bladespinner
08/06/2023
although i had been a roxy music fan since the second album onwards, i didnt connect with Japan until a friend said "youve got to hear this, its quiet life by a new band. I was hooked, bought GTP then Tin Drum and was lucky enough to see Japan on their final tour in 1982 at the Edinburgh Playhouse. As others have commented , i still remember watching Mick glide across that stage, playing those fantastic bass lines. Time goes by and i dont remember much about the night (apart from remembering sandii and the sunsets played!!), but i have the treasured programme from that night and a feeling that i watched something very special.
Watching Mick play art of parties on OGWT was another great night - someone who played bass in a way i hadnt heard before, looking so "alien" in an absorbing way but holding your attention right throughout the song.
Its ironic that i have long stopped listening to Roxy but still listen to Japan and Sylvians earlier solo output so go figure!! When i first some kind of fool recently that bassline but also, and lest it be forgotten, his oboe and woodwind inputs were so important to that Japan sound.
While they broke up just on the cusp of major success, Mick and Japan gave us some great music and as Tyrell says to his creation Roy Batty in Blade Runner " the light that burns twice as bright lasts half as long and you have burned so very very brightly" Cheers Mick for that bright light......
Jane
06/06/2023
I was recalling my memories of being at a Japan concert at Colsten Hall in Bristol in 1981 (I believe ) to my husband just this Sunday, and in particular, Mick Karn’s stage presence. I will always remember that. I was just looking up information about him and gasped when I read that he has sadly passed - far to young. That is sad. Reading other people’s messages, his memory lives on.
Eden Noelle S.
01/06/2023
I'm only 13, but let me tell you how much I love this man. Mick Karn is absolutely brilliant, his biography is so impressive, it's amazing all the things he accomplished in his life. His work with Japan, Dalis Car, other artists, and even individually is fantastic. His bass playing skills are unmatched, especially considering fretless. I believe he's the best bassist of all time, but you don't have to listen to my opinion when it should be quite obvious just how talented he is. I've just bought a bass guitar, it's all from Mick's beautiful and melodic playing that got me interested. Don't get me started on his sculptures. If I ever became rich one day, the first thing I would do is buy all and display them in a dedicated museum-like room of my house. He also seemed like such a sweet guy, I wish I could have met him. I've never heard anything problematic about him either, he was just a genuine and cool person.
Nobody compares to you, Mick. You will be missed. x
Love you
wayne
27/05/2023
Whenever I dive into my past and make it my present, Japan and Mick Karn are there. The most evocative musician I have ever heard. An inspiration in his time, sorrowfully too short. Never forgotten.
Mark Perrins
22/05/2023
Quiet life was the first time I heard the bass guitar. Whilst other early teens played air guitar, I played air fretless bass. When I eventually got a real bass, it was, of course a fretless. Now I volunteer at two local schools hoping to inspire young people towards a lifetime of playing music, just as Mick inspired me. His inspiration lives on.
Susan
22/05/2023
Mick had a stage presence- so cool and his bass playing was genius ❤️ never forgotten
Yolanda
02/05/2023
Feeling a huge sense of loss right now having rediscovered Mick's fantastic talent, a genius who will never be forgotten. Thinking of his family, friends and global fan group x
paul evans
29/04/2023
I played in quite a few bands myself and some session work not going into it ,mick to me was the most unique ev
inventive.
paul.
Graham
21/04/2023
Occasionally I hear a track and think "that must be Mick Karn". Invariably it's a guest appearance - so distinctive.
Robert
17/04/2023
I'm listening to "Polytown" with Terry Bozzio and David Torn again. Great playing, Mick.
Elmar
13/04/2023
your music and you are unforgotten...
Federico
07/02/2023
Sad you are no longer with us; but happy to see how many people are still listening to your music and learning from your playing!
m
03/02/2023
I don't think anyone's music has ever impacted me in such a heart wrenching manner and I yearn for the experience I never had in meeting him, and I pray he rests well because I don't go a day without listening to his basslines. It's so very heartwarming to read the stories of others meeting him or seeing him and just being bedazzled by the presence of a musician and *person* they look up to. Just a wonderful person and I wish Kyoko and her family well.
Felix
29/01/2023
Despite knowing who he is for a couple of years, I've only recently become acquainted with Mick's work. I absolutely adore his bass playing. I truly think he's one of the most unique artists I've listened to. Rest easy.
Amanda
17/01/2023
12 years have passed and Mick is missed by so many. I was only 13 when I saw him gliding across the stage playing bass only the way Mick could. Gone, but never ever forgotten by all who’s lives he touched in some way. ❤️
