SCOTT NEVER MET A STRANGER
The "You can't go home again" lesson
That sums my husband up in a nutshell! To know him was to love him! My life completely changed the day he died. I feel like most of me died that day also, and the people that tell you that it will get easier with time, are full of crap! In five months, it will be four years since his death, and it still feels as horrible to me as the day he died. It is like living life in black and white. So until it is my time to go, and I see him again, I will keep his memory alive here.
3rd Annual tribute to Scott at Gruene Hall
Scott and Little Man
One of the things I loved about Scott was his love for animals!! When our daughter Jamie was younger, she wanted a puppy. Coincidentally, my stepfather's dog had just had puppies he was trying to get rid of. So Jamie and I go to his house, and Jamie is looking at all the puppies, and one of them comes over to me, and was being super cute, and I asked my step-dad about him, and he said "oh, that is the only puppy I am going to keep". So Jamie picks her puppy and I take her home. About a week later, my step-dad calls and tells me he changed his mind, and I could have that puppy. Well I wasn't getting a puppy in the first place, Jamie was. But the more I remember how cute this dog was, the more I want to go get him! So before I know it, I am on my way home with this puppy in my arms!! Scott and I already had a St. Bernard, and a chow that a friend of ours had showed up with, saying that he was going to have to take her to the shelter if we couldn't take her. So with two big dogs at home already, I am now wondering how I am going to break it to Scott that I went and got a puppy! So I am pulling up in the driveway, freaking out about what to say, and I look down, and the puppy is asleep in my arms laying on his back, like you would cradle a baby, and he is the cutest damn thing I had ever seen!! So a light bulb goes off in my head, and I call Scott from my cell, and tell him to come out to the driveway. So Scott walks up to my car window, and says "what's going on?" He looks down at the sleeping puppy in my arms, and reaches in the car and says "give me that baby"!!! And from that point on, he was IN LOVE!! We started calling him Little Man because Scott was always calling him "Daddy's Little Man"! I can't tell you how many plans we changed, because we felt guilty leaving Little Man at home, or we would have plans to go out and have a nice dinner, and in stead would go through a drive-thru and bring it home, so we could eat with Little Man!!!
After Scott's death, I cannot tell you how many people I talked to, that I had never met, that would bring up Little Man, because Scott was always talking him! The cutest thing in the world was when Scott would get home from a gig, and Little Man would hear the door, and lose his mind squealing because he was so excited to see Scott! Scott would come in and sit on the couch, and for 5 minutes, Little Man would frantically give him a million kisses all over his face!! It was so sweet, and one of the things I miss the most!!! And every time Scott had a gig at La Hacienda, (which was two or three times a week) he would buy Little Man at least three of those little bouncing balls that you get out of the vending machine. They are EVERYWHERE!! And still are! I used to tell Scott that slipping on one of those balls and breaking my neck was how I was going to leave this world! But he always brought them home for his Little Man!!!!
Taylor Byers Tribute to his dad
It is with such a heavy heart I have to share the news that the world lost this incredible man just a couple days ago. I've been struggling to even begin writing this post because I couldn't come up with the "right words". But honestly, words cannot describe what it feels like to lose your father, let alone your best friend in the world, your #1 musical influence, and the guy who taught you how to be a man. I can't begin to explain how lucky I feel to have grown up with such an incredible figure in my life. He showed me how a father should love his children. He taught me what great music was, raised me on it, and tried to teach me everything he knew about how to really play a guitar (even if I was sometimes too stubborn to pay attention). He had such a big heart, and that was no secret. He was also a giant goofball, and anyone remotely close to him knows that as well. He could put a smile on anyone's face in no time.
Scrolling through Facebook, it becomes so incredibly clear how loved he was for those qualities, and countless others. Every other post I see, it seems, is a tribute of some kind to him, his life, and his music. He has touched so many lives over the years with his talent, and I can't thank everyone enough for the outpour of kind words and thoughts in this tough time. I know I'm not alone in saying he will truly be missed by everyone. His one-of-a-kind voice will be remembered for many years to come. Music was at the center of his life, and I know he would want all of you musicians out there to keep inspiring others through your talents. I know he inspired me through his.
Dad, I hope you know how much I miss you already. You left us way too soon. Needless to say, I've got all of your songs playing on repeat. Love you always.
When Scott and I got engaged!
I had been in Florida working hurricane claims for FEMA, and I was going to be there on my birthday. Scott called and said he couldn't wait until I got home, and asked me to marry him on the phone!!! So, needless to say, I wrapped up my work there and couldn't wait to see him!
For at least a month after he asked me, he would announce it at his gigs! And EVERY time he did, he would get choked up saying it! It was so sweet!!!!
Planning the wedding was the easiest thing in the world, (as was everything that had to do with it) Everything just fell into place, and I never had the "meltdown" that happens to other brides. Everything just "clicked"!! And to see the face Scott was making as I started walking towards him was the most incredible thing in the world! He had the hugest smile with tears just rolling down his face, and he was beautiful!!! Everything else just faded away!!!!!!! I will NEVER forget that face!
Fishing
Copy of a post from John Halloran
Little Man and I napping
Guitar Clock
Scott's Message
Hector Saldana's express New article.
Scott Byers memorial will bring San Antonio musicians together
November 17, 2016
Singer-songwriter Scot Byers, who died suddenly in October, will be honored at La Hacienda de Los Barrios.
Scott Byers was a gentle rocker.
The singer-songwriter and guitarist, whose voice recalled the silky rasp of Steve Miller and sweetness of James Taylor, died of a heart attack on Oct. 1.
He was 60.
Byers, who is remembered as a talented and generous artist, woodworker and family man, will be celebrated at a gathering Sunday of many of his musician friends at La Hacienda de Los Barrios restaurant. The show will feature the closest thing to reunions of such fabled bands as Stardust, Buckboard Boogie Boys, Cecil & Sylvia and the Blast as fans are likely to see.
Byers rarely toured, unlike his close friend Monte Montgomery, but his reputation was stellar among fellow nightclub circuit and regional musicians. In his younger days, he rocked out with his band Blackrose. Later, he would evoke the sweeter singer-songwriter persona of Dan Fogelberg and Jackson Browne. Like saloon singer Wayne Harper, he knew hundreds of songs.
Byer’s widow, Cindy Byers, said she is overwhelmed by the outpouring for her husband, a thoughtful man who took pride in his music and woodwork — and who especially loved being greeted after a gig by his dog, a Chihuahua mix named Little Man.
More Information
At a glance
What: Scott Byers Memorial Fundraiser
Participants: Former members of Stardust, the Buckboard Boogie Boys, the Blast, Blackrose, Cecil & Sylvia, Michael Morales and more.
When: 4-10 p.m. Sunday
Where: La Hacienda de Los Barrios, 18747 Redland Rd.
Admission: $25 donation includes chicken fajita plate buffet
Phone: 210-497-8000
“It’s indescribable,” Byers said. “He was very humble. He had no idea how good he really was and how many people loved him. He really didn’t. I’m just touched by all of the support.”
Musicians Michael Workman and Claude Morgan are helping gather participants for the show.
Workman said many of his friends were too shook up at the funeral to sing.
“We just couldn’t do it,” said Workman, who played piano with Byers in bands including Blackrose.
Instead, he put together a mixtape of songs featuring Byers singing and played them on his iPod at the service.
Today’s gig, which promises to be a rollicking all-star jam, is “about a fellowship with musicians,” Workman said.
“That was the original idea, and then Louis (Barrios) offered up his restaurant and to make it a fundraiser for (Cindy Byers), which is all the better,” he added.
The restaurateur booked Byers 12 years ago and was always amazed at the musician’s musician fan club. Byers’ last gig was at the popular restaurant.
“Everybody came just to work with Scotty,” said Barrios.
Sylvia Kirk, half of the long-defunct duo Cecil & Sylvia, had worked with Byers since the late 1970s at such places as Maggie’s, Tycoon Flats, Dick’s Last Resort and most recently La Hacienda de Los Barrios, where they played every weekend. For Kirk, Byers’ death “was like losing my left arm.”
“Scott’s repertoire alone is something I will never find again in a partner,” said Kirk, who was scheduled to play with Byers on the day he died at Gruene Hall. She played the gig with the help of family members instead.
“To me, it was like knowing James Taylor or Jackson Browne. He was just a rare bird. He had no idea how many people admired what he did. Unfortunately, that’s a San Antonio thing. He was a beautiful music man. Tell everybody I still had a crush on him.”
Singer Beth Hooker is flying in from Nashville for the memorial show. Hooker fronted Stardust in the late ’70s and early ’80s before moving to Los Angeles and singing with Don Henley’s band.
“I wouldn’t miss it,” Hooker said. “He was as gifted an artist as I’ve ever worked with.”
Morgan, whose fans cherished his work with the Buckboard Boogie Boys and the Blast, was filled with emotion talking about Byers, his voice cracking.
Coming together for Byers, who once fashioned a special carrier for one of Morgan’s prized guitar slides, was a no-brainer, he said, noting that Roger Santos of the Buckboard Boogie Boys will be there as will Robert Adams of the Blast.
“The musical community has been really tight,” he said. “Everyone really circles the wagon around those in need. It’s probably that way in most musical communities.
“I’ve known Scott since he was just a punk kid. I watched him grow up into a great entertainer and a great artist. I just always enjoyed him so much. He was such a kind person, very generous and very talented guy in so many ways. He was a local boy who had worldwide gifts.”
hsaldana@express-news.net
By Paula Callen
It's been a tough week with the passing of Scott Byers..heartache, tears, disbelief....but also smiles when listening to his music.. Our story goes like this..Once upon a time there was a club called Changos.. A cigar club on the outskirts of SA this was our Friday decompression spot..One Friday we drove up to see this man, sweaty man, setting up on the grass at the end of patio..He had put down oriental rugs down and was working on getting his PA to stop wobbling..We went inside and was told live music tonight?!! We eventually went out side to see Scott fidgeting with his guitar, unsure look on his face.nervous chatter then he hit his 1St chord..Out of the parking lot this long haired kid comes running up..scrambling to set up and join in...It was Mateo V. Kirk..late . We were smitten... Our patio crowd started to grow every Friday a few more people..strangers scattered all over the patio joined by the love of music. over time a proper stage was built...Yes...with a roof!!!! We were all still polite strangers...then it happened....the power that called to us together..We got a FirePit!!! Our tribe was forming.what once was a group of strangers now gathered around the pit.no judgements,no boundaries, just a group who loved and respected each other. Our band of guests varied each week..the Queen of all Sylvia Kirk, Bud "Rodeo Cold" Lueke, Monte Montgomery would grace us with his presence, The Wombat Mr. Allen Chapman..Scott was most excited when son Taylor was home and would play too... Scott Byers, Matt, and Sylvia were the light that drew our tribe together...we laughed together.. especially when we finally got the bang bang on Maxwell's hammer right..Matt Kirk, tears when Sylvia would sing Karla Bonaff, ate lots of Pizza and birthday cake...But in the end we were and still are family..... We have a new guardian angel who will always be in our heart...I heard Southern Cross on the way to work and heard his voice singing had to smile..
Celebrating the Man, the Myth, the Legend...Mr. Scott Byers...
The Boz
Anyone who got to know Scott will attest that their life was impacted in such a positive manner. Scott was a genuine friend, altruistic to the highest degree. His love of music and his God gifted talent in music was legendary for us folks growing up and living in SA. He will live on in my heart till my last breath then I hope to meet up with him again.
From Sylvia Kirk
I have talked to so many of Scott's friends and huge number of fans in the last few days. I want to thank you for the love and kind words. He was my lifeline fo...r the last 25 years. I wanted to punch him in the nose many times and he knew it. But, there was always a moment in each and every night that I sat in wonder and complete awe of his talent. Being on stage with him was like having the privilege of working next to your sibling. I had a monster crush on him for many years and then he just got to be Scott my partner. But, I tell you. When I sat back and watched him from the audience ,sing something I requested, I was mesmerized and transported to the day I first heard him. We both struggled with self image and weight problems as you all know, but we never saw each other that way. We could still see the younger us like time stood still. Weird. He loved each and everyone of his friends and had a treasure chest full of amazing memories. He was quite the story teller. He loved his children so much. He loved his wife cindy, and his silly little dog, " Little Man ". My heart bleeds for his mom and dad, and Cathy, and his in laws. Some of us will struggle with this for a long time to come. I am certain he left this world the way he wanted to. He always said,"doctors! F that, I'm going straight to hospice!" Anyway, glad you skipped that too Scotty boy. I will miss your tomfoolery on stage and everything about you. My crush lives on........
Tribute to Scott from his dad
A tribute to my son, Scott Byers
From infancy, Scott was a mixture of so many things - bright, happy, strong, athletic, industrious, lazy, outgoing, introverted, but above all kind, gentle and multi-talented. He could build almost anything and could bring wonderful sounds from an acoustic guitar and his one of a kind voice.
We sent him off to college, but it didn't take. He serenaded his dormitory mates as they went off to class, but he didn't care to join them, and he welc...omed them back with a song. He went to Colorado to find himself and discovered that he didn't want to be a roofer and that it is not advisable to drink straight from those "clear blue mountain streams." He also wrote a pretty little song called "In Sand".
When Blackrose came into being with its wonderfully talented members and fantastic potential, the allure of being a part of that was stronger than that of the law practice. I thank God for my two year sabbatical, traveling with my son and all those talented guys. We all tried hard to become one of the tiny fraction of bands that reach "the big time". We almost pulled it off but the lighting strike just missed!
Scott and wife, Kathy have raised two beautiful images of themselves. Smart, sweet, gentle and loving. At his death, he was sharing a deeply loving marriage with his devoted second wife, Cindy. Another great love of his life...Little Man, his dog, mourns his passing with all his little soul.
It is indescribably painful to lose your only son and the last of the three children we loved so dearly. I'm happy though, despite the many times I bugged him about getting a "real job", he stayed the course. In doing so, he touched more people and brought happiness to more people than he ever could have in my world.
I wish I could have told him goodbye, but this will have to do.
I hope he knew as the light faded away, that him mother and I loved him without reservation forever and ever.
Bob Byers