Dave Day of the Monks, RIP

It is with great sadness that I report about the death of Monks banjo player, Dave Day.

Dave brought a whole new meaning to the instrument most often associated with bluegrass (or Bugs Bunny, depending upon whom you ask...) - he played it with a ferocity that helped pave the road for the punk rock we get to play today.

This photo of Dave was taken outside the RedCat Theatre in downtown Los Angeles during the Don't Knock the Rock Film Festival where the Monks documentary was being screened. Dave and the filmmakers were there to meet and greet the audience and answer questions in a post-screening Q&A.

You could not meet a more friendly person, someone who was happy for the opportunity to play music and someone who was truly grateful when he met an adoring fan. Dave Day embodied the best of both worlds - adult and youth; mortal and immortal.

Rest In Peace, Dave. The world is greater for your time spent here.