R.I.P. Brian Barney

Posted at 09:32 AM

In Section: On Music Posted By: Evan Rytlewski

It's a sad day in the Milwaukee music scene as well as in the Shepherd Express office. Brian Barney, a longtime local-music writer for the Shepherd and Maximum Ink and a staple of the local scene who played in many bands, including The Buggs and Guido's Racecar (often under the stage name Lane Klozier), died suddenly yesterday of an apparent heart attack at age 48. He was one of the most popular music writers I've ever worked with; in the music scene alone he leaves behind innumerable friends, fans and grateful peers.

I'll update this thread as I receive more information about memorial services. In the meantime, please share your memories of Brian, and be sure to read Veronica Rusnak's touching memorial to Brian on her blog; it excellently captures his indelible, youthful spirit.

UPDATE: Brian's funeral will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Hartson Funeral Home in Hales Corners, 11111 Janesville Rd.

R.I.P. Brian Barney

Tribute to Brian Barney Remembering Brian Barney This Week in Milwaukee

Related to:Brian Barney Lane Klozier

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anonymous

Brian Barney was a great friend, musician and writer. He was smart and witty. He was a proud supporter of all things Milwaukee. I had the pleasure of playing annually with Brian for the past 20 years. He was a great singer, guitarist and drummer. And he was fun to hang out with. We would always shoot pool and go out every year. He had the drive and enthusiasm of the gifted and loved contributing to the local music scene. Brian will be deeply missed. He is one of Milwaukee's great musicians and writers.

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anonymous

He was special to everyone who knew him, and every life he touched--but none more than mine--I am his daughter...my heart is beyond broken and there are no words, but knowing his music, his writing and his life touched others, is so very, very healing to me today. His love of music and respect for local talent cannot be measured. Music is what drove him and kept him alive. The opportunity to share what he loved, in a city that he loved, is indescribable.

anonymous

hey Tarisa~ i just wanted to say that i am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this difficult time..

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anonymous

I was recording the Buggs on what turned out to be the final recordings Brian would make. Brian was a very inspiring musician and person, as hanging out with him thIe day before he passed, the only thing he talked bout more than music was his family. He kept talking about how my daughter and his grandson needed to meet, and how extra-special he was to survive such a hard struggle so early in life. I will miss Brian deeply as a musician and as a friend.

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anonymous

Brian was music. He lived and he breathed it. He wrote a song called,"Time Heals." His lyrics are prophetic,"They say time heals all wounds, everything is going to get better in time.They say, time heals all wounds all that should be left is a goodbye." The day before he died Brian was doing what he loved most, recording music with his band, THE BUGGS. Brian was THE BUGGS. He was our founder and lead singer. Brian was a true original and is irreplaceable on the Milwaukee music scene. We love Brian and wish he was still here. Brian's death has left us with an ache that will never leave. Andy and Michelle Radish

anonymous

Brian Barney has been my friend for over 20 years and he was my bandmate.I was with Brian the day before he died in the recording studio finishing what was to be his last recording. The two things that impressed me most about Brian we his undying desire to get his music out to the masses and his incredibly sharp wit. I can't tell you how many times life threw him a curve ball and Brian would just get up and go back to work. He was the classic " glass is half full " kind of guy. He optimism and ability to see the bright side is somthing that I do not possess. But something I can always learn from. There are not many people that I have known for the last 20 years that I can honsetly say " I remember the first and last words I ever spoke to that person". But with Brain I can. The first words I ever spoke to Brian were "do you know how lucky you are to be that tall?". We were at and Aerosmith concert on the floor fighting to see above the masses. The last words I ever spoke to Brian were, " are you going to the watch the Packer game?" We had just finished our session. All the words and all the memories in between are his gift to me. And I will cherish that forever. I love you Brian. R.I.P.brother!!

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anonymous

Brian and I go back 25 years to the Pedestrian days and 8 years ago we formed The Bugs. I had the pleasure to write, record and perform with Brian and am proud to say he is one of my few best friends. He always said he learned so much from me but the truth is the other way around. As the first Bugs, we played S-fest four years in a row and felt like rock stars each time. For whatever reason Brian did not "make it" on a national level but I think that is our gain on a local level. RIP my friend. I love you!

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anonymous

I love this picture. Jackie, Brian's girlfriend/best friend took it in my back yard. I like to think of him as "plotting his take over of the musical world" Dream BIG my friend and be at peace.

anonymous

I remember that day being so sunny!such a fitting shot.I remember Washday saying I'm on the wagon but I'll have 1 beer...Tana!!

anonymous

Brian was the best friend I have ever had. An excellent person,a musician and a wonderful father and grandfather.. I have never met anyone like him. He loved his music. Had a great sense of humor, loved NPR and loved to share his knowledge. He embraced life with great charisma and zeal. He would go out of his way to help people. Whether its helping someone move or rounding up the neighbors dogs that got out. He always left an impression wherever he was. He had a heart of gold.. It's not a surprise to anyone that we didn't always get along but we had a strong and unique bond and an undying love for each other. I could never ever prepare myself for the day that he would be removed from my life permanently although we spoke of this possibility a few times. His absence has left a huge void in my heart and my life today.. Rest in peace "Butter"... I love you so much..

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anonymous

I patterned a bit of my writing style after Brian's wonderful columns on local bands. When the band NUNA needed a fill-in drummer Brian was quick to help. Of course he was. That was Brian. My lasting images of him will be hitting wiffle balls to kids from the Bayview Bash stage and those crazy tattoos of Audrey Hepburn and his dog Mr Sprinkles. I know you gave up drinking Brian, but I will raise a Jameson in your honor then cry again some more. Keep 'em entertained wherever you may be.

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anonymous

we played in a band together for 11 years...cant say i ever knew anyone else whod put up w/ my crap 4 that long.im digging out my old vhsc's of road trips & shows. my emotions are overtaking me..i remember after he auditioned for GRC..asking: who's yr favorite drummer? to which he replied..bun e. carlos...& whatcha gonna call yourself?..he scratched something in the dust on his drum kit.."lane klozier"..mustve been construction season...brian..you were the closest thing to a brother i ever had..i will miss you most of all, scarecrow.

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anonymous

And yet another friend weighs in on a man who made their life a better one. I played with Brian in 2 bands and spent inumerable other hours just doing the things great friends do...fishing, singing, plotting, writing songs, playing video games,going to see our favorite band (OhMyGod), throwing a football(even though it hurt his shoulder), walking the dog, setting off fireworks, cutting out flyers at Kinko's and cooking good food. Needless to say, there's a huge hole in my life where he once was. But not in my heart..because I still remember everything he taught me, and everything he did for me, and gave me, and what he needed me iin HIS life for. God, I miss him. I love you Brian, keep a seat warm next to you for me.

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anonymous

I just learned about Brian's passing today and it came as quite a shock! I hadn't talked to him in a year or more but Brian is the type of person that you never forget and that you always hope is part of your life. He was a great friend and he was so passionate about his music and his daughters. I had been meaning to get back in touch with him and now will never get the chance...guess I've learned not to put things off! Thanks Brian for introducing me to Nite Owl-they really are the best burgers around! I will miss you.

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