Comments on: R.I.P. Michael “Bear” Russell, the godfather of Roanoke bouncers

By: Laura Maynard

Laura Maynard — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 23:36:16 +0000

What a wonderful spirit ” the Bear” was and is, Such a sweet guy, who could always make you laugh.I have fond memories of him at Belly of the Beast/Wit’s End and other clubs he was working the door at. My dearly departed friend Samuel Thomas Mann would always sing ” the bear” song to him. I hope he is singing it now and they are working that “door” together on the other side.

By: Christie Epperly

Christie Epperly — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 22:12:51 +0000

I will miss his “bear hugs” & AAs will never be the same without him! I am so saddened by this loss…much love in Heaven! <3

By: Beverley Clarkson

Beverley Clarkson — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:55:10 +0000

Fare thee well, old friend. You will be sadly missed but so gladly remembered. You touched so many in your short years. Whenever I am feeling unloved, I will close my eyes and let myself fall into one of your enormous soft and fragrant “Bear hugs”. The sparkle in your eyes was second only to the dazzle of your smile. It always amazed me that you could remember the names of everyone you met and I can still hear you call out your greetings in that deep medolic up-tilting voice.
I will look for you on your stool welcoming us all into the gates of Heaven with a smile and wink and a wave to come on in.

By: Kathy Buzby

Kathy Buzby — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 18:13:33 +0000

I took care of Bear when he was in the hospital & realized that we had the same birthday. We connected then & have been best of friends ever since. I’m still in shock! I just spoke to him on the phone 1 week ago & he sounded fine. I’m glad that I had the time to spend with him for these few short months we’ve known each other. I was working & he was in the hospital during our birthday, so we decided that when he got out, felt better & I wasn’t working that we were going out for a belated birthday lunch together. I really regret not making time earlier. He was a GREAT guy & will be sadly missed. You’ll always be remembered & in my heart!

By: Heather Bland

Heather Bland — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:29:20 +0000

I remember bear from when I was a kid, he was on the rescue squad (clearbrook) which happen to be below my home, he was constantly picking and joking with us kids every chance he got, I have ran into him over the years and when I would speak with him he would remind me of how he use to put up with us wilson kids… what a blessing to have known that smile.

By: Troy2K

Troy2K — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 04:07:59 +0000

Bear was the man! All of us in the music scene will miss him. He was loved by many and respected by all! RIP ol’ friend!

By: Jimiskin

Jimiskin — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 18:05:13 +0000

Goodbye to a good man. Saw him Oct. 29th at the Ramones show. He seemed to feel good and was in good spirits. Very sad news. Condolences and sympathy to family and friends. Godspeed,Bear.

By: matt

matt — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:56:34 +0000

Until his passing, I didn’t realize how much Bear was a part of my experience of the Roanoke clubs/music. Before we could get in to see bands at Blue Moon Cafe, he’d let us hang out with him outside, watching/listening through the glass. Later, I recall him being at The Belly of the Beast, and I think I missed most of Gov’t Mule’s first set while I chatted it up with him. He was the bouncer at several shows I played, and I was pleasantly surprised that he remembered my name when I saw him again recently at Towers Awful Arthurs. Bear was as much a part of the Roanoke music scene as any band or musician..probably more so.

By: Karla Setchel

Karla Setchel — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:17:23 +0000

I went to elementary & part of Jr. High with Mike. He was always very kind and in an uplifting mood. Rest in peace Mike and prayers of comfort to all who will miss you.

By: billhudson

billhudson — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 15:10:46 +0000

It is sad news this morning hearing about Bear, he was a very gentle soul. I first met him at the Blue Moon when I use to come down from Harrisonburg for the open mike. We use to screw around on the street and he at one time picked me up and turned me sideways, which at 6’1” is a trick.
I am hoping he is with Samuel Mann working at the door up there. Rest in peace brother, see you on the other side.