Merry: “what do they say about him?” (the Elves are singing a lament for Gandalf)
Legolas: “I have not the heart to tell you. For me the grief is still too near.”
It is with a sad and heavy heart that I heard about Jacen passing away this past weekend after a suddenly being rushed to hospital with a torn Aorta on Oct. 28… it is one of those moments that you can’t believe what you have read, and go back to read it over and over hoping it isn’t true.. Jacen JD Ekstrom is/was guitarist and background vocalist for our friend Bif Naked, and I had the opportunity to meet Jacen a few times last year. Bif and her band played a charity gig at the Kamloops Harley Davidson outlet, and I had a chance to hang out with Jacen after the show and get to know him a little better.
Jacen had a great sense of humour, was kind hearted, and made me feel welcome from the get go. I asked about his name on Twitter @JacenBacen and he laughed explaining that Jason was too boring so he had changed his name to Jacen early on in his career, and that the ‘bacon’ part just fit, spelling it with an ‘e’ to match his own name.
Jacen wasn’t just a guitarist – he was Bif’s right hand man, one of her best friends for many years. In a Facebook status Bif describes her relationship and her love for Jacen,
“He was a big brother to me, and he looked out for me and protected me, accompanied me, and made me a better performer. The privilege of sharing the stage with J.D. Ekstrom, inspired me and uplifted me every show. We are all in shock and completely crushed, so deep is our love for him. The oceans swell with our tears, the winds pause, and the birds all fly upside down as our World is forever changed. Blessed be J.D. More than my sorrow, more than I can ever convey or properly express, is my love for my friend and musical partner“
“we give our hearts, our sincerity, our love, and condolences to his wife and partner, Jennifer, and his family, Jaelyn, James, and all of his wonderful friends. J.D. was a devoted husband and father, a loyal and loving friend to all, and had legendary generosity, humour, and warmth. He was an immeasurably talented musician, indestructible road warrior, and a band leader. Jacen performed and recorded with so many notable bands over the years.. Teaser, Ebony Tusk, Little Sister, One-NineHundred (1-900), Neurosonic, CrashScene, and toured Europe and North America, on tours such as Family Values, Korn, Evanescence, and Warped Tour, among others.”
“A piece of my heart flies with you, J.D. May Peace be Upon You, Rocker. You Rule. Namaste. I remain, Your Number One Fan, Love, Biffy xoxo “
JD will be missed very much by all who knew him, and I count myself fortunate to have had a brief time with him as well.
©nightMair Creative.com
all photos courtesy of Bif Naked’s FB page/JD’s FB page