Cystic Fibrosis is a life-threatening genetic disease that mainly affects the lungs and pancreas. The memorial concert is called 65 Roses, a gentler name given to the chronic disease in 1965 because it is easier for children to pronounce. It is now the symbol for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Gourlie had a tattoo of the roses. At the time of his death, he was the oldest living person in Canada with the disease.
"Paul was a beautiful, soulful and spiritual guy with an unwavering optimistic attitude,” the Trews singer-guitarist Colin MacDonald tells Samaritanmag. “He was always the first one to point out the silver lining of any dark cloud hanging over his bands. The fact that he maintained this outlook on life despite living with an awful and debilitating disease is nothing short of heroic.
“We played at his memorial service last year and we are more then honored to pay tribute to the man this coming Saturday at the Horseshoe Tavern. He was there with us from the start and we all miss him dearly.”
Gourlie, who had worked at the Agency Group since 2002, was also the responsible agent for KMFDM, Saul Williams, Cancer Bats, 3 Inches of Blood, Devin Townshend, Down With Webster, USS (Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker), KEN mode, and more.
On the invitation for the memorial show, sent out by The Agency Group, it reads: “May 10th marks the one year anniversary of the loss of our friend/agent/pirate/all around awesome guy Paul Gourlie. There’s really only one way to commemorate this day so we’re throwing a rock n’ roll show at the Horseshoe Tavern.”
Doors are at 8pm. Bedouin Soundclash go on at 8:30 p.m.; the Trews at 9:30 p.m.
There are no tickets to this show, but at the door there will be a $10 minimum cash donation to Cystic Fibrosis or donations can be made in advance here.
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