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Juan MacLean drummer Jerry Fuchs, 34, dies
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Gerhardt "Jerry" Fuchs. (PHOTO:Joshi Radin)
Drummer for The Juan MacLean, Holy Ghost!, !!!, Maserati and Turing Machine, Jerry Fuchs, died yesterday.
Fuchs, 34, passed away after suffering injuries following a five-story fall from an elevator shaft in a warehouse building in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, where he was attending a benefit for Uniform Project, an organization that helps raise money for education in India.
Born in Marietta, Ga. on December 30, 1974, Fuchs attended the University of Georgia for graphic design and later moved to New York in 1995 to pursue a music career and join the band Vineland. He continued to freelance as a writer and graphic designer for publications like Chunklet (story on Chunklet.com) and Entertainment Weekly. He later joined the electronica band The Juan MacLean; the band released their first album Less Than Human (DFA) in 2005 and just released their sophomore album The Future Will Come earlier this year. Fuchs also played with Athens-based indie band Maserati, instrumental rock group Turing Machine in New York and dance, punk band !!! and performed with bands like MSTRKRFT and LCD Soundsystem.
In an official statement released today, Juan Maclean band members, management and DFA Records had the following words to share on the passing of their drummer and friend:
Juan MacLean
Jerry Fuchs was one of my best and most loyal friends. In other situations it might seem trite or misguided to mention someone's music career in light of such a tragic death, but the truth is that music was an integral part of our relationship. Jerry was with me from the beginning of The Juan MacLean. The band allowed us to travel the world doing something we loved more than anything, and we constantly reminded ourselves how lucky we were, pushing each other to appreciate the life we were living when things got tough.
It is not hyperbole to say that Jerry was the absolute best at what he did. He was a legendary drummer. Other drummers revered him and fans were astounded by his playing. He was always the best part of any band of his which he was a member. And in light of all that, he was relentlessly humble to the point of self-deprecation. He exuded qualities that are are rare in the circles he travelled. He was disarmingly sincere and valued honesty above all else.
I have never played with anyone as great as Jerry. I would be hard pressed to name a more supportive and loyal friend. I hope his family finds some bit of solace in the fact that Jerry touched the lives of so many all across the world, as evidenced by the outpouring of support and condolences come flooding in.
Jonathan Galkin - DFA Records
Today was a really bad day, Jerry, and I could have used one of those big sweaty hugs you gave after a show, when you were genuinely excited and surprised to see me. “Galkin, what the f--k are YOU doing here?!”, you would exclaim, as if i didn’t ever attend the live shows from bands on my own label. You were truly one of a kind, and whether you knew it or not, people wanted to be in the same room as you, or near the same room as you, because maybe just maybe, some of that radiant joy and in-the-moment spirit you exuded would rub off on them. You didn’t take it all with you, because there are a lot of people today who are going to feel mighty responsible to carry and spread that joy with them for the rest of the time they have here. And who knows now how long that might be. You were a really good drummer, some might say the best we had, but you were a greater friend. I love you and miss you, Jerry.
Brian Long - Yes Know Management
Jerry cast an incredible glow on every situation he entered into. It was an honor to work with him. His drumming skills were truly a gift which he used to connect with many people. This is what musicians are put on earth to do. Jerry embodied this to the fullest. He will be missed but remembered with a smile and a laugh.
Fuchs just wrapped up a tour with Maserati in support of their second album Passages in September. He is survived by his parents, an older sister, a younger brother, sister, nephews and nieces.
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