It's actually been a while since I got back, but there was much catching up to do in terms of work, and in the midst of it all came the unfortunate demise of a dear friend.
His early departure was a real shock, but also a reminder that we never know when our time will come.
It's terrible to think that the most unlikely persons are going to leave you much earlier than you imagine. It's terrible to be caught up in work, getting by, making a living and not spending enough time with people that mean so much to you.
I can't really remember the first time I met Wayne, and in case you didn't know he was the drummer for the notorious local rock outfit, the Boredphucks.
For a long time we were acquaintances, but it was over in Melbourne that our friendship grew. The Boredphucks had evolved into The Suns, and I'd come to their gigs and control the lights for their shows.
It was more than just music, there were plenty of barbecues, house parties, football nights... In a foreign land, we were a small community and I think in some way, The Suns have put Singapore permanently on the local Melbourne map (as far as live music was concerned).
You meet so many people in your life but Wayne is really special in a way - he is truly one person whom I do not have a bad memory of. That's not something that you can say even of your best of friends.
People come and go, but our memories of them live on. And so do photographs. I'd like to share with you a photo that I took of him, before one of their earlier gigs on Bruswick Street.
Wayne, you will always be missed.
