Tributes and Reflections

It's an old cliche, but I truly believe that the worth of a man can
be judged by the amount of friends he has.
This is a little bit of everything - newspaper articles, website postings,
message board musings, personal notes - all linked by a love for HJ.

Thanks to all for sharing your thoughts.
(Back to the Main Page)

For all of us, this has been a difficult time. For me, a most difficult time. Different people can affect your life in different ways-and when someone you know passes on, you reflect on that person and how he or she might have affected your life. What I'm realizing is the magnitude of the positive effect Joel had on my life-as I work my way out of this fog. We spent a lot of time together on the road-we were the two in the Honky van most interested in looking for cool records or CDs or videos or whatever. Joel was also tour photographer, taking all kinds of interesting (very interesting, sometimes) shots of us in action or otherwise. I have all these pictures and am going to build a tribute collage for the website. And we all have great stories of Joel on the road, at home, at shows, wherever. I will tell the one that I've been asked a few times recently……

This is called "How Joel Got The Name Handsome Joel."

Honky was preparing to go on the road for five weeks in late 1998, and Joel was going with us. I had known him since 1994 and thought he would be perfect for us (he had been working for El Flaco until their end). Jeff and Carson agreed that Joel was the man, and he started to work for us locally. We had a show in Dallas right before the tour, and Joel had called me regarding where we were meeting to leave, etc. I had just been reading a book of Simpsons (the TV show) trivia, and the character of Handsome Pete was in there. Handsome Pete appeared on one show for about seven seconds, dancing around with a hurdy-gurdy.

Anyway, I called Joel back and got his voicemail. And with absolutely no thought about it, I started out "Hey Handsome Joel, this is Lance……" As we were driving to Dallas later, Jeff and I were still calling him Handsome Joel, and it just stuck. It's completely fitting, given his attitude toward the ladies and how they felt about him.

He's known around the country now. The last tour I went on with Honky, Joel wasn't with us. As we would pull into towns, people would say "yeah, hello Honky, whatever, but WHERE'S HANDSOME JOEL?" It seemed to upset people he wasn't there. I can understand why. Certainly now.

Well, thank you for reading this long post, but I finally felt ready to say something. Joel will be in our hearts and souls forever, and maybe even other places. I saw a newborn baby yesterday, and I could've sworn he winked at me.

Lance Farley
(courtesy Honky message board)

my deepest condolences to everyone who knew one of the truest brothers i've ever had the priveledge of breathing the same air as. he's the only one i've known to pass thru this world having no enemies. damn, i miss him and i know so many others who do as well. he made our world a better place. handsome joel will always be with us. there's no way a memory of a man that true could ever escape us. much love, joel. may your memory live forever.

pinkus
(courtesy Honky message board)

My heart goes out to Joel's family. He will be deeply missed. He was such a wonderful friend and neighbor, I could not ask for anyone better!!! I love you Joel....say hello to my mother.

Katy
(courtesy Honky message board)

The first time I met Handsome Joel I was giving him a mouthful about which
hotrods were cool!  A very one sided argument since Joel loved the ladies!  
Instead of calling me a drunk loud bitch, he smiled, hugged me and bummed a ride home. You just had to love him. you'll be missed...
Sam Evans
(courtesy Honky message board)

Joel you will be missed. God bless your friends and family. The Houston music scene feels the loss.

Sincerely Steve The Poor Dumb Bastards
(courtesy Honky message board)

Joel was one of the kindest souls in Austin. He will be truly missed. He always made me smile, no matter how shitty things were. Joel, I still have your lighter, and I will return it you when we meet again.

Anonymous
(courtesy Honky message board)

*********************************

A popular contributor at music venues
Joel Scott Svatek 1969-2003

"Handsome Joel" Svatek was a popular foot soldier in Austin's music world, doing the essential but unglamorous jobs that keep the music playing.   He coined his nickname "Handsome Joel," and marketed it on T-shirts and stickers -- "I (heart) HJ" -- in the Sixth Street entertainment district.   "He wanted people to know who he was," said friend Joe Sebastian. "He gave them to every hot chick in town and got them all to wear them. He kind of exemplified the music fan in Austin. He was an institution, basically."

Svatek, 33, died Monday at Brackenridge Hospital, hours after his car was rear-ended by a speeding sport-utility vehicle.  He was born Joel Scott Svatek in Wharton, near Houston, graduated from high school in nearby Sealy in 1988 and soon moved to Austin.

"He worked at Waterloo (Ice House) and places like that, then moved into the clubs," said his mother, Katherine Ward of Irving, near Dallas. "He sold merchandise for the bands and helped them set up. He went on tour with them and drove their vans."   He worked with bands such as Old 97's, Honky, Fu Manchu and High On Fire. He also managed the club Red Eyed Fly, and booked bands at Flamingo Cantina, before becoming the stage manager at Emo's two years ago.

"He was good friends with all the big bands," said friend Paul Fox, an Emo's bartender. "They loved having Joel working the stage for them. He was a professional, just a pure personality, who always had a big smile."   Tattoo artist Scott Ellis, who works at True Blue Tattoo next door to Emo's, counted himself a friend of "Handsome Joel."   "He knew pretty much everything there was to know about every band you could imagine," Ellis said.

Svatek was headed to his home in Travis Heights at 3 a.m. Monday when he stopped his 1993 Ford Crown Victoria behind a Dodge Caravan at a red light on Riverside Drive. Police said he was rear-ended "at a high rate of speed" by a 2003 Ford Expedition. The Expedition driver has been charged with intoxication manslaughter, a second degree felony.

Emo's is planning a benefit concert to help his family pay his medical expenses. Details were expected to be posted on the club's Web site, emosaustin.com.  "We appreciate all the support we've received from his Austin family and friends," his mother said.

By Dick Stanley
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Friday, January 31, 2003

There are moments in life when the rock show is done, you lay your horns on the table, and even the cold, dark heart of a Satan's Cheerleader melts at the loss of a friend. Handsome Joel always shared himself with his friends and our community. The crew in Austin will never be the same without his contributions, his smiles, and those trademark hugs.

Handsome Joel passed Monday eve Jan 27, 2003 after being hit by a drunk driver on Superbowl Sunday. The Cheerleaders will bury parts of ourselves with him on Friday January 31st, 2003 @ 2pm.

Handsome Joel, you will be missed. We will stay loud so you can still hear our cheers; we throw you the horns.

Satan's Cheerleaders
(courtesy Satan's Cheerleaders website)

It is with the heaviest of hearts that I must announce the death of my friend and beloved local rock and roll fixture Handsome Joel Svatek, who was killed by a drunk driver late Sunday night. You may have known Joel from around the scene, he worked at Emo's, Red Eyed Fly, and various other local music establishments over the years. I had the pleasure of knowing Joel for ten years, and in all of that time, I never felt one bad vibe radiate from that wonderful man. I loved him like a big brother (which he pretty much was to me). The Austin community has suffered a great loss with his passing.

Ainjel Emme
(courtesy Ainjel Emme website)

a good friend of ours, "handsome" joel, doorman at emos, rock music fan and all around good guy was killed a few days ago. he was hit by a drunk driver. joel worked at emo's in austin texas. he always treated fu manchu great. made sure that we were fully taken care of.

Picture 1 is of joel singing "weird beard" with us at emos in austin texas, the summer of 2002. its funny, because he kept yelling for us to play "weird beard"
so we said we will play it only if you get on stage and sing the weird beard part. all ya have to do is yell, "weird beard" when the guitars stop. he totally screwed it up.
thats why bob is starting to laugh. classic.
Picture 2 is joel hangin with Scott's ol' lady. two texans hanging out.
we will miss joel. especially when we play in austin.

scott and fu manchu
(courtesy Fu Manchu website)

Joel Svatek 1969-2003

Sealy native Joel Svatek, better known in the local music scene as "Handsome Joel," was involved in a serious car accident early Monday morning and was taken off life support later that day. Svatek, on his way home from work, was stopped at a light on the frontage road at I-35 and Riverside, when, according to the Austin American-Statesman, he was struck by a drunken driver.
Svatek had been Emo's stage manager for the past two years, before that working at the Red Eyed Fly and Flamingo Cantina. "The bands loved him," Emo's owner Frank Hendrix said. "He was really good at what he did. It's gonna be hard to fill that spot."

Beloved up and down Red River, Svatek will be remembered at several benefits to help his family defray medical expenses: Feb. 15 at Emo's, Feb. 20 at Beerland, and dates at Elysium and Room 710 to be announced. Funeral services are 2pm Friday at Austin-Peel & Son Funeral Home, 607 E. Anderson Ln. (I-35 & 183), and a viewing is scheduled there tonight (Thursday), 6-8pm.

Austin Chronicle
1/30/03

Joel Svatek, the burly guy with the goatee was hit by a drunk driver. He lived a day or so on life support before he passed away. He was from Sealy, TX and I belive was 33.

"Handsome" Joel has been selling t-shirts and cd's for us for about three years or so at our Texas shows. He also did a small tour with us up to the St. Louis/Columbia area I think in 2000.

He was a great worker and wonderful guy to eat breakfast with. I've been sad all week about this. Joel always made something special for our shows. A poster or candle. I have a candle upstairs that he made for the Trees/La Zona Rosa shows he worked last month. It has a covered wagon on it with our band name.

We met him through his buddy Noah Polk. If you see Noah this week, give him a hug. He's had a rough go.

Services for Joel will be tomorrow in Austin. Noah says he will be cremated wearing his black Old 97's hat.

Ouch. It hurts.

Philip, Murry, Rhett, and my prayers go out to Joel, his family, his friends and especially Noah. He was a good man.

:-( :-(

PS... please PLEASE call a cab when you've been drinking....

Be safe folks,

ken bethea
Old 97's
(courtesy Old 97s message board)

(courtesy Emo's website)

Joel was one of the kindest souls in Austin. He will be truly missed. He always made me smile, no matter how shitty things were. Joel, I still have your lighter, and I will return it you when we meet again.

Anonymous
(courtesy Honky message board)

HJ, we'll miss you like a motherfu**er.
Your brothers,

Benji, Chris, Leif, Brueggen
Supagroup
(courtesy Honky message board)

THANKS FOR MAKING SATURDAY A SUCCESS. WITH EXCEPTION TO THE BUTCHERING OF FREEBIRD. we didn't get a chance to practice it together,if you couldn't tell. the only other time we played it the same thing happened. with the help of handsome joel on 2nd drums. we wanted to be the first band of the new millenium to play the most requested song of the old millenium. i hope the following benefits have the same success. we should all be proud of our austin and out of town family in coming together in a time of sorrow and need. THANKS JOEL, look what you did here.

pinkus
(courtesy Honky message board)

It was winter 1998, I was barely 21 and the youngest person at a party, and was a little apprehensive. I had just moved to Austin and I had started working at a sandwich shop, and my boss had invited me to go with him. As we stepped into the party I was so nervous about being too green, too naïve, and all together out of the loop. A few beers helped melt that apprehension away. I stepped in the backyard only for the feeling to return at the sight of a large guy with a goatee and a shirt that said Honky. I had recalled seeing this guy at a Southern Culture on the Skids show, and thinking “this guy knows everyone.” I was intimidated to say the least, but when I was introduced to “Handsome” Joel Svatek I soon realized those feelings were silly. He was warm and jovial and I didn’t realize it then, but I was amidst some of the friendliest people in Austin and some of the greatest folks I’ll ever know.

A few months down the line a guy I had met at the party was opening up a bar on Red River, called The Red Eyed Fly. I was looking for a change from sandwich making, so I went in to ask about working there. I was stopped at the door by a guy who didn’t like the looks of my expired driver’s license, but as I was trying to explain I heard a great big “NATE DOG!” in that not yet familiar Handsome Joel voice. Joel was the type a guy that remembered everyone he ever met, and he met a lot of folks. Joel gave the all clear and I was in the bar that will hold so many memories of mine in a so little time.

That month Handsome Joel became my boss. He told me when to take the trash out, he made me change the sign in the cold, he made me clean the things he didn’t want to clean, and I loved it. Because I was part of what was happening, I was in the middle of it all: the music, the night, and his Austin. I listened to music I didn’t know I loved and met people I can say the same about.

Working the door was an experience of a lifetime; I met all Joel’s friends at the front of 715 Red River. I met the rockers, the lookers, the losers, and I met the ladies. Lord did I meet the ladies, and the ladies truly did love Handsome Joel. He must have given out a hundred hugs a night, and in the odd case that the hug wasn’t immediate, Joel would summon one with his big arms spread and a “oh girl, you better give me one of these.”

You don’t grow up with out a few pitfalls, and I had my share. I ended up having to move back to Houston, and with my parents, and had lost all that I thought I had gained. I hated it. And finally I came back to Austin to visit. I wanted immediately to go find my friends. No one I know worked at the Red Eyed Fly anymore, so I went to see our friend Frap at the Atomic Café or whatever they’re calling it these days. I asked about Joel and others and no sooner did I ask did I hear “NATE DOG!!” in that now very familiar booming Handsome Joel voice. We greeted each other with some handshakes and half hugs and some heavy metal shreeks. And he said something to me that I hadn’t heard in nearly a year and that was “ It’s really good to see you, lets have some Lonestars.” It really was good to see each other, and be back in town. I moved back to Austin that week.

Joel went on to work at Emo’s, and I was glad to see him every time I went… and to get in for free…and to get posters he had set aside for me. And I’m grateful now, if I didn’t show it then. I am grateful I got to clear the brush out of Waller Creek and fight over an old Lonestar bottle from the 80s we found. I am grateful he let me leave work to go see George Jones when I know he would have rather gone. Joel really did seem to know everybody as I first noticed in winter, 1998. And I am so very proud to say that I am one of those people. I am blessed for this. I feel like I have grown up a lot since that party, and Joel has a lot to do with that. He was a beautiful person and an inspiration to me I’m better off having known him. I won’t be able to do most of the things I love about Austin without thinking of “Handsome” Joel Svatek, and that hurts so much right now, but in time, I know, that is a good thing.

Nathan Day

A LITTLE PIECE OF HOME JUST LEFT US.
CLUBS CHANGE, BANDS CHANGE NAMES, YOU CHANGE MEMBERS, GUITARS, VANS, CHICKS, TRANSMISSIONS, AND YOUR DRAWERS EVERY SATURDAY.
I WILL TELL YOU ONE CONSTANT WAS THERE EVERY TIME THROUGH THE YEARS AND THAT WAS HANDSOME JOEL. HE WAS ALWAYS THERE TO HELP A FRIEND OR MUSICIAN OUT(MANY TIMES THE SAME PERSON) IF HE COULD.
WHEN THE LINES ON THE FREEWAY BECAME SQUIGGLY FROM FATIGUE AND YOU LIMPED INTO AUSTIN YOU COULD COUNT ON SEEING HIS SMILING FACE THERE TO GREET YOU WITH A BEER OR AN EAR.
THANKS FOR BEING THERE AT THE END OF MANY A TOUGH TRIP FOR THE DEALER.

HOT ROD
REO SPEEDEALER
(courtesy Honky message board)

Man I like the site about Handsome Joe. I knew dude back in the day in early to mid 90's and if not mistaken I took a course with him at ACC. One of the coolest dudes in town. He will be missed.

Cree
(courtesy Honky message board)

Thank you so much for all the wonderful pictures of Joel. It's so important to keep the memory of such a gracious person alive. I met Joel back when he worked at Flamingo Cantina; I'm not one to go downtown every night, but Handsome Joel never forgot my name after that night. Over the years, and across the many clubs Joel worked at Joel and I became good friends. And he always had a smile and a hug for me; Joel's hugs were the best, they made me feel special, even if he did hand them out to all the ladies like candy at Halloween. If I was having a shitty night one of Joel's famous hugs was a sure fire cure. Handsome Joel was truly one of the nicest, most good natured people I have ever met. He touched so many people, which was evident by the multitudes that came to his memorial to pay their respects. I Love Handsome Joel, and I miss his presence. I hope people keep him in their thoughts always. And please don't drink and drive; it would be such a pity to be the cause of taking one so dear such as Joel.

Anonymous
(courtesy Honky message board)

I miss you, Joel. I will never be able to see the city of Austin with the same eyes again. To me, you ARE Austin, and one of the few truly great things about that city. I hope you know how many people love you, and think about you. I hope you know how much you affected our lives... how you made all of us feel as if we were important, as if we actually meant something. To have that gift... is special. My friend, you are a river, you will never cease... no matter. We all miss you dearly. I miss you dearly.

Jeff Hirshberg
(courtesy Honky message board)

Oh yea, I forgot to mention that Joel was the best at making every single girl in town feel exceptionally pretty all the time. Like one time, I looked like dog meat, and I was wearing this shirt that said F*** Off on the front, and I was PMSing and I walked up to him at the Fly, and he goes "Hey!I like your shirt, but you know what I like more? What's inside, girl!" I know that it didn't automatically make me look any better or less dog meaty, but I felt better. He was the master of that.

Love, Ms.Corri Mava
(courtesy Honky message board)

"connor13"
(courtesy gigposters.com)

Remember,
Handsome Joel has a Posse!!!!!

"justjuan"
(courtesy gigposters.com)

God Drives a Galaxy

Fivehead

It's with a heavy heart that I pass on the sad news as I just heard them. Longtime EMO's doorman Handsome Joel died today after a car wreck last night caused by a drunk driver. Don't know what to say, except why is it always the cool ones? He truly was one of the nicest guys I've ever met.
RIP Handsome Joel

We were in the studio doing a final mix when Mauro told us the news. I think we'll dedicate the split EP to Joel.  I guess Heaven needed a new door guy. When it's my turn I hope it's Joel at the Pearly Gates, checking my ID and stamping my wrist, telling me to enjoy the show.

"DannyG"
Southern Gun Culture
(courtesy StonerRock.com)

"Moss"
(courtesy StonerRock.com)

Wish I could pay my respects proper. I'll be raisin my glass in his name tonight regardless. Dude is a f***in hero, just the way he lived, inspirational........

"chovied"
(courtesy StonerRock.com)

"stank"
(courtesy StonerRock.com)

"joelplayersclub"
(courtesy StonerRock.com)

Jeff Kupferburg
(courtesy StonerRock.com)

"pelican"
(courtesy StonerRock.com)

"drunk texan"
(courtesy StonerRock.com)

"hala kahiki"
(courtesy StonerRock.com)

Handsome Joel was one of the best mothers to ever walk this earth. He helped out the Transmaniacon MC and bands from all over the place countless times. We love and miss you, HJ

Trevi Biles

"Isis"
(courtesy StonerRock.com)

Joel was a great guy and will be missed.we had a great time when us,honkey and dixie witch played with black oak arkansas at chigger fest,much love to his family and emo's! this is a sad day.r.i.p brother.

"sourvein"
(courtesy StonerRock.com)

blued
(courtesy blued website)

Kissing Chaos
(courtesy Kissing Chaos website)

Brad Davis
(courtesy TransmaniaconMC message board)

"MLE"
(courtesy TransmaniaconMC message board)

Handsome Joel was a staple to the rock scene of Austin. HE was a guy everyone loved, and was friends with everybody. He always had a smile on his face. It was always great to see him at a show. I think he worked at every club this band had played. More recently he was at Emo's. I've known him for years. There was a wake at Casino tonight. Stopped by to pay my respects. Ran into Johnny Walker , who called him "The Mayor of Red River," which was the best thing I heard all day.

We are gonna miss your smile and your wit Handsome.

Sexy Finger Champs
(courtesy Sexy Finger Champs website)

H.J. is missed

You know dearly departed Emo's stage manager Handsome Joel was loved because of the incredible number of bands who have stepped forward to play benefits. This weekend, there are the Spiders, the Ritchie Whites, the Pink Swords and others Friday at the Flamingo Cantina. On Saturday at Emo's, a host of bands, most prominently a reunion of Florida's Syrup, will crank it up in memory of their friend, who died in a car accident Jan. 27. Wendy Nelson, who's handling the outpouring, says Room 710 will host an H.J. benefit March 16 and the Elysium has one skedded for the next night

Austin American Statesman

A night for Joe and Handsome Joel

A dual tribute tonight at Stubb's pays respects to an international rock legend and a local rock club favorite. The Joe Strummer Tribute Night honors the deceased member of seminal punk band The Clash (Strummer died Dec. 22), and will feature local favorites such as The Spoils, The Lusties, Flametrick Subs, Dale Watson, Superego, Brewtality more each performing three of their favorite Clash songs. Proceeds will benefit the family of "Handsome Joel" Svatek, a popular local music scenester -- most recently as stage manager at Emo's -- who was killed in a car accident Jan. 27

Austin American Statesman
Best Bets 2/26/03

I would like to thank everyone involved with Handsome Joel's benefit. I know a lot of people put in some painful work. Wendy & Joel going through H.J.'s things for the sale must have been very hard. Thanks to them for setting up the sale and the show. Syrup probably couldn't have made it to Austin if not for them. I would also like to thank Bobby Rock for letting us us his Axes. He's very much a gentleman and a fine guitar player in a great band. Also thanks to Brewtality Inc. for letting us use their gear--it's always a little unsettling having another band use your stuff--ya'll were super cool about it, and your band rocks too. It was a sad reason for us to go to Austin. H.J. was a special friend to us all, and one of the reasons we loved playing Austin so much. We all fell in love with him the first time we met him, when Syrup played with Honky in Tallahassee many years ago. I am always going to think of my friend and smile. It's so painful to lose H.J., but he was such a good man that all my remembrances of him are of fun times. It was so good to meet H.J.'s family. It was like seeing members of my own family, lots of warmth, knowing that the people are good and loving. I am glad that Syrup was able to pull together and play that show, if it was our last, it was well worth it.
I love all ya'll and hope to see you again.

Love,Slim
(courtesy Syrup message board)

Hello Dennis,

My name is Vanessa Alvarez. Both my husband and I have known Joel for many years. Words can not express how sorrowful we are that such a horrible thing happened to such a kind soul.

The reason I am writing you is that I own the tattoo shop next door to Emo's where Joel Got his "Handsome" tattoo. All the staff at our studio loved Joel. He would pop in over from Emo's and make us all laugh.(especially our cute receptionist). I loved Joel, and as a person that is a member of the Red River community, I have seen first hand the influence Joel made to everyone that works downtown. (Sometimes its hard to be working in that kind of environment) Joel's positive attitude and smile always helped us through a long work day / night. We will always remember him and truly miss him.

Our condolences...... The staff at True Blue Tattoo and Body Piercing

Tiffany and Jeff Smith

During rehearsals last night we received a phone call giving us sad news of a fallen Handsome Joel(an Emos/Austin mate and friend) who had just passed on. The night prior he was struck by a drunk driver in a horrible accident and he never recovered. We will miss you greatly Handsome Joel and we will never forget you. Our sympathies go out to Joel's family and his friends. Take care where ever you are Handsome Joel. Cheers to you!!

Dempsey

i called chimene and told her, and burst into tears when i remembered things he said and did. he was such a sweety and a big flirt and very kind and so so much fun.

the last time i spoke to him was on the phone and i said... "where are our 'i heart handsome joel t shirts'?"... he just laughed and said... "i'll send them soon, i promise.". SXSW won't be the same this year. i don't think i want to go anymore.

a light went out. suddenly austin seems very dark.

RIP HJ... we will all miss you.

worfpunk's live journal

i, as well, as the rest of the austin music community, morn the loss of a dear friend who passed on this week from an accident involving a drunk driver. handsome joel, known to most women as the definative "ladies man" and to all as one of the most genuine, friendly, and radient people you could meet, will be missed terribly by me and all who are lucky enough to call him their friend. i am in shock. i am so sad. i am going to miss his wonderful smile. i encourage each and every one of you (myself, included) to think twice about getting behind the wheel when you've been drinking. we've all done it. i love you guys and want you around for a long, long time. cabs are cheap. there's really no where in austin you can't get to for 30 bucks. 30 bucks is cheap. life is not.

i don't think i've ever attended a funeral that looked more like a rock concert. the line outside extended past peel and sons' parking lot and there were almost 2000 people waiting to pay their last respects. the running joke was "if joel were here, we'd all be in by now." it's amazing how many lives he touched and how many people truly loved him. i will be getting my first tattoo this week - a friend of a friend is giving away free HJ tats to all the "ladies" who loved him - i think he would totally dig it. i have always wanted a tattoo, but have managed to chicken out at every opportunity because i've never really found anything that meant enough to me to attach to myself permanently. (you all know how flaky i can be...) but, by next sunday's show, i'll be sporting "i [heart] HJ" on my left arm.

last night, i caught honky at red eyed fly - many toasts and cheers were sent out for handsome joel, and the butchering of "free bird" at the close of the show was enough to make me glad i went.

Ernie C. Ernst

handsome joel was a super cool and sweet guy. he used to help me tremendously when i shot shows at emos. he'd always help me on stage and looked after me if things got too rowdy. he will be greatly missed. i still have one of his lighters he gave out inscripted 'handsome joel'. it seemed to be one of those freaky bottomless ones.  he was a good person who always had a smile and was ready to offer help to anyone

"bluddymuffin"

EVILFRANK

Tragic. We'll miss you Joel.

I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness

Same Day Service

The Action Is

r.i.p. handsome joel

RORY ALLEN PHILLIPS

CHAD BECK

FOZLUR

There's a guest list at the Pearly Gates
...that awaits a deserving son
"Handsome Joel" surrounded by Sharpie stars...
...scribbled squarely on line Number One.

As humble as ever he enters...
...offering smiles and the night's cover charge
"You're Handsome Joel," says the angel...
..."Don't be silly. The privilege is ours."

With handshakes and laughter for all...
...he makes his way through the crowd
Dressed in ball-cap and Honky hoody...
...a fan filled with passion, who did his bands proud

Heaven called our dear friend without warning...
...and spared no time for thanks or good-byes
But on a street called Red River in Austin...
...The spirit of HJ forever survives

DivineDomination.com

Mark McMillan/The National Pastime