#johnny markowski

[krispyweiss]

“Don’t be Like Me,” NRPS Drummer Johnny Markowski Says as He Preps for Abdominal Bypass Surgery

- “It is all on me and my bad choices,” he says of health problems

New Riders of the Purple Sage drummer Johnny Markowski will have aortobifemoral double bypass surgery May 2 after being diagnosed with aortoiliac occlusive disease.

“This disease is not hereditary,” Markowski said in announcing his health problems. “It is all on me and my bad choices.”

Those include 38 years of cigarettes; “rivers” of alcohol; dabbling “in all types of drugs and party favors;” the fast-food diet of a gigging musician; and “massive amounts of weed,” he said.

Three weeks out from his 55th birthday, Markowski has 100 percent and 85 percent blockages on his left and right sides, respectively, cutting off oxygen to his legs and necessitating the abdominal operation, which Markowski calls his “second chance on life.”

“When I say don’t be like me, what I am saying is take care of your body; you only have one,” Markowski said. “If something doesn’t feel right, get your ass to the fucking doctor. … Here I was thinking I had back problems.”

His NRPS bandmates shared the news saying: “Keep the faith, brother.”

5/1/22

[krispyweiss]

New, New Riders in ’21?

- NRPS “talking about doing a few shows”

New Riders of the Purple Sage are “talking” about riding back onto the live-music scene before 2021 rides off into the sunset.

“New Riders have been talking about doing a few shows later this year in memory of Buddy Cage,” NRPS said on its Facebook page. “Most likely on the West Coast to start then head east.”

The statement echoes similar rumblings in April, before the delta variant began its sweep across the United States. If the tour comes to pass, it would mark the band’s first concerts under the NRPS banner since Cage died in 2016.

“Fingers crossed that’ll all happen,” the band said without mentioning whom might take Cage’s place on pedal-steel guitar.

“We’re all looking forward to playing live music for you all,” they added. “Support live music if you can.”

10/6/21

[krispyweiss]

New Riders of the Purple Sage “In Talks” about Returning to Concert Stage

- “It won't be the same without the late Buddy Cage, but the music will live on,” band says

The resurrection of the New Riders of the Purple Sage appears to be nigh.

Surviving band members David Nelson - the only original New Rider - and latter-day additions Michael Falzarano (rhythm guitar) Ronnie Penque (bass) and Johnny Markowski (drums) “are in talks to get back out and playing shows,” the band said in an Easter Day Facebook post.

“Fingers crossed that will happen soon.”

These would be the first NRPS shows since 2016, when illness sidelined Nelson and pedal steel guitarist Buddy Cage, who died of cancer in 2020.

“Granted it won't be the same without the late Buddy Cage, but the music will live on,” the band said.

No word on who would replace Cage, who replaced Jerry Garcia after the band’s 1971 self-titled debut.

4/4/21

[krispyweiss]

Pedal Steel Guitarist Buddy Cage Dead at 73

- Musician replaced Jerry Garcia in New Riders of the Purple Sage

Pedal steel guitarist Buddy Cage, who replaced Jerry Garcia in the New Riders of the Purple Sage, died Feb. 5, his bandmate Michael Falzarano said.

“It's with great sadness we say goodbye to Buddy Cage,” the guitarist wrote on Facebook. “I'd say rest in peace, but I know he'll be rockin' wherever he goes. Hey, Buddy, see ya in the next lifetime.”

Cage was 73. No cause of death was listed, but he’d been battling cancer for several years, a disease that forced the New Riders off the road in 2016 shortly after performing at Jorma Kaukonen’s Fur Peace Ranch in Ohio.

“One of our very first teachers and a dear friend, Buddy Cage, has left this earth,” read a note on the Fur Peace Facebook page. “Sad news. Fair winds brother.”

Cage joined the New Riders, which spun off from the Grateful Dead in 1969, as Garcia’s replacement in 1971 and remained with the “Panama Red” band until 1982. He reformed the group with original guitarist David Nelson, Falzarano, bassist Ronnie Penque and drummer Johnny Markowski in 2005.

“I am very sad once again this week with a very heavy heart,” Markowski said on Facebook. “Another crushing loss to this world. Rest in peace to my musical brother, golf partner, bandmate.”

Cage’s session credits include Anne Murray, Bob Dylan, Robert Hunter and others. His final recordings appear on Penque’s 2019 album, Family Business. The bassist posted a photo in wordless memorial to his bandmate.

NRPS is slated to play its first show since 2016, a 50th-anniversary celebration, July 25 at the Jam Fam Music Festival in New Jersey.

2/5/20

[krispyweiss]

NRPS’ Buddy Cage Undergoing Chemo; Unable to Perform

Buddy Cage, steel guitarist for New Riders of the Purple Sage, is undergoing chemotherapy and missed last night’s concert in New Jersey.

The news comes just days after founding singer/guitarist David Nelson left the tour after fracturing his shoulder in a post-concert fall on Friday.

Cage was diagnosed with blood cancer in 2012, but there was no mention of his specific ailment in a Facebook post Tuesday addressed to “Dear NRPS Fans.” The post said that evening’s concert would be a fundraiser for Nelson and Cage’s medical bills. It featured a performance by Acoustic Dead Sage, with NPRS drummer Johnny Markowski opening.

“David Nelson fell and broke his shoulder and will not be able to perform tonight,” the post read.

“Buddy Cage has been taking chemotherapy again and is too weak to play tonight. Tonight’s show will be a benefit and proceeds will go to help cover David & Buddy’s medical expenses. … Thank You for your support! We all wish David & Buddy a speedy recovery.”

After Nelson was injured, the band, billed as NRPS and Friends, played two shows with guitarist Rob Wolfson (Dead Sage) and keyboardist Benny Harrison (Elvis Costello) filling in.

The band is off tonight before wrapping the tour with three Northeast shows Thursday through Saturday. There’s no word on the status of these concerts.

9/21/16