Joe was a dear friend of mine. I have fond memories of snow skiing, water skiing and touring with him. This photo reminds me of the times we would spray paint guitars in his basement shop. We painted both these at his place. - Rog
OBITUARY
By Patrick MacDonald
Seattle Times Music Critic
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Joe Shikany, who was killed Monday by a falling tree near Spokane, was one of Seattle's most experienced and respected guitarists and bassists. He played in a number of Seattle rock bands for more than 35 years, and recently toured internationally as lead guitarist for singer Paul Rodgers, formerly of Free and Bad Company, [The Firm, and Queen].
Mr. Shikany was booked this week for performances in Seattle, Bothell and Shoreline, with three different bands, N'SANE, Davanos and Magic Bus. He was to have played Tuesday night at the Rimrock on Lake City Way with N'SANE. Instead, friends and fellow musicians gathered there that night for an impromptu memorial.
"There were a lot of tears and a lot of hugs," said guitarist Roger Fisher, formerly of Heart. Mr Shikany was a member of the Roger Fisher Band in the early '80's.
"A lot of people dearly loved Joe," Fisher said, "and it was heartwarming to see much of the Seattle music scene show up in honor of one fine man."
Ian Osbourne died on May 24th, 2008. I'm happy to have played his last gig with him and such fine players. Ian was recovering from his 7th heart attack, and this trip to the Delta from Baton Rouge, his home, was very trying on him. We really had fun hanging out with him, and Ian will be missed! This shot of Ian, Hubert Sumlin, and me shows the spirit of appreciation we shared being in real blues presence.
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Message from Rog: Over the years I've been asked many questions regarding Heart. A few of these questions are repeated often, so I thought it would be great if any of you who are interested would go ahead and fire away and ask anything you want - whether it regards Heart or not. Some of your questions and my replies will be posted (after screening). Also, I'm working earnestly on my autobiography. By sending your content, you're agreeing I may use it unconditionally. It may be in the book. Sign up on the mailing list if you wish to be kept up-to-date.
In July 2006, while visiting family in Norway, I wrote a song called Petra. The following month, in Czech Republic, Michael Kocab (historic political and musical icon from that country) fell in love with the song, recorded and produced it and invited me to perform it on one of the most watched TV shows of the year in Czech. Now I've produced a music video for the song!