dancing along haha but he was great :)
this song came up on my spotify playlist today in the machine shop. A older man we call cowboy. Nobody knows his name and you can tell his life has been wild. I work with heard it starting and just sat down for the whole song. He normally listens to country western or classic rock and keeps to himself. After it ended he just gets up and says "damn I miss my dad." amazing how this song has the ability to grab anybodys attention and brings up all sorts of memories.
I hope the family left behind find peace. Suicide is a terrible thing, an awfully selfish thing as well. To those who would disagree, I've stood over the lost and then told their loved ones they were gone too many times. We honor the lost, and can't find the juxtaposition to Damn their last decision.
I lost my fiancé a week ago and this makes me so sad. I’m sorry your life had to end that way, Erik. I can’t make it through this video without crying. My Alexis and I would share these songs on a nightly basis.
I'm currently speechless, 'Smash The Windows' & 'Songs From Under The Sink' are the two albums that got me properly into Folk Punk about 6-7 years ago, Mischief Brew are one of the few bands that truly spoke to me, Erik created some beautiful, socially conscious music and will forever be in our hearts. RIP Erik.
Eriks laugh in the beginning is a real tear jerker. Years after Eriks gone and i still find myself getting ready to go hang out in a West Philly basement while mischief brews on stage. Miss them times.
I like when some dude starts throwing down lyrics that aren't in the song, and making background noise and Erik just punches it up louder and drowns out the stupid.
Damn, i've been listening to the orphans religiously for a decade now and only found out about the mischief brew recently. Also I just read how he died like a day ago. Been on a mischief brew binge since. I'm not even from US but i'd like to have shared a few beers with this guy.
I revisit these recordings pretty regularly, and whenever I do I'm blown away by the passage of time. Hard to imagine it's been almost a decade at this point. Nobody's even come close to filling the void Erik left in all that time - especially since Pat retired around the same time Erik left us. The world keeps turning no matter what we do.
I fuckin love you Erik Peterson! If anybody deserves recognition it's this guy. He really is proactive and stands out amongst other musicians and common folk. I still listen to his music all the time because it stands the test of time. He made valid points. I seen him at a show in Portland Oregon years back and bought a tee-shirt. I feel bad but good that I gave it to a traveling kid when i was hitch hiking at the time but dang his messages from his lyrics will always be branded in my heart. Thanks from one Eric to another Erik rip brother you will be lamented.
I’ve only relatively recently gotten into your music. Shame on me for not knowing about you sooner. Thanks for making life hurt a little less. Please Rest In Peace Erik. I’ll remember you when I do what I can to make this place a little better.
First song I heard from MB about 4 months ago. I've listened at least two hundred times since. I've been sober since that day(after 10 years ). Not sure how or why, but this dudes music was like the missing piece in my life. Filled a void I didn't even know I had. I just started doing a little research after listening to damn near all of his songs, and now it makes sense. 😕 It's become like a ritual to put this on when I need the strength to get through another day. My best friend was a songwriter too who just passed. I'm so motivated to pick up a guitar and finally teach myself how to make music but I know it's going to take over my whole life. Thank you.
when father bought the farm we sold the farm we stick his blood through rustic charms sold his ghost as an antique to the city kids today can't hold a spade rest in peace your weary trades in this world there is no place such a pity well a barman shakes his head and fills my glass says we're livin' in the past why preserve a dying craft in its misery we sigh and say another modern man one of property not land so hold out this battered hand while u listen CHORUS come sit down, we're lamenting about yesterdays sad ending, bout the water in me whiskey, the brass passed off as gold another round we're descending into old time memory of a day when wood was wooden, silver - silver, gold was gold, sweet home was home so you say you got a wood stove and your second home runs on gas but looks like oak, hell it even gives off smoke and glowing ambers, theres a quilbum on the wall reads home sweet home the loathsome wise words from the road and they call me throwback when i cry remember CHORUS son these tools are artefacts endangered species left its tracks lock me up behind plastic glass in the city theres no going back for me this santiques rustic eulogy shall be sold as folk artistries - such a pity but ill never understand why they all only use those hands to build a stead that will always stand in old time country but settle for white herms and hollow doors paper ceilings, padded floors luxury boxes where your stored and what was country
There's a quote hung on the wall reads home sweet home below some wise words from Thoreaou...... not "Loathsome" Henry David Thoreau was an American poet and philosopher in the 1800's that wrote Civil Disobedience and his thoughts fits with Erik's thinking... Look him up. It'll make way more sense in the context of the song instead of "loathesome wise words from the road" do you have ears??
The way I hear it: so you say you got a wood stove in your second home, runs on gas but feels like oak- hell, it even gives off smoke and glowing embers
My friends in college and I would drive around and blast Mischief Brew. One of my best friends at the time would often break out his acoustic and we would have singalongs to Erik’s songs all the time. Mischief Brew was such a big part of that time of my life. Lucky enough to have seen Mischief Brew a couple times and to have met Erik. Rest In Power indeed.
everytime i come to erik songs i sing them with my whole being.and then i remember he is gone from this world and it make's so sad. but in his memory i will sing his songs even louder.i i just wish we could hear new songs from you love you bud wherever you are !
Now, I was never a huge mischief brew fan, but your channel helped me through tough times, the interviews and music were some of the only things that made me feel like there was something to spend time doing, instead of sitting and moping around, and coming back when I'm low helps me remember that life ain't so bad. Rest in peace to this truly amazing man.. forever in my heart from these few videos. Thank you a fistful of vinyl.
I wanted to take my own music in a new direction and trying to be original, I came up with this idea of taking protest folk, kinda like that of early Dylan, and combine it with punk. Thought I was smug and came up with something cool. Well, of course I didn't. I started looking into it and there was a whole community of awesome people out there who had taken the idea and ran with it in ways that I could only dream about. My first introduction to it all was Mischief Brew and I was hooked. He had what I hoped to accomplish; I wanted to write great lyrics. More than anything else, I wanted the words to stand for themselves and to be meaningful. So, I owe a lot to Erik for that inspiration for showing me what's possible if you are creative enough. This song is a great example of that skill. He was an asset to this world and it's a shame that he's passed...though his music lives on and he set the bar pretty high for the rest of us. I couldn't think of a better way to leave the world behind.
Having horrible thoughts and even worse anxiety since I lost my mom last year, a couple months before that I picked up a acoustic guitar and discovered this music with Erik’s music being some of the first that I heard. This video and his performance just makes me feel safe and nostalgic for those days I miss so much.
The influence that Erik, and this video in particular, have had on my life is insane. I released my second EP today. Before I had music I was totally lost. No idea what I wanted. But when I started making my own music, I discovered that I had a passion like I'd never felt - for every part of it. The writing, the playing, the recording, the mixing. And I realised what I want to do in my life. And it was Erik's music that helped me write my own music, and process my emotions in the healthiest way I'd done in a long time in the process. So even though you were gone before I even knew your name, you inspired me and gave me a direction I wanna head in. And keep me holding on til tomorrow. Thanks Erik.
Best version of this song. Like many people here I only discovered his music after his death. Still remember it now, stumbled on the Vice article about it while passing time at work. First song I heard was Nomads Revolt - I’m sure like for many people that song touches a deep core memory and hits you right in the feelings. Videos like this one show he was a genuine, caring guy, I feel most sad for him and the people who knew him personally - the world, but especially those that knew him, lost somebody amazing that day, a real lighthouse in the darkest storm.
I really can't believe it's already been four years! Tell people you love them and are proud of them, always!!! Because we never know what tomorrow will bring
Well holy shit. Only just found out about the news. I use to love Mischief Brew a couple years back... Rest in peace Erik you beautiful soul you. Thanks for the melodies.
I always love it. I show my parents the music I listen to sometimes. They're interested in it and I like to talk/share, I suppose. I've shown them a few of my favorites here and there. People like Pat the Bunny or Days N Daze... If there's a smaller artist I come to adore like St. Terrible or something, then I'll make sure to show them some videos. Typically I get pretty funny responses. Stuff like, "they should really take a shower!" y'know, the typical comments. They don't usually care for it. My dad, especially raised me strictly on classic rock, so he's always kinda shakier with "harder"/more. Experimental stuff I like. But one of my favorite memories is turning on "Roll Me Through the Gates of Hell" and just seeing my mother's face break into a grin as she starts singing along. My dad got really into it too. Sure, they only knew it from hearing me play it in my room on guitar. But I think there's something about this music. The spirit of the artist, whatever. It makes you just happy to sing and play and dance along. They love music, I love them, we both love some Mischief Brew, and for that I'm very grateful to the band and especially Erik Peterson. I'm young and only a year into listening. It's weird to say coz I haven't gotten the chance to get involved really with the community and stuff. I wasn't old enough to be listening when some of these bands were active even. But the words of him and these artists, with the way they sing those words has really given me something.
I came here today to give a shout out to Erik, all through the year I listen to your music and thank you for all the help and support it has given me over the years with my own mental health and also substance abuse and im sure he has done the same for many many others without knowing, his love and compassion screams through his music and will do forever, and every birthday (today) I have I take time to pay respects in my own way to you for all you have done and its so nice to come here and read so many lovely messages about you and see how much you have impacted everyone... wish I could thank you....
Very well said, friend. Today is my birthday as well (happy birthday/Bastille day!) And I have a similar ritual every year. I watch this session, let out some grief, and appreciate Erik for everything he was and is.
Happy Birthday man, and thank you for sharing this video and also your lovely message of memories with Erik, it was lovely to read your personal memories and share it to all of us so we know more about the man we all love and appreciate, I hope that although there is alot of sadness today you have also managed to have a good birthday as thats what I imagen Erik would want for you x
rest in peace, he really has a one of a kind vibe and style... i have your guitar pick. thanks for taking the time to talk to me last summer. keep jamming erik
Erik Peterson will always be in my memory. His lyrics spoke of such a life I wish I could be a part of. I will always stand for his words. But I am a lowly carpenter, so, what have I power to do?
Listening to Chris Cornell reminded me of Erik Petersen, very sad but great to come here and listen to the music as in the end that is what it is all about.
I saw mischief brew play in LA back in like 2010, it was one of the most fun shows I have ever been too, we where inside a pirate bar at a place called the underpass somewhere near the CHP headquarters and the cops showed up before the show and the venue rushed us in and one of the bands played Gang Control by Left Over Crack as they stared us down from outside the fence. It was amazing. I remember when I heard he passed away, it was a sad day 😞
Woah, I've been jamming this forever and just heard what he said for what I think he meant. I wonder if he had a like existential annoyance with sim theory. I'm so glad I just sang that again after so much time I love how symbolism works no disrespect either I love this dude's music and his kind heart you see that making ppl makes him happy that's not always a great spot
this is one of my favorite songs of all time currently i love the lyrics, and the poetry of it, drinking some black velvet and toasting up, in this video like the setting of it seems like i'm right there too and could be having a beer watching in awe of a legend
been a fan for several years but only learned tonight of his passing. the world has only gotten crazier to live in so i think he chose a good time to go. rest in peace.
Sad to say I just found out about this instant legend, at least to me. He's been an inspiration since the second i heard him. Rip your music will live forever in my ears at very least
Still miss you Erik. Mischief Brew was such a huge part of my undergrad college experience. My friends and I would do singalongs and play along to these songs, especially this one.
What a great man . i love and enjoy Erik Peterson very much . Best wishes to his family. Thank you for all of your legacy Erik. You are missed and your music will truly live on friend. Cheers And RIP
I’ve been a fan for 14 years, this is the first video I’ve seen of Erik in person I’ve never had a face to the voice. He’s just as I imagined. Dude you were most excellent. 🙏😎✌🏼🤠