I’m sharing a pretty personal story in case it helps anyone else feel the way I do— that Blayne’s loving spirit is still very much with us.

Blayne and I would share music over text. That was how we kept in touch and it was the biggest part of our connection as I didn’t get to see him very often. Music is how we met, too. We both loved the song “History” by Groove Armada and a mutual friend discovered the connection and said we had to meet.

One day in 2016 he came over to catch up and listen to music and I put on a band called TR/ST. He appreciated the music (and music in general) as much as I did. I told him they were one of my favorites and asked him if he thought we could get them to play in San Antonio. He said he’d look into them more and that he too thought it would be awesome.

I’m not much of a social media person but something prompted me to check that band TR/ST’s Instagram for the first time a few weeks ago (end of 2024 now) and follow them. I had been listening to them a lot.  I was utterly shocked when I saw that their last post was that they would be coming to Paper Tiger in San Antonio on Dec 30th. I couldn’t make sense of the coincidental timing and the mystery of what prompted me to check their social media right then. I certainly don’t make a regular practice of checking things like that. The coincidence overwhelmed me for at least 2 weeks and I couldn’t shake it. The connection to the date didn’t strike me immediately.

Last night I went to the TR/ST concert with my boyfriend and some friends. We were concerned that parking would be an issue until we pulled up by The Mix and there was a spot right in front. Arguably the best spot. I was thinking of Blayne. Then the date hit me. And I started thinking about our prior conversation and how he was one of the only people who shared my appreciation for the band. While I know people on earth had a hand in planning the concert, I truly felt that last night was a wink and a nod from Blayne. I woke up this morning with profound appreciation for the bond we shared and how incredibly special he was.

Coincidentally I had one extra ticket to the concert that went unused. I am grateful for what I have framed in my heart and mind as a sign from him and have a prayer for all who knew and loved him that we continue to experience him … that our memories of him continue weave themselves into our lives in ways that make us smile and remember how special he was.

Blayne helped me more than I think he even realized. I met him through working at Bauhaus. During my time there I had a personal incident where someone had assaulted me (not at work) and he gave me legal representation and handled the person who had hurt me. Free of charge. I will never forget his kindness.

My favorite memory of Blayne was the time he and I spent the day together in Fredericksburg Texas. We went to a plant nursery, rode our bikes around town, went to antique shops, ate good food, and had a wonderful time.

To say I'll miss him is an understatement. I will always regret not reaching out to him more often. He was a one-of-a-kind human who will always have a place in my heart. My heart hurts for yours and I send my deepest deepest condolences. I wish you the proper support and grace as you navigate this inexplicable loss.

Blayne changed my life. We met when I was 21 and he opened my eyes to so many things that I had never even thought about before; What's in our food?? Where do our clothes & goods come from?? Who controls the systems of our lives?? Etc..

Before I met Blayne, all I really cared about was collecting rare Led Zeppelin, meeting women, and being a better drummer. I smoked Marlboros and ate McDonald's. Blayne changed all that. He singlehandedly elevated me into the adult that I became, and I will forever be grateful. I've never met a better human and I probably never will. I loved him and everything he stood for. Some people are thinkers. Some people are doers. Blayne was both.

My condolences to the family.