Tribute To Indian Larry

     Monday, August 30th was a sad day for motorcyclists everywhere. Indian Larry, The Father of Old School, was performing at the Liquid Steel Classic and Custom Bike Series in Concord, North Carolina when there was an accident. Indian Larry was performing in front of 8,000 people on Saturday, August 28th when the motorcycle that he was standing on began to wobble - he tried to regain control but was unable. Not wearing a helmet, he suffered head injuries and was transported to a local hospital where he later passed away.

     Pudge & I have had the opportunity to meet Indian Larry, most recently at the Atlantic City Tattoo Extravaganza; ironically, that same show coverage with pics of Indian Larry & I together is running in this month's issue.

     Indian Larry was present at many of the large bike events that we have attended in the past few months: Myrtle and Daytona are the ones that stick out in my memory. With hundreds of thousands of people present, Larry never put on airs. As friends, fans, admirers, and strangers just like me are all commiserating now, he didn't pretend to be something or someone that he wasn't. He was just Indian Larry - a bike builder, a guy who wore pajama pants and slippers to sign autographs and pose for pictures, a guy who just wanted to be riding on his bike.

     There really isn't anything that anyone can say at this point in time to comfort the friends and family that are experiencing their loss. However, the following comments are some of those that I have found on sites that exemplify our feelings better than I am able to. We have truly lost a legend that cannot be replaced.

     "The next day the clouds are dark in your area, know it's probably Indian Larry doing a burnout for the Big Man upstairs."

     "Luckily for him, his fans, and everyone else in between he went out the only way he would have seen fit. Aboard his bike, showing off in front of the kind of people he loved, and that loved him back just as much. He will be missed. Truly an American Original."

     "Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting "Holy shit ... what a ride!"