Martin Sharing The Love (2008).mp3

I used to rip and rag on Martin every weekend for years. There were so many Martin-isms and loopy things things he would always say.

I know why people heard me make fun of him: Puuuuure jealousy. He had the greatest gig in the world and was great at it. I never had the guts to find out if I could get get a gig in the GTA. Uberjocks like Martin made that seem like a ridiculous idea. I had one percent of his talent but maybe we shared the same passion for the music and the life. In fact, I’m sure of it.

I thought it was the end of the world when I lost my ‘sweet gig’ but thankfully I had support all over. There aren’t alot of places for a Canadian modern rock jock to go. Even the live DJ “occupation” is going the way of the dodo. He probably felt that without the ‘on-air’ persona that he was nothing, a nobody. People with that hole in their soul; like me, like Martin, like Michael Jackson, they gravitate to show biz to find acclaim and applause. When it’s gone, then what?

Drugs?

Alcohol?

Retreat into a fairytale storyland and only emerge for court cases?

Or the be-all end-all, suicide.

I loved Martin but I hate that he thought he peaked. I hate that he thought it was “better to burn out than to fade away.” Mostly I’m mad that I won’t get to learn anything more from him. I can’t look over his shoulder and steal tips and career direction now.

I guess his legend will live forever though…

The Spirit of Radio. Martin Streek:

Last of the No-Sellout, No Corporate Rock Playing, Reading Focus-Grouped Talking Points, Identically Homogenized Automaton DJs.

“Last call at the bar, last call at the bar.”