Chicago Music Fans lost a good friend, a great musician and true music lover earlier this week when guitarist Mark Eskin passed away at the age of 52.
We got to know Mark as a member of The New Colony Six for the past 14 years ... but Mark lived to play music and sat in with any number of bands whenever the opportunity presented himself.
He was also known as "Beatle Mark" in Instant Karma, a John Lennon tribute band that really captured the essence of Lennon's music and put on an incredible show. (In fact, a couple of years ago they took their act out on the road ... all the way to Jolly Ol' England!!! ... where they performed for appreciative audiences across the pond!)
Mark also performed with The Sting Rays ... and, over the years, we've seen Mark sit in with The Cryan' Shames as well as take the stage for any number of local musical events. In addition, we would run into him all the time at numerous local concerts in and around town over the years ... seems like if he wasn't up there playing the music himself, he was one of the many, many fans out in the audience, taking it all in.
Our heartfelt sympathies go out to his wife Flo, who we also had the pleasure of getting to know thanks to our New Colony Six connection ...
There have been all kinds of memories posted on the web over the past 48 hours ... you'll find links to a few of them below ... along with Mark's own words about what it was like to perform that night with the ORIGINAL members of The New Colony Six the night before their induction into The Saint Pat's Hall Of Fame!
Thanks for all the music and all the memories, Mark ... we'll miss ya!
Kent Kotal / Forgotten Hits
It is with heavy hearts that The Instant Karma Band must inform you of the sudden passing last evening of our band mate, friend and lead guitarist, Mark Eskin. As everyone knows, Mark was a wonderful soul who always loved The Beatles and always loved to play rock and roll. He will be greatly missed. We ask for your love and prayers for Mark, Florence his loving wife and his family.
As our guitars and eyes gently weep for our loss, Mark is now in the heavens probably trading licks with George and John. Cheers to our great friend Mark!
Peace and Love,
The Instant Karma Band
It is with heavy hearts that we have to tell you that our very good friend and fellow Sting Ray Mark "Beatle Mark" Eskin died yesterday April 28, 2010 at his home in Morton Grove. We have set up an online memorial to Mark and hope that friends will share their stories, photos, videos and condolences.
As our guitars and eyes gently weep for our loss, Mark is now in the heavens probably trading licks with George and John. Cheers to our great friend Mark!
Peace and Love,
The Instant Karma Band
It is with heavy hearts that we have to tell you that our very good friend and fellow Sting Ray Mark "Beatle Mark" Eskin died yesterday April 28, 2010 at his home in Morton Grove. We have set up an online memorial to Mark and hope that friends will share their stories, photos, videos and condolences.
Visitation for Mark will be: Sunday May 2, 2010 ... 3-8pm ...
Grein Funeral Home ... 2114 West Irving Park Road ... Chicago, IL
(773) 588-6336
There will be another opportunity to meet with family on:
Monday May 3, 2010 ... 1pm ...
Rosehill Cemetery ... 5800 North Ravenswood Avenue ... Chicago, IL
Mark's wife Florence has said that she "wants lots of musicians, acoustic instruments and singing. We are not going out quietly."
Please forward this to anyone who loved Mark or call people who don't have email.
Dear Friends,
Dear Friends,
I'm sure by now many of you know that one of our good friends and a member of the NC6 MARK ESKIN has passed away. I understand that this happened sometime yesterday, Wednesday April 28th. Presently the reason that caused Mark's passing is not known.
I wish the best and prayers are with his family and especially Florence, Mark's most loving wife, friend and biggest fan.
Mark was a great friend to many of us. He was a fine person who loved life and his music. He will be missed. Words are never enough to heal the hurt but they are all we have.
With regrets,
Bruce Mattey / The New Colony Six
I cannot believe that we'll never again laugh over "inside" NC6 stage jokes; miss you already ...
Ray Graffia, Jr.
Mark Eskin, of the New Colony Six, Instant Karma, and various other bands around town, passed away yesterday. Mark was truly a fan of music, a great musician, and a good friend ... always had a smile on his face, and a guitar in his hand ... he'll definitely be missed ...
our love to his wife, Flo.
Marlene
Marlene
***
How cool is this?!
I've been playing lead guitar & keyboards for the Colony for almost 12 years & I finally get to meet & jam with most of the other original members! It was absolutely wonderful (especially since I first heard the New Colony Six on WCFL in December, 1966 when I was 8 years old)!
I was especially honored when Ronnie Rice asked me if I would actually play at the induction ceremony. What a fabulous time! I'll treasure these memories for the rest of my days!
Mark Eskin
It was a very special and magical night indeed when the original band members got back together again ... in fact, these beautiful photos that are on display on the website today were taken that night by original New Colony Six Guitarist Gerry Van Kollenburg! We felt very fortunate and privileged to be there that night ... it's certainly a night WE won't ever forget either! (kk)
