#alekas

‘’For years I worked with River writing, composing, performing and producing a beautiful album. In fact, for 6 months during his last year on Planet Earth, River and I would work all day and night (often more than 15 hours per day) to complete this amazing work of art. River wanted to share this music with the world. I supported him every step of the way and continue to support his dream. I pray that all that all relevant parties can put their egos aside and help fulfill brother River's last wishes.’’ 

‘’River’s rock group is called Aleka’s Attic - it’s a name, he confided, he made up, a character from one of his fictional stories. He’s the lead singer of the band and plays guitar; his sister Rainbow does back-up vocals, plays maracas and tamborine. Three of the most adorable guys you’ve ever seen are part of the band, too: Josh McKay is the bass player, Joshua Green, a friend of Riv’s from Florida, is the drummer and Tim Hankins handles guitar plus the sweet, lush sounds of the viola!

Aleka’s Attic’s been practicing for the past several months - performing all of River’s original progressive folk-rock songs in very tiny clubs all up and down the east coast. Only River has made super sure no one knew he was the front man for the band! He wants Aleka’s Attic to be accepted for its music - not because people know River Phoenix is involved.’’

    Wil Wheaton, Jerry O'Connell, Sky Phoenix and River - Stand by Me set.

River, Sky and Samantha on The Thing Called Love set.

River and Sky together in 1984.

I’ve recently had the opportunity to have a conversation with Sky about River, which resulted in this kind of ‘interview’ about Riv and their time together. Hope you guys enjoy remembering Riv through his friend memories. Thank you Sky for sharing it with us. <3

- In which situation have you first met River? 

Sky: In 1977, he was 7 years old and I was dating his Aunt, so they called me Uncle Sky. 

- How present were you in his life and he in yours?  Sky: 24 hours a day 7 days a week, mainly on the last 4 years of his life. 

- And for how long have you been friends?  Sky: 16 years. - You have always been a present person in River's life, what includes his actor and musician career. How was it to go along with River in this part of his life? Sky: Very exciting. I think they got the HBO show ''Entourage'' from our adventures.  - Aleka’s Attic was also a great part of his life and career and he had even said that music was his main goal. How important was it and what it represented in River’s life? Sky: It was all he really wanted. Movies came along as a way to make money to support his musical artistic endeavors'... so he was good at acting and continued that artist endeavour also.

- His music was also related to his great conviction in defend the causes in which he and the band believed, as they have always supported several causes, mainly animal rights. What it represented in River’s life? Sky: Top of his list with the Environment as a whole.

- Being you a present person in his life, how would you describe him?  Sky: He was smart and very generous and a very caring person towards his family first and the Earth second and all he wanted was this world to be a better place.

- About the time you had together, what’s the best memory you have of River? Sky: When he was 7 years old and sang and played guitar like a professional adult, and sang a song that had 10 different languages in it. Also when he gave me a Valentine’s Day card.  - What about the funny ones? Is there anything to share? Sky: Will need to think of that ....there were many... We ate a lot of Tofu and beans together and farted a lot.

- How do you think he will be remembered over the years? Sky: He will be remembered by his great acting, hopefully people will get to hear his music and they can remember him by that also.  - Finally, is there any last thing you’d like to say to River’s fans?   Sky: It’s been over 20 years since he passed away. Tell your children and children's children he was a great person of cause and generosity and no, he was no a drug addict. And demand his family and former band members to release his music. 

The Valentine’s Day card Sky mentioned Riv gave him when he was around 7-8 years old.