This Week in the Mercury
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
R.I.P. Terrin Durfey, R.I.P.
Posted by Ezra Ace Caraeff on Tue, Oct 28, 2008 at 11:39 AM
News is just getting out that Terrin Durfey, a longtime fixture in West Coast indie rock and notable frontman for Boilermaker (plus a member of Pinback, Jade Shader, and the Farewell Bend), has passed away at the age of 34.
For the sake of full disclosure, I used to knew Terrin quite well, but it's been years since I have seen, or spoken to, him. Growing up in the same sleepy suburban town on the outskirts of San Diego, Durfey played the roll of the cooler older kid who shepherd wayward teens (myself included) towards the ways of indie/punk/DIY culture. While he probably never knew it, nor would he take credit for it, Durfey went above and beyond in keeping a slew of restless kids out of trouble, and his inspiring presence in the criminally-underrated Boilermaker acted as proof of the power that DIY culture can yield. For me, that first, near-religious experience of listening to bands like Jesus Lizard and Boy's Life were brought on by Durfey, and I'm certain that (for better or worse) myself and countless others would not be involved in music if it was not for him.
Boilermaker were on the forefront of the mid-late '90s emo movement--long before emo was burdened with the stigma it currently shoulders--but, along with their peers in Giants Chair, Christie Front Drive, etc., they'll forever be buried beneath lesser acts, and left in the void of influential bands who were years ahead of their time. But ask anyone who crossed Boilermaker's path, and you'll find a fan, drawn in by their desolate and stark sound, blue collar work ethic, and Durfey's rigid vocal delivery and lumbering bass.
Durfey had been battling cancer for close to a decade, and he leaves behind a wife and child.
He will be dearly missed.
LISTEN:
Boilermaker - "Slow Down"
Boilermaker "Norman"
1
I really liked that.
Mid 90's San Diego was so much fun and Terrin was a major contributor. (you were too).
I just wanted to throw in Thee Barracudas, The Surf Rock band Terrin was in that always tried to play at our high-school during lunch, years after they had all graduated. They were so goofy and so awesome and always made sure everyone was having fun.
He had a hugely positive effect on so many of us.
4
it was great to see you guys on here, so i felt i had to post as well.
just wanted you to know he never once faltered, even in his last days, of being possibly the most personable, positive, and even humorous people ever.
"I just wanted to throw in Thee Barracudas"
dude!
don't forget Lipstick Hair Salon!
(oh, and thanks for sending my bag back, jenny!)
-rob .c.
p.s. i hope i'm not drunk-posting right now
5
http://listen.grooveshark.com/#/song/Boile…
and i started crying a little.
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