Posted by unregistered user at 8/19/08 10:34 p.m.

Joe was a great player and a great guy. He will be missed!
Michael Bloodgood

Posted by unregistered user at 8/20/08 3:10 a.m.

Joe was a true friend to many people. I first met him at Parker's Ballroom in Seattle when "Magic Bus" opened for "Rail" in the early 90's. I videotaped him & the band and featured them on a TV show I produced on local cable access. He and his sidekick, Lynn Sorensen, have been two of my favorite people since then and I always had a great respect for them both as people and musicians.
The old cliche, "He was such a nice guy" gets used by many people when talking about someone who passes away, but very few people are more sincere as the people who knew and loved Joe and might say "He was most definitely one of the nicest people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing and he just happened to have been an incredibly talented musician as well".
The Rimrock Steakhouse was completely packed last night with people who Joe had touched their lives one way or another. I was proud and honored to have been there and as I wipe a tear from my eye while typing this, I bid my friend Joe a fond farewell.

-Gary Draper

Posted by unregistered user at 8/20/08 6:59 a.m.

Thanks for the memories!-Love,Lesley

Posted by Daz-ee at 8/20/08 7:25 a.m.

I was one of the original Go-Go girls and was in Magic Bus throughout the 90's. Got the call yesterday afternoon from another band member. This is so beyond comprehension,there are no words to describe what a tragic lose this is. Not only (and of course) to his family, but to all the hundreds of people who have known throughout the years. He was one of those rare people that come along, that not a soul had a bad thing to say about. He had such a sweet heart, a completely good person. All day long, between tears and memories, I kept thinking - this has to be a mistake. There is nothing right about this, but to say that we all now have a true angel watching over us. - Leslie Hammond

Posted by unregistered user at 8/20/08 8:12 a.m.

Joe was a such delightful person and such a great musician. I really enjoyed the music and friendship during our time "working together" at the Little Red Hen. Joe will be in many many hearts and memories forever. Connie Robertson

Posted by unregistered user at 8/20/08 8:17 a.m.

Rest in peace bloodbrother Joe....thank you for all of the music you passed our way...see you on the other side...

Brian Butler
One Way Out Band

Posted by unregistered user at 8/20/08 8:27 a.m.

When you see me
Fly away without you
Shadow on the things you know
Feathers fall around you
And show you the way to go
It's over, it's over.

Music in Seattle will never be the same again.

Posted by unregistered user at 8/20/08 10:03 a.m.

Last night I never met so many people who said one man was their best friend. I would like to add to that group. When we were growing up as kids in Spokane on Overbluff Rd., Joey and I were best friends. We terrorized our neighborhood. At 10 we smoked our first cigaretts and cigar together. In 1963 we started our first band together . . . The Panics. Every weekend we used to go to the Spokane Amory and watch groups like Paul Revere & The Raiders, Don and The Goodtimes, The Wailers, and The Sonics (all for 35 cents). Like all of you, I'm going to miss Joe. He was an old, wise, and gentle soul. I love Joe a lot. He was my best friend.

Rob Barnett
Seattle

Posted by unregistered user at 8/20/08 10:06 a.m.

Joe will be known as someone who truly was a good soul and the most multi talented musician Spokane and Seattle were blessed enough to ever rock out with.You left with no dry eye in the house Joe. A piece of my heart is gone....all the memories and there are tons will always bring a smile and a wonderful thought. He is a great friend and truly one of my heroes! Donnarae

Posted by unregistered user at 8/20/08 10:46 a.m.

If I leave here tomorrow, will you still remember me? ABSOLUTELY - RIP Joe!!! Whiskey Creek

Posted by unregistered user at 8/20/08 10:47 a.m.

May the heavens be blessed...The rest of us will miss you sorely..Thanks for the memories...

Anna

http://www.myspace.com/lilyshappiness

Posted by unregistered user at 8/20/08 10:53 a.m.

We're in shock. Joe was one helluva guy. A consumate performer, musician, and friend. We won't ever be the same. Our hearts go out to Linda and Joe's entire family...not to mention the family of musicians and fans he knitted together with his lifetime of good tunes and good times. Right On, Joe. Right on.
Wendy and Stacie
Eddies Trackside, Monroe

Posted by unregistered user at 8/20/08 12:32 p.m.

Joe was definitely a kind and gentle soul. He was one of the good guys in life and will be sorely missed. I just saw him last week at his house and we had a good talk about a lot of things including life in general and how lucky we have been to have played so many different places and to have met so many great people. He was an incredibly gifted guitar player. It just won't be the same without Joe around.

Evan Sheeley (Sex And Violins)

Posted by unregistered user at 8/20/08 12:33 p.m.

Joesy! You will be sorely missed by all. Laissez les bon temp rouler! PEACE, LOVE & Rock n Roll. Jano

Posted by unregistered user at 8/20/08 12:56 p.m.

It is hard for us to comprehend Joe is gone. Whether we were close friends or casual friends, watching him play music over the years was undeniably memorable and remarkable. He touched so many people with his kind and gentle demeanor and that little twinkle in his eye. His love of music was evident. He gave so much of himself through music and the friendships he developed in the Seattle music scene over his lifetime. He was loved and respected by so many that he will never be far from the memories we carry in our hearts of good times had. My prayers go out to his family. Know that he was so very loved by so many.

Helen Anne Gately

Posted by unregistered user at 8/20/08 12:57 p.m.

Joe,
Miss you much
-Lee Ann

Posted by unregistered user at 8/20/08 1:27 p.m.

Rest in Peace Joe! I knew you back in the Bighorn days playing the Dispensary Tavern in Moscow Idaho, Magic Bus at Waldo's & at the outdoor concert just last month in Darrington. Will miss your smiling face.

Posted by unregistered user at 8/20/08 2:06 p.m.

In the short time I knew Joe I found him to be a great guy and a great talent. Alot of people loved him, he will be missed

Posted by unregistered user at 8/20/08 2:56 p.m.

I can believe that many, many people call Joe a best friend...though I don't, he was one of nicest people I know. Joe always had a great big "How ARE you?" and a hug. He was the real deal...Joe was really kind and gentle in a world where those things aren't valued much anymore. It's been a tearful couple days of wishing.."If only..." God bless us everyone. pennymarie

Posted by unregistered user at 8/20/08 3:12 p.m.

Play every gig like it's your last!

Joe, you will live on. Everyone who heard you play and sing shall remember you always.

Such a sad day for music in the Northwest.

God bless you and your family.

Posted by unregistered user at 8/20/08 4:47 p.m.

Loved everything about you my friend and will miss you dearly. I was freaked when I heard you passed. You were a great musician and someone we will sorely miss. My condolences to your family and thanks for the great musical ride.
CYA in heaven.
Darryl Siguenza

Posted by unregistered user at 8/20/08 6:12 p.m.

Joe you always rocked the house with the boys...your energy and love of what you did was evident with that smile on your face...you did what you loved....that in itself is so special...you touched other's with your love of music and sharing your gift with us....Thank you so much for being you....a great musician and friend.

Posted by Don Bird at 8/20/08 6:45 p.m.

Thanks to those of you who have gone out of your way to get the news of Joe's passing to those of us that have drifted away from Seattle. It makes us realize that we shouldn't lose touch with those we love... you never know how much time we've got together. Joe was a blessing, from the day we first met, and having known him, played with him, and shared his passion for people and music, I know that Joe will continue to be a light and a blessing in our lives forever. - db

Posted by unregistered user at 8/20/08 8:23 p.m.

Joe will be sorely missed. He was a good friend and neighbor.
Robby

Posted by unregistered user at 8/20/08 9:23 p.m.

I had the good fortune to manage the band Bighorn when we coaxed Joe away from ShyAnne to join our team, and also worked with him with The Allies. Joe was a huge talent, a great guy and had a wonderful sense of humor. The fact that he was still tearing it up after so many years makes his passing even harder to take. Thank goodness so many people had a chance to hear and watch him play and sing. Rest in peace, Joe. Scott Soules

Posted by unregistered user at 8/20/08 9:51 p.m.

I first had the honor of meeting the "amazing" Joe Shikany in the mid 80's...he was the "hard rockin" guitar player alongside my husband, lead singer/front man Martin Ross in the very high energy & always FUN band "Shots".
I spoke with Joe just last week on the phone...we had made plans to get together this week for a walk around Greenlake & some Lebanese food. I was so looking forward to that walk and some of Joe's great energy. Joe made me promise not to break our plans....I was in shock when David Christenson called to give me the heartbreaking news.
Joe was an incredible support to me through a difficult time & I feel very privileged to call him "my friend".
I love you Joe & will treasure you always. Your the BEST of the best!!!!
Your Lebanese sister......Debra Kahwaty Baespflug

Posted by Connie Rimrock at 8/20/08 10:24 p.m.

"OMG" I could not believe the terrible news of Joe Shikany yesterday morning at 9:00am. My name is Connie, and I own the Rimrock Steakhouse in Lake City,Seattle. I received "the" call from Lloyd, and when he told me of what happened, I sat in shock & could not believe what I was hearing. I don't remember what all I heard, or even what I said. Lloyd said that N-Sane would probabely not be playing at the club tonight, as they were not sure if they could carry it on, but he thought quite a few guys would be coming in & having a wake for Joe. After the call, I sat, couldn't believe what I had just heard, went out to the bar & repeated what I had just heard & it was "WHAT??" & it was also in silence, in comprehending. I wrote in our logbook, to my employees, and for them to let all of our customers know of this tradegy. I called all of my band leaders, as I did not know who all Lloyd would even think to call or might forget, as so many! Again, "WHAT??" My body & brain shook all day in disbelief. Lloyd called me back & left a message that, they "were going to play" & a lot of musicians were going to come in & give respects, & play & talk. I put on 2 bartenders & 2 cocktailers, but nobody could move to give service, as it was so packed that if you tried to turn around, someone else was breathing in your face! I was told by several, that alot of big entertainers were there. I talked to so many about Joe, and "his bands at the Rimrock" & wish I could've met more. There were a lot of pretty people, mind & soul, tears & a lot of stories. Joe will be so missed at the Rimrock, as he "was" the Tues. night gig, and the Wed. night, and maybe some Fri. &/or Sat. if we were lucky. I up-sized some pictures of Joe & made them into posters for the wake & will be laminating them for the Rimrock walls. We, at your little hole in the wall, will miss you very, very much! Our deepest respects to your family.

Posted by unregistered user at 8/20/08 11:14 p.m.

Joe ...
Your amazing twisted chording, sweeps on several Guitar's (and a few pedals:) Never ceased to amaze me!
Not only that, your smile, your spirit === Wow,

Miss ya,

Kurt Bujack

Posted by unregistered user at 8/20/08 11:17 p.m.

Joe Shikany-
Thank you so much for all that you have contributed to Seattle and music. You've touched my life and many others. I'll miss your spirit, your smile and your wonderful personality. The world is a sadder place without you.

-Kendra Carter
KZOK/KRWM/Layne Staley Fund

Posted by unregistered user at 8/20/08 11:56 p.m.

If you lived in Seattle in the last thirty years or more and ever went out to hear live rock you

eventually heard Joe Shikany's incredible guitar playing. Joe was a lovely guy, a fab guitar

player and showman, and a true professional. And as someone else said, an old soul. He

was the kind of player and true friend that can be really hard to find in this business. I, and I

know all our mutual musician friends consider ourselves lucky to have worked with him. We

are grateful he continued to do what he loved and to share that joy with us. Our love and

sympathy are with his family.
So Peace to you brother and rest easy...for awhile.
Then when you're ready, find a guitar somewhere up there and get a band together.
Eventually I'll be up to see you. But take your time.
I'm not exactly in a huge hurry.
Love you and miss you already,
Your Lebanese Brother

Posted by unregistered user at 8/21/08 7:53 a.m.

I'm gutted...

Joe, apart from being a truly optimistic and good guy, was truly one of the great rock guitarists of the PNW. I first saw him (when I was just old enough to sneak into the taverns) in the early 70's in Shyanne, where his sound and ability blew me away - and was quite influential on my own approach to my nascent career as a player. He always took time out to compliment other players , and (in my case) help me out with questions about sounds and gear, etc.

Through Bighorn, the Allies and onward, he always gave a bit of extra sparkle and fun to every band he played with. Ever irrepressible, he was playing with...(how many, five, six??) bands right up to the end. A real trouper.

Rave on Joe.

Bruce Hazen

Posted by unregistered user at 8/21/08 9:41 a.m.

I am still in shock as I sit here outside of Philly. I still can't believe that we will never see this wonderful guy, this incredibly talented musician, ever again.
What an amazing outpouring of LOVE at the Rimrock Tuesday night.

My thoughts have been, and will remain, with Joe's family and also with all of the musicians and fans who have known and loved Joe over the years.

Shine a Light, Joe!

~Lori (TongueLady)

Posted by unregistered user at 8/21/08 9:43 a.m.

Joe, the thing I'll miss most will be the way you made all of us feel. Every time we saw you your eyes would light up and you would take to time to say hello. You're a true showman an awesome guitarist and one of the most decent people I've ever had the privilege to work with. Thanks for sharing. Robb Smith

Posted by Rob Sivret at 8/21/08 10:07 a.m.

One of the best.....

I met Joe when I was General Manager of Pier 70 in the 80's, playing with one of our top bands, "Shots". Joe was an outstanding guitarist, and was even more outstanding as a human being. I never heard Joe say a bad thing about anyone, and I will miss his omnipresent infectious smile.
I last saw Joe last year, when I walked in to a bar in Lake Chelan. I was so excited to see him, and find out that he was married to Shauna, whom I also knew from Pier 70. They seemed like a perfect couple and I had a great night listening to Joe, and dancing with his lovely wife. Joe was as great as I remembered him 20 years earlier. He was the consumate professional, and I am very glad that he had so many friends that loved and cared about him.
To Joe, you brought much love and friendship to the world and you will me sorely missed.

Luv ya,
Rob Sivret

Posted by unregistered user at 8/21/08 2:23 p.m.

I am just another lucky person who enjoyed the good fortune of knowing Joe as a friend and a bandmate. I played with Joe in several bands, golfed with him, ate pizza, watched football. I moved away from Seattle 4 years ago but Joe was one of the few people I stayed in touch with regularly. We talked just a couple weeks ago and he asked when I was planning on coming back for a visit. I told him life is great for me in Cincinnati but what I do miss is the friends I made and the great musicians I got to play with while I lived there, and that he was at the top of both lists. I think he knew I meant it. I hope so. Miss ya Joe. See ya again someday...MT

Posted by unregistered user at 8/21/08 2:40 p.m.

You meet many people in your life that influence who you become. Joe for me was without a doubt one of those people. His great attitude toward everyone around him and his passion for music will live on forever. He was a great friend, a great player, and a mentor.

We love you Joe!

-Ian Crawford

Posted by unregistered user at 8/21/08 4:33 p.m.

I was at the lake over the weekend and got to spend time visiting with Joe Sunday evening and Monday he floated over on his raft to our dock and we visited again. We talked about old times & he mentioned how much fun he had when I took him skiing a couple years ago behind my jetski. My family owns the cabin next door and our families have been intertwined my whole life. Joe's dad delivered me & all of my siblings and were my grandparents best friends. Over the years I always looked forward to getting his emails letting me know what week he'd sqeeze into his busy schedule to come up to the cabin to enjoy a place that means so much to all of us. I was so excited when he'd bring his guitar with him. I loved to hear him play, however, I never got to see him perform, so hearing such amazing comments from so many of his friends that knew Joe throughout his music career warms my heart as I'm sure it does his family. Just as you all are sharing with us his personal side of life I wanted you all to know how much fun he was on the homefront as well (I'm sure I can speak for the family here). Monday everyone was having so much fun, laughing, playing, fishing, boating, & just having an overall great time. I was shocked, to say the least, to hear the news Tuesday morning, as everyone was. Joe you were 1 of the good guys & you will be forever missed!
lori Thomas

Posted by unregistered user at 8/21/08 5:59 p.m.

I was really sad to hear this. Joe was a very talented musician. I will miss hearing him. Those of us who survive him must remember in his honor, to live each day like a rock star. Make the most of it and don't squander the gift we have been given.

Posted by mereechos at 8/22/08 10:57 a.m.

I've known Joe close to 30 years, he was my favorite guitar player. He was the real honest to goodness old fasioned, pure raw old school guitar player that in my oppinion are few and far between, Joe and my self both have played 46 years we always sounded similar, He was an exelent lead and backup singer. Magic Bus played the Darrington classic rock festival (Strutzfest) August 2nd I was selling my records when Joe called out over the mic "this one's for you Guy" he played "All along the Watchtower" which was one of his and my favorites, I stood under him watched and listened, after he got off stage I gave him a hug and told him as always what a pleasure is it to see him play. That was the last time I'll see Joe Shikany in this life, he was and is loved by me,, Guy Johnson

Posted by unregistered user at 8/22/08 1:06 p.m.

I remember Joe mostly from the old "China Clipper"
where he,Lloyd& Freddy used to host an open mike jam.
I am such a lower talent than he was but his face would light up as he would say,"Hey ,Did you bring
your 12-string"? He always made me feel equal. I will miss you Bro. Rocco Bonelli

Posted by unregistered user at 8/22/08 1:34 p.m.

Joe was the comsumate nice guy, big hair did not mean big head to him. as the music transistioned in Seattle he was supportive of the changing music and an inspiration to me. I can't tell you how many times i saw Shyanne and Bighorn just to watch Joe play even after it was supposedly not cool to do so. Joe played because it is what he did, not for the glory, and because of that his contribution will never go away. It is a part of our Seattle musician history thread that is woven through the ever growing fabric that wraps around us all. Thank you Joe and my thoughts and prayers to the family in this difficult time. Kenny Deans

Posted by unregistered user at 8/22/08 6:16 p.m.

joe you will be missed.
roy scimeca

Posted by unregistered user at 8/25/08 4:35 p.m.

We were there on the memorial night for Joe Shikany at THE RIMROCK, What an amazing friend to so many people, the room was standing room only and you could just feel the love in that room for Joe! Anyone who knew Joe or played with him on stage could just feel his love and the love of music that lived and breathed inside of his soul, Joe was so sweet, I really loved sitting-in with Joe in his various bands that he was in and I know Seattle/Spokane will cherish each and every memory of Joe, Heaven now...is a little more rockin'! peace and huggz KK Ryder and Skyboy

Posted by unregistered user at 8/25/08 5:28 p.m.

Joe, what a sweetheart!... he'll NEVER be forgotten!

I like whoever said "play every gig like it's your last". (Good words to live by)

Love and blessings,

Gigi

Posted by Dan Moss at 8/25/08 8:55 p.m.

Joe,
In addition to being a great musician, friend, and mentor, Joe was also a genuinely caring person who left other musicians feeling better about themselves for having known him. I am grateful that our paths crossed. He showed me a kindness, and generosity that was and is a true inspiration. Dan Moss

Posted by unregistered user at 8/28/08 11:47 a.m.

I had the pleasuse of knowing Joe for quite some time, though not personlly until the last few years, he was the nicest and most gentle person I've had the pleasure of knowing. Most recently my family went to see Joe with Magic Bus on the 4th of July, Joe took the time to come and meet them and say hi, we gave him a tye dye shirt that day that he so graciously put on, smiled and said thankyou. You will be missed but your legacy will live on through all of us.
RIP bro...see you in guitar heaven...Bill Moroco

Posted by vicsailgarden at 9/2/08 2:25 p.m.

We were on vacation in the San Juans when my husband asked me if I knew Joe Shikany. I puzzled for a moment snd then said "Yeah, he was this cute guy in Bighorn. Why?" When he told me the news I was shocked like everyone else. My gfs and I used to go out in our young and single days and have a blast dancing to Bob, Joe and the guys doing the most danceable rock in Seattle. We were those crazy girls who just loved you for making such fun live dance music. Blessings to your family. Rest in peace Joe.

Posted by unregistered user at 9/3/08 10:26 a.m.

Last time I saw Joe he was loading in to "Debbys' Roadhouse" on Aurora. We talked a little about "Wreckless" Ricky Dunn. Before that was with Spike and the boys at the Paramount. A great player that will truly be missed. RIP.

Mike Walden

Posted by unregistered user at 10/13/08 11:41 p.m.

... To hear of joe's passing, conjures up memories from our youth... as clear as right now... music made in real time, from the soul, from the heart, through the fingers, to our ears... with a smile for all... so natural and inspired he was.

He loved music... Somehow, I'm sure he still does at this very moment.

I send warm thoughts and lots of love to his family and friends who shared in his generous life.

Brooke Lizotte