I'm sad to report that Bud Mathis has recently passed away, you may be familiar with his name from the Bud Mathis' Sunset Trip compilation of material that he had written and produced. He was manager of the Brain Train and was responsible for getting them signed to Elektra, where they became Clear Light, and also of the Joint Effort. Amongst his many song writing credits he co wrote Me with Doug Lubahn for the Brain Train and the Third Eye with the Joint Effort. Prior to his involvement with the music industry he had been a champion boxer and more recently had been working as an actor on TV and films, appearing in Pirates of the Caribbean and several music videos. He also ran several clubs around Hollywood in the late sixties and was a well known figure in hip circles, despite being in his early 40s. He self published his memoirs a while back, "Confessions of a Robot" which are a fascinating insight into a lost America of the 40s, 50s and 60s and well worth seeking out. Bud had been battling mouth cancer for many years, caused by material used for gum shields back in his boxing days, but was always happy to talk about the old days and his spiritual beliefs as a devotee of Sant Mat. Over the past few years he had become a good friend and I enjoyed our long phone conversations, but I know he was prepared for the next spin of the wheel and had no fear of what the future held for him. He always finsished his converations and correspondence with the phrase "Straight Ahead!" and I like to think that is the direction he has now taken.

Goodbye Bud.