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Paul Skelton Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Paul Skelton
David Hughes
October 21, 2021
It is now Oct. 2021.
Tonight I was doing some random research on the early days of ESP guitars in NY, when I ran across an older interview with Vernon Reid. Vernon had just put Living Color together back in the early 80´s and was cutting demos in the same studio I was cutting some tracks in, so I would run into him and his band, even jammed in the studio with them once back then. In this guitar magazine interview with Vernon, that I literally just stumbled into tonight, he was praising Paul Skelton for his incredible guidance with helping him choose guitars there at ESP. I had just moved to NY from Mississippi in 1982 and was always hanging out at the guitar shops on 48th street. One day I met a guy named Steve Kauffman who was head of ESP in NY. He seemed to be checking out young players that might be on the brink of a career and was very kind about inviting me down to ESP to tour the warehouse. Once I was there, I met Paul and Steve and Paul walked me through the place showing me all of the guitar bodies and necks. Steve basically ended up giving me the parts, along with tuners, pickups etc. Paul helped me choose the right neck and ended up building the guitar for me, so it was pretty much a Paul Skelton custom shop guitar. I remember he charged me very little to build it and was happy that I loved the instrument.
He even shaved the back of the neck down to my liking, as if he knew what was fitting for me just from hearing me play a bit. It was a beautiful guitar and I played it for many years, still have it in fact. I had Paul leave off the ESP decal logo because I really wanted his name on it. To this day, it is still a blank headstock but I´ve always thought of Paul when I played it and the folks who played it over the years loved it. I would tell people about ESP and about Paul building it for me even though I had lost touch with Paul and Steve both at once I left N.Y. I was only there for a couple of years and I think I was gone by 1984.
I never saw either one of them again and it wasn´t until tonight that both of their names showed up in the interview with Vernon.
So I am just tonight leaning about Paul and his passing some 12 years ago. I remember him playing and demoing some guitars there at ESP and I knew he was this virtuoso of a guitar player but never heard him play again. So tonight when I looked up the bands he was in, I listened to a bunch of stuff and watched a few videos, also read many of the tributes to him. I was so moved by it all and never forgot him and what he did for me. In a sense, that guitar is sort of what got me out of NYC. I was ready to leave but wanted a really good custom built guitar that I could leave with and take on the road, which I did with that guitar.
So after leaving NY, I played the ESP guitar that Paul had built for me
in a few different bands and also recorded with it. I always thought that I would see Paul again but wasn´t sure when or where. I remembered that he was originally from Texas, as he treated me like a fellow southerner, being that I was from Mississippi.
I knew that Lenny Kaye from Patti Smith´s band, Vernon Reid and others, who were all part of the 80´s movement that was going on in NY, had a lot of respect for this guy named Paul at ESP and so I was honored when Steve Kaufman told me to work it out with Paul to build my guitar. He was the only person to do so according to Steve.
Anyhow, I am so glad to learn all of what I didn´t know about Paul and can see after this research, reading and listening tonight, why I remembered him as someone who had an impact on me, which clearly never went away. Had I stayed in NY, I´m sure I would have had Paul build other guitars for me and would have gotten to know him better back then. I have the memories, the guitar he built for me at ESP and now a way of reconnecting to what he was about as a musician and person. "Hope to see you again somewhere Paul and thank you, which I only got to tell you the day I picked up my guitar...
Blessings to you wherever you may be."
David Hughes
Dawn Eden Goldstein
May 6, 2020
I am so sorry that I lost touch with Paul. My friendship with him was brief but memorable. Around 1987 or 1988 I met him when he was playing guitar for Blue Horses, Richard Younger's band. It could be that I met Paul before Richard, but my memory is that Richard somehow contacted me, perhaps because I was helping with bookings at Tramps nightclub on East 15th Street in Manhattan.
I was nineteen and was suffering at the time from what I now know was undiagnosed PTSD. At the time, I only knew I was depressed, a state complicated by sadness that my long-distance boyfriend wouldn't commit.
Paul and I bonded over a shared love of Sixties pop, and he took a fatherly interest in me. I wrote a pop song about the boyfriend and he offered to produce and play the instruments on a four-track demo for me. The only time I can actually remember spending time with him one-on-one was when I visited his apartment to record my vocals for the demo. But I think I must have visited more than once, as I'm pretty sure he gave my guitar a free tune-up. Also, he gave me a couple of cassettes, one of his own demos and the other of artists he played with, if memory serves. One of his personal demos, "Tender Back Then," was super-sweet and catchy. I haven't heard it in thirty years and can still remember the chorus. Always thought it should have been a hit.
To the best of my recollection, Paul didn't charge me a dime to produce and play on my demo; he did it just to encourage a young songwriter.
My overriding memory of Paul is of a fatherly man with great warmth and generosity of spirit.
BRIAN WILLOUGHBY
July 4, 2015
I lost touch with Paul after the move to Austin, but I will always remember him for his kindness to me during his time at ESP. He and Ritchie Fliegler helped me enormously in the mid-80s and I still talk of their generosity whenever I play my ESP guitars.
R.I.P. a great guitar player and friend.
My condolences to Annie and Jess.
Brian Willoughby.
Andy Averbuch
September 16, 2013
Used to work with Paul at ESP Guitars in NYC, i was a young guitarist packing and shipping guitars and he was always giving me the best advice. He put together quite a few amazing guitars for me, and was a perfect New Yorker.
May 26, 2012
Give my love to Traci
Laura Hiler
February 22, 2011
Cannot believe my brother Paul has been gone fo 2 years today. Lighting this candle today in memory of him. Miss you Paul! Love you! Laura
April 2, 2010
For Paul...
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
~
[email protected] /Joe Fazio,
Beverly Hills, California
November 13, 2009
rest in peace'we'll miss you...chb will never quite be the same..friends in richmond,va.
Paul after a 3 day, 3 city, 1400 mile gig.
The Squid
March 21, 2009
There was one gig Idid with Paul & Rick. We started in San Francisco on Friday, drove to San Diego after the gig and played a gig on Saturday, packed and drove to Sacramento on Sunday, packed up and went back to San Jose Sunday night. ALL IN A TINY FORD PINTO!!!!!!!! I snapped this photo of Paul just as we were pulling into San Jose after our 3 day gig with no sleep!!!!!
Paul mentally preparing for another MHO midwest tour -1977 San Jose
B. Y.
March 20, 2009
Paul preparing for another MHO midwest tour -1977 San Jose
Paul & Bill Hayes 1978-Los Gatos
B. Y.
March 19, 2009
Pabby in action.- Los Gatos Ca, 1978
Cheryl Aiona
March 10, 2009
Paul was my friend for over 30 years. He was sweet, brutally honest, and an amazingly beautiful musician. Within all of us there is an illusive melody, which when heard and followed will lead you to the fulfillment of your fondest dreams! Annie & Jess, all my love & aloha.
Paul Mooney
March 10, 2009
met paul 1967 in study hall. later in history we watched a mississippi river documentary with chet atkins soundtrack. Paul told me he could play like that. He could- in highschool. Thanks to Paul I now know who played what on the Buffalo Springfield records. I drank many cups of horrible Dennys coffee.
I learned the art of cynicism and sarcasm. I am grateful for having spent some time with Paul and also being around his music. Always remember that playing music is an agreed upon reality which requires that you be completely in that moment.-Farewell friend,
middle sister Laura Hiler (Skelton)
March 10, 2009
I remember when our Mother came home from a thrift store and brought a violin for Paul and that day I came home from school and told her that I wanted to play the violin and Paul said" ok Laura you can use it but you need to promise me that you learn all you can" I also remember listening to him play the piano and the guitar and I wished I could be as talented as him. My Brother was my hero in music and the best brother anyone could have and will always be in my heart and words cannot express how much I will miss him
Nurse
March 7, 2009
He was the coolest!
little sister Dotty Skelton
March 3, 2009
I always knew my brother was a special and talented guy. He has always been MY Guritar Hero, not to mention the coolist Big Brother in the world. but I have always been in awe of how he was able to surround himself with the most wonderful loving people that were a part of his life. Thank you for loving Paul and supporting our family.
Dan Laubler
March 3, 2009
I have not seen Paul since I left california in th elate 60's. I lived next door to him in San Jose. But I remember when we were in the 5th or 6th grade at Christmas we got our 1st guitars...Sears Silvertones. I knew even then Paul had an intuitive natural ability to play. I am a TexEx 74-77 and preceded Paul in Austin, but learned through another friend that he had settled in Austin. I am now living in Canton Ga and have returned several times to Austin and never could quite hook up with him. I have some Hurd recordings, but really regret never getting to see him live. God Bless ya Paul and your family as well
Dan Laubler
Canton Ga
darien stefani
March 2, 2009
Dear Annie,
I just heard about Paul. I am so sorry to hear such sad news. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Darien and Francis
Bryan Yoshida
March 1, 2009
To my brave band mate:
I wrote a song for a forgettable infatuation in 1974
We performed that song at the Lynbrook Hootenanny.
You heard that song that night and fell in love with it
You wanted me to record it on a cheap tape player.
You kept on listing to it over and over again.
You said that it brought you out of a “funk” you were going through.
You made me realize that writing just one song that just one person falls in love with, justifies +40 years of practicing, recording, composing, touring and lousy late night gigs.
Thanks, bro.
“The Squid”
Bill Jackson
February 28, 2009
I heard the news today....Oh no
artly snuff
February 28, 2009
Paul was an amazing fellow, both on and off the stage, and i will miss him greatly.
Diane Carr
February 27, 2009
Annie and Jess,
Although I was fortunate to have Paul as an employee, I know how blessed you were to have him as a husband and father. His family life was something he was proud of and enjoyed talking about to me. His love and respect for you was boundless. I wish you the best as yor travel your journey without him but he certainly has filled our lives with many wonderful memories of the special person he choose to be.
debb deitch-harelik
February 26, 2009
Annie and Jess, Please accept our heart felt condolences on the loss of your husband and father. May G-d keep you in his arms during this extremely difficult time.
Jim McCaskill
February 25, 2009
I met Paul through Cornell Hurd, and Paul quickly became my favorite guitarist, ahead of many other Telecaster players. He always amazed me in many times i saw him play. His work with Wayne Hancock still stands out as incredible work. As a fan of the band, I always considered Paul and Anne friends. My heart and my prayers go out to Anne and Jess. You both are in my prayers. I can just see Danny giving Paul the grand tour of heaven and I have a feeling that Buck Owens and Don Rich were there waiting on Paul. Paul, Gods speed, I will miss you.
Janet Lynn
February 25, 2009
Our hearts go out to Paul's Family and Paul's Musical Family, and his extended family in the music business. Paul touched a lot of people with his music through guitar and just because of who he was--an honorable man. He is with our Heavenly Father playing in the best band yet and with many greats who passed before him. We will miss you, my friend, and know there is more twang in heaven's band tonight. Blessings to all those who are grieiving and healing from this loss. Brent and I will keep you in our prayers. Love and Blessings,
Shannon Cox
February 24, 2009
I have been lucky enough to work with Paul's father and know what a wonderful person he is. I have enjoyed Paul's work for years but only met him through his father. My condolences to Mr. Skelton.
Randy Carone
February 24, 2009
Sorry for the loss of fellow guitarist and one who's hands may have touched my two Collings guitars.
Mike Trynosky
February 24, 2009
The Cornell Hurd Band became a staple of my radio show up here in Connecticut when I became a DJ in 1995, and Paul instantly became one of my favorite guitarists. Over the past 9 years I had the great pleasure of seeing Paul play with Cornell many times. His spontaneous and explosive solos were mind boggling and left me wondering what he'd come up with next. For the past 5 years I've regularly aired a birthday salute to Paul, but now, sadly, each year's show will now be a rememberance. I'll miss you Paul, and thanks for the great licks!
Joaquin & Barbara trevino
February 24, 2009
Our hearts and prayers are with the family. Paul will be greatly missed. Gods Peace to you all.
Texicalli 2000
February 24, 2009
Ponty Bone
February 24, 2009
Paul was, indeed, one of the best of the best. We will always miss him and always remember him. In my mind, at least, he's back with Danny Roy (and many others) and there's music in heaven tonight.
Texicalli 2002
February 24, 2009
Ann Arnett
February 24, 2009
Dear Annie and Jess,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time in your life.
Bless both of you.
Steven Ray Austin
February 24, 2009
Annie and Jess - All of us music fans in Austin feel your loss.
Paul was loved and treasured - thanks so much for sharing his great talents and spirit with us.
Lynn Daniel
February 24, 2009
I am so sorry to hear of Paul's passing. He was always a pleasure to hear and a breeze to work with. When he played, it raised the level of all the players with him. I am honored to have gotten the opportunity to hang with such a pro. Paul, you'll always be a part of us. Thank you.
Ryan Marquess
February 24, 2009
A talented and dedicated musician, but more importantly a beautiful human being who was a loving husband and father. He will be dearly missed. Rest in peace, Paul.
Mandy Mercier
February 24, 2009
Annie and Jess, again there are no words for your loss. I cherish all the gigs Paul and I played together, he was a stunning musician and brilliant person. Thanks for sharing him with all of us, God bless you and comfort you both.
Paul and Bill Kirchen at Ego's
February 24, 2009
R.W. Shamy, Jr.
February 24, 2009
You are in our thoughts and prayers Annie and Jess during this difficult time in your life. Bless both of you and know that Paul was one of the best tele-pickers we have ever known.
R.W. Shamy, Jr.
Co-Founder AirPlay Direct / CEO TwangCast Radio-Media
Conni, Paul, Danny Roy and Ponty
Joe, Sheri and family Koury
February 24, 2009
As Cornell would always say on stage, “Here’s show business veteran, Paul Skelton!” An understatement if there ever was one. In all my years of live music watchin’, he was on my ‘Top 5’ list of guitarists. He was in a league of his own with his creative-as-only-Paul-could-create, forceful licks.
Our thoughts and prayers to Annie and Jess and all of the Cornell Hurd Band Family and local musicians he played with.
There’ll be some readjustin’ in the Honky Tonks. An undeniable, indelible transmitter of twang has headed off the stage for the last time.
Joan Swartz
February 24, 2009
Annie and Jess,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time, and we are there for you as you were during our challenges.
The Swartz Family, Joan, Peter, Rachel and Jared
Edd O'Donnell
February 24, 2009
Thanks for the invaluable lessons in how to live and perform with class and how to exit the stage with class and dignity. All spiritual peace to you and your family
The Herrera Family
February 24, 2009
Dear Annie and Jess, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of Paul. May the memories you have bring you comfort. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
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