Chuck Schuldiner: A Tribute To A Legend!

Former DEATH/CONTROL DENIED bassist Steve DiGiorgio (currently in TESTAMENT/DRAGONLORD) has posted the following tribute to DEATH/CONTROL DENIED frontman Chuck Schuldiner, who sadly lost his battle with pontine glioma, a rare type of brain tumor, on December 13th: “Saddened… This is the first time since I've heard the news that I've been on the computer. I can see that news travels fast. Everyone knows by now. Also I want to thank all of you for your kind words of caring and support. So what do I have to add? We have lost an icon in the metal music world. More importantly, I have lost a good friend of many, many years. He was born the same year as me and we had a lot in common. It's obvious that I played my best around him, somehow he brought out the sickest bass lines in me. He always pushed me to do more, think of more, pushing the boundaries and find the most innovative things...but to still keep it within the formula. I have lost an inspiration to my own personal musical quest, I will miss him forever. We were in the middle of doing the next [CONTROL DENIED] record [at the time of Chuck's death], and it's sad beyond belief that he never saw it to its completion. We will try our best to finish it in his honor, but will never know if it lives up to his standards. That's the least we can do for someone who gave so much and cared so much about what he did and how it effected those who believed as well. Though I am glad in some small way the the suffering is over for him...that he would not be able to play his guitar again, reorganize his massive vinyl collection, work around the house, go to the beach, go to concerts...the things he loved to do. He didn't deserve a life without those things that made him who he was. Because he was, what he loved. He very much loved his family, never being too far away from his mother, father, his sister and his nephew. He loved animals and his pets were his family too. He loved the outdoors, barbeques, beaches, hikes, and canoeing took up a lot of time when we weren't writing new tunes. Of course he loved music, he made it his life...and we made it ours. It's true he had something very serious, and possibly something that would ultimately take him. But I want you to ignore all the rumors, all the hearsay, all the bullsh.t...and know that he never accepted his fate. He never gave up trying to overcome it. He went down swinging and was a true fighter until the end. He was told by his first doctor he didn't have long to live, so he went to another. When those doctors told him the same thing, he did it again - he went to find the answer he wanted, not the answer he was given. He traveled all over the country looking for someone to help in his fight. He wouldn't take no for an answer. His will to live was strengthened by the resolve of those around him. His family, most of all, who didn't hesitate to do what was necessary for him. His friends who tried to pitch in whatever possible. And the fans and supporters all over the world, whose words and contributions kept the spark alive when things seemed the darkest. Be proud of his work, his heart still beats for us every time we listen to his songs, because his heart is in his work. Goodbye for a while Metal Brother, I'll miss you more than words can say.”