Tribute to the Band Gygax
Plus Michael Whelan GURPS book cover
The band Gygax posted the following message on their Bandcamp page:
Well, it's probably time for some communication. We tried to make it work, but we've been dead in the water for at least a few years now. Theres no realistic future for us in sight. Everyone has moved on and we've all been split down different paths. A few of us are still making music. When and if any of it gets published, we'll let you know in this thread in case it's something you may be interested in hearing.
I'd like to sincerely thank everyone that has supported our band over the years. You were the only reason we were able to pursue any of the adventures that we embarked upon.
We have two unreleased songs that we're initially supposed to be part of a final release, unfortunately that's not happening. So I'll try to remember to upload the songs sometime this week. Again, thank you all so much for the support. It's been a wild ride and we've enjoyed every step along the way.
I appreciated the way Gygax leaned into fantasy RPG themes while playing music that was rooted in classic Appendix LP bands of the past but updated with a modern edge. I hear elements of Thin Lizzy in some of their songs in terms of the vocal delivery and guitar harmonies. They also do tasty versions of “Speed King” by Deep Purple and "Welcome to the World" by Blackjack1.
Gygax perfectly encapsulated the Critical Hit Parader ethos with their song “Dice Throwers & Rock n' Rollers”:
Dice throwers and rock n rollers
We need you more than ever now
Shield bearers and denim wearers
We’ve got to play this story out
Rump shakers and monster slayers
Feel the wave of sonic arcane sound
Magic users and boogie blues-ers
Wear well your erudite crowns
Wherever you are
Songs in the stars
Will cantillate their call
It is older than we know
---------------
Wherever you go
There’s always a glow
Swaddled in the sound
And it’s bound to hold you
You can listen to their catalog and purchase digital version of their songs from the Gygax Bandcamp page. All shield bearers and denim wearers should give a listen and raise a glass for a great band.
This past weekend, I picked up a copy of the 1987 GURPS Horror supplement from the Atomic Empire Geek Garage Sale. It features a great cover with a painting from Michael Whelan. The painting is called Smiler, and it was first published as the cover for The Year’s Best Horror Stories - Series VI in 1978.
I’ve previously covered Michael Whelan’s album covers for Cirith Ungol and other bands. It was great to see one of his masterpieces on a roleplaying game book cover as well.
Blackjack featured Michael Bolton and Bruce Kulick!