Zoe and I arrived at around 6:30 and started lighting candles. Shortly after we started lighting candles some more people showed up and everyone was friendly and compassionate (as usual for the scene). Also many of the reporters wanted to talk to us and we all took a turn talking. One thing we all said in common was that the Seattle rave scene is about community and being brothers and sisters to each other (komo news aired a very tiny clip of me saying just that actually). Anytime they (they being the two reporters most eagerly trying to spin this into “DRUGS!”) asked questions regarding drug use in the scene, we answered some people do but are usually quickly removed from the party by security. This wasn’t about raves, ravers or drugs. It was some psycho with too many guns.
All in all the vigil went great until around 11, neighbors bought a pizza for us, brought a case of water and blankets over for those of us that arrived early enough to get rained on. The media got a great example of the love and respect we all have for each other and saw that we’re friendly normal people.
Tragically at 11 people started showing up putting beer and liquor bottles next to the candles and being loud and acting more like they were at a party then being there to show support for their lost friends and to come together in this incredibly sad event.
The 8 people I came down there with and I all felt the vibe go from a showing love positive sort of time to a point where after neighbors asked us to turn down the music, cries of “fuck them we lost friends” from some of the people who arrived later.
Considering how nice the neighbors had been and that they’re a very closeknit neighborhood who knew everyone that lived in that house the lack of respect from some of the people that showed up was heartbreaking. I grew up in the Portland scene and in the short time I’ve been in Seattle, I’ve grown to really love our scene. Seeing these people acting like idiots hurt me, my friends and didn’t show the best support for the senseless loss of some great people.
I’m not sure how people got the idea the vigil was going to be at the Spot but for those that showed up with us to mourn and rejoice the way those lives lost touched us you’re awesome.There a couple of photos posted via flickr from someone in the neighborhood who came out to show support along with all us you can find here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/lukeallen/
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March 26th, 2006 at 5:04 am
Thanks for visiting and leaving your comment, Chris. Please let your friends know they are in my thoughts and prayers. I am sorry people showed up at your memorial and were worse than insensitive. I can tell that you have a great group, by following a few of you around the web all night. Those who make light of your pain need to be of no consequence. They won’t listen, they won’t understand. If you can, think of those all over the world who are thinking of all of you now.
I am so sorry for the incredible losses your community is suffering.
March 26th, 2006 at 5:23 am
Well from your handling of posting on this I can think of at least one very large and loving community that would happily welcome you with open arms. Throughout all of this crazy sad day I’ve met at least 40 people who have once again renewed my faith and hope in the general pool of humanity. Seeing the concern and heartfelt love from so many total strangers is something that was perfectly timed for right when a lot of us needed it. I can’t help but think that this is one of the positive things that will come out of this incredibly tragic date that so many will carry for the rest of our lives.
March 26th, 2006 at 9:22 am
I’m so sorry for the loss suffered by my friends and thier families. This was a tragic loss that shouldnt have happened. I can empathize for I have lost friends in tragic accidents and shootings and its never easy for anyone to understand the shock of these events. I cant tell you that it gets easier from here and understanding why is something we can not begin to grasp. But we have each other and thats what we have to hold onto in times like this.
March 26th, 2006 at 6:59 pm
Here’s a link to a pic at the candlelight vigil when we very first got there. As I find more pictures I’ll link them as well.
This picture is of Zoe and I, when we first got there as we fought the wind trying to keep the candles lit.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,189128,00.html
March 27th, 2006 at 1:14 pm
Hey Chris,
I’ve been following the tragedy closely too and words can’t express how I am emphathising with you now that I know you have close personal ties to the situation. I just want you to know that my thoughts are with you, and you can call anytime if you want. Take care.
March 28th, 2006 at 3:59 pm
after arriving late sunday night i lit the candles and incense i brought and mourned my friends most of the night. i wanna thank everyone that was there before me and everyone thats been there after me. i stayed all night and cleaned up both spots of all the empty tea lights and bear bottles…. i cant talk anymore im sorry.