As tears go by

Orlando musician Mick Crowley has passed away after a long fight with cancer

BY STEVE SCHNEIDER

Editor’s Note: Orlando music mainstay Mick Crowley passed away over the weekend after a long fight with cancer. As a member of the Hate Bombs (later the Tremolords) for decades, Crowley and friends rampaged across stages with primitive garage rock might all around the United States. As iconic a figure as Crowley cut on stage, his stature within the music community as a kind and supportive friend loomed just as large.

What a blow it is to lose Mick Crowley.

He was a nimble guitarist, a composer of catchy tunes and an engaging, endearing performer whose stage spins were always an adorable quarter-turn behind the rest of the band’s. (Or ... or ... hear me out ... was the rest of the world three-quarters of a turn behind HIM?)

Mick Crowley was also a beloved, devoted family man and one of the absolute nicest guys in an Orlando music scene that has more than its share of ‘em.

Whether you encountered him when he was just coming off stage after his latest rave-up, or as he was approaching your table to take your order at Applebee’s, his was always the same welcoming, reassuring presence. Crowley made the world better in everything he did.

How lucky we are to have had him in our lives.

PHOTO BY JIM LEATHERMAN