These posts represent the enourmouse response for Steve Sanesi

Posted From, June 11th 2004 to July 3rd 2004

I am an old friend of Steve's. I just heard of his death today.
I am devastated.....please let me know of what is being done in honor of Steve.
Thank you.

Laurie
email

Impressions from just a bass player.
I was introduced to Steve by Steve Maxwell of Blind Date,
who recommended me for some gigs of his.
Little did I know that I that I would be part of his
last 2 gigs and offerings to this world. He is probably already offering
his soul and his talent to the next. Poor Steve, for his last two gigs, half of his band was stand-ins.
The first night we struggled through with twenty-five common songs that we all
knew, and Steve had problems with his amplifier. Somehow, we made it, and
the crowd seemed reasonably pleased. We knew we were not tight or refined,
but it worked out pretty well. The next night seemed to be a transformation
for me. We had got the kinks out, and seemed almost a well drilled team of
four long time buddies, presenting in a strong, cohesive fashion the songs
we had played the night before, as well as some we were able to add. Steve
and I even traded off on one solo during ZZ Top's "Tush," that seemed to get
the crowd's attention. His solos were excellent, and he seemed comfortable
with us behind him. During breaks, I was told how much they appreciated
Steve's talent and ability by the non-musicians and musicians alike.
Somehow, in his own quiet way, he brought out the best in us, and we
responded with a great last act.He never said much to me. Prior to the gig,
I had met him a couple of times at some of the Blind Date gigs,
and even at the last 2 shows, he was fairly brief, confining communication to getting the chords right.
We had talked of working together in the future, and I would have welcomed that.
He seemed to communicate more through his guitar work. I never knew of his
history and his struggles with pain and drugs, never knew about him being a
child prodigy, and his earlier problems. He was a just a very talented,
hard working stiff of a guitar player, who put all his energy into playing,
and his energy and talent came through with every note and chord we heard.
My experience is very unlike that of others in the San Diego area, who have
known him for a long time, and know his history. But in those two gigs, he
has left a lasting impression on me, and I will surely miss him. His guitar
playing was solid, hard driving rock from the era I grew up with, and it
inspired not only other musicians, but also the audiences to whom he played.
They don't often see such a skilled practitioner in their local bars and
clubs. I feel privileged and honored to have helped Steve "kick some ass" on his
last gig before leaving this world. May he rock on for ever.

John Seal
email

I'm very happy to have known Steve.
He was always willing to show me new licks on the guitar and share his insight on sound and equipment.
See you in the next world Braddah Steve!

Scotty Sky
email

I wanted to say that Steve will be greatly missed and that all of us in the local music community are devastated.
I've known Steve for at least 20 years through playing the local club circuit.
We all had great times playing Flannigan's, My Rich Uncle's, The Bacchanal, Mony Mony's, etc.
He always took time to sit in when visiting the bands I was playing in and I always enjoyed his talent,
personality and friendship. My condolences go out to his family and friends. We, as local musicians,
are all family as well and, in times like these, we all come together to support each other to grieve,
but more importantly, to talk about the good times and memories of times past.
Steve has left a music legacy here in San Diego and he won't be forgotten.

Andy Nossal
Bassist-
Crystal / Full Xposure
email

In memory of Steven Sanesi
As many of you may have heard, on June 11th, local musician and guitarist, Steven Sanesi passed away. I had the good fortune to have known Steve and play in a band together in an early incarnation of R.O.K. He was a talented musician and above all else, his love and enthusiasm for playing music was constant. He never grumbled about having to rehearse. He and I both viewed music as something we loved to do. To us, playing music was something we'd choose to do on our day off. It wasn't work-- it was all the moving the gear that was the work! And in a way we enjoyed that too.

Steve enjoyed every aspect of what it was to be a *musician*. Steve and I would move the PA and set up the gear in clubs together. We'd pretend to complain that here we were, the lead singer and lead guitarist (the people that are supposed to be the "prima donnas" of a band) schlepping all the equipment, but I knew Steve was like me-- he loved every last ritual of being a musician... even the less glamorous aspects. It was what brought him the greatest joy in life and we could talk for hours about our influences, favorite artists, guitars we owned or had owned, our plans for the band, and anything having to do with music.

Those of us who knew Steve, knew also that he was a complex individual and like most of us, he'd lived a life that had known great joys and great sorrows, most notably the passing of his father whom he loved so deeply and who loved Steve just as much. Deep down inside every man there's still something of that little boy inside him, and there is little most men wouldn't trade to have had the same sort of relationship Steve had with his father. They are together once more in heaven.

I want to include a photo that I discovered only a few years ago but had a tremendous impact on me when I saw it. This is a photo of my own grandfather and my father walking along a beach in Florida sometime in the 1940s. For me it was an intensely touching photo that seemed to capture just how important fathers are in a man's life. I like to picture that this is Steve and his father. I know they are together again and catching up on old times... but Steve, I hope your Dad chewed you out first for coming to see him a little too early. :-) We miss you Steve.

James Steele
(aka James Lee Loomis IV)
PALE BLACK
email

IN LOVING MEMORY OF STEVEN SANESI
Steve was a great local musician who touched many people in many ways,
not only with his music, but with his personality and his friendship.
I personally owe him a debt of gratitude for inviting me into his life and his music world.
He will never be forgotten and I will always miss him.
And I wish I had one more chance, just to say,
I LOVE YOU MAN !!!
ROCK ON DUDE !!!

Steve Maxwell
R.O.K.
Blind Date
email

I loved Steve and thought he was a great guitarist that could never be replaced during the 70's and 80's that we played together. We were an all original band and we all felt Tilman was the highlight of our lives. I know Steve would have said that and did say that to everyone he knew. All of us left Rico, me-Jeff Graves and Dale Hurlbert have all talked and expressed our sorrow but know he is in a better place. Here is a couple shots I took of him just a few months ago. Take care Steve.

Your drummer Jeff Graves (Most)
email

I only had a chance to jam with Steve a couple of times when he 'sat in' at some of our gigs. I didn't know him well, but I know he was a fine and talented musician who contributed much to the local music scene. His presence will be missed and my heart goes out to his friends and family.

Chris Meadors
Pale Black
email

I received a phone call from my ex-fiancé Adam Brannon with the news Friday
night. Adam and Steve had been fellow musicians for years along with Adam
sitting in for Steve when Steve was ill or had thrown his back out...running
of all things!!! lol... My thoughts go out to Steve's fans and friends and I
will always remember Steve as a talented and blessed guitarist. Steve went
after what he wanted, it seemed nothing stopped him. I remember on one
occasion, while he played at Dirk's, I was dancing and over the rail,
playing like a mad-man was Steve...."Who are you?" he said to me..I started
to laugh and gave him my name and followed up with..."I am Adam Brannon's
fiance!" He laughed, threw his head back and smirked and said..."...it
figures, the nerds always get the beautiful chicks!" and then went on his
way...smiling and flirting anyway!!! We became friends after that as Adam I
would go see him when Adam was not playing with "Full Exposure".

Steve and his guitar magic will be missed here in San Diego...funny guy,
quirky smile and a real sweetheart! If he could hear me now...."Steve...you
still owe me for the back supports I got for you 4 years ago!!" Jeezzzz, he
will be so missed!

Karen Wright-Gebhart
email

Although Steven and I rarely saw each other, he was my friend and always had something nice to say to me along with a warm handshake and a hug. I was a fan of the way he played his guitar and enjoyed his enthusiasm and love for music after all of these years. I feel fortunate to have spent some time with him at Steven Alan Burgess's birthday party and recently at my house and at the Rolondo street fair. My prayers are with you where ever in Gods Kingdom you might be.

With Love always
Thomas Alan Connor
email

Baby, I loved how you could make your guitar talk....you so loved to perform. You were at your best on stage...you always blew people away with your playing. I'm so glad I have many tapes of you career. I hope that now your at PEACE your up there with OUR LORD and your Dad. and Mother.

Love, Valerie
email

I've known Steve for a few years and have been very fortunate to play a few gigs with him. One was a totally thrown together pretty much last minute gig which went off quite well. Steve was a great guitar player, quiet and reserved to most. I was fortunate again to get close to Steve and spend alot of 1 on 1 hours with Steve either talking about music or work injurys or anything else that happend to come up. Steve will be sorely missed by the music community

Bill Gerwig drummer
NastyHabit, BlueSkyFantasy, DarkönRuël,
BushDoctor/The Infiltrators
and fill in drummer for Blind Date
email

Steve and I played together for 10 years in the Tilman Thomas
Band . Steve was the youngest of the 5 piece group and was the one that
really pushed the sound to the next level . his affection for guitars and
his great little Mesa Boogie Mark IV , with that low volume over drive ,
gave Tilman opportunities that some bands can only dream of .
He was an intricate part of the 40 originals the Tilman Thomas band
performed . And he made every song his own , as if they had been penned
by his very own hand . A great improvisationist . He knew intuitively
when to turn up and when to turn down , His knowledge of the fret board
seemed to come from osmosis . His creativity poured out of him when
ever he was given the chance , like a river , .... flowing ! Jeff
Graves , and I have wonderful recordings of some of his best work . We
shall treasure them now , more than ever .

(bass guitarist) Dale Hurlbert $$$$
AKA
$$$$DaleDollar$$$$
email

Having been a part of that incredibly intense San Diego music scene of the 80’s and early 90’s, I look back and realize we all thought we were immortal, and that our finely woven little music scene and community would last forever. Time has passed and we have all moved along…some staying involved in music…some leaving it behind. We fondly remember friends we used to see every night, convincing ourselves we will see them soon, and letting months and years pass by. Somehow, we feel we have unlimited time to see these treasured souls again, and picture all those we know to be as permanent to this world as we feel ourselves to be. The passing of Steve, a man so full of music, kindness, and enthusiasm, makes me realize how fragile we all are.
I have known Steve for over 15 years, beginning when I was playing with Flyweil. Steve was already a well-known guitarist, and the people in our respective bands could not help but grow to know each other well as we shared the same circuit playing such local rock venues as Bachannal, Mony Mony’s, Park Place, Hot Rock, and Dance Machine. I remember Steve from those days as having a permanent smile and unabashed enthusiasm for what he was doing. He greatly enjoyed sitting in with friend’s bands, or inviting a friend up to play with his group. It was a pure form of bonding that resulted in stronger friendships without the need to exchange words. Somehow, words would have ruined some of those moments for Steve. Talking was for later, during breaks or after the gig. Some 15 or so years later, if I ran into Steve in a club he was playing at, I was always just as welcome back on stage with him, and it always felt as if no time had passed. Steve always played with same enthusiasm, and I can still picture the look he would give you while playing on stage, full of music, friendship, and joy. This is how I will remember him.
I wish I had seen more of Steve in recent years, and deeply regret his passing while he still had so much to give. It is obvious from the postings that Steve left a mark in this world simply by being himself. Now, having to adjust my mental picture containing that group of friends that I will “get in touch with soon,” I am more aware of how precious each one is, and I hope Steve’s death will result in all of us appreciating each other more, and doing a little better at keeping in touch. I think he would enjoy knowing that his passing brought the musical community he cherished so much back a little closer.

Steve Tally
Bassist
Flyweil, Bottomline
email

Steven J. Sanesi = The Born Musician
If you're going to take him, take the guitar with him!!!
That's how I see it anyway.
Coming from a person that has known Steve for half his life I would have to say it seems like he was born with a Les Paul and he should go out with one too.
Steve met my Mom when he was just 18 (of course he lied about his age and said he was older… might get into the details later on). She fell in love with this awesome guitar player in a rock band and us kids thought it was way cool. Us kids would be the rat pack of 3 boys ages 8,6, 2 and me a girl of 7.
He was more like a brother to me than a stepfather (he let my Mom do all the disciplining and he was the fun older brother type) and we had a lot of fun goofing around with him.
Ill never forget the day when he asked if he could adopt us all and asked that we would take his last name. There we were all six of us, the entire family on Mom and Steve's bed and he was more serious than I have ever seen him in the last 4 years. He asked us if he could marry our Mom and if he could adopt us.
Looking back that must have been so hard for him to do. Needless to say he didn't get a good response from a group of kids looking out for their Mom who had already had a tragedy happen with her fist husband passing away when we were all so young. We were really protective of Mom.
He made the leap into marriage with my Mom when he was just 22 years old. Could you imagine marring a woman that is 8 years older than you with 4 kids at 22 years old?
THAT IS LOVE!
Well, you don’t see that kind of love these days Ill tell you that, coming from a person that runs a National Dating Service.
Steve and Kathryn (Kitty) spent a good 20 years together and I know that it was the best 20 years of Steve's life and he has attested to that. He was in the highlight of his career, young, handsome and all they did was take tropical vacations every third month or so. They really seem to be so happy and in love.
Steve watched my brothers and I grow up and I'm really sad and sorry that we didn't stay connected to Steve after the divorce. He was a huge part of my childhood and I will never forget him.
When I think of Steve I see my Mom sitting on his lap in the chair on Pearlwood St. and the two of them trying not to make-out because one of us kids walked through the door. He has definitely known love and family in his life from the family that he had when he was 18-38. I'm glad and proud to have shared that part of his life with him.

We Love You Steve…Your Kids,
Michelle Scott Dennis and Derek
email

Steve Sanesi was my step-dad for 16 years. Im sorry we lost touch over the past couple of years.
He taught me so much about music and life. I will be forever grateful for the gifts he has given me.
I will miss you Dad.

Dennis Stewart
email

This is very hard for me as I knew Steve longer than most. I was in "Big Mouth" in the early 70's and we had just returned from playing a month in Baton Rouge. Our guitar player had a freak accident and was going to be hospitalized for an indefinite amount of time. As the house band for JJ's we needed to audition guitar players. After several days of going through dozens of so called guitar players this kid walked in and blew us away. You could tell right away that he had a special talent. Like one of the posts before, Steve lied to us and told us that he was 21. It was not until months later that we found out that he was only 18. I remember being at his house with Kitty in Santee when we decided to change the name of the band to "Frenzy". We spent several years together playing clubs such as Neutral Grounds, Ledbetter's, the Den along with dozens of others. We hooked up with an Australian film company and played at intermission and after the film at venues from junior highs to civic theaters. Our high point was the Santa Monica Civic Theater in front of 5000 people. That was the first time I ever saw him play his lead behind his back. We were in the musicians union at that time even though none of the clubs were union. We were paid union scale for four hours each to play one hour gigs on Saturday for such groups as the kid's Safety Patrol, Home of the Guiding Hands and even for the deaf (they told us to make sure the drums and bass were loud). I remember many weekends where we would play at a club Friday night, play the after hours club Bump City until 8 am Saturday morning, play a union gig Saturday afternoon, back to the club Saturday night and finish up Bump City again. No wonder we looked so old. I kept in touch off and on with Steve and his dad through the following years. In 1995 Steve played with me on three originals a friend of mine was recording in a studio in El Cajon. As the pro that he was, Steve only took 1-2 takes for each song to lay down his tracks. That was the last time that I saw Steve. It is ironic that I played with Blind Date several weeks ago with thoughts of getting back into music after nearly 30 years. Reminiscing with John Seal about my past I mentioned Steve only to find out that he was jamming with Blind Date also. He gave me Steve's phone number but said that he was not returning his calls. Now we know why. We were only several days away from playing together again. God bless you Steve. We will play together again soon.

Paul Berg
Keyboards
email

Steve and I played together for the last 9 years of his life. Music is another way of
communicating just like talking. Steve and I communicated so well in this way it was
as if we had telepathy. So many times when adversity struck us, him and I always
made it work when we had a band of subs on stage with us. We would look at each
other and just make it happen, "straight from the cuff". He's the only musician I've
come across that could do this. "Raw talent". Amazing anticapation for what was going
to happen next between us. All we had to do was make eye contact. Truly amazing.
This can't be taught.
He was a true friend. When we spoke 3 - 4 times a week and played the
majority of every weekend for 9 years we became special to each other. I knew his
dad as well. He was always there if you needed help. I was one of the very few to
see Floyd at the end. Steve being very private in some ways, this ment a lot to me.
Now my phone is quiet. ... CYA soon. I miss you Steve.

James"Renzulli"Giordano - Drummer
Loose Cannon, Razin' Cain, R.O.K.
email

Steve, see you in the next life.
You will be missed and thought of often.

Rex
email

Steve "the guitar man" Sansei a.k.a."the iatolla of rokinrolla" whatever you called him, you called him your friend! ive known steve for only a few years,but in that time weve grown very close,traveling to death valley on motorcycles to sailing to catalina,we did it all! he was the highlight of every function, his intrest in motorcycles kept him on a constant search for the perfect ride, i believe hes on that ride now,,, i talked to steve daily, what were once annoying little chats about life,women,etc...will be missed terribly,im glad i was able to meet steve and be a part of his life,as he was a big part of mine, i feel sorry for people that didnt meet steve in there life for they truly missed out! friend for life,and ever after......

Joe
email

You will be missed. Even though I hadn't seen Steve in awhile, I do remember him well.
I ran sound and lights for Pranx and worked with him back in the late 80's. I used to call him "one take"
Every time the band learned a new tune by the end of the night he had it down perfect .
Also he was one of the few guitars players I worked with that had a stage volume that
was easy to mix .I don't recall every telling him(TURN IT DOWN). We had some great times
at Dance Machine,Park Place& Mony Mony's with Paul,Gordy & John and the X-mas bows and lighters.
I know your up there playing for God now. You will be missed.
Take Care My Friend .....

Kim Landis-Peariso
Sound & Lights
Pranx,Flyweil
email

Yesterday my brother Tony, also a good friend of Steve's, told me Valerie had given him the bad news.
It is hard to imagine him really gone.

I go way back with Steve, maybe 30 years or so.
We always played the same clubs, but always in different bands.
Ledbetter's, JJ's, Park Place, Neutral Grounds, Bacchanal, My Rich Uncle's, Flanagan's, Bump City (Pleasure Club), Dance Machine, and many other long gone former hot-spots, even the more recent Second Wind and Hooley's gigs.
Many times we sat in with each other's band and had a blast.

Steve could really play, very few lead guitarists have that direct connection between mind and the sound that comes out of the amp, no intermediate step of the hands getting in the way.
He smoked, no stock licks, just a steady flow of melody, always with a nice fat round tone.
Steve knew his equipment well, and how to get the elusive good tone.

I think I spent more time over the years trading equipment with him than playing music, both of us always trying new guitars and amps.
I think he sold me his same pair of Randall combo amps and bought them back at least twice!
I am lucky to have held on to some of the gear he put a lot of hours on back in the day.

Having recently lost my father Bill, a performing singer right up till the end, I know the heartbreak all his close friends and family are dealing with.
I am sure one of the biggest regrets Steve would have was that he was going to miss the next gig.
He lived to play.

Jack Butler
Glory / Bratz / Private Domain
email

I was shocked when I heard about Steve.
I remember when I meet him at the Trojan horse when he was razing Cain.
he was a good friend to me. He helped me out a lot a long time ago. I a going to miss him.

Natalie Hitson
email

I've known steve for many years since he used to come in and
horse-trade at my music store in the 70's & 80's. I remember Steve
as a good lead player that was really into his music. I lost track of
Steve for many years until Valerie started bringing him out to some
of my gigs. He still looked the same and we had a good time
talking about old times. The last time I saw Steve was about a
month ago when he came to the Flinn Springs Inn on a Sunday
afternoon gig we had and he introduced me to his "Biking"
buddies. He seemed real happy with his newfound love of
Motorcycles to go along with his music. It's a real shame to lose a
friend and fellow musician.
We'll miss you Steve!

Tony Butler
email

I talked to you on Thursday and on Friday you were gone. I still can't believe it. I miss you already.
Steve was not only a great guitar player, he was also a great friend. I've know and loved Steve for many many years.
He was one of a kind .. I fought with him, I cried with him. I laughed with him. I laughed AT him alot.
He was so funny.
He could always bring a smile.
I'll never forget you Steve. Now you fly with the angels, and rock the sky. Say hi to Floyd for me.
Until We Meet Again.

Debbie Stevens
email

My wife and I have only known Steve for the past few years, but there is no doubt, he was a friend. And he always tried hard to be a friend. He was always loaning us videos, and CDs he wanted us to enjoy. And he used to loan us his pellet rifle, just because we had the space to use it and he didn't. He would loan us all this stuff even without us asking... I suspect he just liked to visit and this was an excuse to come back over, which we never minded. It was kind of a bummer though when our house burned down in October and we toasted all his stuff. But even then he never wanted us to replace anything or pay him back unless we were sure our insurance company would reimburse us. And when we needed help clearing some burned brush, he was one of the only people to offer, let alone actually come over to do manual labor, and he was happy to do it.

Steve was just that kind of guy, helpful and generous. That's why it was easy to like him. He was funny and quirky, but never phony. He was always asking for advice about this or that. But when it came to music, he knew it all. You can fake being smart, but you can't fake being talented, and Steve was definitely talented. I am not a musician (unless playing the radio counts), but I heard him play several times, and that kind of talent always amazes people with no talent such as myself. Apparently he was doubly talented in that he was some sort of expert horse jumper as a kid; so he used to tell us (that was obviously before he bulked up to 120 lbs).

Besides music, one of his greatest joys was riding motorcycles with a bunch of us. He was really looking forward to getting that Harley we were always ragging on him to get. We'll miss those rides.

We never heard Steve say anything bad about anyone, even when he may have had cause. We don't mind calling him our friend. Take care Steve.... Peace.

Mark & Rose AuBuchon
email

I have known Steve since 1980, I met him through my friend Milton McCoy. We
would go over to Steve and Kitty's house in Santee and Steve would be
kicking back on the Lazyboy with his Strat in hand, unplugged just jammin
out the riffs. I remember standing outside Park Place one night before I was
old enough to go in and caught a glimpse of Steve tearing it up on stage. I
thought to myself, I want to do that. I can truly say Steve inspired me. In
later years, he would come out to our shows and sit in. I always got a kick
out of that. He would make sure that he showed off the newest addition to
his guitar collection, he would say "Bobby check this beauty out".
I will always look up and admire his ability.
He will be missed.
ROCK ON STEVE.

Bob garoutte
Intrigue, Under Your Skin
emai

Steve Sanesi; best guitarist I ever knew. Best stepdad.
I grew up going to his band practices when I was a kid. Later I would go to the clubs where he played.
I always felt like I had 'bragging' rights because it was my dad up there on stage 'In the Band.'
I have the greatest memories from my childhood.
All the holidays and special occasions, and just hanging out.
I am sorry he never got a chance to meet my son.
My prayers will always be with you.

Scott Stewart
email

When Val called me on Friday, I could tell in her voice something was terribly wrong! I couldn't believe what she was telling me. This was just so sad, so unbelievable, Oh my God!! No Way!!! Well I started thinking about Steve & things Rick & I have done with him and this one time really brought back a smile, Actually it brings back a giggle from me when I think of it. Me my boyfriend (Rick) Val & Steve went to this Vince Gill concert at Humpheys, well we didn't go in a car we went in Joe's dingy. It was a concert I'll never forget, It was about midnight on the way back, all the fishing boats were on there way out & we were in their path, with only a motor that went 1 m.p.h. we were flashing our flashlight at them so they wouldn't run us over, then the batteries died so we flicked our lighters, We did finally make it in between a couple of boats to the other side. We all laughed, & laughed so hard, the swells from the boats were almost sinking us, It was so fun. I'm glad I knew Steve as a person, I will never forget you!!!!!!! ROCK ON IN ROCK N ROLL HEAVEN!!!!!!!

Vicki
email

Steve and I played together in two separate entities of the US Band, in the late 70's early 80's, did all the local clubs, My Rich Uncles, Park Place, Castaways, and other haunts, everyone remembers (albeit a little foggy).
The thing I will always love and remember about Steve was, the time Chuck our lead vocal / guitar, decided we didn't need another guitarist, Steve looked him straight in the face and said
"You're not kicking me out of this F++king band" we all looked at him and laughed like Hyenas. Needless to say we played together for the next 2 years without a hitch.
What a great guy, and fine player.

Make sure that things tuned up and ready to go when I get there brother!!

Bruce
Bassist Guitarist Us Band and a few others.
email

Steve, you were like an uncle to me, growing up with Scott, Michelle, Derek and Dennis. Memories of you playing your guitar in the living room and us kids strumming the broom right along with you. You influenced every one of our "Broom Guitar" concerts we threw for you and the mom's, (Kitty, Dyanne, Gail & Laurie). You were there for us all, when our birth dads weren't. You made me appreciate rock-n-roll music from as far back as I can remember. Your the best lefty since Jimmie H.

I'll never forget our road trip with you and Bill Bass to Arizona. My mom pawned Wendy and I off on you to drive us to our grandma's house. We drove you crazy all the way there!!! Listening and singing to the "Rolling Stones'" brown booger, I mean "sugar", ha ha

The parties at mom's house were a blast, I always looked forward to you showing up.

I love you Steve, I wish my wife and kids could of had the chance to meet you..

See you at the concert in the Sky!
Love, your nephew. David Hanna

p.s.- Thanks for all the roaches.....
email

I've casually known Steve for several years but since last July have I been able to know him well. I was his stand-in in R.O.K. while he was recovering from his broken arm and later, after his recovery, shared the stage as 2nd guitarist up until the beginning of May 2004 when we parted ways. We may at times disagreed but it was always short and resolved quickly. We talked on the phone every week after I left and he always wanted to know when I'd be playing again so he could come out and see me. We even talked about me possibly rejoining. He said that he's never had this much fun with another guitarist.

He was an incredible guitarist who could play any solo note for note. He loved playing to a crowd and was ALWAYS the first person afterwards to come up and tell you "Great job tonight!" and meant it. He had a tone that no one could match and was always trying to improve it. Every night when we did our solos, we'd try outdo each another and everytime I'd try to top him, he'd just give me that goofy grin of his... and blow me on the stage.
I will miss that more than you will ever know, my friend...
Show all the others up there what a guitarist really is....

Jerry Lee - R.O.K. guitarist
(AKA Jerry Vayne)
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my first impression of Steve was how childlike he was . always enthusiastic, like everyday stuff was a new deal.
i remember when Joe gave me a St. Christopher metal and i showed it to Steve, he was the only one that understood the meaning of it. i took that off my charm bracelet and gave it to him, he immediately put it on a chain around his neck. our last m/c trip he found the bike of his dreams, since I always had the camera, hed always say"take a picture of me on my Harley", and I did ,theres a whole role of film of Steve on "his" Harley, that was only a month ago!!!! IM so glad he was able to make that trip with us. steve was always a part of our get together, there will be a tremendous void ......

robyn
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It is hard for me to imagine life without Steve. Even though we were apart the last 9 years he still called me often. It is good to hear from so many old friends and that you all still had so many good things to say about him. he had a good heart and a driving desire to play guitar. He was self taught and was always happiest when he was performing. He surely will be missed by all. I hope he finds that perfect guitar sound he was always looking for in heaven. If not you know he will make some type of trade to get it. ROCK ON STEVE. Aint no sunshine since your gone.

Love,
Kitty Sanesi
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P.S.
I just wanted to add some more about Steve for the benefit of his family. As I mentioned, I only met Steve a few years ago, but I knew more about his family, especially his kids and his Dad, than almost anyone else I can think of. These were people that obviously meant a lot to him and had a great affect on his life.

I just developed a roll of film and found the last pictures of Steve that I took, so I will attach them now. This might be the only time Steve had wood in his hands that wasn't a guitar. I have some other older ones that if I can dig them up and find a scanner, I might send them in later.

Thanks for looking.
Mark & Rose AuBuchon
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I would like to thank Paul McClendon for always being there
for Steve. Steve and I had our ups and downs, and when
we were separated...and if I thought something wasn't right
Paul would check to see if he was OK. As you very well
know Steve Loved you very much, not only were you Best
Friends but 'brothers' .
He was very fortunate having you in his life!
God Bless You.

With Love,
Valerie Doyle
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I remember a night in the late '80's when Pranx was playing Mony Mony's & hearing some warm, tasty guitar playing coming from the stage. To my amazement, that warm tone came from a Strat. During their break, I introduced myself to Steve by asking him how he got such a warm tone from a Strat. He gladly filled me in on his use of his 2 blonde Randall combo amps... I still use a Randall today, thanks to Steve's input.
Whenever I saw Steve over the years playing in the clubs with various bands, he always made a point of showing me the latest gear he was using & would always ask me to sit in "so he could hear his rig".
Steve, I just wanted to tell ya that the Boss tuner you sold me 10 years ago still works, I miss hearing you play, & that the overall talent level of San Diego's guitar playing community just took a big hit now that you've left it.
See you on the other side.

Roby Robertson
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The first time I ever saw Steve was a gig at the "Plunge" in Chula Vista. Had to be around 1978-79? I was in my first band, going to check out this cool band called "Tilman Thomas". I remember my friend and I staring at the guitar player, and admiring his gold-top Les Paul (both of us were drooling). I do recall that not only did he look cool, but HE PLAYED VERY WELL,SO SMOOTH. Years later I had a chance to relate that story to him, and we laughed.
It's been over 10 years since I've lived in San Diego (in Oregon now)....and obviously have lost touch with him and the local scene there, but in the late 70's through the 80's I worked at practically every music store in town, and inevitably would always have dealings with Steve. (What musician out there hasn't done a trade of some sort with him??!!) Jeez, he went through more equipment!!! But it was always fun and never a dull moment. Not only did we trade guitars, but licks too. He was not a selfish man...........
My condolences to his family, and musical family as well. He WILL be missed.

"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits"

Vinnie Cavarra
Guitarist-Assassin,Blacklist,and others...
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