# Warren Zevon is dying. **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [September 12, 2002, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warren-zevon-is-dying/128153 "2002-09-12T20:35:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Grelby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/a5b964/32.png) [@Grelby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grelby)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2002, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warren-zevon-is-dying/128153/21 "2002-09-14T03:44:37Z")
I heard about this today, and it was actually the reason I logged onto Cafe Society. ☹ Damn. What more to say, except agree with what everyone else has posted about him and his music? And James Bond, of course. He’s a good spirit. Warren, I mean. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2002, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warren-zevon-is-dying/128153/22 "2002-09-14T04:03:39Z")
“He’s an incurable boy,” they all said. ---
**Author:** ![Rilchiam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/2bfe46/32.png) [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2002, 6:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warren-zevon-is-dying/128153/23 "2002-09-14T06:28:47Z")
Forgive me for going on and on about this. But Warren means a lot more to me than I think I can adequately explain. The USA Today articles says he’s “looking forward to his daughter’s engagement party”. That is so poignant. I can imagine that prior to this, her and her fiancee’s attitude might have been, “When we’re ready…when we can afford it…” and now it’s “Get on the phone to those caterers; we’re on a deadline here!” Here’s hoping that on the wedding day, he’ll still be around, and able to walk her down the aisle. And how’s this for ironic? (Rolling Stone interview, 2000) > [@](#): > > Q: On the flip-side, you seem at ease writing really disturbing songs. Are there any subjects you’re hesitant to tackle? What scares you? > > A: Sickness. Doctors. That scares me. Not violence – helplessness. That’s why I turn to violent stories, I think. Nobody’s every asked me that, and I’ve never said that before, but I think that’s true. > > Q: The theme of sickness is all over Life’ll Kill Ya, though. > > A: Yeah. [Laughs] > > Q: Does that spring from any particular recent scare? > > A: No, no, no! [Laughs] It’s kind of the fun of it. Now it’s time to really pretend to deal with something that you don’t wanna, and try to laugh about it. I mean, I’ve had guns in my face. I’ve been robbed. But that doctor stuff – it’s too much for me! I dunno. He says in USA Today, “The recovery statistic for what I have is zero”. But he also says he’d been “phobically avoiding physicals for many, many years”. If he’d been diagnosed earlier, would he now be in remission, after chemo, instead of getting his affairs in order? Who knows. But this reminds me of Jim Henson, who didn’t have to die, but whose religious beliefs prevented him from getting treatment that would easily have saved him. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Rilchiam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/2bfe46/32.png) [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2002, 6:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warren-zevon-is-dying/128153/24 "2002-09-14T06:32:27Z")
Oh dude. He knew. From Salon, also in 2000: > [@](#): > > Zevon doesn’t want anything to eat. > > “Is your health OK?” I ask. > > “I hope so,” he answers slowly. “I think so.” > > “I’m not asking because you’re not eating,” I tell him. “There are three different songs about health on the new record. [“Life’ll Kill Ya,” “My Shit’s Fucked Up” and “Don’t Let Us Get Sick.”] It made me think, ‘I hope he’s OK.’” > > “It made me think that, too,” Zevon says, sipping tea. “But I try not to think about it too much. I write songs about things that I’m simultaneously trying to not think about.” ---
**Author:** ![Caprese](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a9a28c/32.png) [@Caprese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caprese)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2002, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warren-zevon-is-dying/128153/25 "2002-09-14T16:33:57Z")
He likely knew. There is further mention of hospitals/nurses in the latest album, **My Ride’s Here.** I am so glad he has kids, I am sure they are a great comfort to him these days. I never met him, never asked for an autograph, but have seen him in concert more times than I can count, and once he nodded and smiled to me at the end of Carmelita. His music is pretty much the soundtrack to the last 25 years of my life. I just have a lot of respect for the man; there is only one Warren Zevon. ---
**Author:** ![Sam\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2002, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warren-zevon-is-dying/128153/26 "2002-09-14T18:52:59Z")
I feel the same way. I’ve been listening to him since 1976. The thing about Zevon’s songs is that he would sing about sadness and sickness and other bad things, but at the same time there was always this ass-kicking undercurrent through all his music that basically said, “Life’s tough - get over it.” Because of that, nothing could lift my mood like listening to a Warren Zevon song. Now I’m afraid that when I listen to it in the future all I’m going to think about is the fact that he died young. It’s like listening to Jim Croce or Harry Chapin - no matter how much you like the music, you’re always painfully aware of the fact that the guy you are listening to was near the end of his life when he wrote it, and died tragically. But as soon as I start getting too choked up about Zevon’s imminent demise, I think, “Hey, if this guy can make jokes about his own death, who the hell am I to get choked about it?” So let’s look on the bright side. For one thing, nothing focuses the mind better than being on death row. Zevon’s frantically writing music, and he’ll be in the studio until he’s too sick to work. So here’s hoping that there is a new Zevon renaissance. Perhaps finally in death he’ll reach the audience that eluded him all his life. Perhaps his symphony will finally be recorded. I think Zevon will make the Rock N’ Roll hall of fame next time around. There will be tribute albums, and probably at least two more albums of original work - one he apparently almost had finished and in the can recently, and the stuff he’s writing now. Maybe even three albums. Plus who knows how much other unreleased material is sitting around on tapes in the Zevon home. I suspect Warren will be bringing us great new music for a few years to come. And hopefully this time around his genius will be recognized by more than the small base of fanatics like us. ---
**Author:** ![FallenAngel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/5daacb/32.png) [@FallenAngel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FallenAngel)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2002, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warren-zevon-is-dying/128153/27 "2002-09-14T20:10:06Z")
I had posted this in the thread I started asking for people’s top ten Zevon songs: “I vote that when he passes over, we plan an online wake. We’ll all supply the heartbreak, try to figure out what to do with the motor oil, and quaff a bit of Bombay gin.” Sound like an idea to anyone else? Those non-drinkers among us can certainly use coffee or tea, but I think it would be appropriate. ---
**Author:** ![SinisterDan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ba8739/32.png) [@SinisterDan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SinisterDan)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2002, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warren-zevon-is-dying/128153/28 "2002-09-14T21:17:44Z")
This really bites out the eyes… While not musically inclined, I suppose the best compliment I could pay Zevon would be to point out that if I could write songs, I’d hope they would sound one half as good as his. In a lot of ways, he was really one of the greats, and certainly among the least appreciated musicians of his time. In the same thought, I hope he doesn’t reap any of that pathetic, laudatory ‘dying celebrity’ prominence. That would add insult to injury. For years now, my drinking buddies and I would close out a good binge by singing along to Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner. After 22 ounces of scotch and resonating at about 90 decibels, it always sounded pretty good. When I first heard the news, I thought that it might be time to let this tradition pass. I’ve reconsidered; now we’ll sing it louder. My guess is we’ll be drunker too. ---
**Author:** ![Musicat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/musicat/32/20189_2.png) [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2002, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warren-zevon-is-dying/128153/29 "2002-09-14T21:36:35Z")
He’s written about death & dying so much, the actual act may be an anti-climax. Time to prepare a new verse to [Rock And Roll Heaven](http://www.alanoday.com/alllyrics.html). Alan O’Day, where are you? ---
**Author:** ![Musicat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/musicat/32/20189_2.png) [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2002, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warren-zevon-is-dying/128153/30 "2002-09-14T21:41:24Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by me \* > Time to prepare a new verse to [Rock And Roll Heaven](http://www.alanoday.com/alllyrics.html). Alan O’Day, where are you? Wait! How could I be so blind! :smack: Let **Warren** write the new Rock And Roll Heaven verse for himself! Too morbid? It seems to be his stock in trade. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Sam\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Post date:** [September 14, 2002, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warren-zevon-is-dying/128153/31 "2002-09-14T22:46:37Z")
He may just do that. He said he’s got some ‘mischief’ in mind for his last recording session. I suspect Warren will find a way to make it all alright, in a way only he could manage. ---
**Author:** ![Fatwater\_Fewl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/4491bb/32.png) [@Fatwater\_Fewl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fatwater_Fewl)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2002, 12:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warren-zevon-is-dying/128153/32 "2002-09-15T12:13:32Z")
I thought Tom Waits, or John Prine would go first. Between their songs and Zevon’s, I have managed to preserve some semblance of sanity. I wonder if he’s paid his hotel bill? ---
**Author:** ![Musicat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/musicat/32/20189_2.png) [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2002, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warren-zevon-is-dying/128153/33 "2002-09-15T13:08:55Z")
Anyone remember a TV show of the mid-70’s called “News Overnight”? I don’t remember the network, but this was before the cable explosion, and the network execs saw a void for news after the talk shows were done in the wee hours of the AM. They put on Linda Ellerbee as the anchor and aired it daily, IIRC, around 1AM. Now Ellerbee is not your typical talking head, and since I was usually up and working about that time, I found the iconoclastic show quite enjoyable and refreshing. It took, shall we say, liberties with reporting. And Warren Zevon wrote and performed the News Overnight music theme. Sorry, _Werewolves of London_ simply doesn’t do it for me. I liked his news music much better. Wish I could remember how it went. ---
**Author:** ![tracer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tracer/32/20578_2.png) [@tracer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tracer)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2002, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warren-zevon-is-dying/128153/34 "2002-09-15T16:27:31Z")
Not to put too fine a point on it, but … considering this is **lung** cancer he’s contracted, was Warren Zevon a smoker? ---
**Author:** ![Sam\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2002, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warren-zevon-is-dying/128153/35 "2002-09-15T17:52:21Z")
Yep. Heavy smoker for 30 years. Ironically, he quit five years ago, and became a fitness junkie, working out daily in the gym. But in true Zevon style, he’s not going around whining about how stupid he was, or blaming cigarette companies, or any of that stuff. Basically, he says, “Hey, I made my choices. I chose to live the crazy rock n’ roll life, and I was the craziest around. And now I’m paying a price for that. But I’m okay with it. We all make our own beds.” Classy guy. ---
**Author:** ![Rilchiam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/2bfe46/32.png) [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Post date:** [September 15, 2002, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warren-zevon-is-dying/128153/36 "2002-09-15T22:52:40Z")
I wonder if he’ll be buried or cremated. If he is buried, I wonder if it will be in LA. Probably, but not a certainty. At any rate, since I also live in LA, I would like to visit the grave. I will have a moment of quiet reflection, and leave a guitar pick. I saw Warren perform at the House of Blues on the day Jerry Garcia died. He said from the stage, “This is a very sad day, and I think we all know why,” then played a Dead song (I don’t remember which one). It would be a very classy gesture if David Letterman calls for a moment of silence to mark Warren’s passing, and Paul Schaeffer plays one of Warren’s songs. Anything other than “Werewolves”! How did Zevon and Letterman get to be so tight, anyway? ---
**Author:** ![Sam\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Post date:** [September 16, 2002, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warren-zevon-is-dying/128153/37 "2002-09-16T02:21:51Z")
Letterman is a HUGE Zevon fan, and always has been. Zevon was the scheduled guest for the very first Letterman show back in 1982. He cancelled at the last minute. Letterman has had him on regularly ever since. And whenever Zevon is on, Letterman just gushes over him. As for Zevon, basically he’s a bit mystified by it. I just read an interview with him where he said, “It took me until very recently to realize that Dave honestly likes me. I don’t know why.” I suspect that Zevon’s self-destructive traits are a big reason why he never achieved the success he deserved. He is by all accounts a fairly tough guy to get along with. But then, most geniuses are. ---
**Author:** ![Labdad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/439d5e/32.png) [@Labdad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labdad)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2002, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warren-zevon-is-dying/128153/38 "2002-09-20T15:38:51Z")
I keep coming back to this thread. Back in 1978, when “Excitable Boy” was released, _Rolling Stone’s_ very positive review began: “Warren Zevon writes songs the way Sam Peckinpah makes movies: he shoots first and explores the ramifications of whatever he’s bloodied later.” Tweny-four years later, the analogy still seems to fit. “If you can’t take the punches, it don’t mean a thing!” ---
**Author:** ![Trophy\_Wife](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a8b319/32.png) [@Trophy\_Wife](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trophy_Wife)\ **Post date:** [September 20, 2002, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warren-zevon-is-dying/128153/39 "2002-09-20T19:26:58Z")
Damn the torpedoes. ---
**Author:** ![Sam\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Post date:** [September 21, 2002, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warren-zevon-is-dying/128153/40 "2002-09-21T01:47:05Z")
Now I’m just hoping that Zevon manages to stay alive and functional long enough to fulfill some of the goals he wants to achieve - primarily, finishing a new album. He’s also got a finished Symphony that he has been planning on getting recorded for a long time now - it would be nice for him to get a contract for that before he goes, so he knows that it will be heard. And for God’s sake, if he starts to lose the battle before he wants to go, I hope he gets an early private screening of the new James Bond movie. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warren-zevon-is-dying/128153.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/warren-zevon-is-dying/128153.md?page=3)