Naw, he there with her in Ensenada
(And I’m here in Echo Park).
I think Zevon was told by his doctors that last December was about the most he could expect… but he’s just kept on going. I’m surprised nobody’s mentioned his song “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead” yet.
Oh, and from the little I know, Zevon has always had an exceptionally morbed, off-beat sense of humor. Thus, this song is perfectly in keeping with it.
I just heard Warren Zevon’s new version of Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door; wxpn has the advance track off his new album due at the end of August. It’s a terrific sounding version and although they didn’t name the backup musicians, I’d swear it was David Lindley on lead guitar - sounding a lot like Jackson Browne’s band from the good old days. Zevon’s voice sounds strong, and the whole track sounds just awesome, but I can’t escape an incredible sense of overriding sadness, because of the relevance of the song choice and lyrics etc. to his situation. Listening to this brings up a very weird mix of emotions.
Zevon’s always had an acute sense of death, going way back before any of this, as evidenced by the songs mentioned above and more. For a while he had a logo of a skull smoking a cigarette. It’s all too weird.
In a semi-related story, it was in the paper today that photographer Phil Ceccola has died of brain cancer at age 48. Phil was most known for his photography of musicians; the cover shot of Bruce Springsteen’s “Tracks” box set was shot by Phil at the old Main Point in Bryn Mawr, back in the day. RIP.
That would be Old Velvet Nose. 
I have admired Tenacious Z’s music for many, many years; have seen him in concert more times than I can count.
When his ride comes, he’ll be ready, and I will grieve.
While those he leaves behind will miss him terribly, at least we’ll have the wealth of music he’s made.
Ain’t no good to dwell on what might have been: Old Velvet Nose comes for all of us.
Enjoy every sandwich.