A Good Friend To The Wing-Offs Has Gone...

ToonaRockGuy · Post by **ToonaRockGuy** » Friday Oct 10, 2003

Just to let everyone know, Bobby Walter, affectionately known to many musicians in the area as "Bobby The Lakemonster", was kiiled last night while crossing Logan Blvd. to go to church. Bobby was a fixture at Lakemont Park, especially the Wing-Offs. he was a very kindly soul, somewhat misunderstood, but all in all, a really nice guy.

If you've ever played the Wing-Offs, or at Lakemont Park, you've seen Bobby running around. Take a moment this weekend and raise a glass for our friend Bobby Walter. God Bless, my friend.

songsmith · Post by **songsmith** » Friday Oct 10, 2003

Bobby was one of the things that made Lakemont Park... Lakemont Park.
At first, I didn't know what to make of the guy, but he was so much of a fixture, I kinda got used to him being there. If you go to Jim Price's archives on this site, look up the Wingoff that the Hurricanes played. There's a picture of myself playing harmonica, and Bobby's playing "air harp." I think now, as I did then, that nothing could possibly be more "Blair County." It's Americana at it's very essence... a hot blues band, some beer and wings, a cool summer evening, and a really good time.
They say Heaven has a hell of a band, and right now Ol' Bobby's right up front, smiling at the girls, and hollerin',"ONE...TWO...One-two-three-four!" Of course, they were going to play a ballad, but hey, that's Bobby. Rest In Peace, Bob.------>JMS

Craven Sound · Post by **Craven Sound** » Friday Oct 10, 2003

"ooookaaaaay", and his dancing. Plus he always wanted to help move the equipment. Damn. I haven't done anything at the park in years, but everytime I was there, it was like "oh, hey Bobby!!" He'll be definitely be missed.

Banned · Post by **Banned** » Friday Oct 10, 2003

What a sad end for such a good-hearted guy.

My memories of Bobby come from a summer many years ago when I was working running the Ferris Wheel. We knew him as "Motorcycle Bob", in reference to his imaginary Harley. On the hot, lonely days when the park was empty and you had only the mosquitos to keep you company, a visit from Bob was the only thing that could brighten your day. He will be fondly remembered.

Post by **Jim Price** » Friday Oct 10, 2003

I too am very saddened to hear about Bobby's death. As long as I can remember taking in music events and festivals at Lakemont, Bobby was always a fixture somewhere nearby, cheering bands on, cracking the whip to get people to break down gear at the end of an event, or playfully kidding around with teens, seniors, or anyone else just standing by.

Bobby was one of those folks whose presence you took for granted, but who will be badly missed. Next year's Wing-Off's won't be the same without him.

Below are two photos from my archive of Bobby; the first is Bobby playing "air harp" in front of Songsmith during the Hurricanes' performance at the Wing-Off's on July 24; the other is Bobby grooving in front of Halestorm in July 2002, also at the Wing-Off's.

HurricaneBob · Post by **HurricaneBob** » Friday Oct 10, 2003

Damn, just wont be the same without Bobby around. When we would do Blackfoots Train Train Bobby would start the song with his train whistle. All the years of him at the park he could sound just like the lakemont train. The Canes will miss our ole buddy

Post by **Jim Price** » Friday Oct 10, 2003

I forgot to mention above, it's strange, but this year at the "Wing-Off," I decided that one of my missions was to get a picture of Bobby jamming in front of every band at this year's "Wing-Off." Now I'm glad that I did.

rickw · Post by **rickw** » Friday Oct 10, 2003

These reality checks get even harder as the years roll on. I can't remember playing Lakemont Park without him being there. He always helped with equipment and you loved the guy for his unabashed enthusiasm for music. He was having fun, and I'll bet he never understood why the rest of the crowd never came up to his level of "having a good time". He didn't need booze or drugs and he had a better time than all of us. Thanks Bobby.

songsmith · Post by **songsmith** » Sunday Oct 12, 2003

Well said, Rick. We all tend to take guys like Bobby, and good ol' Duffy, who was killed in a similar accident a few years back, for granted. Remember Duffy? He was enormously strong physically, from years worth of doing a job most of us would never dream of "lowering" ourselves to do; but was child-like in nature. Both guys revelled in the band experience, and both insinuated themselves into that experience any time and any way they could.
Perhaps we take our own situations for granted, too.
This area is blessed with a strong band scene. If you do not believe that, you have likely never played anywhere else for any length of time. Acts that play original music are enjoying a renaissance like I've never seen in my near 20 years in the business. Despite the obstacles that some people throw in front of us, local musicians still draw crowds, still make great recordings, still make great art.
Bobby and Duffy simply loved our situations so much they wanted to be a part of it, and weren't afraid to try in their own way, unlike most "normal" people, who rationalize their dreams away. I only hope when I'm gone, somebody remembers me the way we remember them.----->JMS