
When I heard the news that my friend, co-host and musician Randy Ponzio had gone missing on Tuesday, November 15th, i was immediately shocked. From the 2 years that i’ve known him, he has been a great friend, and supporter of all music. It’s with great sadness that i report that he was in fact found dead this weekend, in a downtown east side hotel.
I first met Randy in the summer of 2009, when I was beginning to record my first album, and was looking for a studio to record. At the time, his studio was out of the basement of his home in Burnaby, but something about his energy, and professionalism drove me to him. After a few times of coming back and fourth to record, and even to hang out, Randy and I became friends; not that we were best of friends, but we would hang out periodically, and always share tips and tricks in the industry. Then in 2010, Randy and I started a podcast called “Dylan For Virgins”, where we would drink beer, and talk about things that worked in the music industry, while reviewing independent music. We recorded about 20 episodes, 10 or more which are currently on itunes. The other 10, I have not been uploaded.
Randy was an amazing person. He was a “rising star”, with music talents that were incredible. Aside from those, his draw to music, and love for the people around him, always left a big impression and impact on me. I remember one such occasion when we were recording an episode of DFV, at his apartment in Chinatown, and I mentioned that I was feeling down about my music, that it didn’t seem to have direction. He instantly recalled all the great things i have accomplished, how great i was as a person, and how he love it, and how great i was doing overall. He was always like that; always a good friend when you needed cheering up.
I think many people, like me are shocked, and at a loss of words when it comes to this situation, as he left such an impact on the people around him. I’m not sure what happened to him that Tuesday night, but one thing is for sure. He has left a lasting impression to me, and i feel a void that will never be filled from his loss. I always thought that if there was one person that would have made it in the music business it would have been him. Since i never got to say goodbye, Randy,
Thank you for being a great friend. Thank you for being you. You were always a great person to be around, and i feel so much better in saying that you impacted my life dramatically, and you changed it for the good. You were not only a great person inside and out, but an excellent husband, and father to yours. I cherish all of the stuff we did together, but most of all, I cherish the time I got to spend with you, and for that i am truly thankful. Until next time when we meet again
