Friday’s announcement of the passing ofTony Markellis, the longtimeTrey Anastasio Band bassist, sent shockwaves through the live music community. In the time since the news was mad public, countless fans, friends, and musical colleagues have shared remembrances of the late bassist.
As longtime friend and bandmateTrey Anastasio explained in his emotional note, “He was a truly remarkable human being. He was kind and had a sweetness to his personality, and he was the baddest bass player I’ve ever heard. I loved Tony, and I always will. I’m having a hard time processing this.”
Anastasio continued, “I’m having a hard time processing this. Tony was the heartbeat to so much of my life, and to the lives of so many others. He played bass for my first dance with Sue at our wedding. We wrote First Tube and Sand together, and played so many years, so many memories.”
Trey also expressed his gratitude for a recent phone conversation he had had with Tony just days before his death. “I was very lucky to have had a very long phone conversation with Tony only a few days ago. We talked for almost two hours. We caught up on family, friends, and funny pandemic thoughts. It wasn’t often that we talked on the phone like that. I had no idea it would be our last conversation. Now it feels like it happened for a reason. … I’m so grateful today for those hours, and for all of the years together. Tony, we’ll all miss you. Thank you for the gifts you brought to all of us.”
Scroll down to read tributes to Tony Markellis by Trey Anastasio Band bandmates Jennifer Hartswick,Natalie Cressman,James Casey, and Ray Paczkowski, and more. Rest easy, Tony.
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Related: Marcus Rezak Shares EP ‘Truth In Sound’ Ft. Trey Anastasio Band Members, Remembers Tony Markellis [Listen]
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fare thee well, Tony Markellis. pic.twitter.com/1BRfKKqaHB
— Kevin Shapiro (@shapsio) May 1, 2021
RIP Tony Markellis! We lost a major talent today. Sad news for our community. pic.twitter.com/d7D2CT4l17
— Jeff Kravitz (@jeffkravitz) April 30, 2021
In terms of “how the Universe works,” Trey decided to go to college in Burlington, VT because he went to a club and saw Tony Markellis playing & was blown away. He figured “good place to hang!” It was there where he met Mike and Fish, and eventually Page.
We owe Tony so much.
— Jordan Hoffman (@jhoffman) April 30, 2021
We are crushed to hear the news about the passing of bassist Tony Markellis. Sending so much love to his friends, family, and bandmates. We will never forget all the great times we shared at LOCKN’. 📸: Dave Vann pic.twitter.com/ucUY2cnem8
— LOCKN’ (@locknfestival) April 30, 2021
We are heartbroken to hear the news of the passing of legendary bassist Tony Markellis. Through TAB and many other projects, Tony has touched so many of our lives throughout the years. We are sending our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and bandmates. pic.twitter.com/1xXQsEm2JI
— Mockingbird (@mbirdfoundation) April 30, 2021
Tony Markellis was one-of-a-kind and not only as a bassist.
I’m glad we had “The Beacon Jams” where he served as a co-host of sorts for the livestream series.
It gave fans a chance to see how witty Tony was and the opportunity to get a feel for his engaging personality.
— Scott Bernstein (@heyscottyb) April 30, 2021
Can’t stop thinking about how special those Beacon shows already were. With Tony Markellis gone, they’re something else.
That setting, that purpose, the intimacy we saw between close friends, the light he brought us all watching back home.
Groove on, Tony, and thank you 🙏🏻
— Brian Ries (@moneyries) May 1, 2021
Nobody grooved like Tony did. Such a unique player. He will be sorely missed. RIP Tony Markellis. Thank you for the steady pocket you provided us all these years.
📸: @jeffkravitz pic.twitter.com/xAfZZffBTn
— Ari Fink (@Finkerton) April 30, 2021
RIP Tony Markellis
Thanks for all the grooves.
Incredibly sad news. pic.twitter.com/JUjnp3HRms— Osiris Media (@osirispod) April 30, 2021
![Trey Anastasio Band Members & More Remember The Late Tony Markellis [Photos] (2024)](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABCAQAAAC1HAwCAAAAC0lEQVR42mP8/h8AAvMB+NzmkbcAAAAASUVORK5CYII=)