AMBR
Metal Grandma
Thank you for that post. Much condolences. I am simply crushed. Such a sweet and talented guy gone way too soon.
RIP Matt LaPorte
- Thread starter Angrafan
- Start date
J-Dubya 777
It NEVER ends
Thanks for the post, Kong, my heartfelt condolences go out to his friends & family. truly a sad day.... 
Thanks again one and all. And just for the record (as was posted quite a bit elsewhere) Oliva did NOT leave the TSO tour
because of Matt. Funeral arrangements will be posted as soon as possible.
because of Matt. Funeral arrangements will be posted as soon as possible.
spag
I am a leaf on the wind
I so wanted this to be a bad joke, or misinformation. The world truly lost a great musician with Matt. My heart goes out to all his friends and family. RIP Matt.
Prog_Muse
Look Who The Cat Dragged In
I had just arrived at Crimson Glory's last practice before the tour when I heard the news last night that Matt La Porte had passed away. My heart goes out to everyone else who is reeling from this very sad and untimely news.
I posted this elsewhere, but I wanted to post here as well, so that those band mates, friends and family of Matt's whom I haven't met or spoke with yet will know how much he was loved and appreciated.
Matt and I had a very special friendship, and he's always been tied in to my history with my husband and with Crimson Glory. I first met Matt in San Francisco back in 2007, when Jon Oliva's Pain were co-headlining the Bay Area Rock Fest with Crimson Glory. I was in the front row right in front of Matt, and he was playing Criss Oliva's solos with all of the triumph and tragedy he could muster.
I was in tears for most of it; it touched me so deeply to hear Criss' music resurrected with such passion. I got a brief chance to speak with him backstage after the show, and to thank him for doing such a beautiful tribute to Criss. He truly loved what he did musically in all aspects, and he really knew how to bring out the best of the musicians he worked with.
Matt bounced periodically in and out of my life; we would run into each other at ProgPower every year, and after my move to Florida and marriage to Jon, I naturally saw him frequently and spoke to him often... It was in the days leading up to Midnight's passing that our friendship deepened and strengthened.
He truly loved Midnight so very much, and I know I speak for many people when I say that I am so glad that Matt was there to work alongside Midnight and help make some of his ideas into reality.
After he passed away, Matt gave us a beautiful collection of songs that Midnight had recorded, and I took it upon myself to learn many of them.
I remember one day, maybe two weeks after Midnight passed, Matt came over to work on some guitar parts with Jon, and I offered to play him something on the piano. I chose Midnight's "Love Song."
I'll never forget looking up when I finished, and seeing Matt La Porte standing in my doorway with tears in his eyes.
But as deeply as he felt the sadness and the sorrows of the beautiful world around him, so much more so did he radiate an exuberant, larger-than-life presence. He had a booming voice, a twisted wit, and he loved to laugh...especially at himself. He and I could shoot comebacks and one-liners back and forth at each other all day long. He was never afraid to be silly, and I know that he put up with my special brand of humor better than most.
While the band was gearing up for the ProgPower X tribute to Midnight, he would come to the rehearsal space the same way every night: Happy, loud, boisterous, and ready to play the music of his dear friend Midnight with one of his favorite bands, Crimson Glory.
When everyone else was mired in the seriousness and tension of getting this part or that part right, Matt would happily strum his guitar in the corner, throwing out some sort of random ambiguous commentary here and there, usually with one of my flower barrettes attached to his hat (I offered them to everyone, but he was the only one who would wear them).
Somewhere around this time, we had all started coming up with nicknames for Matt, but I'm proud to say that the one that he embraced as his own was the one I gave him. In fact, when we signed promo cards for each other at the ProgPower X meet and greet, his autograph to me read,
"Hey babe...
The name's Moop. Moop La Poop."
The soundcheck at ProgPower X was probably one of the most memorable moments, because we all laughed so much that day. There was really none of the frustration and stress that usually comes with an already-behind-schedule soundcheck (especially when you have eighteen different singers running around all over Atlanta), mainly because Matt always had something witty to throw out there. I remember at one point, Matt piped up and said, "I could really use a Diet Coke!" I replied right back, "Yeah, you could!"
It was this kind of dynamic that made our friendship so memorable: we could laugh as we called each other names, and we could cry as we played our late friends' music together. I'm forever grateful and touched to have Matt La Porte as my friend over the last few years.
Although I'm so profoundly sad at his passing, I'm happy too, because I know that Midnight was probably getting a little lonely out there; now he has one of his best friends who loves and understands him, and I bet the music those two are creating is beyond amazing...I can only hope that a little bit trickles down into my soul every now and then, so I can create some, too.
Rest In Peace, Moop.
I posted this elsewhere, but I wanted to post here as well, so that those band mates, friends and family of Matt's whom I haven't met or spoke with yet will know how much he was loved and appreciated.
Matt and I had a very special friendship, and he's always been tied in to my history with my husband and with Crimson Glory. I first met Matt in San Francisco back in 2007, when Jon Oliva's Pain were co-headlining the Bay Area Rock Fest with Crimson Glory. I was in the front row right in front of Matt, and he was playing Criss Oliva's solos with all of the triumph and tragedy he could muster.
I was in tears for most of it; it touched me so deeply to hear Criss' music resurrected with such passion. I got a brief chance to speak with him backstage after the show, and to thank him for doing such a beautiful tribute to Criss. He truly loved what he did musically in all aspects, and he really knew how to bring out the best of the musicians he worked with.
Matt bounced periodically in and out of my life; we would run into each other at ProgPower every year, and after my move to Florida and marriage to Jon, I naturally saw him frequently and spoke to him often... It was in the days leading up to Midnight's passing that our friendship deepened and strengthened.
He truly loved Midnight so very much, and I know I speak for many people when I say that I am so glad that Matt was there to work alongside Midnight and help make some of his ideas into reality.
After he passed away, Matt gave us a beautiful collection of songs that Midnight had recorded, and I took it upon myself to learn many of them.
I remember one day, maybe two weeks after Midnight passed, Matt came over to work on some guitar parts with Jon, and I offered to play him something on the piano. I chose Midnight's "Love Song."
I'll never forget looking up when I finished, and seeing Matt La Porte standing in my doorway with tears in his eyes.
But as deeply as he felt the sadness and the sorrows of the beautiful world around him, so much more so did he radiate an exuberant, larger-than-life presence. He had a booming voice, a twisted wit, and he loved to laugh...especially at himself. He and I could shoot comebacks and one-liners back and forth at each other all day long. He was never afraid to be silly, and I know that he put up with my special brand of humor better than most.
While the band was gearing up for the ProgPower X tribute to Midnight, he would come to the rehearsal space the same way every night: Happy, loud, boisterous, and ready to play the music of his dear friend Midnight with one of his favorite bands, Crimson Glory.
When everyone else was mired in the seriousness and tension of getting this part or that part right, Matt would happily strum his guitar in the corner, throwing out some sort of random ambiguous commentary here and there, usually with one of my flower barrettes attached to his hat (I offered them to everyone, but he was the only one who would wear them).
Somewhere around this time, we had all started coming up with nicknames for Matt, but I'm proud to say that the one that he embraced as his own was the one I gave him. In fact, when we signed promo cards for each other at the ProgPower X meet and greet, his autograph to me read,
"Hey babe...
The name's Moop. Moop La Poop."
The soundcheck at ProgPower X was probably one of the most memorable moments, because we all laughed so much that day. There was really none of the frustration and stress that usually comes with an already-behind-schedule soundcheck (especially when you have eighteen different singers running around all over Atlanta), mainly because Matt always had something witty to throw out there. I remember at one point, Matt piped up and said, "I could really use a Diet Coke!" I replied right back, "Yeah, you could!"
It was this kind of dynamic that made our friendship so memorable: we could laugh as we called each other names, and we could cry as we played our late friends' music together. I'm forever grateful and touched to have Matt La Porte as my friend over the last few years.
Although I'm so profoundly sad at his passing, I'm happy too, because I know that Midnight was probably getting a little lonely out there; now he has one of his best friends who loves and understands him, and I bet the music those two are creating is beyond amazing...I can only hope that a little bit trickles down into my soul every now and then, so I can create some, too.
Rest In Peace, Moop.
Bear
Got Shred??
Wow I am shocked and saddened. I too met Matt in San Francisco for BAR Fest I and was very happy to have worked with him there and get to see him tear it up on stage a few times. Very nice story and words Denae. To all his friends and family, my sincere condolences in this difficult time, he will be remembered with his music and life!
Bear
Bear
Rick Pierpont
Odin's Court Guitar
Wow, such terrible news! Matt was indeed a great player and as so many have mentioned, he channeled Criss Oliva like no other.
I got to see Matt when he was with Circle II Circle and then with JOP many times and he always played and sounded great! As with Danae, Bear, and Karmakazi, I also met him at BAR Fest I (we played on Saturday night with them). My wife and I were hanging out with Jon and the band in the dressing room and had a great time. This is also where I met Danae. I also had the opportunity to tech for him at ProgPower when he played with Crimson Glory. Definitely a great player who has been taken from this world too soon. Hell, he is 18 months younger than me!
RIP Matt - I hope they have a Vox ToneLab ready for you!
I got to see Matt when he was with Circle II Circle and then with JOP many times and he always played and sounded great! As with Danae, Bear, and Karmakazi, I also met him at BAR Fest I (we played on Saturday night with them). My wife and I were hanging out with Jon and the band in the dressing room and had a great time. This is also where I met Danae. I also had the opportunity to tech for him at ProgPower when he played with Crimson Glory. Definitely a great player who has been taken from this world too soon. Hell, he is 18 months younger than me!
RIP Matt - I hope they have a Vox ToneLab ready for you!
SkiBumMSP
Member
Holy crap - this blows some major chunks!
He will be missed. I got to first meet him at BAR Fest I myself, and again when JOP played at Jaxx a couple of years ago. I remember just shooting the shit with him at Jaxx for a bit. A really cool guy that really knew how to play the guitar. He will be sorely missed. My condolences. And to think that he is about the same age as my younger brother <shudder>.
He will be missed. I got to first meet him at BAR Fest I myself, and again when JOP played at Jaxx a couple of years ago. I remember just shooting the shit with him at Jaxx for a bit. A really cool guy that really knew how to play the guitar. He will be sorely missed. My condolences. And to think that he is about the same age as my younger brother <shudder>.
edgeofthorns
24 Hours Ago...
I'm truly saddened by this news...Matt's passing is a huge blow to the music world. He was truly a talented and innovative player. 
~Brian~
~Brian~
TwizstedJesus
Member
- Mar 1, 2004
- 1,220
- 25
- 48
Truly a sad day. I feel awful for Matts family, and I feel terrible for Jon.
I remember when we first caught sight of Matt, at ProgPower, of course. He had an amazing tone, and when I closed my eyes, I heard Criss. He was not Criss, but he represented him amazingly well, and for that I became a huge fan. I've seen Matt with Jon at least 4 times since that 1st one, and each time he left me with a warm fuzzy feeling. His playing on each JOP disc was fantastic, and his solo disc is in my player as I type this.
To read about his passing early this morning left me feeling empty, almost that same sick feeling when I first heard about Criss.
I'll end this post with a little story about Criss and Jon,and a touching tribute, which I hope some day will include Matt.
When Criss passed away, I had been eagerly awaiting the Vince Neil/ Savatage tour. So when I saw that Savatage was continuing, and had scheduled their first date in Buffalo, NY, I purchased my tickets. The show was good, but obviously missing Criss. Jon was playing rhythm and keys and Alex Skolnick was playing lead that night. So, towards the end of the night, Jon pays tribute to his brother, I believe with "All That I Bleed" and points to the sky...Not a dry eye in the house, it was so touching and heartbreaking. I know that every show following that one he paid tribute the same way, but that first one still brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it.
Now, I hope that in the not too distant future, Jon will still be able to pay tribute to Criss, and now Matt, in the same way. They were both taken away way too soon and this ones gonna hurt for a long time.
And the lights
Turn then off my friend
And the ghosts
Well just let them in
Cause in the dark
It's easier to see
RIP Matt LaPorte
I remember when we first caught sight of Matt, at ProgPower, of course. He had an amazing tone, and when I closed my eyes, I heard Criss. He was not Criss, but he represented him amazingly well, and for that I became a huge fan. I've seen Matt with Jon at least 4 times since that 1st one, and each time he left me with a warm fuzzy feeling. His playing on each JOP disc was fantastic, and his solo disc is in my player as I type this.
To read about his passing early this morning left me feeling empty, almost that same sick feeling when I first heard about Criss.
I'll end this post with a little story about Criss and Jon,and a touching tribute, which I hope some day will include Matt.
When Criss passed away, I had been eagerly awaiting the Vince Neil/ Savatage tour. So when I saw that Savatage was continuing, and had scheduled their first date in Buffalo, NY, I purchased my tickets. The show was good, but obviously missing Criss. Jon was playing rhythm and keys and Alex Skolnick was playing lead that night. So, towards the end of the night, Jon pays tribute to his brother, I believe with "All That I Bleed" and points to the sky...Not a dry eye in the house, it was so touching and heartbreaking. I know that every show following that one he paid tribute the same way, but that first one still brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it.
Now, I hope that in the not too distant future, Jon will still be able to pay tribute to Criss, and now Matt, in the same way. They were both taken away way too soon and this ones gonna hurt for a long time.
And the lights
Turn then off my friend
And the ghosts
Well just let them in
Cause in the dark
It's easier to see
RIP Matt LaPorte
AngraRULES
Member
ConnieOH
Metal Lover in Ohio
The first and only time I saw Matt perform was at PP with JOP, and I was really impressed with not only his guitar playing but moreso with the passion he obviously had for the music. He really made an impression on me and so when I saw this news I was hoping it was not him. So sad. Condolences to his friends and family. RIP
SkiBumMSP
Member
Damn dude! That was giving me tears just reading that. I could only imagine what that had to be like in the actual moment.
Playing in memory...
Jon Oliva's Pain - 'Tage Mahal:
Rest in Peace - Matt LaPorte -
esa
Member
Matthew Laporte will be laid to rest this Saturday at the Moss Feaster Funeral
home in Largo Florida. Please click on the link below for all the details.
Please pass this information on to everyone you know. Anyone wishing to
send flowers or whatever should send them directly to the funeral home
in care of Matthew LaPorte so that floral companies locally will be able to
inform the service personal upon delivery.
It's been a very rough week for all of us, and we thank you from the bottom
of hearts for your support of him, JOP and of course his family and friends.
We look forward to seeing you on Saturday to celebrate his life together.
Warm regards,
JOP
http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/di...c=4681&pid=150471557&mid=4645571&locale=en-US
home in Largo Florida. Please click on the link below for all the details.
Please pass this information on to everyone you know. Anyone wishing to
send flowers or whatever should send them directly to the funeral home
in care of Matthew LaPorte so that floral companies locally will be able to
inform the service personal upon delivery.
It's been a very rough week for all of us, and we thank you from the bottom
of hearts for your support of him, JOP and of course his family and friends.
We look forward to seeing you on Saturday to celebrate his life together.
Warm regards,
JOP
http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/di...c=4681&pid=150471557&mid=4645571&locale=en-US
SavaVIDude
Savatage Fanatic
johan68
Member
Jasonic
Doom On!
Wow, died from sleep aepnea????
A good friend of mine has that and has to sleep every night connected to a machine via what basically looks like a gas mask.
It is a VERY difficult way to live.
I couldn't imagine how someone who was on the road as often as Matt was dealt with that, unless maybe he wasn't aware he had it???
A good friend of mine has that and has to sleep every night connected to a machine via what basically looks like a gas mask.
It is a VERY difficult way to live.
I couldn't imagine how someone who was on the road as often as Matt was dealt with that, unless maybe he wasn't aware he had it???
drmetal8
Graphic Design
Here is a video of him playing with Circle II Circle that I shot in 2007 at the Brass Mug. RIP Matt.
Last edited by a moderator:
KingsGene
God of Thunder
JON OLIVA'S PAIN Say Goodbye To Guitarist MATT LAPORTE - "It Was A Tear-Filled Event And A Beautiful Service"
Posted on Wednesday, May 04, 2011 at 02:40:50 EST
JON OLIVA'S PAIN guitarist Matt LaPorte, who passed away at his home in Florida on Wednesday, April 20th, was laid to rest on April 30th at the Moss Feaster Funeral Home in Largo, Florida. The band has issued the following statement:
"This past Sunday, along with hundreds of friends, family and fans we said our final goodbyes to Matthew.
It was a tear-filled event and a beautiful service. We thank each and everyone one of you for all that you said and did
this past week to comfort us and to celebrate his life!
Farewell Matthew.....we will meet again."
Matthew Davis LaPorte- September 11, 1970 - April 20, 2011
Danaë Saree Drenning, vocalist and wife of CRIMSON GLORY guitarist Jon Drenning, has given BW&BK kind and exclusive permission to publish her tribute to LaPorte. It can be read here: http://www.bravewords.com/news/161291
Posted on Wednesday, May 04, 2011 at 02:40:50 EST
JON OLIVA'S PAIN guitarist Matt LaPorte, who passed away at his home in Florida on Wednesday, April 20th, was laid to rest on April 30th at the Moss Feaster Funeral Home in Largo, Florida. The band has issued the following statement:
"This past Sunday, along with hundreds of friends, family and fans we said our final goodbyes to Matthew.
It was a tear-filled event and a beautiful service. We thank each and everyone one of you for all that you said and did
this past week to comfort us and to celebrate his life!
Farewell Matthew.....we will meet again."
Matthew Davis LaPorte- September 11, 1970 - April 20, 2011
Danaë Saree Drenning, vocalist and wife of CRIMSON GLORY guitarist Jon Drenning, has given BW&BK kind and exclusive permission to publish her tribute to LaPorte. It can be read here: http://www.bravewords.com/news/161291
Similar threads
