Saying goodbye to Chance Taylor, drummer for Tobacco Apache, the Aurora Observatory and others
Chance Taylor photo courtesy Meagan Iwaniszek
The Roanoke Valley music scene — and many many friends — lost a great dude on Saturday night, when talented and versatile drummer Chance Taylor died in a car crash, along with his father, Randy Taylor. The outpouring of emotion for Chance Taylor on facebook has been beautiful, and friends and family plan a candlelight vigil for the father and son tonight at the Franklin County Recreation Department baseball fields, 2150 Sontag Road, Rocky Mount.
Taylor could lay down grooves, no doubt, and he could and would do it in a variety of styles. He played in too many bands to list here, but most recently was playing with both Tobacco Apache and The Aurora Observatory, the latter a longtime gig for him. Previously, he had been with Barefoot West, and folks who caught “Lake Effects” on the Hallmark Channel Sunday saw him in a scene with that band.
More folks might have seen him with the Americana-style bands with which he played, but less known is his work with The Aurora Observatory, a band which was scheduled to open for Local H on Saturday. TAO, as its fans call it, is a progressive hard rock act — which means the drums had better be kicking some arse. That was no trouble for Chance, who happened to be as cool offstage as he was powerful onstage.
Hear for youself via the streaming embed below, and feel free to post your thoughts and memories of the Taylors.
May 7, 2012 - 12:38 PM
You left out the Baker Brothers! A true combination of talent and spirit, just as this man exemplified. You’ll be missed brother.
Chance you will forever live in our hearts and will be GREATLY missed until we meet again. My prayers are going up for your family and loved ones. Rest well my friend until one day I can see you again! <3 you!!!!
My prayers go out to the Taylor Family. May God give you all comfort and a place of peace at this time. Chance you will be missed Greatly here on earth but it seems heaven needed you more! Rest In Peace!!
I don’t think words can describe how much I will miss you buddy. We had some of the best times ever together, along with the rest of the crew. I am so glad I had the good fortune of sharing those experiences with you. You were truly a remarkable person, and the world has suffered a great loss in your death. I hope we can meet again one day, homie. I love you man.
I’ve had the pleasure of playing bass with Chance on the kit several times. He was extremely versatile. Cat loved all genres of music. He was the first person I ever met in High School who even knew of Del the Funky Homosapien. I also got to play basketball with chance for a season with his father Randy as the coach. They had a great relationship and he was a great coach. Tragedy for the whole Franklin County and Roanoke communities. Consider myself priveleged to know them.
Willie T., you point out Chance’s musical versatility by mentioning the Baker Brothers. He could fit into any situation. My best to all of you suffering this loss.
I can remember the days hanging out at Southbound 220 with chance, Frieda, John and the gang and it really exemplifies a time in my life I will cherish. Chance was such a vibrant spark of energy and always quick to crack jokes when we were getting tattooed or just taking in the bands downstairs. I can remember quite a few nights hanging with him at the soundboard and just cracking up the entire show. His spirit and presence will be truly missed in this community. God Bless the Taylor Family and you are all in our prayers.
Is this the same Chance Taylor who, as a little boy in the 1970s, once sang as a contestant on The Gong Show and also sang on an episode of Fernwood 2nite as Chance Roletti, nephew of lounge singer Tony Roletti?
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61VK7UlyIOM&feature=player_detailpage
haha, nope! But I’m sure Chance would have loved this!
he was a good dude and still is i love him