I am sorry that I missed your funeral. I tried so hard to get there, and now I feel like I never got a chance to say goodbye. I want you to know that there are so many people who loved you. We all cared, Jim. In some way or another, you were a part of all our lives. Now we are all a little lost. But, we have each other and we have the music. Your music will always be there, and since you put your all into the music, a little part of you will always be there.
I miss you so much, Jim. I will always adore you like a fan, love you like a friend, and respect you like a mentor. I hope you have found the peace you sought. Goodbye.
All my love,
Robin
schmoldt@students.wisc.edu
WHY!?!? This band was one of MY bands. Jim was one of the best guitarists! Now he is just a legend... I remember when I saw them live, I tried so hard to get one of the picks he was throwing out! (of course never succeding) I thought that was the coolest thing I have ever seen a band do! Just when I thought nothing could get better he SPIT on one of the security gaurd's head on purpose because these gaurd were totally beating on people that were body surfing to close to the stage! He was a great guy and loyal to his fans! He put on such a great show! I will never forget! I have been a fan since International Pop Overthrow and I will remain one forever!
Benny dhicks@erie.net
Jim Ellison wrote the best pop songs and the best songs about wanting a girl but not getting her. I have lived the "Valerie Loves Me Song" and I will never forget Jim and his brilliant mind. He came out of nowhere and disappeared too quickly! He will be sadly missed by all ):
Dear Jim, I wish I would of called you. I feel so sad. I hope you find what you were looking for. I forgive you for what you've done. I really love you so.
Material Issue played here at Purdue University several times within the last few years. Just last fall they played a huge outdoor concert. I was excited to see them because I loved the songs Kim the Waitress, Diane, and Valerie Loves Me. I wanted to catch them at the Metro last time they played but was busy. I really regret it now.
The last time I saw MI was at the Galaxy in St Louis. It was one of those shows you wished would go on forever. My heart breaks when I think of what's happened, and that I'll never get to see them again. I never had the pleasure of meeting Jim, and must admit that I'm terribly envious of those of you who did. From all the stories everyone has shared, it seems like he was a real sweetheart.
Bobbi
bertalyn@aol.com
MY MEMORIES OF JIM ELLISON AND THE REST OF THE BAND IS THAT THEY WERE REALLY A KICK ASS BAND AND REALLY WORKED FOR THE FANS. MY FIRST SHOW WAS IN JULY OF 1993, BUT I HAD ALREADY BEEN A HUGE FAN SINCE INTERNATIONAL POP OVERTHROW. I HAVE MET JIM AND THE BOYS SEVERAL TIMES, BUT THE FIRST WAS AT A TEENAGE FANCLUB CONCERT IN FEBURARY OF 1994 AT METRO. I NOTICED JIM AT THE END OF THE BAR, SO I SAID TO MY FRIENDS THAT THERES JIM ELLISON THE LEAD SINGER OF MATERIAL ISSUE. THEY DID NOT BELIEVE ME AT FIRST, SO I WENT OVER TO INTRODUCE MYSELF TO HIM AND JIM WAS COOLER THAN SHIT, SO AFTER BUGGING HIM SEVERAL TIMES THAT NIGHT I BOUGHT JIM ELLISON AND MIKE ZELENKO A DRINK. WEEKS AFTER THAT I SAW THE BAND AT THE FREAK CITY RECORD RELEASE PARTY AND AFTER THE SHOW THE BAND WAS SIGNING AUTOGRAPHS, SO I ASKED IF THEY REMEMBERD ME AND THEY SAID YES. MY WHOLE POINT IS THAT I WILL SINCERELY MISS JIM AND THE SOUND OF MATERIAL ISSUE, THANKS FOR THE GREAT MEMORIES AND MUSIC.
JAMES CHRISTOPHER LUPIEN
Jim Ellison was one of the few musicians I've known (who've made it) who actually loved music himself, and was a student of the pop genre. I can remember him telling me that a record store near his place was blowing out vinyl 3 for a dollar and that he bought $80 worth.... "some just because I was intrigued by the cover" he said.....then proceeded to spend the next week in his apt. getting acquainted with his new selections...
I'll never forget late one night in the summer of '92, telling Jim how clever I thought it was that he used the line "That's when I told her exactly what my heart meant" in "What Girls Want", given that Rod Stewart (who is, of course, mentioned in that song) used the same line in "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?". Jim got this look of horror on his face and said... "Oh my God, do you think I could get sued? I mean, we've played that song on the bus and I must have.." It was (and remains) a brilliant line/tribute, even though it wasn't meant as the latter, and was indeed very clever.
Jim, wherever you are tonight, you are missed and being remembered. Although I must admit that I'm angry that you chose to do this to yourself and those who care about you, I wish you peace---- and thank you for the joy you've brought into my life.
Ken Owen
kowen@iquest.net
I was a fan from the first time I heard International Pop Overthrow, which a friend forced on me. After many missed connections, I finally got a chance to see the band -- in November, at Mabel's in Champaign, Ill. I was disappointed in the turnout -- maybe around 100 people -- and I was depressed to think that I was watching a great band that didn't have a recording deal.
But Jim and the lads didn't let that bother them, and went on to do a great show in front of an enthusiastic crowd. I HATE singalongs, but it was nice to hear the crowd sing the chorus to "Very First Lie." And a friend I took along -- who'd never heard the band before -- became a fan as a result of the show.
Leaving, I was walking down the stairway in front of Jim, and knew if I didn't turn around and say something, I'd regret it later. So when we got to the bottom of the stairs, I turned, shook his hand and said, "Great show. Good job. Thank you for the effort." He looked a little surprised, thanked me, and I walked away.
--tim cain
tcain1@midwest.net
i saw material issue live in '92. jim looked like the happiest guy up there on stage. the whole band were totally tight and into playing. i remember jim would throw guitar picks into the audience from song to song. he seemed really enthused that everyone was so pumped. when 'diane' came on as the last song the kids on the lawn rushed forward to the stage, dancing and laughing...
I became a fan of the band very early on...before the release of In'tl Pop. I'll never forget one day seeing a small ad for a pool party at a nearby condo development grand opening and in small letters at the bottom of the ad it said "Guests: Material Issue." I figured it couldn't be true but I went over to check it out. Well, there they were playing by the side of the pool with almost no one but me paying attention to them. I talked to Jim a bit and he came off as a real down to earth guy. He spoke about the band's future and what they wanted to achieve. I hope he at least realized some of that goal. He will be missed by all who loved his music.
I've never met Jim, but I am a big fan of the Material Issues. I truly love every songs that came out and availbled. Some of the songs have help ease me through tought times of my life. I don't have much to say about Jim, only still in shock of what I have read on the Web about Jim's death.
I have seen Material Issue countless times, have 8 picks and 2 drumsticks, but my favorite memory was that of their last Chicago show, after the first encore, my best friend and I started screaming "Ballroom Blitz" from the front, ten minutes later he came out and played it for us. He was an incredibly entertaining performer and defines the word musician...I miss you Jim...
Well, it's been a few weeks now, and I'm still trying to get over the shock. I saw Mat Issue once supporting the first disc here in Harrisburg PA. The place was maybe half full. They rented local sound and lights. The light man was doing a lot of fancy lighting stuff, and at some point, Jim said "Hey, cool it with the freaky light show, OK?" Later on, he said "OK, just leave all the lights on, and don't touch anything." At that point, the light man flipped all of the lights on and walked away from the board. I'll never forget that. It was a great show and I've been a serious Mat Issue fan ever since. I have stacks and stacks of promos with bonus tracks and the tribute albums and so on. They were one of my three favorite bands in the world, and I can't believe there won't be another album. I think I've grieve for a long, long time. This has hit me very hard.
Mike Hoover
mjhoover@amp.com
When I heard of Jim's death, I listened to my Ish albums and hugged my teddy bear. I never even got to go to a show.
Weetzi Pop
My only literal memory of Jim Ellison is the one concert I attended when they played in Denver for the Taste of Colorado affair. As much as I enjoyed that concert, it has only made me regret that I did not beg, buy or steal tickets to another show. I've been hooked on "Ish" since Destination Universe and such classic songs as "Everything" and "So Easy To Love Somebody". Reading everything that everyone has witten I know to be true what I had previously just suspected: Jim Ellison embodied everything rock 'n' roll is supposed to be about. Whether the industry knows it or not, his death is the end of an era. For me, rock 'n' roll will never be the same.
sarah wondering why
I came into CHicago once. Saw the guys at that crazy Billboard playing stunt in 1990 and I fell in love with their music. Jim, buddy, I guess I understand why you did it, but why did you do it?
Just thinking about the whole situation feels like my head just got fucking ripped off and turned around. I've seen the band twice out here in L.A. and they were fabulous both times. I must admit that I put their records on the shelf and almost forgot about them but every once and a while I'd take it off to hear a tune or two. I moved on to other things and other music. But as I'm writing this, I'm listening to "Overthrow" and now I realize what got me into this band in the first place. They just really kick ass, perfect lyrics,chords,layers, everything. Jim is sorely missed out here in L.A. and I don't think that I can say anything else, at least not anything that would make much sense. I'm going out right now to have a beer and revel in life, which is the best tribute that I can think of to give a band that gave me a passion for life. Fuck it, just listen to the songs, they speak volumes.
Thanx guys
Arn
acampero@ix.netcom.com
iT MUST HAVE BEEN 1989. i WAS HOME FROM COLLEGE , FRIENDS SAID TO CHECK OUT THIS BAND "mATERIAL ISSUE" AT THE METRO. tHIS WAS THE BAND THAT WOULD FINALLY CAPITALIZE ON THE SUCCESS THAT gREEN AND THE sERVICE HAD ONLY HINTED AT. sUFFICE TO SAY, THEY BLEW MY MIND."bALLROOM bLITZ" i WENT BACK TO MY COLLEGE RADIO STATION AND SPREAD THE WORLD... tHEY PLAYED "tHE gARAGE" IN dENVER ON THEIR FIRST NATIONWIDE TOUR FOR "iNTERNATIONAL..." "nOT FROM mANCHESTER" AS THE ADVERTS READ. INDEED! i HASTILY ARRANGED AN INTERVIEW THROUGH mERCURY AND PACKED AWAY MY TRUSTY sONY TAPEDECK.
jIM WAS THE BEST. wE HIT IT OFF IMMEDIATELY. hE COULD TALK MUSIC. nOT JUST POP, EVERYTHING. mIKE WAS A GAS TOO. vERY FUNNY, WITTY, YET INTENSE YOUNG MEN. i WISHED i WAS IN THEIR SHOES. tHEY WERE LIVING THE LIFE i HAD ALWAYS WANTED TO LIVE. DURING THE INTERVIEW jIM AND i DISCUSSED THE cHICAGO SCENE,BREAKING THE U.S., AND MAKING VIDEOS. hE WAS SO WITTY, SO TOGETHER, AND HE KNEW IT. yOU LOOKED IN HIS EYES, LISTENED TO HIM SPEAK, AND YOU KNEW HE WASN'T FOOLING AROUND. tHIS WAS WHAT HE WANTED TO ALWAYS DO. wE CHATTED ABOUT BOOTLEGS, AND i ASKED jIM IF i COULD PLUG INTO THE MIXING DESK AND TAPE THE SHOW. wITHOUT HESITATION HE SAID, "yES, BUT ONE THING, IF YOU EVER RELEASE IT YOU'VE GOT TO GIVE ME A CUT!" aFTER THE SHOW i RAN HIM OFF A COPY ON THE TOUR BUS, AND THEN THEY WERE OFF.
fAST FOREWARD 5 MONTHS, AND mATERIAL iSSUE ARE SUPPORTING sIMPLE
mINDS. tHIS TIME i'M WORKING FOR A BIG COLORADO RADIO STATION (WHO'S
MUSIC DIRECTOR PREFERS ADDING THE ACOUSIC STYLINGS OF jOHN gORKA AND THE
LATEST tOM pETTY LP, WHILE i PLEADED FOR THE NEWLY RELEASED ACOUSTIC
VERSION OF "dIANE") tHE "LADS" ARE PLAYING THE pARAMOUNT tHEATRE AND
MY ROOMMATE AND i SCAM FREE TICKETS TO THE SHOW. wE GO THERE EARLY,"
mAYBE WE'LL SEE jIM, GET A BEER, HANG OUT?"
eVEN BETTER...AS WE ARE WALKING UP TO THE THEATRE, COMING THE OTHER DIRECTION IS
jIM HIMSELF CARRYING A tRAVIS bEAN BASS GUITAR.
"HEY jIM, WHAT'S UP.UH, NICE BASS"
"yEAH, i JUST PICKED THIS UP FOR tED. mAN i CAN'T BELIEVE
THE PAWN SHOPS IN THIS TOWN!" "hEY, ARE YOU GUYS IN FOR THE SHOW?"
"yEAH, WE JUST CAME EARLY TO SEE IF YOU WANTED TO GRAB A BEER."
"nO TIME MAN, BUT YOU WANNA COME IN FOR THE SOUNDCHECK?"
"yEAH, COOL."
sUFFICE TO SAY THEY BLEW sIMPLE mINDS AWAY, jIM SAID AFTERWARDS THAT THE AUDIENCE, BY THE END OF THE SET, "LOOKED LIKE THEY HAD JUST SEEN zEPPELIN." hE THEN PROMPTLY PUT ON iGGY'S "lUST FOR lIFE", CRACKED A BEER, AND SET ABOUT ENTERTAING EVERYONE GATHERED ON THE TOUR BUS. tHAT'S HOW i WILL REMEMBER HIM, ALWAYS FRIENDLY AND INTENSE.
iF ANYONE WANTS A COPY OF THAT SHOW IN dENVER, OR THEIR BIG HOMECOMING(1ST TOUR) SHOW AT THE vIC IN cHICAGO, i'D BE HAPPY TO RUN YOU OFF A COPY. (fANS ONLY PLEASE) EMAIL ME AT KLABARRE@FACSTAFF.WISC.EDU. i'LL BE HONEST, i'D LIKE TO KNOW WHAT KILLED HIM AND WHY. hE LEFT A VERY POSITIVE IMPRESSION ON ME. hE WAS A GREAT MUSICIAN, AND AN AMAZING SONGWRITER, AND i WILL MISS HIM AND HIS PRESCENCE IN THE POP UNIVERSE.
cHEERS TO ALL, SEE YOU AT eKO BEACH...
k. a. lA bARRE
wISCONSIN pUBLIC tELEVISION
mADISON, wi.
The local radio station (WEQX)played them a lot. I was hooked. All of their albums have touched me. They each have songs that come from the heart. When I heard the news on the radio I started to cry. Never before had I cried at the death of a famous person. It just hit me that there would no longer be great love songs. I now wish that I could have seen them live.
Randy (randylyn@capital.net)
Hi-just found out in a blurb in the paper that Jim Ellison committed suicide. soooo sad. What happened, Mr. Jim? It's so sad to find this out after wondering about a new album for so long and waiting for the band to come back to Dallas. That sounded a little selfish, but what I mean is that it's always so good to see them. I'll miss you, jimjim.
I never met Jim Ellison, but I respected him a lot. He was the archetypal rock star: all skinny legs, sometimes spiky hair, an unctuous horniness and a cocky swagger that hid what we now can speculate was a deep depression and an elevated sensitivity toward romantic love. He could make something as trite as self-tatooing a heart with his girlfriend's name on his arm seem a grand and heroic gesture. I'm sure he made a lot of L.A. power-pop's mainstays such as 20/20 and Doug Fieger downright jealous; he was the embodiment of the coolness that they fell short of. Suprisingly, people who knew him have been very sure to let everyone know that he was much nicer and a lot less cocky than he appeared at first glance.
I am sure that his press and his minions will romanticise his tragicomic angst and death astride his cool-looking italian motor scooter as the ultimate expression of all things Jim Ellison; dying of the most beautifully broken of all rock-n-roll hearts, he who possesed the "Loneliest heart that Beats." However, I think that it is the most terrible thing that I have ever heard. This was apparently a very nice fellow who approached Pop music with the reverence and scholarship of your favorite college professor. Hey kids, Jim loved the R-n-R; his music reminded me to keep loving it after I left the dashed hopes of my own musical career behind. After hearing one of his tunes, how could you not remember why you loved the Pop? I would rather Jim Ellison had temporarily jeopardized his plans of ruling the world with his music by committing a catharsis like Big Star's Third/Sister Lovers/Beale Street Green than kill himself over a girlfriend. There is no doubt that his wounds could have healed and he would have found another-what girl could listen to "Everything" and not be impressed?
The real shame is that Jim did not give himself the opportunity to be discovered 100% by the mainstream; he loved the mainstream and, in time, it would have loved him. My main wish is that songwriters will not use Jim Ellison's story as a cautionary tale to illustrate "why one should not muse over and write songs about maudlin, overdramatic and tragicomic romance." We need more Jim Ellisongs pushing this planet's air molecules into tornadoes of rose-colored optimism. Jim instructed us to look for a girl who owns a helicopter and a submarine, one who makes us feel like Superman: we should promise him that we will demand nothing less.
Bottom line: Jim Ellison had a gift for making people feel good; it was terrible that any of us who admired him could not be around to reciprocate that feeling when he needed it the most.
D. Craig Wasson
Ever since I first heard "valerie loves me" for the first time, I've always had a deep appreciation for his pop songs. Whenever I listened to their music I always felt happy, his songs clicked with me. It's unfortunate that so many other people never knew of him and his music. Yes, Jim will be missed, but this whole thing caught me by surprise. I never saw it coming, and we may never see another like him. Just like Valerie, we've got to be happy for the memories we know, we could have had anything we ever wanted... but we can't have him.
well I've said my part,
Nathan S.
sunny@rconnect.com
I'm typing this from my boyfriend's computer, because I just received my Rolling Stone magazine today (July 23)and along with it came the horrible news. I have been a huge Material Issue fan for about 4 years now, and was anxiously awaiting the next album. I saw the band about 5 times back in 92-93 and have so many wonderful memories. Material Issue's CDs are the ones I put on when I need some good feelings or just want to have a good time. I am in shock with this news, and know that it will be on my mind for a long while. I am grateful that this page exists to help answer some questions, and to help the healing process. I think that I'll go roll my windows down and the radio up, and say goodbye to my problems... Long live Material Issue in all of our hearts.
Gwen dearborn, mi
I saw Material Issue twice. The first time was at a radio station
festival in Dallas in '94 and I moshed my way all the way up to the front. It
was my first stage rush and what a rush it was! The boys came back to Dallas
two months later to play at a country club of all places. They were the only
reason I went. I remember seeing Jim walk around in the audience a couple
hours before the band played. He was wearing tight black jeans, a t-shirt,
his docs, and sunglasses and looked cooler than Jesus. Nobody went running
after him and I just stood there starstruck. I got his autograph after the
show. They were all great guys.
Jim Ellison, you will be missed.
Jay Webb
hey
i met jim two times after shows in seattle and he was very nice and kind. to
me meetin' jim and hangin' out was like anyone else meetin' madonna or sting or
any other pop icon. i have been waiting a very long time for a new record so i
hope it is soon. i will miss jim alot i hope he is happy were he is.
shawn ozburn
bowelgrin@aol.com
I want to reach out to other fans in this time of loss. I'm pretty secluded out here on the West Coast, and I only found out about Jim's death by stumbling over your page. I've never been able to see them live, as I was too young, but I have always loved their music. It spoke to me. It still does -- these seemingly light melodies and crunchy guitar riffs -- pure pop, right? No way, the lyrics were tinged with just enough genuine bitterness to keep you listening... and wondering. I'll be visiting Chicago soon, and plan to visit some of the spots that I've read about.
Anh Phan
psu05610@odin.cc.pdx.edu
ya know, Jim was an arrogant, selfish, insensitive jerk... SOMETIMES! Underneath, though, he was just like me and you. we've all struggled with rejection and heartbreak and wanting to be liked/loved by someone who couldn't/wouldn't. We, however, were able to see the light at the end of the tunnel and move on. Jim, on the other hand, was hiding behind the wall he'd built...the rockstar who had it all together. In the weeks since I heard the news that someone I'd known and liked had killed himself, I've been thinking about what must have been going through his freakin' mind. A friend of mine and I were talking the day we heard the news. Both of us were thinking about what WE'D been through and were wondering out loud what made Jim's problem so much bigger that death was the only way of rectifying the situation. Sure, you can use the term "depression" all you want. you can say even toss around "mental illness" if you like, but the fact of the matter is that Jim didn't care what anyone else thought. "What do they know?" he must've asked himself. "They're not like me. I'm Jim Ellison, for crying out loud. There's no way they could possibly know what I'm feeling." Well, Jim, you certainly are right about that. As nice a guy as he could be sometimes, it was the arrogant, selfish, insensitive jerk who made the final call. He took his ball and went home, leaving so many people standing around wondering what the hell...
Darren
I first heard Material Issue when I was working in a bookstore in Wilmington, Delaware. There was this woman who worked in the record store down the way who for some reason I was absolutely captivated by, I had never met her, but I kept going into the store on my lunch break and just hanging out there for an hour when she was working. Out of the blue one afternoon while I was in the store, she came up to me and said "I bought this tape for you," and handed me _International Pop Overthrow_. Such weird and magical things happened afterwards ... anyway, years later those events inspired me to write a story called "Circles", which is in the current issue of NRV8 at www.nrv8.com -- i sent a copy of the story to the band, but their address had changed and the mail bounced -- I never bothered to try and re-send it.
when freak city came out, i saw them at a local club called J.C. Dobbs, i went, looking for forgotten magic, found something amazing....
kyle cassidy
philadelphia, p.a.
MY FRIEND KRIS AND I HAVE FOLLOWED THE BAND SINCE 1990 . EVER SINCE " VALERIE LOVES ME" WAS A HIT ON M TV"S 120 MINUTES W/ DAVE KENDALL. WE LOVED HIS POP HOOKS AND SUGAR COATED STYLE . YES EVEN WAY OUT IN WEST VIRGINIA.
CLARENCE
CNB00551@WVNVM.WVNET.EDU
I never met Jim, although I've met Mike, at a show at the Edge in Palo Alto, probably in 1995. I wanted to interview Jim, because I was just getting into power pop at the time, but I never got the chance. His prescence in the musical world will be sorely missed. From what I read, his friendship will be also. I wish I had been able to get to know him. This is the third major death in a month in the music biz. The bassist from Pennywise and also Brad from Sublime recently died. We've gotta start looking out for our friends more, and not be afraid to intervene if we think something strange is going on. I realize that this wasn't the case with Jim, but, I dunno. You know what I mean. I was listening to Superdrag when I saw this on ATN, and it "sucked out the feeling." -->Adam Metz
Wow. I can't believe it. I was surfing the net today (8/13/96), hoping to trade some of my duplicate Material Issue releases to fill some other holes in my music collection, when I came across the news: Jim killed himself. It was really jarring and unexpected, and I feel strangely cheated, only finding out about his death two months after it happened. It was both a crime and a tragedy, and I'm sure it will hit the Chicago scene hard.
I lived in Chicago from 1985 to 1992, and was fortunate enough to catch MI live on multiple occasions. The gig I remember most was the homecoming show at the Vic (was that 1990?): the boys were triumphant, and Jim was cockier than ever, switching guitars innumerable times (remember the clear-body one w/ the christmas lights inside?) and playfully taunting the audience. His hard work had finally paid off; they had nationwide radio play, and had returned home to their faithful Chicago crowd. It was great fun, and was the concert that most provoked a sense of family than any I've attended. Knowing now how his story would end make those joyous moments even more bittersweet. But I'm glad I was there.
This is a sad afternoon.
danders3@hr.house.gov
I had he opportunity to meet and have several conversations with Jim, as well as Ted and Mike. Jim was ever generous with his time always patient with my babbling about he was the greatest. I will never forget his smile his laugh or how sweet he always was to me.
Heather of Useless Art fanzine.
I bought my copy of International Pop Overthrow when it first came out, in 1991, when I was thirteen. From that day forward, I was convinced that I would be his future "better half." I would have loved to see Material Issue in concert (I live in Illinois), but I am just grateful for the songs and memories that exist.
I saw Material Issue during the Destenation Universe tour. The one thing I'll always remember vividly was how he stopped in between numbers to speak to ME. Everytime we made eye contact I looked away, too intimidated by his being the rock star on stage and all. He just looked right at me and said "It's okay, you don't have to look away." I knew he meant it and it made me feel so comfortable. He was just a nice guy who didn't have the usual rock star arrogance. He honestly cared about others.
i met them several times after freak city came out. jim certianly gave me the coolest autograph ever. he wrote- Rock On! then his name. that is the best thing anyone could write. he also started up a conversation about cheap trick with me because of my shirt. perfect pop music. that is material issue.
scot. tumas@uwstout.edu
About 5 years ago my friend Christene told me that she had this CD, International Pop Overthrow, that I would really like, so I stuck a tape in and decided to record it even though I had never heard it, I figured I could always tape over it if I didn't like it. Well, I was crazy about it, and I almost wore the tape out before I bought the CD's of that and Destination Universe. Then I got everything i could get my hands on, I maneged to find a Kim The Waitress promo single, and it's like my prize. (living in Florida there's not much MI floating around) Then I found out that they played at my favorite club in Jacksonville less than a year before I moved there - I was so upset...Now I am just discovering the fact thet Jim is gone and I'm devistated. My modem's been broken so I haven't got to "surf the web", and the first thing I did, was check and see if there was a MI page, and I went from jumping and screaming, to tears at this news. I would turn to Jim's voice when I was confused about life. They were always there through my troubles, I will always treasure my letter from their secretary, and the stickers they sent me, which I proudly display two of, one on each side of my VW.It was always my dream to see them. Those of you Chicago-ites who have are very envied by me. Cherish those memories always...I wish the family, fiends and fans many best wishes...
Keep the memory alive...
Mandi
DModie66
- Jim Ellison,
End Fest '94,
Burton Co. Fairgrounds,
Burton, OH
Jim was the consumate rock star. I followed the band religiously ever since I heard a promo copy of IPO at my brothers record shop. I saw them live twice in Portland OR and once in Eugene, OR. Each time, I took a car-load of skeptical friends who returned as fans. The final time I saw them play, on the Freak City tour, was a great show. It was not very well attended at all, and a label rep was giving away free tickets outside the door. I took my girlfriend to the show as a birthday present to her, and after the concert I found Jim backstage and finally got a chance to talk to my rock hero. He was very personable and signed my 'Kim Saves' bumper sticker. His music provided the soundtrack to my high school years and I will remember his energy and his music forever. Just last month I played 'Valerie Loves Me' for my housemates beautiful cousin, who had never heard the band. She loved it, and returned to our house frequently to hear the song, and eventually we began dating and now we are a very cute, glam-rock couple. You're great Jim. Thanks for the good times.
Oh no! It is true :( This was truly one of my favorite bands--their Cheap Trick-ish power pop harmonies were unmatched. A forum like this I guess proves I wasn't alone. I've seen them live for a free show for San Diego's 91X birthday bash. I have all three albums, and I even tried my best to get local radio here in FL to play "Goin thru your purse" which was probably the most radio-ready of the batch of tunes on Freak City. Although that album was much more brash than the others, it still had one of the best 1-2-3 punches for opening songs in recent memory. I remember COUNTLESS car excursions listening to Destination Universe and IPO back in California. This really sucks--can't help but think the consumer indifference to them had something to do with this. The worst part is that i DID NOT KNOW about this until just a few days ago when I got the latest Skyway Newsletter (Replacements/Westerberg fan letter) and someone mentioned the death. Then I found this sole web page that confirmed it.
Awful :( Stupid thing to do, Jim--and you took everyone with you. You will be sorely missed indeed.
Scott Muhlbaier, FL
scottm@gte.net
The Ish is no more. I have lived in Chicago my whole life and have seen the rock scene at its best and worst. Ellison and the Ish deserve all the credit for finally breaking the Chicago market. First time I saw them, at the Cubby Bear, they played a killer version of "Downed" by Cheap trick, Ironic Tribute to the only other local band who had made it at the time. It rocked. Eventually, the Ish had become the butt of everyones jokes. After the success of Pop Overthrow(I actually saw a 3 story billboard promoting the band at Tower in San Francisco) 3 stories of Rick, scared the hell out of me! The 2nd album, Destination Universe was immediately dubbed Destination Cutout by my friends. But alas, I saw them at Rosemint last year open for Cheap Trick, and they still had it....no label, etc. but who cares, the songs rocked and Jim managed to work the big stadium. I have to admit I will miss seeing him around town.....He was a man of the people, very quirky, talented, and apparenty misguided. Very unfortunate. He left his mark on music, especially the Chicago scene, and for that, we all owe him.
PSaurbier@wow.com
My life will never be the same knowing that a person as beautiful as Jim Ellison no longer exists in the world. I am crushed.
Wendy, Colorado
I MET JIM AT THEIR FINAL GIG @ THE METRO. GOT TO SIT IN THE VIP
SECTION. AFTER THE SHOW WE WENT TO RAW BAR NEXT DOOR. NASH FROM
URGE OVERKILL WAS THERE. MIKE Z SHOWED UP BUT DISAPPEARED INTO
THE CROWD. TED A WAS QUITE SOCIABLE & FRIENDLY AS EVER. HE WAS
THERE WITH HIS LITTLE BROTHER. I EXCHANGED A FEW WORDS WITH JIM.
NOTHING EARTH SHATTERING. I JUST BITCHED ABOUT THE CRAP ON THE
RADIO & ROOM SHOULD BE MADE FOR GOOD ROCK AGAIN. SEEMED LIKE A
NICE GUY WHO REALLY WANTED TO BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY. WILL SOMEONE
NOW PLEASE LISTEN BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. THANKS--SANFORD--
SANCO@IX.NETCOM.COM
I never got to met Jim, but I didn't miss a show. I live in St.louis and Material Issue played here often. I am very glad I didn't take the band for granted and miss shows. They were great. I've got about 4 picks that Jim threw into the audience.... I think I'll keep'em. Thanks Jim...
Guy Shirley, St. Louis
Who's Material Issue? I saw Material Issue in May of 1993 in Somerset, Wisconsin and before then I had never heard of them. I don't know what it was about them, but instantaneously I fell in love with them. Ever since I listen to Material Issue more than any other band. They're one of a kind; too bad more people haven't heard of them. But maybe it's better that way.
Cory Hines
chines@prairie.nodak.edu
Jimmy Ellison will always be in my heart forever. I've known him for 13 years and will wish everyday for the rest of my life that I would have answered my machine when he called 2 hours before he killed himself. Don't listen to anyone that says anything negative about him because he was a beautiful person and loved life he just was confused & in love. rest in peace Bones ...I'll always love you!
PAM!!
I was lucky enough to see MI three times in 1994 when they came to Portland OR. I was even more fortunate enough to meet Jim Ellison the latter two times they were here. Me and a friend had the pleasure of being invited aboard the MI tour bus the last two times the band was here, having a few beers with Jim, Ted, and Mike, and helping the guys wind down after their show. I think the thing that impressed me the most about Jim was how he was so down to earth. Sure, up on stage he had this larger than life image. But when you sat down and chatted with him, he was very personable, and easy to talk to. My fondest memory of him is the second time we were aboard the tour bus. Somehow the subject of the Melody Fair Bee Gees tribute disc came up, and how MI did such a great job of covering the tune "Run To Me". I don't really remember what prompted it, but all of a sudden, Jim stood up in the middle of the bus and just belted out three or four lines, and then the chorus of "Run To Me". I will always have that memory of him, singing those lines at the top of his lungs, as a kind of private personal performance for those that were aboard the bus. Jim will be sorely missed.
garyg@aracnet.com
i met Jim about 4 years ago outside the Cabaret Metro in Chicago where
i was for a Cheap Trick show. He was nice at first and we went across the
street and he had a milkshake..we discussed how the quality of milkshakes that
gone down in the past year and blamed the lack of interest to making better
milkshakes on the fact that cows were getting less attractive. ii laughed.. i
was always laughing around Jim. his performances made me laugh. he was a
cartoon on stage. i have such happy memories of him. i still want to cry when i
think of him even today. Material Issue brought fun back to rock and there
hasnt been a band like them since. the Violent Femmes have a good time too
though :)
Mike and Ted....keep the faith please. i remember when Jim played a Bee-Gee's
song to me and said it was "fabulous" music to cry to. it was such a beautiful
song. i think it was called "it Started as a joke" of something....now im
depressed.
i hope the band plays on.
ben wachter
bnwachte@cord.it.iupui.edu
Once upon a time I was my first Material Issue concert at the Vogue in Indianapolis. As you know, Jim throws out picks faster than anyone....dozens taped to his microphone stand. I caught 7 picks that night...and taped them to my IPO poster. THEN years later I move to Chicago. There is a MI concert my first week here...I opted not to go being that I was new and would have dozens of chances to see them now that I was in their hometown. The next week Jim killed himself. My timing was bad... Jim's was worse.
-Bethany R. Swain
bethany@suba.com
I would just like to say that everything Material Issue did and stood for kicked ass. Jim's songs were the songs that kids remember from their high school days. I am in college now and everytime I hear "I get a funny feeling" or "Kim the Waitress" or any of their songs it brings me back to the days of being with friends and having a good time. I had the opportunity to see Jim in action once and it really rocked. He opened the door for a lot of bands in Chicago and that showed how much influence he really had. I'll never know why Material Issue didn't make it big nationally, it truly is a mystery. To Jim and Material Issue I would like to say thanks.
Adam Hallberg
hallb_ab@students.uwlax.edu
I first heard Material Issue when won tickets to see Pointfest and they were there. I also got the CD, and from the first note of the first song, I loved it. Finally a band who could be themselves. And when I saw them in concert I was blown away. They were amazing, so full of energy. Jim had a real gift for song writing. Everytime I hear Funny Feeling I want to cry. And it was almost as if The Fan was written about me. I so looked froward to their next CD and to seeing them in concert again. When I found out he had passed away, I felt terrible. I'll mis Jim, and I'll listen to his music forever.
Amy.
I first saw the video to "Valerie Loves Me" in 1991, at, of all places, an after-prom activity at a local YMCA. The following afternoon, I drove 22 miles to a "cool" record store, and picked-up "International Pop Overthrow" on tape. I never had a chance (regretably) to see the band live in the five years following. I wish the rest of the band all o' the fame and fortune that they can handle, and I'll buy the next album whenever it comes out. If Jim's death had any point, in my view anyway, it serves as a cruel reminder that we can't take anyone we value in our lives for granted. I know I'll value what friendships I have all the more.
king-pavel@worldnet.att.net
It was probably January of '84 when I first met Jim. I had just put together a band (Fang Beach) and we were ready to play out. My good friend Jean (of the Barbie Army) told me there was this guy I had to meet who could probably books us a gig at the then cool art space, The Igloo. Jean and I ventured to The Exit so I could meet Jim. A anyone would expect, he was (even then) surrounded by a harem of cute girls. From looking at him, I thought he would be an asshole. Instead, he turned out to be a thoughtful friend. A couple weeks later he call me and we had our first "professional" gig at the Igloo. It was a memorable show: Fang Beach, Pile of Cows, and Urge Overkill...what a blast.
Over the years Jim was responsible for booking some of our best gigs. He knew one of my fave bands was the Chesterfield Kings and when they made it to Chicago he made us the opening band. Jim knew this wold totally blow my mind, but he was always into making people happy. I also fondly remember when Jim live with Bill H. of The Sponge (previously known as The X-Men). Their place was across the street from Batteries Not Included and it was a pig stye. SOmetimes we would go to check out a band or hang out at Batteries, only to spend the entire night jamming on Jim and Bill's steps across the street.
Eventually I left Fang Beach to go to law school in DC. I guess it must have been 1991 when I was riding in my car and heard Material Issue on the local pop station. I was really proud of those guys. I though to myself "Jim's really done it! He's made it!" A couple of weeks later MI made it into Baltimore on their first record promotion tour. It was a friday night. After my law school classes, I picked up my girlfriend (who had gone to grade school and junior high with Jim and knew him as "little jimmy ellison")and we showed up at the Baltimore show. The band was already on stage and Jim literally stopped play when he saw us pointed us out to Ted and Mike.
After the show we hung out on their bus and had a great time. The guys had been on the road for several weeks and, while they were having the time of their lives, Jim seemed a bit homesick. He tried all night to get us to stay on the bus and ride up to NYC with them, where they had a press conference scheduled at the Hard Rock the following day. We weren't able to go, but ate, drank and generally had a great time with our old friends.
I saw Jim a couple more times when the band played in DC or Baltimore. He always gave me a hard time when I showed up with anyone other than my first girlfriend, the one he had gone to school with. The last time I saw him - about 1 1/2 years ago, we were hanging out in his bus before the show and watching Gimmie Shelter - the Documentary about the Stones at Altamont. We saw the stabbing minutes before Jim went on stage. I thought to myself, that would have really bummed me out if I had to go on stage after seeing that.
After the show, we were back on the bus and somehow statred talking about Curt Cobain's recent suicide. Jim thought Curt was an asshole for killing himself and quote Ted Nugent who had said something to the effect that the best thing Cobain and Courtney Love could have done for thier kid was to both kill themselves and let another family raise the kid. Jim seemed to sympathize to some degree with Ted. At that time Jim thought suicide was the stupidest thing anyone could do. (It still is Jim.)
The last time I heard Jim's voice was a few months ago when I caught him at home. I told him I might be in town during the summer and he invited me to his house to check out his newest toys (cars and guitars). This was typical. Despite his success, Jim never stopped being Jim. He like to be a smart-ass and to make people happy. He did both with the skill of a perfectionist.
I am now a patent attorney in DC and far away from "the scene". Yet I feel I learned a great lesson from my friend Jim: BELIVE THAT YOU WILL SUCCEED AND YOU WILL. Jim never said this, he lived it.
I already miss you, Slim.
-Edgar J. Asebey
Washington, DC
:( Sad, sad day! i just jumped on the internet yesterday (oct. 26) to see if i could find a web page about my all-time favorite band to find out what was up with their upcoming(?) album and tour because i haven't been able to find out anything about them here in california. then the page pops up and i find out jim is dead! i was crushed. i was so looking forward to seeing them live again. man what a sucky day. well i have two pretty cool stories (i think they're cool anyway). i was in the marine corps in 1991 and was stationed in japan. i went down to the store on base for a new cd and was browsing around when i saw this cd called "international pop overthrow". i had never heard of material issue. the dudes on the cover looked cool and all the songs were about chicks so i bought it not knowing that "valerie loves me" was rising up the charts in the states. i took it back to my barracks,plugged it in and instantly became a fan of this awesome trio. since then my girlfriend (now my wife) and i have seen the Ish every time they came to los angeles or san diego. the first time we saw them we were so excited. we were standing outside the palace in hollywood waiting to get in and talking to weird al yankovich (who was standing in front of us) when we saw who we thought was ted ansani!!! he was heading down the street so of course we headed right after him! he went down to the subway sandwich place around the corner and when he came out we went up to him to talk to him. he was so cool to us no attitude or anything. he told us to wait for the band after the show so we could meet all three of them. i felt like a little dork standing outside after the concert but oh well! when they came out we expected them to have an attitude but jim was the best! he joked around with us,put up with our stupid comments and signed everything we asked him to. he was so awesome. i still have my t-shirt from that night with all of their autographs on it and the ticket stub my wife got signed and the pick she caught. jim will be sorely missed and i will never forget him or the best band in the universe. i really want to thank you for this web page its the best. if anyone knows of any way i can get any kind of Ish stuff like posters, stickers or t-shirts please e-mail me at flem@earthlink.net. also if anyone has any cool Ish files or knows of another location on the web for them let me know.
thanx
joe fleming flem@earthlink.net
I met Jim when he was opening for the Pretenders in St. Louis. After their band was done, he was out there in the audience with everyone else, dancing and talking. He never let his stardom go to his head.
I first heard about Material Issue about three years ago. The only group I would have done ANYTHING to see in concert would have been Material Issue. When I heard of Jim Ellisons death I could not believe it!! I am devistated that I will not be hearing anything from the him anymore.
I was lucky enough to see Material Issue twice. At one of the concerts, Jim started to sing "Valerie Loves Me" and throughout an entire verse he just held my hand and looked at me. And my name is Valerie. It is an experience I will never forget. They will always be one of my favorite bands.
I FOUND I.P.O. IN 1990 AT A RECORD SHOP IN MEMPHIS TN. I WAS IN LOVE INSTANTLY. JIM'S SONGS HAVE CARRIED ME THROUGH A LOT OF HELL IN THIS LIFE. I MET JIM IN SEATTLE IN'95 AT A SHOW WHERE ONLY 60 PEOPLE SHOWED. CAN YOU BELIEVE WEEZER WAS HIS OPENING ACT?! THEY HAD'NT EVEN MADE IT YET. I WAITED FOR HIM AFTER THE SHOW AND TALKED TO HIM. HE WAS A GREAT FELLOW. I TOLD HIM THAT THE LOCAL STATION WAS'NT GIVING HIM SHIT FOR AIRTIME. HE WAS MUCH LESS UPSET ABOUT IT THAN I WAS. HE HAD A VERY POSITIVE ATTITUDE. I WISH I COULD HAVE TOLD HIM WHAT HIS MUSIC DID FOR ME. I GUESS I WAS A LITTLE SHY. I'VE NEVER MET ANYONE WHO DID'NT LIKE LISTENING TO MY M.I. ALBUMS. I'LL NEVER UNDERSTAND WHY THEY NEVER CAUGHT ON. IF IT WAS'NT FOR JIM, I NEVER WOULD'VE PICKED MY GUITAR UP AND PLAYED.
THERE ARE A BUNCH OF MATERIAL ISSUE SONGS OUT THERE. I BOUGHT EACH ALBUM. I TOOK IT UPON MYSELF TO LEARN EACH SONG ON MY GUITAR, ON MY DRUMS AND ON MY BASS. I LERNED ALL SONGS, ALL INSTRUMENTS. I CAN PLAY THEM ALL . I ALSO WRITE MY OWN. I ALMOST ASKED JIM ONCE IF I COULD JOIN TED, MIKE AND HIMSELF FOR A SONG ON STAGE. I CHIKENED OUT HE WOULD HAVE SAID NO. aNY ONE WANT TO PLAY WITH ME? TeD? mIKE? aNYONE? bILL pAUKERT, 837 pARKER rOAD, aURORA, OHIO, 44202.
I first heard Material Issue many moons ago and to see them live was like a religious experience. Jim, Mike and ted were the best. There chemistry was great. I have gotten so much inspirations from them. material Issue should have made it bigger than the beatles but im kind of glad they didnt because there so special to me.-Jim Steinkraus (WeezerJim)
i met jim in norfolk, va at town point park after seeing issue perform dozens of times he was very accomadating considering i was practically slobbering over him at the time trouble was my favorite issue song it wasn't played so he did an impromptu rendition just for me what a great freaking guy....
to the people who never got to hear the words and music of the best band in america jims voice will be missed a great deal. just listen to the songs and most of the situations that feellings and thoughts have happened to us all. an entire life of living was expressed through his words and it just made you sit back and remember the people that were part of your life at that time. whether it was good or bad it made you recollect your own days of growing up. thanks for all the words that i could not say but was able to have someone listen to what i wanted to say. sorry if your confused but i loved these guys because of how they made me feel.
with memories
Rich O NJ
i am sad to hear of jims death. i first saw him and the lads on the stranglers tour in 93, it was the first time i ever liked a support band.the music business has suffered a great loss.
no more heroes jim...
I'll never forget my senior prom becausse that was the night Material Issue was playing at the Agora Ballroom in Cleveland. I was so deppresed that I would miss them play. Luckily we all decided to dicth the dance after dinner and headed to the show. I was invited on th bands tour bus and got my pictue taken with Jim. Me and my friend in our prom dresses and Jim in a goofy hat and sunglasses. The next time I saw Jim I showed him the picture and he couldn't believe that it wwas him. He even said he looked so goofy. I will remember Jim as having a good personaality towards his fans and willing to talk with them. I will forever miss you Jim!
I was lucky enough to see Material Issue open for the Pretenders when they played at Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH. I enjoyed the live performance so much that I went out and bought "International Pop Overthrow". People who know me know that is very rare for me to do that. He will surely be missed and hopefully those 16 songs will be out soon because I love the music. Ted and Mike, keep rockin' the best you can. Take care, Kristi, a fan.
Wow, what can ya say about this...I worked for a Philadelphia Radio Station WMMR and got to pick up the band at the airport. In the van I got to interview the group for a college station I was working at. I was kinda nervous and it was one of my first interviews...but I do remember asking about their music influences and Jim said that the band was really into this new German Elvis Polka sound that was sure to take the country by storm...I still crack up about that. Thanks for the Memories Jimbo!
Cory Llewellyn
delirium@bway.net
The first time I "met" Jim, it was on the phone. The band had just released International Pop Overthrow and the record company and I had scheduled this little phoner to last for about 30 minutes. Technical problems ... all college radio stations have too many of them. Jim knew this, and was patient. We finally finished the interview and it was time for the ID's. Well Jim did his with such gusto, that I played one every time I did a live shift. Jim had done a show on college radio, and it was one of the few times that I was interviewing someone who really understood the process of doing a show on a college station.
A year or so later, I did another interview with him, and this time with Mike and Ted, as well. Jim remembered our first interview--I had sent him a copy of the show. He was just so nice and confident. He was talented and so alive. I will miss him.
When I read about Jim, I was sitting in the Emergency room of a local hospital. I was being admitted for depression and suicide. You can't imagine the shock and the irony that I felt when I read about him in an Entertainment magazine. It simply blew me away, and ironically, I got really pissed at him for doing something so stupid. I couldn't help but think about him during the week I spent in the hospital. I mourned his loss and the sadness that he hid so well. I cried and I got angry, but ultimately, because of him, I reaffirmed my will to live.
It's strange, when I first spoke with Jim, I immediately recognized his confidence in himself and his music. When I met him, I saw the beauty of the man and again, his confidence. When I listen to his music now, all I hear is the sadness that I never heard before. Why didn't we see it? He was a gift to us all, and I think about him, his music, his collection of scooters, but most of all, his family. He meant so much to so many, and I'm glad to have met him and to have learned something from him in his life and in his death. I think I will always love him.
I haven't known such a tragedy. when I accessed to this site, I knew such a tragedy happened. I amJapanese colledge student.In Japan they are not so famous. So I can't get their information. It was last year's november that I listened to them at first.I'm shocked. Their music sounds like POP GOD'S SCREAMING. At once I bought All their albums.I'm shocked again. Then they became my most favorite band in place of Plimsouls.Jim's voice sounds like peter case's one, but Jim was much more powerful and faithful. He was my star. I feel so sad. But, seeing this site,my sadness is suppressed. Because I know that many people missed him. Anyway, now let's scream "INTERNATIONAL POP OVERTHROW!"
Inoue Yuta, Japan.
Memories from Portland, Oregon.
I remember hearing the first few bars of "Let The Good Times Roll" by The Cars in 1978 and having my music world turned upside down. I never thought another band would affect me in such an emotional way. That changed when I randomly came across MI's "Valerie Loves Me" video on a pay video channel. Since that day I have had the wonderful fortune of seeing and meeting Jim, Mike, and Ted many times, but most importantly sharing their talents with many people. I even went so far as to call Saturday Night Live to suggest MI as a musical guest (which wasn't permissalble SNL reps said), but as some of you might remember MI did make an appearance on The Tonight Show.
Soon after IPO was released MI was scheduled to play here in Portland, Oregon at The Roseland Theatre. As the band came on stage I knew something was wrong. The lead singer said, "Ya, we're Material Issue.... burrrrrrppp!" Well, MI had cancelled and the promoters had replaced them without telling anyone. I wrote to the band and told them about the incident and to my delight they remembered and laughed about the letter when I met them for the first time a few months later at a local music store. They also did a short accustic set in the store with Mike on bongos. Very cool. The show that night at The Roseland Theatre rocked. I distinctly remember Jim's "Rat F*ck" t-shirt and the bands driving sound. Next time around MI opened for INXS at The Memorial Coliseum. People all around me asked who the band was as they made a great showing. The third time through Portland, MI was back at The Roseland headlining with a little known Weezer as an opener. Before the show Jim and Mike were outside on the sidewalk and a friend and I walked up to talk. Jim was looking for Chinese food and we walked him around the corner to a good place. After a great show we hung out outside waiting for Jim, Mike, and Ted to come out. Weezer was out there too and now it seems totally ironic that the crowd on that sidewalk didn't have any interest in them considering their popularity explosion soon after. After the crowd thinned Mike invited my friend and myself into the tour bus for a couple of beers. Being able to spend time with your music idols is something special. To all that had the chance to meet Jim and those who know Mike and Ted I'm sure that you'll agree that they are genuine people who never seemed to be caught up by fame, and I'm not sure they realized the significant impact they had on the fans that they let get close to them. My final meeting with MI was at their last Portland show at The Schnitzer Concert Hall. They Opened for The Pretenders and as soon as they left the stage my friend and I went out to the tour bus again and partied with Jim, Mike, and Ted. This was the most memorable meeting for many reasons. First off to be remembered by the guys from previous meetings and welcomed back on the bus. We visited for a couple of hours and took a picture together. In the picture Jim is wearing a heavy chain with a lock on it that a girl (who was also on the bus with her older sister) gave him. I remember how appreciative he was for the gift from her. I also remember how respectful the whole band was that, while the older sister was 21, the gift giver was much younger. Jim, Mike and Ted were kind enough to let these fans vistit them but made absolutely sure that the younger girl was not into the beer! During our visit we watch videos from The Sweet and the guys went on and on about the influence that band had on them. I pulled a copy of Melody Fair from their CD stack and we popped it in to track 10. I must say that when Jim started singing along with himself on the stereo I felt secretly blessed. Here was my pop idol sitting across from me belting out a Bee Gee's tune for a captive audience of four. It was a special moment. I still carry three business cards that Jim wrote notes on referring me to other MI music that he thought I could find. Here is exactly what he wrote down and told me to look for: "1987 MI EP on Big Block/Landmind Records - 6 song 12 inch produced by Jeff Murphy of Shoes. Endless Moment Music, Seattle, Washington or nearby, Green Monkey Records." I honestly don't know what that last part was in referrence to but Jim did say that he wanted a copy of the above mentioned EP as he didn't have one for himself. To date I have been able to collect everything I am aware of except for that EP. I espcially love "Somethings Happening To Catherine" from one of the Yellow Pills compilations, and "Merry Christmas Will Do" off of Yuletunes is great too. As a final note, I was in Chicago in early July, 1996 and sitting in the Cubby Bear befor a Cubs game, and "Renee Remains The Same" came over the stereo. At the time I had no idea that Jim had died just two weeks before. As I sat there singing along I imagined Jim and Mike and Ted playing on the stage that was next to me and I thought about how cool it would be to see them play in that small room for real. When I heard what Jim had done to himself my mind flashed back to The Cubby Bear and although my heart was sick over the news I was glad that I had been there without the news and that "Renee" was on the stereo and that I was able to have that moment with my thoughts of MI.
Responses welcome,
Tim_Oberg@gbsd.gresham.k12.or.us
My memory of Jim is when I first got my apartment he was my neighbor. I never really listened to his music, but listening to them practice in his basement It grew on me.
I first saw material issue in 1992 at the metro and loved them ever since. Then a few years later my friend moved in to a new apartment and Jim lived two doors down. The day Willy moved in of course I had to go with, as soon as we got there Jim was on the front porch so I ran up to him and asked him to sign my cd. I had him make it out to my band "Swizzle Tree" because his music greatly influenced ours.
Steve, Swizzle96@aol.com
My weekend highlight certainly wasn't the Superbowl. I finally found what I've been looking for for months: In 1994 I requested Q-Management in LA for some Ish material and they sent back a BUNCH of 'Kim Saves' bumper stickers, a glossy band photo, and a (probably) limited edition clear 45 of 'Kim the Waitress'. Really glad I did that at this point--the 45 could become a collector's item although I don't think I'd part with it. I really miss Jim's music...even more painfully realized when, since my last post, I FINALLY picked up the '94 Chicago live album. Pleasantly surprised to see that it holds a LOT more songs than are credited. Makes me long terribly for days he was still with us. Rest in peace, Jimbo.
Scott Muhlbaier, FL
scottm@gte.net
I had know idea that he had died. I first heard "Valerie Loves Me" at a party sometime in late June,"96. For all I remember, it could of been on the 20th. The party was pretty lame, everyone staying in their own cliques. Then my freind Michelle asked me if I was bored and wanted to dance, so i said sure. We walked over to the dance area, and 'Boys Don't Cry" faded into "Valerie." I loved ( no bulshitting, LOVED the song) from the first note to the last. The way he sang his lyrics was so unique.....I went out and tracked down "International Pop Obverthrow" the next day. I have listened to it everyday since. Almost every track is so fucking great.... I was just hoping to see them in concert somrtime. Regretably, and sorrowfully, I will never be fortunate to have that chance. Rest in Peace, Jim.
Humpsthecamelkid
aguilar6@themall.net
i never got to see mi live...a major regret of mine. they're one of those bands whose music is so full of feeling...as an aspiring bassist, i'll miss their inspiration! i can relate to jim's lyrics so well--diane is all about me. it's still hard to believe he's gone, you know? dammit, there's just so few consistently good bands left.
jill ann parrin jparrin@indiana.edu
I FIRST HEARD THE TRACK "VALERIE LOVES ME" IN 1992. MATERIAL ISSUE QUICKLY BECAME MY FAVORITE BAND SHORTLY THEREAFTER. I REMEMBER I WOULD ALWAYS TRY REALLY HARD TO SOUND LIKE JIM ELLISON. BUT LIKE THE REST OF THE WORLD I KNEW I COULD NOT. HE IS AN ORIGINAL MATERIAL ISSUE IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE TOGETHER IN MY HEART. I'M REALLY GOING TO MISS JIM.
SINCERELY,
JOE OROZCO
E-MAIL ADD. JLO7B32@PANAM.EDU
This tragedy happened when I was out of the country on vacation and I didn't learn about it for a couple of months. Recently, I've had the opportunity to read all the postings and articles and it's quite honetly among the saddest reading I've ever done.
Anyway, I saw the band once in the early 90's. It was a time when I went to see a lot of bands and, frankly, there are not that many that are distinct in my mind. However, I clearly remember Material Issue, the energy and enthusiasm of their performance and the admiration of their fans.
My heart goes out to all who have been affected by this; family, bandmates, crew and the obvious legion of fans left behind. You may be interested in knowing that the recent annual Poptopia event held in the LA area was dedicated to the memory of Jim Ellison.
This tragedy happened when I was out of the country on vacation and I didn't learn about it for a couple of months. Recently, I've had the opportunity to read all the postings and articles and it's quite honetly among the saddest reading I've ever done.
Anyway, I saw the band once in the early 90's. It was a time when I went to see a lot of bands and, frankly, there are not that many that are distinct in my mind. However, I clearly remember Material Issue, the energy and enthusiasm of their performance and the admiration of their fans.
My heart goes out to all who have been affected by this; family, bandmates, crew and the obvious legion of fans left behind. You may be interested in knowing that the recent annual Poptopia event held in the LA area was dedicated to the memory of Jim Ellison.
I recently logged on to the "Freak City" web page and was truly touched by the heartfelt emotion in all of the entries. I was made aware of this web site only recently and was excited to see what was on it. I'd like to thank Mike Novak, Sandi Shorter, and Robin Schmoldt for their friendship and appreciation of our band and music over the years. I'd also like to sincerely thank everyone out there who was (and still is) an admirer of our work. I can speak for Jim here, knowing that he always put our admirers (fans) first and always tried to give them what they wanted. As for Ted and myself, I simply say thank you and be aware that "Telecommando Americano", the last Material Issue album, is tentatively slated for release on May 20th 1997. The album will be released on Rykodisc and will include 11 new songs and our previously vinyl only 6 song E.P from 1987. Stay tuned.
Mike Zelenko
February 19, 1997 Chicago
I pulled a muscle from reaching to far
To hold him close, to catch his star
As it fell harder than, in the end, he tried
I began to cry, I feel like he lied
To all of us here who adored his every move,
Every note played, till he left us too soon.
I wasn't his friend but I loved him anyway.
Don't know what could've made him not want to stay.
My eyes now are dry from crying too long
Trying to forget the tragedy and focus on the song.
That is after all why I fell so hard
For the teenage boy
Inside the rock star.
- The Fan 2/26/97
During one of the times I had a subscription to MUSICIAN magazine, a tape arrived with one issue. It was a band called Material Issue. Never heard of 'em. Being a fan of powerpop, the cover looked like something along those lines. About 20 seconds into the tape, I was hooked. The tape had a listing of dates the band was playing, and Pittsburgh was on the list! Unfortunately, I got the tape three days AFTER the show. I love the sounds and the songs. Bought all the CDs. Disrupted an entire library when I hollered "Oh no!" after seeng a way-too-small paragraph about Jim's passing. We'll miss ya, dude. Thanks for the music.
Greg Matecko http://www.lm.com/~moteeko
My first MI show was at the Cubby Bear on New Years Eve back in 1990 or so. That was my first mosh pit too. What a riot. I got one of Jim's on of Jim's picks too. After that, I never missed a Chicago appearance. It's April now and baseball season is approaching, which means we'd be due for yet another appearance in the Wrigleyville area. I feel like there is this HUGE thing missing. Well, there is!! I miss Jim and the band like no way I,ve felt about a band. I am beyond sad. But, for whatever reason, things happened the way they did. I'll will continue to jam my MI CD's and anxiously await May for the next release.
Baseball Annie
I was lucky enough to be able to work with Jim and the band for the last couple months of Jim's life. His death was one of the most devastating events in my life. It was an honor to be considered as the possible label MI could call home. However, it wasn't the financial future that hurt with Jim's passing, that was nothing, it was facing the fact that no longer could anyone share in that glowing aura of goodness he emanated. It took less than a minute for me to get over the "oh my gosh, this is the singer of Material Issue!", and feel comfortable in his house. We had a good time that weekend, which tragically included their last show ever, and I was counting on coming back soon... but not for his funeral. That surreal funeral was the best example of how much Jim meant to his family, friends, and fans. Now,I can hardly listen to any of the older material, the last songs, or even read through these notes, without feeling a terrific void. Jim was everything great these posts here have described, the saddest thing is though, he had so much more to share.
Ryan Kuper REDISCS@aol.com
Redemption Records
I never had the opportunity to see MATERIAL ISSUE live but am a HUGE Fan. From the 1st cd to Freak City they told a story with their music that I understood. I am 33 yrs. old & am from Fort Worth, Tx. My sorrow goes to the Ellison family and to ALL. Jim made an immeasurable contribution to the music world. We'll miss him.
Sincerely,
Robbie Gasser
I never met Jim and I never got to see them in concert. In fact, every time we tried to see them (which was often) the shows were either 21+ or they were cancelled. The dj's at my local radio station didnt' like MI very much and would always gripe whenever they had to play an MI song, but I'd always get excited to hear it. Even before I heard the song, I knew that whatever one it was, the lyrics would be about something I could relate to and I'd have to crank it up and sing along at the top of my lungs. It's rare that I can relate to the message in a song as much as I was able to relate to Jim's music. We'll all miss him.
-Nolan (www.community.net/~rasputin)
I met the band at a local radio station promotion thing at a Blockbuster Music store for the release of "Freak City Soundtrack". There were about forty of us there, mostly high-school-aged, and we all rocked to the short acoustic set they played for us. Jim said, "What do you want to hear?" Everyone screamed "EVERYTHING!" He told us that that particular song was only a hit in Texas, and everyone but Texas sucked. When he signed my poster, he asked my name, and when I told him "Jessica," he said, "What a nice name. My compliments to your mother." I secretly hoped he was so impressed by my name he'd write a song about it. Anyway, he wrote "love and kisses" on my poster, signed it, and now I have it framed and hanging in my bedroom. I found out about his death on MTV news one night, and am still half-way expecting to find out it's all a big hoax. jlb0006@jove.acs.unt.edu
I saw Material Issue in concert in Oklahoma City on June 25, 1994, the night my husband proposed to me. Material issue was one of the best concerts I have ever been to. They sounded great, they looked great and they were in touch with the audience. Jim's energy and enthusiasm was very apparent to the crowd. He gave the people what they wanted -- great personality and great music! After the concert we had the opportunity to meet the band, take pictures and chat briefly with Jim. Music was his life. He really enjoyed what he did.
Julie
e-mail at Julesies1@aol.com
My brother and his girlfriend turned me on to Material Issue back in June of 1993. I started listening to IPO and destination universe all of the time. I saw them in concert in July of 93 and from that moment on, I was hooked. I love every single on of their songs. MI's music could always make me feel good. I feel that Jim Ellsion was very talented musician. I saw them play in concert several times over the years. I regret missing their show in June of 96. I was horrified when I heard the news of Jim's death. My brother called me at school and I was shocked. At first I just didn't believe it. I prayed that it was a rumor. I soon found out that it was true. I have cried many tears. For awhile I wasn't able to listen to their music, it just made me feel too sad. I am now able to listen to MI, but I have a different feeling about it now. A lot of the songs still make me feel happy, but some of the songs make me feel really sad. I regret the fact that I never had the chance to meet Jim.
He seemed like a wonderful person. I will mourn the loss of Jim Ellison for a very long time. He filled my heart with joy. My heart goes out to his family, friends, and bandmates. He will live on forever through his music. If anyone has any info on MI or just wants to chat about MI, please email me.
Emily
easmith@odin.cmp.ilstu.edu
I was driving tonight, listening to the new releases on the local Cincinnati radio station tonight. The Dj played a new release by Material Issue. I thought, that is a band I have not heard for a long time. The Dj said it will be their last release, since the lead singer, Jim Ellison, committed suicide back in the summer. I thought maybe it was some strange April Fool's joke, but now I know it is true.
My first memmories of Material Issue date back to my college days, some ten years ago in Iowa City, Iowa. I remember going to Gabes to see one of our favorite bands, Green. The opening band was Material Issue. My friend had interviewed Green, earlier in the day at the college radio station where we all volunteered. Another friend interviewed Material Issue who we knew nothing about. I remember Jim and his bandmates were so friendly and down to earth(unlike the lead singer of Green and his bandmates who acted pretentious and bored). Later at the show, I rember how Jim seemed like a happy kid up on stage, this was around 1988. But we all remembered Material Issue as the band who got the crowd singing "Ballroom Blitz!" I also remember talking to Jim and the band outside after the show and they were asking us how we thought the crowd response was and if we knew of a place to crash. Next memory Riverfest 1991or 92(I think) at the University of Iowa. Material Issue was now a headlining band. Outside at the show, I had a plastic ball, Mr. Strawberry, I remember us throughing it into the jumping crowd and the ball being tipped around like a beach ball, while Material Issue played. The ball kept landing on stage. I imagine other bands would probably ge pissed off and say something to the crowd. But Jim Ellison kept playfully kicking or throwing the ball into the crowd. The next time he picked Mr. Strawberry up, he spent the song playing his guitar with the K-mart plastic ball. My friends, I, and the crowd loved it! After the show I asked Jim and his bandmates to sign the ball, and Jim and them gladly abliged.
I am 30 now, and this is the first I really have thought of Material Issue since then. It sounds like jim and the band meant a lot to a lot of people, and I am sorry for Jim, his family, the band, friends, and fans. I guess in some ways he touched my life during my young, fun, innocent days of college. Jim, now that I think about it, seemed like a really nice, genuine person; who would go out of his way to meet and help people he had never met.
well I have gone on too long, salute to Jim Ellison.
Brian.
Well, What can I say??? It's 3 in the morning on April 5 1997 and I just found out today that Jim had passed away. I was needless to say SHOCKED. I've been I fan since hearing Valerie in college in '91. I immediately took a liking to the band. I was in Minneapolis in '94 and went to the Mall of America I found myself in ,I think, it was Sam Goody. Anyway, the bubble-gum chewing girl who worked there told me about the new album from MI that had come out. I immediately bought the cd took it back to my hotel room, put it in my disc man, laid down on the bed and wa s completly blown away by the album (I'm a drummer so, needless to say, Mike's drums on Goin through your purse floored me!!) It was the first album that I instantly liked upon hearing it for the first time. I remember all of this like it was yesterday. I returned home to Orlando and remembered calling WJRR and requesting "KIM" or any thing from the FREAK CITY album. They were playing "KIM" in maoderate rotation---I begged them to play "GOIN THROUGH YOU PURSE" I even to this day have a recording of my phone conversation on the air after i had returned from Chicago after seeing MI at the CUBBY Bear. I wanted desperately to try and turn on FLorida to a great band and a great album----FREAK CITY was by far their best. The sound is very hot, bright powerful, (MIKE, YOUR DRUMS SOUNDED GREAT!) (WHAT KIND OF SNARE WAS THAT ANYWAY!?!)It is very hard to believe that album only sold 33,000 copies. Mercury really had no clue--that's obvious. Your A n R guy must have been a moron. I am proud to say that MI has been a part of my life and I am happy that I was fortunate enough to experience Jim and MI's music-- it was moving. Jim: God Bless, and THANK YOU!!
Coby Utterback
Uback007@msn.com
Jim was my cousin. I hardly knew him, but my parents and I used to go over to his parents house and they would play cards preety much all night. I met Jim at a family reunion about two or three years ago, he was really cool. Since I met him I started listening to his music and I really enjoy it. I am going to miss him even though I only knew him a little. Aunt Pat, you are in all of our hearts and prayers.
Tim Brankin
Barb Miller (mom)
Poopsy69@hotmail.com
I first met Jim on May 5, 1994. I was playing in a band that
oppened for Material Issue at
Lupo's heartbreak Hotel in Providence, RI. After talking to Jim for a
little while about our vintage guitars, he offered to sell me a '73
Telecaster Custom that I still play and love. I remember when they were
playing that night, someone in the crowd threw a beer at him and it landed
right on the black P-90 equiped Les Paul that he was playing. Jim grabbed a
tray of beer from a waitress in the crowd, and dumped it on the guy. After
the show we both had a good laugh about it.
Jim's music was a very important part of my life. I was a freshman
in high school when IPO came out, and I listened to that tape at least once
everyday for durring the summer of '91. That was also the summer I started
rally writting alot of songs. Although I only met Jim that one time, the
memory of that night will always remain with me. I have read everywhere
that he seemed to be a bit egotistical, but after talking to him about
where I grew up, and what my band was doing, he was really nice to me. I
grew up in Fall River Mass., a town with no night clubs and no music scene.
We had to drive to Providence to play, and after about two years of hard
work started to gain some noteriety.
Jim told me to keep working hard, and I have, my new band is doing well in
Boston, where I now live and go to school, the news of Jim's death shocked
me because I had always wanted to be like him, and in some ways I still do.
It was a loss to the music community everywhere.
- Noah T. Vincelette
Not since I heard the Beatles for the first time when I was six, did a band hit me like Material Issue. My condolences to family, friends and fellow fans. I am sorry I never got to see them live, but th music will always be there. I can play Ish for the grand-kids someday and show them what Rock n Roll is all about. Jim was tremendous. Good luck to Ted and Mike.
i've been reading these memories on and off since last july and decided to log on again as tomorrow would have been his birthday. i guess i wish i could have told him but all i want to say is thank you. since 91, the band has had a serious effect on my life and i am really sad to say goodbye to jim but i'm hoping it is what he wanted. i guess that is all i can do. for mike and ted, if they ever see this again, i'll find you guys and bring cookies.
Ive never met the guy, but this one D.J. that I know has been playing Material Issue for many years, and has been supporting them. The day he found out about Jims death, he was completly horrified and angry. He payed a tribute to dead rock stars. I thought Jim seemed like a nice guy, and his lyrics were meaningful. this is hansen and my email adress is fergie@ntslink.net
This was me - removed
I was at the Freak City show in Pontiac, Mi. During the Show Jim reached down and plucked my hat right off my head. It was about three sized too small for him but that didn't seem to bother him. I was allowed back stage and he set me up for the show the next night. In fact the whole event inspired me to write a story about the whole evening, I'm trying to get hold of Mike or Ted to give them each a copy of it. Well that's it. I still have my IPO poster hanging on my wall
Tony_Farina@Jackson.cc.mi.us
I first heard Material Issue while visiting friends of mine in Chicago. I was blown away, the lyrics touched me in a way i couldn't explain. A year later while I was in Ocean City MA. they were playing at a club across the street from where I was staying, as my luck would have it, I had to leave that day 2 hours before the show. When I heard about Jims' death I felt as if I had lost a best friend, His music carried me through a lot hard times, and good ones to. I still think that if I had stayed a couple of more hours I could have thanked him.
I've got a towel that jim sweat on during a show in cleveland. He was so kind as to give it to me with all their autographs on it. It is hanging on my closet wall till this day and will never come down. I love you all and miss your shows so much. You all were and important part of my life and findings.
I saw Material Issue in DeKalb Illinois in Fall of 92 at Otto's. After the show we were hanging out getting free drinks from the bartender, and who comes out to join us for a beer? Jim, Mike and Ted asking us what we thought of the show. It was great fun.
I was planin' to go to the U.S to see their live last year. I'm a Japanese girl and currently living in Tokyo,Japan. I was always hoping the day come that I see their gigs in Japan. I've been their FAN for about more than 5 years. But I coudn't get enough information aboout ISH in Japan, so I used to check foreign magazines. Oh, I didn't mean to try to find this kind of news... I really love their music, Jim's voice, guitar, everything. I won't be able to find my favorite band anymore. There will be no bands like M.I. Anyway I'd like to thank Jim. You gave me lots of pretty memories eventhough we never met. Keep on rockin' and popin' in heaven!!
Nana Arai iara-mtn@parkcity.ne.jp
I first saw Material Issue at Scandals in Ocean City MD. A friends band was their opening act. I had the best time at their show. Jim was amazing. He was so funny. He kept throwing pics at me. I don't know why. I only saw them play twice live but the shows were great. I am really going to miss the music. I wish I could have helped him in some way. There is no reason to kill yourself. If only he knew how much he was loved by so many people. MI rules.!!!
Barbara :)
I worked with Jim a couple of time at KROQ in Los Angeles. He was a
great person and talented artist. He will be missed by us all...............
The Iguana-man..................
Bittersweetly, the new album is a total winner. How ironic that with any kinda promotion, the stunning "Carousel" has a very strong chance of being a verifiable hit--his best ballad since "First Lie". Also fitting that they close their remarkable chapter in music history with the style that they kicked it all off with. Gone is the rather uncharacteristic edgy tone of "Freak City" (still like the album)--this one vaults them back to where they belong: unmatched in pop-rock heaven. Keyboard and Therimen textures flesh out the sound beautifully. THANK YOU TED, MIKE, AND RYKODISC for this terrific closing package--your labor of love shines brightly. Good luck with your other ventures--I'll be on the lookout for any material. RIP Jimbo...and Long live MI!
Scott Muhlbaier, FL
scottm@gte.net
As a 21-year-old college student in 1991, I was struggling to put together a 3-man pop/rock band. One day my bass player brought in a tape of Material Issue's debut album. We immediately felt akin to the group, particularly the lanky leader. We would gleefully pound out our version of "Valerie Loves Me" at local open mikes to audiences that would probably rather be hearing grunge.
One night at the Ish show in Washington, DC, my friend and I threw one of our bands demo tapes up on stage, wanting the band to hear how they inspired us. We waited around after the concert and met Jim and Ted. It was our chance to meet one of our heroes, a chance everyone should have.
My band had long since disolved, and I left the US for a teaching job in Japan in 1994. One night a few months ago I was talking to a teacher from Chicago, and I happened to mention how much I liked Material Issue. That's when I got the bad news.
Regardless of Jim's tragic death, he continues to be an inspiration to me. Although I never knew him personally, I will never forget his gift of music and spirit to me and all the other fans, musicians, and friends alike.
Mark Renne-Burke
(scrubby@mediawave.or.jp)
Destination Universe was my first favorite album. It was the first CD that really stood out above the rest for me. Thanks Jim. If anyone out there is interested/curious about a Jim Ellison & Material Issue tribute album on my label, get in touch with me.
Chris Ellis
cellis@blue.weeg.uiowa.edu
Telecommando Americano is a great album; it's sad that it's the Ish's last. "What If I Killed Your Boyfriend?" would have definitely been a hit single. Jim was a truly gifted songwriter, with a magical knack for song hooks. Material Issue was an excellent band, and I will always miss them.
I saw Material Issue twice while they were touring the UK as support to the Stranglers in 1993. They were brilliant right from the first track which I remember to be 'What Girls Want' through to the last, 'Ballroom Blitz'. I was lucky enought to find 'Internaltional Pop Overthrow' and 'Destination Universe' (absolutely brilliant albums) but never found any other material available in the UK. I learned of Jim's suicide while surfing the web and was deeply saddend. Unfortunatley, MI were never really know in the UK, except perhaps to other Stranglers fans on that '93 tour. Jim Ellison - a talent which will be missed and never fully realised.
I've loved Material Issue since the first time I heard Jim's voice sing on International Pop Overthrow. My sister who is four years older than me introduced them to me. i have all of their Cd's and saw them, in concert only once. It really is a horrible thing that Jim did to himself. So many people really did love him and what his music brought into the lives of each person who listened to it. He will be missed greatly.
christir @u.arizona.edu
Jim and Material Issue inspired me to pick up guitar for the first time and write songs. I just can't say enough about what their musical impact has had on me. I only saw Material Issue one time. It was in August of 1994 at the 8x10 club in Baltimore. I was in the front row. It was a great performance and a huge rush. I still have the poster I tore down off the wall that night. The loss of Jim was so unexpected. To this day I constantly tell people to listen to their albums. Everyone has the same response. Great band. Great pop songs.
Patrick Herbert (pherbert@irp.nida.nih.gov)
My greatest memory of Jim was watching him at Pointfest '94, screaming at the crowd to get the fuck up and dance! Of course, my group already WAS dancing, but we tryed even harder to make him happy. Every concert I went to was always like a reawakening of my spirit.
When I moved to Arizona, I knew I would miss the MI concerts more than anything. I am so glad that Jim made the music that he did, every time I hear "Funny Feeling", "First Lie", or "Valerie", I get a huge lump in my throat. How could he do this?
I just bought Telecommando this weekend and I love it so much. I am
glad I have one more CD to remember him by. "What if I killed Your
Boyfriend" is classic Ellison. Goodbye Jim, I will always love the gift
of music that you gave to me and all MI fans. I will never forget how
your music made me feel so alive and free.
I Miss You,
Amy
ajr25@dana.ucc.nau.edu
Back in 1991, I won a contest that was sponsered by Taco Bell and a magazine called New Route. My friend & I sent 100 handwritten entries to win!
The winner was to have Material Issue play for the winner & friends. Food was to be provided from Taco Bell. I was so excited that I had won that contest!
But I went to a Material Issue concert and met Jim at the tour bus after the show. I told him that I won that "Taco Bell contest". He said that they had pulled out of that deal and didn't know that they went ahead with it. But he said that he would talk to his managment & see what they could do for me.
Meanwhile, the New Route magazine editor was trying to set me up with the band, King Missile. I said, "No, it's either Material Issue or no band. My friends won't show up for King Missile!"
Finally after a month or two, the editor got in touch with Material Issue's management. It was great that Material Issue agreed to play for me & my friends, although they weren't under obligation with the contest anymore!
I'll never forget the day when the huge tour bus pulled up into the parking lot of a nearby park in Fremont, CA. I had about 20-25 people at the park. They set up an acoustic set under a bi g tree. They signed autographs & posters for all of us. We ate food from Taco Bell- I ordered lots of it!
Jim was very friendly to everyone. Very outgoing and funny. And so my memories of him conflict with the thought that he committed suicide. I mean, I didn't know him really well, but from the times that I met him, I thought that he was happy. I don't understand why he did this to himself, Mike, Ted, his family & friends.
I only found out about his death because I was at a bookstore, looking at the "M" section of CDs when I happened to see a tab for Material Issue. I checked to see if there was anything new. I was excited to see that there was a CD that I didn't have. It was Telecommando Americano. I read the back of it, and I was in shock. I read it again to make sure that I read it correctly. My first thought was "Why?" What in Jim's life was so unbearable that he had to end it? He had a lot going for him. I just don't understand. I'm sad & angry at the same time. It was a selfish thing to do.
michele okamoto michele_okamoto@nt.com
I saw the band play at a small club in El Paso, TX, where they had a big following. It was one of the best shows I have ever seen. The guys just rocked. Jim was absolutly great. His stage presence was overwhelming. There couldn't have been one person in the entire club that didn't have their eyes fixed on Jim for the whole show. After the show I bought myself a t-shirt. It has this big red, white, and blue number one with the bands name at the bottom on it. The guys were signing autographs outside by the bus. I talked with Mike and Ted for a few minutes and had them sign my shirt. Then I walked over to Jim and asked him to sign. He looked at it and said, "Good choice, this one's my favoite." He signed his name at the top and put a number sign by it so that the shirt read, "Jim Ellison #1." I thougt he was the coolest person on the planet. I'll never forget that night. I'll never forget Jim.
Saul R. Paredes
I never listened to MI before Jim Ellison's death. Oddly enough, after his death, myself and four or five other of my friends who love to listen to music fell in love with the band. It's depressing to know that we will never hear Jim crank out another song. But we will never forget the band. It's just great to have a nice buzz and splitting the party for twenty minutes to go crank some MI. Strangely, there seems to be a bond between us the fans, and the songs Jim wrote. We can relate to what he was feeling when he wrot those songs.
The fist time i saw Material Issue was at Pointfest 4. I was with my friend and i heard the song Valerie Loves Me and i was like they sing this?!?! Since then i have been to two other concerts when they were in St. Louis. I remember being in the front row at Mississppi Nights and getting Jim's guitar pick :) It was awesome. They are my favovite band and it is a shame they can no longer play together, but they will always be the best.
Theresa Segbers bravoecho11@rocketmail.com
At a time in my life when i find myself more and more running back to my old jethro tull, bowie, and rolling stones cds, Material Issue came on like a power storm into my life. I first caught them as I watched (Shit i cant remember if it was Leno or Letterman) Anyway their intensity hit me and caused me to get their cd I.P.O. I loved the raw energy. None of my friends really enjoyed it as I did, and that was ok, cause I knew I had found something special. After a year in Lansing Michigan, I heard tale of a radio station having a ball of some sort. On a whim for no reason at all I asked is Material Issue playing. THEY WERE!!!! Some how I just knew!!!! I was right in front of Jim as he played. His humor shown through as he told some rowdy people who were yelling too loud as he was talking to the croud. "F#@% Off!" and he said it with a smile on his face and played the next song seemed no one could get angry with him. I havent kept up with the band thru the years but when I saw their New album in the store I picked it up to see how the boys sounded.
I found out today that Jim had killed himself.
Life is precious and I can't condone this unspeakable act. All I can say in my hurt state is.... I would have liked to have met him.
MPE
exide99@aol.com
Hi. I saw MAterial Issue only once in Albany NY in the spring of 93 or 95. It was a rainy day at the local radio stations "Tulip Fest". I remember "Kim the Waitress" was big and all over the radio. We got there way too early, but the cool thing was, we watched the sound check and i knew what the band looked like. Later that day, I saw them milling around the park and I got them to sign my program. They played their set and I was even more blown away than in the sound check. The crowd gave Jim and teh guys so much energy. I'll never forget his red Dr. Martins and the way he beat that poor guitar. I later was walking around and ran into them again. I remember I said - "Hey Nice Show." and he replied, "Thanks, that means a lot to us". I would have said more and I really wanted to talk to them, but Jim had a girl with him and I realized that they were people too and I thought that they were entitled to their fun and privace. I still have the heavy guage Gibson Guitar Pick that Jim threw out and I caught and the autograph. I remember I was in my room cleaning when the DJ passed the news along to us. I was shocked. The hell with Kurt Cobain, I was more disturbed that someone I met and admired than that Seattle syndrome. It was so personal. i played all my albums before I drifted off. Now I'm in my third year at Marist College, working as General Manager for our radio station here. Then across my desk comes this new album. I alomst cried, i'm serious. I had the music director put it right into rotation and had him call and order me a copy for myself. I will never forget Jim and MI.
jim was ;and is the greatest singer songwriter that there ever was
we always got to party with the band when they came to louisville and we even
sang a song together when we were talking outside a show at the brewery .he was
awesome with his voice and his guiatar and i will never forget him and material
issue.ted and mike please keep the music alive. .
R.I.P JIM I MISS THE MUSIC AND WE ALL MISS YOU
scott hall
1122 sundew ave louisville ky 40213
Jim Ellison's lyrics and the music made with Material Issue will
always be something that will take me back to a time when things
weren't so mixed up and pressure-filled. Ironically, in the end,
for Jim, his music spoke of the exact opposite. He will be
greatly missed and I'll miss waiting for a new MI release every
other year or so. It was a MI concert that my "then girlfriend"
and present wife first attended together. We have always considered
MI "our little group".
We reacted to the news of his death with the same disappointment and
sadness. God Bless you, Jim.
DJS - Dallas, TX
dslats@aol.com
I regret that I never got the chance to hear Material Issue in concert, and I had always looked forward to it. Unfortunately, I live in Florida, and have been living under a virtual rock [when it comes to music] for the past few years, ever since I stopped working for my school's radio station, which means that it took me wondering what MI was up to recently to stumble across the horror of Jim Ellison's death. I've been a fan since my high school years, and I'm still in great shock and disbelief that one of the most talented and upbeat musicians I have ever admired has purposely shortened his own life. His achievements will be remembered, and sorely missed.
Sarah Lepolstat
Raven513@aol.com
It was probably about 9 years ago when I first heard those lyrics. They moved me beyond any possible imagination. Come to think of it, I know Material Issue is the reason why I got into music. Before I heard Jim I was in music limbo; I didn't know what I wanted from my music.
The first concert I ever booked was with Material Issue. I went off to college and immediately became involved with the small college station. I couldn't believe my eyes when I first went through the record collection...a mint condition original EP. I was astounded and nobody else knew the wiser. I had it in my collection for a while, but finally decided to bring it back, so that others could see it and play it.
I remember meeting Jim and Mike, Ted was a bit out of sorts (I guess we all know why). Mike and I talked for quite a bit back-stage. I remember what the two of them said to me that will forever ring in my mind. He explained how playing concerts was just like daily business life for them. It's kinda funny, now that I'm in the real corporate world I can't imagine anyone coming to my office to see me work, then buying the product of my work ($12.99 for a Memo, $7:99 for a draft). Ever since that day I've moved forward with my musical persuits. I work at an Indi label hoping to come across the next Jim, but deep in my heart of hearts I know that it'll never happen...
Thanks, Jim. Take care and thanks for the inspiration.
Michael P. Kraabel
Minneapolis, MN
THANK YOU!!! This is my greatest memory of MI and Jim. To hear Jim scream with soooo much enthusiasm after each song, "THANK YOU!!!" Well, Jim I want to thank you for becoming a part of my life through the words that you wrote! I was first introduced to MI in Champaign, IL while at school. I had no idea who they were and my girlfriend dragged me out to Mabels that night, from that point on MI has been "Everything" to me. During my college years I saw them every chance that I could. In 1994 I finally got to meet Jim at the Casbah in San Diego, CA. They had just released the Freak City Soundtrack and got some air time on KROQ with "Kim the Waitress." I was hoping that KROQ would expose them to the rest of the world. That night a small band at the Casbah opened up for them, Weezer. How weird considering that no one was there to see them and the very next day I heard them on KROQ. That night Jim decided that the band was done playing and did not come back on for the encore, I was devistated.
As I left, I saw the tour bus and decided to see if Jim would sign my IPO CD.
I knocked on the bus and there was Jim, he invited me in and asked me where I
was from, and I told him I first saw them at Mables in Champaign, IL. He
smiled and asked if I drove out here just to see them. Jim, your songs always
seem to bring back so many memories of the carefree days in college. They will
remain in my memory forever. THANK YOU!!!!
-Phil Hynes
hynesph@pndleton.usmc.mil
Material Issue takes me back to college. The local alternarock station (WOXY) played them all the time. This was before there even was a category called "alternative" -- when bands like Jane's Addiction, The Cure, Depeche Mode, and Material Issue were just out there, defying categorization, before Nirvana came along and created the idea of Alternative.
I remember working in the school cafeteria, listening to "Valerie Loves Me", "Diane", "Renee..." and "What Girls Want" and thinking this was great stuff. Fun music.
Anyway, I moved to Chicago in 1993 after graduating. I didn't think of MI as a Chicago band; I mean, they'd been on the radio; they'd been on MTV -- to me, they were national; big time. I'd see ads for Metro with them in the lineup, but procrastinated, figuring I'd catch a local show eventually. All the time in the world, right?
I remember after "Kim the Waitress" not hearing anything else from MI, and wondering if they'd broken up. I remember a guy I knew in music shrugging and saying "I don't want to end up like Material Issue" and wondering what that was all about.
Then I was stunned when I heard about Jim's death, because suddenly this band which had always been in the background music of my life was gone, and that I wouldn't get to ever see them.
It was doubly bad because I was in the same area; they'd always been this great band, sort of legendary to me, and Jim's death in Wrigleyville brought it all home to me -- I mean, that was my neighborhood! That's not supposed to happen!
I really regret not seeing them live when I had the chance. At least there's one last album, and it's a good one.
Thanks for the great music. And thanks for the MI Web page.
Daibhidh
Chicago
Im over taken by his voice , also by his almost natural flow of notes. I get goose bumps every time I listen to his songs. I have found no other musician who tells it like he does.
Johnny SmithJP@citrine.INDstate.edu
There is no stronger association with my coming of age in Chicago than the underage late nights at Batteries Not Included, Jim coming from his place across the street to play, to work the door, to shoot pool. I didn't realize until his memorial service how important he was to my youth, what a great role he (and MI) played. Jim was the guy you loved to hate...how did we all end up loving him so much?
Gabrielle
JIM was a close friend of mine. I had known him for 10 years--it is a great loss for my friends & I-without him. He meant a great deal to all of us. We'll miss him greatly!
j cox
My memories of Jim: his swagger, his quick smile, 'Stretch F*ing Jeans' with combat boots -- always, Mike's party for Freak City & Jim was sunburned from mixing/mastering in L.A. & his skinny frame looked lankier and pinched. I had the overwhelming urge to keep offering him food because his face looked so thin, and his bones sticking thru his pullover shirt. 'Man' 'dude' and Evil Kenivel (sp?) worship. Singing "Don't Let the Sun Catch You Crying" at my wedding. It was beautiful.
I miss you, Jim. It was over a year until I could hear Ish without crying. The swagger, the laugh, the ego, the huge heart.
Miss you, Jimmy.
A year and a half has passed since Jim died and Material Issue along with him. I find it hard, even to this day, (jan 98) to know that my idol and my hero is gone. There is a great emptiness in my heart and it sometimes drives me to tears because something I loved so much is gone. I never met the guys in the band, but Material Issue, Jim, Ted and Mike, were guys that I could identify with. They were living the dream that I always hoped I could have lived -- being the coolest musicians in the world in the coolest and best band in the world. I have played in many bands in my young 28 years, but never even came close to matching what Material Issue really was. I had instantly become a fan when I saw the debut of 'Diane' on MTV late in 1990 while watching The Replacements (I live and grew up in Mpls) final appearance on 120 Minutes. I only got to see them once, EdgeFest in Somerset, WI in 1994 and figured there would be other days. Little did I know that was the only day. For me, rock music will never be the same without Material Issue. Life won't be the same without Material Issue. Ever since that fateful day in late 1990, being a Material Issue fan has been a daily thought for me. Today, I see no point in finding other stuff to listen to because today's 'alternative' all sounds the same anyway. I just hope that everybody will work to keep Jim's memory and that of Material Issue alive by telling others about them and about the band's contribution to the Rock 'N Roll. Jim, you are missed....more than anyone will ever know. Best wishes to Ted and Mike.
Pat Dempsey, Minneapolis
patrick.dempsey@utiligent.com
I was 14 when international pop overthrow was released. I was totally convinced that I was the coolest kid in my school for having discovered it. I still believe that. When I first saw a picture of Jim I was shocked. I'd never seen a rockstar as skinny as me. I grew up a bit and never lost my youthful exuberance. Jim taught me. My best friend and I had just completed writing a song about MI and were about to play our first gig when we found out about his death. I deeply regret not having met him. I feel terrible for anyone who never got to see them live. I guess now the responsibility falls upon all of us, the fans, to carry the torch. Jim lives forever. He's a legend now. Rock on! love, reed
Man, I cant believe it.Here it is Jan.26 1998 and i miss the band more and more everyday.Thank God that we do have Telecommando Americano.But, as I listen to it more I see where he really had a hard time with himself.Thats O.K cause he is my IDOL.NO ONE CAN SAVE US FROM JIM THE SINGER.HE DOESNT COME AROUND ANYMORE AND THAT BOTHERS ME!!!!!!!!!!!!MATERIAL ISSUE IS THE MUSIC OF MY LIFE NOW AND ALWAYS.When M.I. came to Louisville we seen them 3 times and we paid 12 for all the concerts together.Better yet we got to meet the guys and they really made you feel like you were someone.Well in closing jim had autographed my poster for me. these are the words I and every material issue fan should live by: PLAY IT LOUD!!!!!
There's just a few bands from the States that I'm think they're good. Material Issue was one of 'em. I like 'em 'cause it's fresh & I think they got the 77's spirit, whenever I listen to 'em I'm sure that they really felt what they were playin'. It's about feelin', not about virtuosism or surface. ljgomez@epm.net.co
So many beautiful sentiments about my son. Why didnt he realize that he was loved by so many people? Jim was my first born, my only son, a college grad, and a success at everything he did. He was handsome, smart, shy, friendly, talented and had a very sharp wit. He always called the shots, he had to be in control at all times. I was very proud of him and his accomplishments. He was always well liked and had lots of friends. I think of how he would swagger into the room .That beautiful smile and twinking blue eyes that would cause me to forgive him instantly for being late for dinner. I remember the wonderful smell and cool feel of his leather jacket against my face when he hugged me. The leather hangs in my closet now. The Tall lanky body that once filled it, is gone forever. I recieved letters and calls from people all over the world expressing sympathy for our family. Thank you for your kind words.
Pat Ellison
I remember when I was sixteen, I saw them play in Atlanta during a live radio show for 99x and then again that night at the show at the Grooveyard. I have been a big fan all of my life, my parents even let me skip school that day so I could go to that live radio show... anyway, the drummer Mike was really nice and invited my friends and I to hang out after the show on the tour bus. I will never forget how nice everyone was...I'm just horified still that Jim is gone. I wish it wasn't the last of Material Issue as well...
Christine Edwards
stein@arches.uga.edu
I love this band. Listening to the band along with Jims almost punk schoolboy sounding voice always seemed to get me in a good mood. My favorite song is Valerie Loves Me and I also like This Letter, both off of International Pop Overthrow. I love the way he uses his voice to get the point across.
THE FIRST TIME I HEARD MATERIAL ISSUE I WAS IN THE CAR WITH MY BROTHER AND I HAVE TO ADMIT I THOUGHT IT WAS SO FUNNY HOW THEY SANG ABOUT GIRLS. VALERIE, DIANE, RENEE, CHRISTINE--MAYBE ALL OF THE THEIR GIRLFRIENDS I GUESS. I ALWAYS USED TO LISTEN TO THEM WITH MY BROTHER AND HIS GIRLFRIEND, HEATHER. I WAS 12 WHEN I FIRST HEARD THEM AND I USED TO ASK MY BROTHER WHY EVERY SONG THEY SANG ABOUT WAS ABOUT A GIRL. I IMMEDIATELY LIKED THE SONG VALERIE LOVES ME AND THEIR ENTIRE INTERNATIONAL POP OVERTHROW ALBUM. I DON'T KNOW--SOMETHING ABOUT IT PUTS ME IN A GOOD MOOD. EVERYTHING OFF OF DESTINATION UNIVERSE WAS ANOTHER ONE OF MY FAVORITES OFF THAT ALBUM AND CONTINUES TO BE ONE OF MY FAVORITE SONGS. I LOVE THE WAY JIM'S VOICE WOULD SCREAM VALERIE LOVES ME OVER AND OVER. I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW HE HAD KILLED HIMSELF UNTIL I WAS ON THE INTERNET TRYING TO GET PICTURES OF THIS BAND. IT HAS BEEN FIVE YEARS SINCE I FIRST HEARD THEM AND THEY BECAME ONE OF MY FAVORITE BANDS.
"THE SUN, THE MOON, THE EARTH, THE SKY, I'D NEVER EVEN STOP TO WONDER WHY.
GP
Without you we are the Diaspora. Playing the guitar, humming it all away while we all grew up and apart. I would do anything to clean your house right now, to fight for the phone and argue over who I should love. Singing slowly, too quickly and not enough...you know we are all mad but forgiving, and some of us may want to forget, but all of us remember. We know who we are. The ones who loved your music, your wiley ways, but most important...you. The Sunday morning spped dials, reminiscing the night's lore over coke's and smokes. That profound simplicity, that unknowing wisdom, all gone. I never liked that car- the little red speeding prophecy. Your team knew the pain, but we couldn't strum it away. You are the bolt of our past. And while I age with the lessons you gave me, you stay the same. Always young, always with the last word. Our sweet slimmy.
I never met Jim Ellison, I saw the band perform live at Knox College in Galesburg and left thinking they needed a second guitarist (specifically me)! Truly though, they were perhaps the most underrated band of the early 90's. So many people did the same type of stuff (although not as well) and got more publicity from it. As a songwriter, Jim influenced me greatly. I am the guitarist for The Lovedogs, an independent recording band in Davenport,IA and our debut CD "Girlfriend" features a song I wrote as a tribute to Jim called "Material Things". I spoke with Ken Kurston about sending a copy to Mike and Ted and was actually supplied with Mike's phone number, but it was so soon after Jim's death and I opted to respect his privacy and not call. If you want to hear it or just talk about Material Issue or music, you can e-mail me at Tomvance@aol.com
I guess better late than never, but I saw the Ish in 1991 when they came out to Santa Cruz, CA for their Intl pop tour and they just rocked the catalyst. I didn't purchase any of their later released music until after I had heard the tragic news and now I feel like an idiot because they were such a tremendous band. I sometimes wonder if Jim did what he did because people stopped paying attention to his amazing songs. I don't know, but I'm glad that I had a chance to see them live and to own all their music now. Best wishes to all who maintain this site. It is a loving tribute to a very brilliant and sensitive rock and pop artist whose time ended much too soon
It's been a while since Jim's death hit me, and even longer since I first heard about it. It really didn't sink in at first. I didn't want to think about it.
A few months after he died, I stayed up late listening to all the albums, and it finally hit me that Jim was gone. I found this website which moved me further, but I didn't feel I had anything to add. Once in a while I come back here to read what people have added and re-read old messages.
I never saw Material Issue live. They played in town twice while I was at college. Someone on this board even mentioned one of the shows, feeling frustrated that so few people showed up & so few people enjoyed MI's music.
Getting Telecommando Americano was a release, and it really felt good to play it loud. But I just don't have it in me to push MI on any of my friends. When I do listen to MI, it's often with headphones now, though I don't know why. I wish other people heard them when Jim was still around.
I almost killed myself, too, a couple months ago. I thought about the easiest way to go, and I was going to throw myself from the top of a building. I don't know why I didn't do it any more than I know why Jim did do it. At the time, I felt frustration with my life, I felt that nothing I wanted would come to pass. It's the futility. I knew then that no matter what happens, *I can't have the life I want*. Maybe that's what Jim felt, I don't know. I never thought about attempting suicide for attention. It was all or nothing. Do it or don't, but do not let people know you're thinking about it. I was going to jump late at night and I cried for hours, waiting, but at some point I lost my resolve. At some point I forgot that I was going to do it. I only wish that something, anything would have woken Jim and broken his resolve that day.
But, as they say, this sounds a bit like goodbye.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JIMMY, WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU!!!!
04/18/64
LOVE,
MOM, DAD AND DEANNA
April 18
I went to my sons grave today, it is his birthday. Thank you, to the group from
Oregon who left Roses and a card at the grave site Thanks also to the person
who left a single Pink rose. I can not put into words, how your expressions of
love for my son make me feel.
I will share what happened there today. We parked near the site
behind a car that was just pulling away. I couldnt belive what I saw, the car
was the same make and model that Jim owned. He had
2 volvos a brown 68 and a red 69 S1800. This young woman was driving a brown
Volvo exactly like Jims. If this was any other type of car I wouldnt have given
it a second thought, these cars are very rare. I watched as she turned around
to leave the cemetary as she drove past me, she was watching me watch her and
her car. I did not recognize the driver or her passenger who was also a young
woman. I cant even be sure she was there to visit Jims grave. But that car!!
I have enjoyed ever entery from mom, i wish there was a board just for her so we can hear all the stuff about Jim we never know. My heart just tingles hearing about him. Especially from her..As a big fan..Jim is always on my mind and this just makes me feel better. I dont know if i am the only one but i think of him still alive. I can still see him making his faces and cracking jokes to get the crowd to laugh. I know I did. :^)
After getting out of college, I and the band I played with moved to Atlanta, GA and got a house together. I have such a vivid memory of how it felt when International Pop Overthrow came out and we got turned on to the band. Jim's music struck such a chord with us and with me personally. It's funny. People always seem to dwell on how good things used to be or how things will get better in the future. But when I sat down with that record, all I could think was: This is it. This is the best it will ever be.
Skot Doyon
Atlanta, GA
Material Issue reminds me more of the best time in my life(College Years), than anything I can think of. My most serious girlfriend and I would sing Very First Lie to each other and would see them at 1st ave and the 7th St entry in Mpls. whenever they were in town. After I graduated from college I was with a new group of co-workers at a Cubs game at Wrigley. I was feeling old longing for my youth. We walked by the Metro and Chrissy Hines was signing autographs. I'm not a Pretenders fan so it wasn't worth fighting the crowd, but as I turned around I saw Jim standing on the curb by himself. I ran up like a little schoolgirl(even though I'm a guy) trying to tell him in 5 seconds how much his band meant to me. I ran from person to person trying to find a pen. When I got back he was sitting in a convertable. I handed him my Vancouver Canucks hat, he started signing it, Chrissy walked right by me and hopped in the back seat with him and he tossed me my hat (Best Wishes, Jim Ellison)! and tore off.
My youth will be scarred forever with the loss of Jim. God Bless.
I first heard Material Issue on the radio when I was 14--and loved it! I listened to my cd's of 'em all d' time and still listen to 'ema lot now... I could relate to jim's songs 'cause... 'cause I was just 14. it was sad to hear of the news and it is still to remember it four years later.
Kevin A-J 5.5.98
This is in response to Jim's mom's entry around his birthday:
During spring break in late March, my brother and I drove from Minneapolis to Chicagoland (toting along my four-year-old niece) for one specific purpose: to pay homage to Jim Ellison's place of final rest. (This is something I had been meaning to do for two years.) Before leaving, I had invited several friends to make the journey with me. Unfortunately conflicting schedules and difficult to rearrange previous engagements prohibited any one else from joining us. I was nervuous and excited, yet a melancholy and pensive ping stuck with me the entire trip. We arrived in Des Plaines at the Motel 6 late friday night. Saturday morning, we set out for the grave site. Fortunately, Tim from Portland had benevolently e-mailed me with precise directions to Jim's grave. My brother and I had all the toys on the trip; a laptop computer with Delorme GPS ensured precision with our every move. However, had it not been for Tim's instruction, we'd have never found the site. As it was, it took us almost an hour to find it. I was mortified at the reason why. There, as I stood, looking down at Jim's stone, with the roses I had purchased across the street, was Jim's final place of rest, covered with debris, and caked with dirt and mud. I ran back to the car and grabbed a towel. Turning to the nearest faucet, I wet it down, and spent the next five to ten minutes cleaning Jimmie's stone. My brother (who isn't too familiar with MI even helped--I truly believe my passion and respect for the band showed, and was passed to him, for on the drive back, he asked me to play my MI tapes in the car stereo, rather than my walkman!) After cleaning the stone, I sttod back for a moment, admiring the beautiful craftsmanship. Images of the few shows I'd been to and the fun and inspiration I experienced through the band's music overwhelmed me. I placed the four roses in the ground in front of his stone, along with a note that read:
Your music and zest for life will forever be missed,
Love,
Tim, Portland, OR
Rob. Minneapolis, MN
Michelle, Minneapolis, MN
Chris, Minneapolis, MN
The three roses from us guys were white. The red one, of course, from Michelle. These were the friends who deeply regretted not being able to be there with me. After cleaning the site, placing the roses, and photographing the area, my brother attempted to record me as I said a few brief words at the site. Too many feelings overwhelmed me at that very moment:
Sorrow, for the loss of Jim
Sadness, for the loss of the band
Heartache, for his parents and sister
Fear of my own mortality
Anger, at Jim for having taken his life and cheating us all out of what and who
he and the band were
By the time the camera finsihed, I was only able to say a few generic things, and I reproach myself for not having been more eloquent. This will be a yearly endeavour of mine each spring. Should anyone care to plan ahead to join us or meet us there or along the way, please feel free to email me.
And, to Jimmie's mom--you're welcome . . .from ALL of us, who still care about Jim, the band, are moved by their music, his charisma, and his passion for life, love, and music.
Rob Nicholson, Minneapolis, MN
E-mail: hypertext@hotmail.com
I have had many great memories watching this band, I'm from Milwaukee, and I have a band named aptly, "Dawn Of Time" We play A lot of different styles ourselves, mainly originals and some covers covering a wide era of rock. Seeing Material Issue was always a learing experience for myself and for my freinds. I saw this band 8 times and always wanted more. Jim was a great showman with the proper "power pop" attitude, who rocked with gusto and wrote fabulous songs. I have liked them all very much, especially, "Freak City Soundtrack" what great sound Separation and texture. Some people who heard it too wholly agreed. I surely miss him, Yet the music lives on. Would like to hear teir latest, but I don't have a CD player. Too bad Radio is too commercial to play it. Chris
He was GOOD man WITH a BIG heart. He will be dearly missed.
He wrote the Best Songs he is an inspiration to me.
nana
Milwaukee,WI.
My fondest memory of JIM was when they played LIBERTY LUNCH in
AUSTIN TEXAS to about 150 people. Jim came out as if there was 150,000
people waiting to see KISS in 1975. Put on the best show I have ever seen
so from the way i see it Jim did not care if there was one person
or 150,000 people. Jim's windmill made Pete Townsends look like
a child's imitation.
R.I.P
JIM
Buddy Forsythe,
a young American
AUSTIN, TEXAS
Sorry that one of the worlds best pop-writer donīt wanna follow us any more. We will remember his songs and personally versions of ī70 songs like cowboy songs...
It must be hard to be No 1 in pop without everyone knowing it.
Per Dahlkvist
Sweden
per.dahlkvist@swipnet.se
Wow, it has been almost two years and here I am crying like a baby. To have known Jim as a friend and loved his music was definitely an honor I relish now more than ever. To Ma Ellison and the entire Ellison family, you can never fully realize how important Jim was to MI's fans. He was their voice and, for that, you should be very proud. Word has it that Big Deal is going to release some additional MI stuff in late '98, by the way.
i saw ish play at the metro in '95 and jim, mike and ted put on the coolest show ive ever seen. jim was going crazy through-out the show jumping waving his gutiar at the crowd winkin at girls and shit, just being the man of the night. nothing will ever beat that show, and no one will ever have the energy that jim had when he was on stage.
-kevin
Jim was an amazing artist. There are few artists who can make truly masterful music, maintain an inspiring stage presence and be completely accessable to his fans all at the same time. Jim was both a super star and a regular Joe. It is with bitter-sweetness that I remeber his work. His take on love is so true to life, that when my own love went sour the happy songs became sadder and the sad songs became more painful. Compounded by his tragic death, it makes Ish hard to listen to with out sheding tears.
- Tuneserf@aol.com
I first met Jimmy when I was nineteen and had just moved to Chicago from Pheonix. Jimmy and I quickly became friends as we shared an affection for power-pop music and guitars. Material Issue was just starting off with a bassist named Lance and a drummer named Dan and I was blown away even then by Jimmy's song's. Jimmy had something great. His talent for coming up with melodies and catchy hooks was amazing. He was very kind and went out of his way to help me out. He even offered to get me a job at a bar on Halsted called Batteries Not Included when I was out of work. When I lived in Bridgeport on the south side of the city, Jimmy was the only friend I had and he would drive all the way from Addison to pick me up. We'd go all the way back to his parent's house and eat dinner, then head back to the city for a gig or something. Jimmy really loved the city. There are too many great memories I have with Jimmy to mention, but they were some of the most important times of my life. I eventually moved back to Pheonix, but Jimmy and I kept in touch. He was always exited about a new song he'd write and I was lucky enough to hear him belt out many of them with just his acoustic guitar. I couldn't beleive how great his songs would always be. He'd always call up to invite me over to his hotel room whenever he was in town and he seemed so damn happy. Jimmy was a great friend and I think about him every single day. The worst day of my life was the day I heard he had commited suicide. It doesn't seem real even now. I'll probably still be crying about Jimmy's death twenty years from now. If his mother reads this, please E-mail me. I have a lot of great video of Jim and the band you might want.
deroule@hotmail.com
Material Issue made so many Chicago kids like me start up bands.
When I first heard of them, it changed an impossible dream of being
in a band and playing music you loved, into a dream come true. It
was like, instintanious! My attitude changed right there and then,
and I started playing music with some friends, rather than just playing
along to records and CD's in my room. I'm still playing, still struggling
to get people interested in my songs, in my band, in what I feel and
have to say. Because of Jim and his band, I not only got focused,
I had a goal to be as big and great as them. Sure, they weren't
"HUGE" in a Celine Dion sence, so what, that shit's watered down
anyway. But they were HUGE to me. Jim wrote great songs, played
great guitar (even though that isn't acknowledged; come on listen to
the solo on "Help ME land". One fucking briliant bent note!!),
Mike and Ted!!! One of the best rhythm sections ever, a sence
of style and passion! They were Chicago MODS! I'm a Chicago MOD!
You don't need a scooter to be a MOD! You need to love music, you
need to have the attitude "YOu're WRONG< I'm Right!", and you need
style! MI always made me jelous, but I loved them. I wanted to
be there in the same class as them.
I'm 25! "International Pop Overthrow" was the sound track
to my last high school year! Never in that time that I'd be in
the same clubs and shows, much less the same room with Jim Ellison.
But I was! I've said a few words to him once or twice. He said
very few back! Oh well! I always knew that he wouldn't want to
talk to some kid who was into his music kissing his ass. I wouldn't
mean to , but It would come out that way. Come on, this skinny
jerk changed my attitude when I was 18, now I'm in a band and
I'm gunna talk shop with him. I almost auditioned for AMX, the
hybred band Jim was forming with MIke in late 95. I regret that
never took that chance. Good friends of mine did, and I'm happy
that they had that chance to do that. Playing with Jim and Mike
would have been the best.
I'm cluttered with thoughts. I guess I never had the chance to put how I feel about Jim's band and his death into words or onto paper. I thought I'd write this to try and make sence of it or at least not feel alone about it. It's good to know that in this massive world of tech shit, that there's a place on it with MI on it. It's brilliant.
Tanks for lettin me say my thing.
Lou Hallwas
bands:
"The DIfferents"
"The Disappointments"
p.s. A thanks to Ted for listening to my bands tape and a thanks to MIke for the conversation at the Tap, and for staying a little while at that awful Thurston's show we did. LA!
I Believe the year was 1993 when I was first introduce to the pop
stars Matrial Issue. The song That grew on me the most was off
of International Pop Overthrow, The First Lie. For many reasons
the song drew a nearly direct parrallel to my experiences with
love and relationships. Well it was 1994 I believe when Material
Issue came to my home town, Memphis, TN. I can remember the night
Like it were yesterday. They played their hearts out infont of a
Packed full Omni New Daisy Theater. I can remember the elcticity
in the New Daisy was positive everyone was enjoying the show! To
This day their concert is one of my best memories growing up!
I Listen to the CD's daily and feal Jim's lyrics and music have
a profound effect on the music I play in Murfreesboro, Tn.
So Jim does live on not only in your hearts but also in
My music. Thanks Jim for Everything, Godspeed.
Joe P.
Jim sung about the human condition in it's simplist and most basic form, and that's the most important one;no matter what the bullshit purists of Chicago may say! It's also the only one we all really have in common.
sweetness
It is June 17, 1998, and in three days we will remember Jim Ellison two years after he left us. Like a lot of you I have spent the past two years collecting anything and everything associated with Jim. I have read the articles, read the memories, visited his grave, his home on Fletcher St., his family home, and those were things I needed to do for myself and for Jim. My wife and I even named our new son Jackson "James" in Jim's honor. I guess that is part of the grieving process, trying to hold onto any part of Jim that you can. Trying not to let go. Being afraid of losing something. But this should't be a sad time. In fact, two years after, it is time to celebrate. Celebrate the fact that we had the chance to meet and know a truly unique person, and that no one can take that from us. We are so lucky to have memories of him, and his music to share with others for the rest of our lives. You know Elvis and Marilyn are bigger dead than they were alive. Who cares? Jim is not better off dead... I preferred him alive. So I put MI in the CD player, sing at the top of my lungs, and the chill throughout my body reminds me that MI is my band, our band, our secret that we have to share with others forever. Jim's been gone for two years, and Goddamnit, I am one lucky man to have known him.
Tim Oberg
Portland, Oregon
"Do you remember me, all my insecurity, all of the time. 'Cause i remember you, all the silly things you do, to make me smile, yet I'm frowning all the while."
Jim You were never alone in my heart
and will always remain there.
Suzie, Calif
I was at the liar's club June 19th going into the 20th this past weekend. I knew it was the anniversery of Jim's death. I tried to picture him standing there at the bar, just like he used to sometimes. Blond streeks in his hair, a Heiniken in his hand, talking to some chick. Then I thought about what he was doing exactly this moment two years ago. I wish HE was in here that night instead, bitching about his life rather than being alone in his garage deciding that stupid last decision.
There is not a day that goes by that I don't think about Jim Ellison. I miss him greatly. Material Issue will always be the greatest Rock N Roll band in the world. I love you Jim.
Susan
It makes me happy to see that so many think so well of Jim. I never got to see Jim in concert and now I never will. I listen to Material Issue every day of my life and it gives something to me. I have gotten so many people to sit down and listen to it and not one of them didn't like it. I just wish Jim was still alive there are a lot of things I would say to him. I don't personally know him or anything, but to right the words he wrote took such brilliance and beauty. Material Issue will always be my favorite band and I will always think highly of Jim
Amber Joy Stuckey
astuckey_pierced1_97@yahoo.com
I never really knew him but i did love their music. It's funny cause i thought they were from London England or something cause of the way he sang. The only album i have is the International Pop Overthrow. I loved that song CRAZY i think that's the name of it. I bet he was really a cool person that i never got a chance to meet. Rest in Peace Jim!
Ian
I went to see Material Issue at one of Jim's last performances. It was in Chicago at the Metro. It was easily one of the best shows I've ever been to. After the concert was over I was waiting around outside. My friend Mark and I probably were out there for a couple of hours since we were the only people outside for a while. Then after about an hour Jim Ellison came outside (wearing his bright orange tight pants) I was so excited to see him. I wanted to say something to him without sounding like a total dork, but so much for not sounding like an idiot. All that came out of my mouth was, " OH MAN!! You're the guy.....Jim.... Oh my God... You are soooooo awesome!!!!!!!!!" So I sort of met Jim Ellison and it was a very exciting time in my life and now I can share it with other Material Issue fans from everywhere.
I can't share any memories of Jim Ellison or any other member of the band because I didn't know Jim and I don't know any of the other band members personally.
However, I have been a fan of Material Issue since 1990 and was saddened to hear of Jim Ellison's death. Material Issue is one of my favorite pop bands. Their songs are well written and a few strike more than one cord in my heart. My favorite songs include but are no limited to: A Very Good Idea, Valerie Loves Me, So Easy to Love Somebody, Next Big Thing, 476-LOVE and Carosel. I wish the surviving band members much luck and success. Sincerely, Susanne Wettach (email - sus24@juno.com)