The Big Hurt: The week in death

Published April 27, 2010 at 6:47 p.m.
 RIP Chilton, Guru, and editorial tact
Back in January, I predicted that, because of medical advances and the prospect of universal health care, no musicians would die in this decade. Unfortunately, it hasn’t turned out that way.

I hate admitting I’m wrong, but I gotta cop to a bad call. Back in January, I predicted that, because of medical advances and the prospect of universal health care, no musicians would die in this decade. Unfortunately, it hasn’t turned out that way. A few weeks ago, I lamented the passing of ALEX CHILTON, who just missed the UHC era — it’s been revealed that he didn’t seek medical care for chills and shortness of breath, in part because he didn’t have insurance. And that’s put a distastefully topical spin on the tragedy. The brief ripple of cashing in by health-care proponents was followed by a grody backlash — dig this classy quote from conservative hack Austin Rhodes of the Metro Spirit of Augusta, Georgia:

Lifelong use of alcohol, drugs and cigarettes did the music legend no favors to be sure, but it was not that deadly trio that put his case on the mouths of liberals worldwide, it was this headline: “Alex Chilton died with no health insurance.”

Ladies and gentlemen, learn a lesson here.

It will likely never be a headline, but it damn well should be: “Arrogance, stupidity and laziness defeats talent, generosity and genius every day of the week.”

Just ask Alex Chilton.

Oops.

Just ask Alex Chilton’s widow.

That’s a new one: Alex Chilton was defeated into cardiac arrest by his own arrogance and stupidity. I guess it’s easier to demonize a dead legend than tally up a point for liberals.

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