Chapter 105 - An Ode to John Hopkins & Barnaby Struve

In just a few days, it will have been one year since friend of the show, tour manager extraordinaire, and front of house master John Hopkins passed away. I don’t need to state again the impact a person like John Hopkins can have on a community, not to mention the individual person. All you have to do is ask someone who knew John the way we all did.

Back in April, I recorded an episode with Jason Parris of Wake Brewing, which would not have happened as it did without John’s ability to link us up. No formalities, no legalities, no bull shit. It was just, you guys like doom metal and craft beer, be friends. We wound up speaking not only about John’s passing, but two other key members of the metal and craft beer scene who also passed away: Barnaby Struve, previously of 3 Floyds and many others, and Brandon Gay of TRVE Brewing. While I never had the opportunity to meet with either, it’s clear they have left behind a legacy of their own just like John.

I opted to hold onto that part of the conversation between Jason and myself for a more appropriate time and that time is now, unfortunately. The wound is still fresh, but we have to remember that people like John, Barnaby, and Brandon don’t come around often and when they do, it’s their selfless nature that defines them. It’s a trait that I would believe most of the human race lacks and those moments when you do encounter it, it hits you in a very specific, special way and you probably won’t be forgetting it anytime soon.

To coincide with this memorial, Diary of Doom has put together a special shirt in memory of John. When I first spoke with John, he remarked on referring to stoner metal as “burrito metal” back in the day. It seemed like the perfect image to memorialize him in. Thanks to Made In Brooklyn Silkscreeners and artist Corey Largent (insaneclampasta), we were able to do just that. A number have already been distributed to friends and family, but if you would like one, they will be listed on the Diary of Doom Bandcamp page. All of the proceeds will be going to Daphneyland Basset Hound Rescue that John was a fan of.

Tracks featured are "The Clarity" by Sleep off The Sciences and "Space Rock" by Bongzilla off Weedsconsin