In memory of Mark Himenez. The true heart and soul of RIAR.
I am just the Grumpy Ole Headbanger keeping some promises to one day bring RIAR back to life. Even if only for nostalgia.
RIAR was a very real band, started in 1994 in Benton City Wa.
The Original line up was;
Vocals - James Gottula
Lead Guitar - Jeremy Malone (The Grumpy Ole Headbanger)
Rhythm Guitar - Levi Gear
Bass - Jeff Peyton
Drums - Michelle Peyton
The line up changed a few times over the years, but the songs remained.
As RIAR has since disbanded, it still remains a wonderful memory for all of us who were there and once had a very loyal following. This is a project that I have wanted to do for a long time. Back in the 90's we didn't have the ability to make good recordings. If people wanted to hear us, they had to come to a live show.
So, with the aid of AI and new ways to remaster songs, I am able to finally do what we all dreamed of doing back then. This project is not only for the purpose of giving all of the former members of RIAR (and to remember our fallen brother Mark Himenez), but to our fans that always wanted us to record, the ability to re-live something that was special.
I am always asked what RIAR means.
Definition - RIAR: Drunk bass player.
We were all sitting around the table after practice brainstorming what to call ourselves. We had been drinking and all of a sudden Jeff let out this yawn that sounded like a roar, it popped into my head RIAR, and it just stuck.
All of the songs are original RIAR songs written by the band over the years. Some have been recreated using new tools (including AI). But make no mistake they were all written by and performed by RIAR.
Story behind the song
Mark was the absolute true heart and soul of RIAR. The band died the day that he did. This song is a tribute to our friend Mark Himenez. Bassist and song writer for RIAR.
Goodbye my friend we all miss you.
Lyrics
Verse 1:
In the quiet of the night, I hear your laughter fade,
A melody of memories in the chords we played.
The stage feels so empty, like a puzzle with no piece,
Each note tells a story, but the silence wont cease.
Chorus:
Goodbye, my friend, its hard to let you go,
A brother in the music, a light that used to glow.
We shared our dreams and laughter, now its hard to pretend,
In this world without you, I just cant comprehend.
Verse 2:
We had plans and ambitions, a future bright and wide,
Now I walk this road alone, with you right by my side.
The songs we wrote together, they linger in my heart,
But the hardest part of all is knowing were apart.
Chorus:
Goodbye, my friend, its hard to let you go,
A brother in the music, a light that used to glow.
We shared our dreams and laughter, now its hard to pretend,
In this world without you, I just cant comprehend.
Bridge:
Ill keep your memory alive in every beat and rhyme,
With every note I play, youll be there every time.
Though the road is long and winding, and the nights are often cold,
Ill carry you through music, your story will be told.
Chorus:
Goodbye, my friend, its hard to let you go,
A brother in the music, a light that used to glow.
We shared our dreams and laughter, now its hard to pretend,
In this world without you, I just cant comprehend.
Outro:
So heres to you, my brother, as I say farewell today,
In my heart, youll always stay, in each note, youll find a way.
Goodbye, my friend, until we meet again,
Your spirit lives forever, in the music, in the band.
