The Strawberry Alarm Clock is saddened by the news of our bandmate Ed King’s passing.
He was a brother, friend and mentor to us all. His musicality amazes us to this day.
Ed King falls into that proverbial category of “most underrated guitarists.” But he did get a fair share of accolades over the years.
We were fortunate to have reunited with Ed in 2007 for Roger Ebert’s 9th annual Overlooked Film Festival in Champaign, Ill.
We all shared a fun week together before closing the festivities with a legendary Strawberry Alarm Clock concert.
More recently in 2018, we embarked on a project with producer Ken Roberts to remake “Incense and Peppermints” with the original lineup.
Ed was very gracious in reproducing his iconic guitar parts and solo.
We have all kept close over the years either by phone, email or Facebook as well as Gene Gunnels and Mark Weitz making trips to Nashville to visit with Ed and his sweet wife, Sharon.
Our hearts go out to Sharon and the rest of Ed King’s family, his three boys and his brother, and their families.
From the Strawberry Alarm Clock family:
Present
Gene Gunnels
Mark Stephen Weitz
George Bunnell
Randy Seol
Steve Bartek
Howie Anderson
Past
Jimmy Pitman
Paul Marshall
Lee Freeman, RIP
Greg Munford
Steve Rabe
Mike Luciano
> Read more about Ed King and SAC.
When I first heard “Incense and Peppermints” on FM radio in Honolulu all those years ago I knew I was listening to musical magic. I couldn’t wait for the LP to come out. And when it did, I got it immediately. It has been one, if not, my favorite piece of music all these years. In the years that followed I kept up with SAC via their LP’s and more recently the website. Ed King and the rest of SAC have truly been a real part of my life through their music.
I am truly saddened to hear that Ed has passed away. His music and memory will live on in the fans and followers that he touched via SAC and Lynyrd Skynyrd. But mostly, for those like me, with his 4 LP’s with SAC. Tonight I play my collection of SAC LP’s and remember Ed King…. our sincerest condolences to his family, friends and SAC.
Thanks Warren. That’s remarkable to hear.
Warren: I was living in Honolulu in 1967. Listened to KKUA and KPOI. KKUA was considered a more progressive station and I think they broke SAC in the islands. In 1968 just before I left, I saw a KKUA concert there. … SAC opened, followed by Mitch Ryder, followed by the New Animals. Dick Clark was the emcee. Maybe you were there?
My memorial to Ed King
Nice! Thanks for all your support Warren. Most appreciated.
I reviewed Johnny Rogan’s “Byrds Requiem For the Timeless Vol. 2” and, concerning the SAC, there is something important in Note #25 at: http://www.furious.com/Perfect/byrdsbook4.html
Maybe we should start a petition, as was done long ago for the Moody Blues, who finally got in this year.
Thanks David.
We’re probably a long shot. Especially when you consider how the voting body has performed thus far.