If I could make one wish as a writer, I'd request not having to write another obit about a friend — but the cruel hand of fate would just flip me the middle finger and say no.
So, it's with a heavy heart and lingering feelings of futility (and pissed-off frustration) that I say goodbye to Ryan Fujiki-Hastings, 34, drummer for Candy Bars, a Tampa band on the New Granada label (contemporaries of Sleepy Vikings, Rec Center) and before that Michael Furey, his older brother, Shawn's band.
Posted by friend and label boss Keith Ulrey: "We are saddened today to report that last night we lost a good friend and member of the New Granada family. Ryan Hastings was unfortunately killed in a motorcycle accident in Ybor City. Some of you may know Ryan from the band Candy Bars, we knew him as a friend. Please take some time today to remember Ryan's wife, child & family (musical & otherwise). We also ask that you please respect their privacy (ie. FB comments, messages, etc on their respective pages), in the meantime, while they adjust to this tragic news. We will report more as we know more."
This article appears in Sep 6-12, 2012.