Seven years ago today, we lost a tremendous musician. We look back and try to make sense of it, but of course it's impossible. We can only reflect on and celebrate the enormous impact he's made on his peers, community and scene. Jerry Fuchs was a rhythmic phenom encapsulated in pure energy and vibrancy. He had the awe inspiring ability to take a complex rhythm, break it down to its most fundamental essence, and completely launch it to the furthest depths of the universe all from a minimalist four piece drum kit. Bands and artists wanted him, and drummers and percussionists wanted to be him. Among the bands and artists that were fortunate enough to have him are Maserati, !!!, LCD Soundsystem, MSTRKRFT, Turing Machine, The Juan MacLean, and Massive Attack. Pretty much any band in or associated with DFA and the greater electronica/dance scene. His playing has always had a profound influence on my playing and style. I regret to this day never meeting him and having passed up the chance to see him play live with Turing Machine when they were on tour with Pedro the Lion. Stories from that performance are still told to this day, and stories from many of his other performances will be told for years to come. He left us too soon. Rest In Peace, Jerry Fuchs. You set the standard for us drummers. Thank you for pushing us to be that much better.
