R.I.P. Michael Corcoran

His run at the Chicago Sun-Times was before my time, but it was a name I became familiar with whenever I went trawling for music articles in their archives. He went on to a long and prolific career in music writing (and other areas of journalism) in Austin, TX.

From his Facebook page:

This is Jack Corcoran, Michael’s son. My father has passed away. Funeral services to be announced in the coming days. I know my father touched a lot of lives, and we are going to plan the biggest send off we can for him.

A true badass has left the planet.

R.I.P, thank you sir for what you do for music!

Corky was a hoot and a holler. I knew him a little from SXSW in the '90s and always found him larger than life and funny AF. Great writer, great guy.

His son just posted this:

A memorial service and musical showcase will be held on MONDAY, JULY 15 at ANTONE'S 305 E. 5th Street, Austin TX. Doors 1:30 // Memorial Service 2pm // Michael Corcoran Memorial Showcase begins 4pm until ??.

Performers include: Shinyribs, The Jones Family Singers, Ramsay Midwood, Eve Monsees, Kelly Willis, Kathy McCarty, Jon Dee Graham, Jack Henry Corcoran, Britt Daniel, Shoulders, The Rite Flyers, Courtney Santana, Tameca Jones, and Wild Seeds, perhaps surprise guests.

There is no admission charge and this is not a ticketed event. First-come, first admitted. A suggested donation of $20 at the door will be appreciated. Proceeds to benefit the SIMS Foundation.

A larger memorial concert will be announced in the coming months.

If you would like to honor Michael, we request donations to the SIMS Foundation in his name, an organization he imagined in an article following Sims Ellison’s death. SIMS will be on-site at the event.

We hope to see you there. With love,
Jack Corcoran