The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There’s also a negative side.

–Hunter S. Thompson

Three years ago today Dr. Hunter S. Thompson exited the world with a single shot to the head. He went out as he lived: on his terms.

As you’d expect to find with any unexpected death of a beloved person, there was some confusion, anger, and great sadness around the GLONO HQ when the news broke. Ultimately, we all came to accept reality and even respect Hunter’s decision. I can’t really emphasize the influence his writing has had on GLONO. Even before we launched our own National Affairs desk, POLJUNK, Hunter S. Thompson haunted the tone and humor we strive for at Glorious Noise. Just as he blurred the lines between straight journalism, fiction, and memoirs, we strive to bridge the gap between objective rock critic and the emotional fan.

As we just celebrated the seventh anniversary of Glorious Noise, we can thank Dr. Thompson for the inspiration that made it happen and keeps us going.

Mahalo, Dr. Gonzo, and Godspeed to ye!

Previously on GLONO: We miss you, Dr. Thompson, Godspeed, Good Doctor, Top Shelf 2005, GLONO’s Upright-Standing Man of the Year 2005.