• From: Indianola, IA
  • Registered: 2006-07-26
  • Posts: 4,429

Topic: Helping Out Blues Guitarist Anthony Gomes

I just read on Anthony's FaceBook page:

Tonight, while I was driving on I-55 my touring vehicle caught on fire and very quickly became totally engulfed in flames. I lost a great deal of equipment, most of my music library and most of my clothes. I was able to rescue my guitars before the van was completely on fire. I so am very blessed that I made it out in one peace. My guardian angel was working overtime tonight. Many thanks to the Illinois State Police and Normal Fire Department for responding so quickly.


One of his fans has organized a group to help lend a hand.  Anthony is a great guy and a very talented guitarist.  I know many on the Forum here have seen him.  I know there have been people offering equipment, money, etc...... Just one of those challenges in life that with a little help from friends smile can make it all seem bearable.  I'm sure if nothing else Anthony would be very appreciative of good wishes sent his way.  ♥

                                                                                                                            pattyluvsjoe

"I'm not nice to any guitar!"      lol
                 Joe Bonamassa 05-03-12

JBLP CHILD #184
  • From: Crystal Lake, Il.
  • Registered: 2006-04-22
  • Posts: 5,120

Re: Helping Out Blues Guitarist Anthony Gomes

A nice thought to share here Patty. I saw Anthony's pictures of the van while it was fully engulfed in flames and then the aftermath. The van was totally burnt and everything in it except the guitars he was able to rescue.
After looking at the photos, it became evident how lucky he was to be unharmed.
Do you know if this organized effort has a link or Facebook page?

"Rock ON & Keep the Faith"
  • From: Indianola, IA
  • Registered: 2006-07-26
  • Posts: 4,429

Re: Helping Out Blues Guitarist Anthony Gomes

Hey Bill,  If you go to his personal page on FB and probably his Musician page too someone has set up a page that you can join on FB.  I am at work and unable to get FB here....if you haven't found it by the time I get home from the stadium tonight I will send you the link.  If Rhonda sees this maybe she can post a link to it. Thanks Bill ♥
                                                                                         smile ♥ cool

"I'm not nice to any guitar!"      lol
                 Joe Bonamassa 05-03-12

JBLP CHILD #184

4 Reply by JBFan4Life (edited by JBFan4Life 2012-08-22 12:08:29)

  • From: Greater Chicagoland
  • Registered: 2012-04-21
  • Posts: 657

Re: Helping Out Blues Guitarist Anthony Gomes

That news stinks.  I know Anthony recently jammed with Walter Trout, and is scheduled to share the stage with Buddy Guy and Jonny Lang in September, and B.B. King in November (in Cedar Rapids, IA).  So I hope the help comes quickly, and his fan base responds.  I've been looking for more news, see below.

Hopefully, he'll come out of this okay.  Hope his music collection can be "rebuilt", personally that would be a major loss, in my book--on top of all the rest.  If there's a bright spot, I imagine he'll have some pretty good (bad) inspiration for new songs out of the experience.

Just saw this on his FB page (posted 6 minutes ago, at the time I copied it):

"I would like to thank everyone for all their letters, emails and posts. I am so blessed to have all this love and support. I want everyone to know that I am doing well. I made it out without a scratch. When I look at the pictures, I realize just how fortunate I am. Also, I would like everyone to know that all our live dates will continue as scheduled. I was schooled by my blues mentors that the "show must go on" and that's exactly what we plan to do. Many of you have written asking about making a donation. There are a few independent fund raising projects going on at the moment. Music Is The Medicine will be uniting these groups under the MITM umbrella. There should be an official announcement tomorrow. Thank you, AG."

So there will be more info on how to help out officially, soon.

More at the MITM FB page:

http://www.facebook.com/MusicistheMedicine

Play like you've worked at it, and don't worry about sounding like your influences.  You can't cheat on them, or your practice, anyway.  If you've worked hard at your skill, your audience will know it.
  • RickB
  • RickB
  • BONAMEGAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: San Diego
  • Registered: 2009-10-30
  • Posts: 12,198

Re: Helping Out Blues Guitarist Anthony Gomes

Good to know. I hope he was insured. It would be foolish to not have vehicle and contents covered for a road rig. He'll keep on truckin' and seems to have taken it in stride.
Rick

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  • From: Greater Chicagoland
  • Registered: 2012-04-21
  • Posts: 657

Re: Helping Out Blues Guitarist Anthony Gomes

The MiTM page posting I saw around the time of my last post said Anthony was figuring out the insurance side of things all as part of moving forward.

Play like you've worked at it, and don't worry about sounding like your influences.  You can't cheat on them, or your practice, anyway.  If you've worked hard at your skill, your audience will know it.
  • From: Seminole, FL
  • Registered: 2006-04-24
  • Posts: 266

Re: Helping Out Blues Guitarist Anthony Gomes

Thanks for putting this on here Patty. Anthony is shaken but not broken and of course will move on full force! It looks like a link will be set up over the next day or so as the MITM note states. It is amazing looking at those pics that he is ok. Oh, that life on the road...