There's something I missed while my internet was down for about a month (I used other people's computers occasionally).  This was Hillel Slovak's birthday, April 13th.

For those who don't know, Hillel was the original guitarist of Red Hot Chili Peppers, who many know is by far my favorite band.  He pioneered the well-known RHCP sound, and inspired John Frusciante, the current guitarist.  He had been born on April 13, 1962, and this year, was his 45th birthday.  He died at the young age of 26 from a heroin overdose. 

In his short life, he managed to achieve so much.  He created one of the most unique sounds I've ever heard.  Hillel showed the world that not everything has to be complex.  You can just have straight forward, simple guitar, and get something great.  I don't want this great man to ever be forgotten. so I will honor him.

HILLEL SLOVAK

Inspiration to me, and many others.  You will never be forgotten. 

1962-1988

ALTHOUGH YOU ARE GONE, YOUR SOUL LIVES ON.

And to finish this tribute, two songs dedicated to Hillel, by Anthony Kiedis:

"Knock Me Down"

Never too soon to be through
Being cool too much too soon
Too much for me too much for you
You're gonna loose in time
Every turn looking to burn
Some never learn live and learn
Stop your searching for a curse
Before you end up in a hearse
Don't be afraid to show your friends
That you hurt inside inside
Pain's part of life don't hide behind your false pride
It's a lie your lie
Don't slip away and don't forget
I'll give you more than you can get
It's so lonely when you don't even know
Yourself come to me
If you see me getting mighty
If you see me getting high
Knock me down
I'm not bigger than life
I'm tired of being untouchable
I'm not above the love
I'm part of you and you're part of me
Why did you go away
Too late to tell you how i feel
I want you back but i get real
Can you hear my falling tears
Making rain where you lay
Finding what you're looking for
Can end up being such a bore
I pray for you most every day
My love's with you now fly away
If you see me getting mighty
If you see me  high
Knock me down
I'm not bigger than life
It's so lonely when you don't even know yourself

And the last song

"My Lovely Man"

I used to shout
Across the room to you
And you'd come dancin'
Like a fool
Shuffle step
You funky mother
Come to me
All warm as covers

Rest with me
My lovely brother
For you see
There is no other
Memory so sad and sweet
I'll see you soon
Save me a seat

Well I'm cryin'
Now my lovely man
Yes I'm cryin'
Now and no one can
Ever fill the
The hole you left my man
I'll see you later
My lovely man if I can

In my room
I'm all alone
Waiting for you
To get home

Listen to Roberta Flack
But I know you won't come back

Well I'm cryin'
Now my lovely man
Yes I'm cryin'
Now and no one can
Ever fill the
The hole you left my man
I'll see you later
My lovely man if I can

Just in case
You never knew
I miss you sum

I love you too
See my heart
It's black and blue
When I die
I will find you
 

Well I'm cryin'
Now my lovely man
Yes I'm cryin'
Now and no one can
Ever fill the
The hole you left my man
I'll see you later
My lovely man if I can

So next time you here a Red Hot Chili Peppers song on the radio, think of the man who created that sound, and never saw how great his music truly was.

"I have beautiful images of him in my head all the time.  He showed me what rock music was."

-Anthony Kiedis, bandmate, true friend