He was an SF legend and amateur baseball commissioner who survived his own Bangkok death wish, helped invent music streaming, and was the best writer you've never heard of.
This is such an earnest and eloquent piece. And your rendition of Michael is spot on. Since Michael went into hospice, I have been trying to express who he was, how he was so much more than his affliction, but also how large a role that played in his life. This is a beautiful tribute, and I thank you for it on behalf of his family. We will continue to read this, as we remember him.
Wow! What an excellent (and accurate) tribute to one of the most talented writers I had the pleasure to work with during my Rhapsody days. So saddened by the news of Mike's passing, but so grateful for this memory...thank you Garrett. One of my favorite album reviews of Mike's was Slayer's "Reign In Blood". I don't remember the exact phrasing, but he ended it with something like " this album is best listened to wearing a coat made from the flesh of your enemy". Genius.
Great write-up of Mike. Thank you for including the links to his writing. Some great stuff in the late period Dispatches that I missed - ‘To Live and Shave in LA’ brings fond memories of Mike’s escape from donut drudgery.
Mike was one of my favorite people at the OG Rhapsody. He wrote a perfect and accurate review of a space-rock record my brother made (Farflung's "A Wound In Eternity". His writing was spectacular, his jokes hilarious.
And it feels like he knew EVERYBODY. A few years back, I was talking to the manager at a restaurant I frequented, and mentioned something about Thailand (where my father had been living). Said manager mentioned they had a friend over there, added a few details, and I looked at her and said "Oh, you mean Mike McGuirk?" Of course, it was him.
He was a true original. I think he had more fun in his last few years than I'll ever manage in my entire life.
Outstanding and spot-on. Those conversations in Chinese Hospital would just spiral outwards. Mike knew all of these details about World War II to a degree that I started watching WWII documentaries at home so I could keep up on my next visit. But then he could talk about the Charleston Chew or Micronauts for an hour. But always, it was "Jon" (or JAHN), "don't worry about me, I'm not in any pain."
This is exceptionally brilliant and exceptionally poignant. Thank you for the way you brought Mike back, glorying in the way he writes. Also glad that the last word for this tribute is also pussy.
Loved this, Garrett, thank you 💔 I lost the plot after he left for Thailand but I’m glad to see how the team continued to support this singular talent.
Great tribute, G. As an East Coast Rhapsody new jack, I really just heard the lore of McGuirk from you and Nick, and only really met him maybe twice, but would read his blurbs with envy of just how good they were and what an original, fun-loving person he was. I also recall that amazing "Reign In Blood" review and him spitting out regular gems about a crappy new pop album no other "cool" person would touch on the editorial team. Talk about lemonade — McGuirk's was most delicious.
Wow, Garrett, that means so much, thank you. Those were the days, eh, at SF Weekly? I was impressed back then by your sheer talent, and continue to marvel at your thoughtful, clear-eyed, funny, honest, resonant writing. And all that you've overcome. May you, Danielle, the wee one, and the pups have many (MANY) happy days ahead of you.
This is such an earnest and eloquent piece. And your rendition of Michael is spot on. Since Michael went into hospice, I have been trying to express who he was, how he was so much more than his affliction, but also how large a role that played in his life. This is a beautiful tribute, and I thank you for it on behalf of his family. We will continue to read this, as we remember him.
Thank you, Joe. I'm so sorry for your loss, and so glad I had a chance to know Mike and share in the joy that was his life.
Nice job G! Mike was, and continues to be, a legend!
Wow! What an excellent (and accurate) tribute to one of the most talented writers I had the pleasure to work with during my Rhapsody days. So saddened by the news of Mike's passing, but so grateful for this memory...thank you Garrett. One of my favorite album reviews of Mike's was Slayer's "Reign In Blood". I don't remember the exact phrasing, but he ended it with something like " this album is best listened to wearing a coat made from the flesh of your enemy". Genius.
Beautiful stuff, Garrett, loved learning about Mike.
Great write-up of Mike. Thank you for including the links to his writing. Some great stuff in the late period Dispatches that I missed - ‘To Live and Shave in LA’ brings fond memories of Mike’s escape from donut drudgery.
This is such a great tribute, thank you “Gaahhrett.” And thank God you kept the laptops coming.
Best to you and your family. 🤘🏻
Yes! This rings so true, Anu. Thanks for sharing
Mike was one of my favorite people at the OG Rhapsody. He wrote a perfect and accurate review of a space-rock record my brother made (Farflung's "A Wound In Eternity". His writing was spectacular, his jokes hilarious.
And it feels like he knew EVERYBODY. A few years back, I was talking to the manager at a restaurant I frequented, and mentioned something about Thailand (where my father had been living). Said manager mentioned they had a friend over there, added a few details, and I looked at her and said "Oh, you mean Mike McGuirk?" Of course, it was him.
He was a true original. I think he had more fun in his last few years than I'll ever manage in my entire life.
It's like Mike had more fun and spread more joy in a wheelchair with his motor function half gone than most people do with all their faculties intact.
Outstanding and spot-on. Those conversations in Chinese Hospital would just spiral outwards. Mike knew all of these details about World War II to a degree that I started watching WWII documentaries at home so I could keep up on my next visit. But then he could talk about the Charleston Chew or Micronauts for an hour. But always, it was "Jon" (or JAHN), "don't worry about me, I'm not in any pain."
This is exceptionally brilliant and exceptionally poignant. Thank you for the way you brought Mike back, glorying in the way he writes. Also glad that the last word for this tribute is also pussy.
Loved this, Garrett, thank you 💔 I lost the plot after he left for Thailand but I’m glad to see how the team continued to support this singular talent.
Thanks Mia! It occurs to me now that perhaps you were the one who got to mail him his first laptop…
Thanks Garrett.
Great tribute, G. As an East Coast Rhapsody new jack, I really just heard the lore of McGuirk from you and Nick, and only really met him maybe twice, but would read his blurbs with envy of just how good they were and what an original, fun-loving person he was. I also recall that amazing "Reign In Blood" review and him spitting out regular gems about a crappy new pop album no other "cool" person would touch on the editorial team. Talk about lemonade — McGuirk's was most delicious.
Thanks, Dan! I of course thought about including the Reign In Blood review cuz it's such a classic, but went for a "deep cut" because I'm such a snob.
Beautifully written.
Thanks, Deborah! Just to say this in a public setting -- I LEARNED SO MUCH ABOUT WRITING (AND EDITING) FROM YOU!!!
Wow, Garrett, that means so much, thank you. Those were the days, eh, at SF Weekly? I was impressed back then by your sheer talent, and continue to marvel at your thoughtful, clear-eyed, funny, honest, resonant writing. And all that you've overcome. May you, Danielle, the wee one, and the pups have many (MANY) happy days ahead of you.