R.I.P Andy DeMize (Andrew Martinez)

In the early morning hours of January 11, 2009 Andrew Martinez died in an automobile accident. According to a report on the accident by The Orange County Register, Martinez and three other people were

 in a vintage Chevrolet Nova travelling south on the 57 freeway outside of Fullerton, California when the driver lost control, went over an embankment and hit a tree. The car caught fire, igniting a eucalyptus grove. According to police reports, Martinez and another passenger were killed while the driver and other passenger were either ejected or fled the scene, calling 911 from a nearby strawberry field seeking

 medical attention. The driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and was taken, along with the surviving passenger, to UCI Medical Center where they are listed in critical condition

 photo by Bob Noxious

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I only met Andy briefly. It just so happens that it was only a week ago when I met him. I was trying to get my guitar rig off of the stage and make way for his band, The Rocketz. The Rocketz are a Los Angeles based rockabilly band who were recently touring their way through Florida. Our paths crossed when my band, The Dive Bar Stalkers played at PsychoBilly Rumble III with them at The Garage in St. Petersburg. Andy was borrowing our drummer Looch's drum set for the show since they flew over from the west coast to do a couple of dates. 

We chatted briefly about the benefits of doing fly-off dates if it was well planned out. We had spoke of trying to put together a string of dates with The Rocketz in California in June or July. Now, after the fact, it is really just a blur to me. It was just the other day and now it all seems so surreal.  One minute you are here. The next...thats it. Game Over. 

He left me with the indication that he seemed to be genuinely happy doing what he was doing. He was blessed to be a part of not one... but two successful touring musical acts, as he was also a permanant member of The Necromantix.  My thoughts go out to all of the families involved in this tragedy. The world lost a good dude.

To read more on the story, click on the OC Register article.