Scotland's Memorial

Yesterday friends, family, and bandmates of Scotland Barr (AKA Scott Barr Moritz) gathered at Duff's Garage for a moving tribute. The afternoon began with Scott's wife Stacy tearfully remembering the man we all love. Then there was a slide show / video compiled by Slow Drags Bryan Daste and Andy Nelson. I had no idea the crazy hairstyles and outfits Scott had worn over the years. If there was a dry eye in the house at this point, the meal should have changed that. Wonderful salmon, wings, and tamales served with black beans and rice- all of which no doubt had more than a touch of Aardvark.
After people had settled in with their food, the main event began. Past and present Slow Drags took the stage, augmented by some of the most notable musicians from Portland, Seattle, and beyond. We played for well over an hour with all of the Slow Drags taking lead vocal duties on 1 tune each. Yes, even me, on "Washing Over Me".
Finally the service was closed with many friends sharing thoughts and memories of Scott. I had prepared a short statement, which since I didn't use notecards was slightly different at the service than it appears here but this version is probably better anyhow.

Scott and I had a lot of arguments. His main gripe with me was that I didn't take my playing serious enough. He said I was "a construction worker who played the drums" and it should have been the other way around. He was right. I always complained that I didn't have enough money and couldn't afford to keep touring more and more. He told me that it was simple, I needed to change my paradigm. I dug my heals in, citing logic and reason. How could I ever expect to survive? I didn't want to "suffer for the arts." I held on as long as I could, but in the end the band carried on without me. Scott used to ask me what I wanted to do. Did I really want to be a construction worker who played drums on the weekends? When you're riding around in a van with 5 other dudes not knowing where you're going to sleep or how you're going to make your car payment, that doesn't sound too bad. It was only when I was out of the band did I realize the truth. I HAVE to play music. Moreover, I have to play GREAT music.
Scotland Barr & The Slow Drags set the bar incredibly high. So I did change my paradigm.
Many of you are artists like Scott, so you already know what I'm talking about. There's the guy you work with who goes and plays an open mic every Tuesday. There's the guy who is always talking about his band, and how they have a big show coming up. Then there's the guy who used to work there but left one day. The guy who stopped working for the man all together and devoted all of his time to chasing a dream. That was Scott. The lesson I take, and we all should take, from Scott is this: Change your paradigm. What do you want to be? Not what your parents want or your girlfriend wants. Certainly not what your boss wants. What do you want? If you create, do it more. If you're blessed with NOT having the creative gift, but rather the ability to plug into the matrix and earn a good living, that's great. But make sure you support the arts. Next time your coworker has a show, get some people together and go see it.
Scott would never stand for mediocrity, and certainly not crap. One of the last conversations we had was lementing how many people listen to Kid Rock and think it's good music. Take a stand! Don't settle for garbage, expect more. There is great art out there waiting to be appreciated, you just have to dig a little deeper.

The whole service was video taped, so if some excerpts from it ever see the light of day I'll be sure and point you to them. Also, the band are very eager to finish the album but without the ability to play shows are a bit strapped financially. If you wish to make a donation to help complete Scott's masterpiece, visit www.scotlandbarr.com and follow the paypal link. And if you haven't done so already, download the four new tracks posted there for free and share them.