Iconic Marin artist remains imaginative despite the passage of time
orious for her wild lifestyle. Enjoying the trappings of fame, drugs, and alcohol, she lived a rock star existence to the fullest. Getz, however, remained an outsider, never succumbing to the excesses that consumed his bandmates.
“When I was in Big Brother,” he said, “I was damaged by their behavior, how they acted. It was almost as if, ‘I’m not going to be a part of that. I won’t become like that.’”
Getz left the band in 1972 but continued to play the drums, switching to the quiet acoustics of a duo with guitarist John “Red Devil” Sidle. Getz’s old friend and neighbor, the late, great Grateful Dead guitarist Jerry Garcia, lived in neighboring Stinson Beach. Garcia’s departure from the earthly plane in 1995 was, in part, an impetus for Getz to return to the full-throttle rock of Big Brother.
Adding to the challenges facing Getz at the time of the accident was an overwhelming sense of grief. The profound loss of close friends and fellow musicians, compounded by his own near-death experience, pushed Getz into an emotional abyss that he had never experienced before.
Still, bravely facing adversity, Getz persisted. His unyielding spirit and passion for music guided him through the darkest moments of his life and propelled him to create his most outstanding work yet. “Anthems, Themes & Little Stories” is a testament to his resilience and determination, a brilliant compilation of musical ingenuity and artistic expression that showcases a lifetime of dedication to his craft.
As Getz reminisces on his storied career, he reflects on his journey with a sense of gratitude, acknowledging the highs and lows of life in the fast lane of rock ‘n’ roll. Despite the challenges and setbacks that he faced, he emerges as a beacon of inspiration, showing that it is never too late to pursue one’s creative passions and leave a lasting legacy in the world of music.
Through tragedy and triumph, loss and renewal, Dave Getz continues to defy the odds and push the boundaries of his artistic pursuits. His enduring commitment to his craft and unwavering dedication to his music underscore a career defined by passion, perseverance, and the undying spirit of a true artist.