You may remember a series of entries I posted here back in 2007 wherein I speculated about the apparent demise of Subterranean Records on Cornelia Street. Well, as it turned out, those rumors were false at the time, and the fabled, underground shop survived for a few more months before actually closing for good in 2008.
In that first post, you'll recall I reminisced about the shop's apparent owner, a guy we referred to as "Winter Hours," so dubbed after the band he played guitar in. Well, his actual name was Michael Carlucci.
I cannot claim to have known Michael very well. Myself and my good friend Rob B. were loyal Subterranean customers for many years (as I've laboriously pointed out before, `twas in said shop that I bought my first Killing Joke single -- an event that genuinely my life). Michael certainly recognized us, and even reached out to me to update the status of the shop when I was posting about its demise. I wish I could say I knew him better.
In any event, word from reliable sources is that Michael just passed away. I don't know any of the details, but the news struck me as quite sad. He was always a very nice guy.
Here's a bit of Winter Hours. Pour one out for Michael.
http://blurtonline.com/news/winter-hours-guitarist-michael-carlucci-r-i-p/
http://www.nazarefuneralhome.com/obit.php?decedid=1773
I kinda knew Michael when the store was called Record Runner many years ago. O'Henry's was across the street and many of us would go there to drink. Rick was the bartender, IIRC it was one of the few, if any places to get Guinness on tap in the city. (It's been a while…) Cornelia St. was at one time always a good shot at getting a parking spot when venturing in.
I went to the same high school as many of the WH guys.
I knew the other Winter Hours members a bit more, Carlucci was a few years older than me.
Posted by: Fred | October 30, 2015 at 09:10 PM
Michael Carlucci was a profoundly decent and honorable human being, a gentle soul and a kindred spirit who did much good for everyone who was fortunate enough to meet him and get to know him. It was truly one of life's biggest privileges knowing him and being able to call myself his friend. His contribution to the New York pre-punk and punk scene is truly monumental and much, much greater than anyone can imagine. He also knew more about the American (post-Velvets) underground scene than any person I have ever met. My sadness is immense.
Rest in peace, my friend; you will NOT be forgotten.
Bob Djukic
Rego Park
November 18, 2015
Posted by: BOB DJUKIC | November 18, 2015 at 02:53 AM