IBS: Ed Rechts

[tbonesullivan]

That's sad to hear. I didn't arrive here until August of '09, so I kinda missed the "glory days" in that sense, but I definitely remember the "Wild West" era of internet forums. Sounds like it was quite the character, even if abrasive at times. I've got a few friends who are also the type that "will not be tamed".

[BTMN]

Forgot to mention: FUCK CANCER!!!!! 😡

[Stike]

Well definitely not the pre-obituary I wanted to read this morning...

As a self admitted dim bulb that probably values humor over most other things I always admired and envied Jay's level of wit.

[kizanski]

Way back when, during the Photoshop Wars, only a select few people knew what Rechts looked like, and obviously it would be real help for me if I had had a face to place into all sorts of compromising photos.

Mobster told me at some point that Rechts was going to be hanging at his place and I begged him to get a photo of his face for me.
He laughed and said he would try, "But you know how he is..." he added.

Mobster and ToneJunkee posted photos of their gettogether, but no Rechts...

What happened?  Where was Rechts?

I was literally holding my breath.

Then they posted this.

Classic HFC fun.

Extra points for the "LIVIN' LA VIDA ASSHOLA" t-shirt.

 

Months later there was the follow up photo.

 

Edited June 16, 2025 by kizanski

[donner]

Over the years, it's always been warming my heart, how people here really care for each other: Even in terms of NOT willing to be portraited. 

But not only that. HFC truly seems to be one of not that many real brethren congregations on the interwebs. (BTW: Are there any sisters, too?)

Feels good to be a small part of that. 

[kizanski]

This one speaks for itself.

[kizanski]

@ToneJunkee, @Rechts, Kevin "Jack Butler" Dillard, and @Mobster

They're getting the "banned" back together.

[Brooks]

Ahh, this is sad news. Jay kept in touch w/ me thru Facebook, occasionally sending me funny shit or cool tune links. He will be missed.

[Bass Guy Dave]

Man...

 

Haven't logged into this board for probably at least a year or two, and this is a rough welcome back.

The HFC is a special place to me.  I surrendered my internet message-board cherry to this place, in late 1999 and later, my Podcast one to Pod Of Thunder, based largely on the quality of content from this place (and was not disappointed.)  Didn't realize at the time, just how cutting-edge both were.

Aside from delivering the genuine, good-natured belly laughs, Especially in those early years, Ed illustrated to me the importance of not taking yourself too seriously, and to never think the internet granted you the anonymity/immunity to have any kind of a diva moment--and if you found yourself called out for having one anyway, to lighten up and give credit where due for great humor--especially if directed at you.  (now, fond memories of my kids introducing me to things like the mayhem of Rainbow Six in-game chat.)

"Carlin with a keyboard..." doesn't begin to do Ed justice, but it's as good as I'll get.      Would have been fun to meet him.

This sucks.  Fuck Cancer, indeed.

Dave

[stonge]

Ed was the tactical nuke of sarcasm, scorn, and wit and many felt the pain of being at ground zero.  Those were some times that are indeed legend.

Godspeed, and fuck cancer.

[specialk]

Jay:

[cmatthes]

I've known Jay since the very early days of the HFC way back in the 20th Century.  We hung out a fair bit over the years and I fondly recall a couple lunch breaks from work when Jay, Turdus and me got our greasy fingerprints all over a bunch of guitars at a nearby Northern VA Hamer dealer (good ol' Russ...).  I caught him out playing in a band or two, and I think he probably struggled with the urge to throw a beer at one of my bands from the crowd over the years as well.

Quite possibly, the funniest and smartest muthafuckah I've known, and I managed to stay out of the receiving end of his sometimes caustic wit for far longer than I didn't.  I was probably his primary supporter behind the scenes on the board for many years, and more than a few times, talked things out with him in order to prevent a Chernobyl-quality meltdown here, but I wasn't always successful.  Not sure what turned, but we're all human, I guess.

I tried to reach him via FB a little over a month ago, but haven't heard back, but I know he has far more important things on his plate right now, and I totally understand.

Jay - I wish you nothing but the best, and you've made more people laugh - and some even cry - around here, but at the end of the day, you're a fucking LEGEND.

[LucSulla]

Sorry to read this, even though I didn't know Jay. One of my best friends has gotten a similar diagnosis recently, which he is on the front end of but still isn't looking good. It's a lot to take in because, at the moment, he seems as healthy as a horse. When we talk, I forget how dire the situation is even if it is still just something brewing on the horizon. But it's a serious as it gets it seems, and the first time in my adult life someone I'm close to has been given such poor odds of surviving something.

I feel awful for Jay and terrible for those of you around here that clearly valued him. I didn't know him myself, but I can definitely sympathize. 

All that sad shit being said, I'm glad @kizanski posted, beyond the obvious reasons, because it led to taking a deep dive into the archive this afternoon. 

Holy shit, y'all were some messy bitches 20 years ago! 

Edited June 17, 2025 by LucSulla

[mudshark]

sorry to hear this ... let's all hope for a miracle

[mathman]

4 hours ago, LucSulla said:

Sorry to read this, even though I didn't know Jay. One of my best friends has gotten a similar diagnosis recently, which he is on the front end of but still isn't looking good. It's a lot to take in because, at the moment, he seems as healthy as a horse. When we talk, I forget how dire the situation is even if it is still just something brewing on the horizon. But it's a serious as it gets it seems, and the first time in my adult life someone I'm close to has been given such poor odds of surviving something.

I feel awful for Jay and terrible for those of you around here that clearly valued him. I didn't know him myself, but I can definitely sympathize. 

All that sad shit being said, I'm glad @kizanski posted, beyond the obvious reasons, because it led to taking a deep dive into the archive this afternoon. 

Holy shit, y'all were some messy bitches 20 years ago! 

There is nothing good to hear about his prognosis.  But, the gems that are archived even on this current board are legendary.   Please,  learn to use the search function.  I'll give you half a twenty now and a hundred bucks once you spend some time in the archives.   The world was a better place 20 years ago....

[Jack C]

God, those were some fun times, and Rechts was the ringleader. Just brutally, intelligently hilarious.  

[seeker]

I hit HFC/UFC in 01 era so was fortunate enough to have a ringside seat to most of his antics. Made the mistake of visiting HFC during the workday all too often; lost it more times than I could count and coworkers would just stare at me. Actually did meet him once he was still on Nova; bought my copy of Rick Nielsen Guitars of the Stars from him. Smart guy. When he later made the occasional swing thru HFC it was like old days, a cause for celebration.  Although he did confuse the heck out of Pam by then.  

[Biz Prof]

Tomorrow is Jay's birthday. He'll be in the hospital, but he continues to fight and shoot birds at the disease trying to destroy his body. Given tomorrow's an increasingly recognized national holiday, perhaps we should raise our own glasses to liberation for all beings. And to liberation from diseases that threaten to take lives at too young an age.

[kizanski]

UPDATE:

I just got off the phone with @Mobster, who had just been chatting with Rechts via Facebook Messenger and passed this info to me, so I'm passing it onto you all.
It seems that Jay is sans phone since his last visit to the hospital and they lost it for him. I joked that in the countless number of Jay Toland disappearances over the years, we finally have one that can be explained.

Jay is headed to the hospital tomorrow for treatment and is suddenly using language related to "beating this," which is music to his friends' ears.
Certainly more so than his guitar playing.

I KEEED!  I've never heard him play!

He has been living in a hotel in Boca and since he doesn't have a phone, all of his communication has been via fb messenger or the hotel room phone.

So he's going to spend his birthday in the hospital. "Juneteenth," he said. "A National holiday," for which he is taking full credit.

Please know that he can read these posts, so wish the original motherfucker a happy birthday tomorrow.

I mean come on.  He got you the day off.

[RobB]

30 minutes ago, kizanski said:

I mean come on.  He got you the day off.

Well, I don’t, but Juneteenth is triple-time (aka, “golden time” in Hollywood), so I’ll be in a great mood. Great enough to send Rechts best birthday wishes!

[specialk]

Great news! Thanks for sharing it with us and it sounds real good about him talking of beating this shit!

[The Shark]

One of the most difficult things in dealing with cancer is the mental wear and tear it puts on your psyche.  It's hard to remain positive, when the medical types are telling you that the percentages are not in your favor.  I've had friends that beat Stage 3 and Stage 4 cancers, but none of them didn't "give up" at one point or another.  I hope everyone's responses help him with his fight.  I pray for healing and peace.

Sorry.  I know.  No religion.  Fuck that.  I'm praying for him...    

[mudshark]

Happy Birthday, Jay 

 

[Steve Haynie]

Happy Birthday!  

[kizanski]

Happy Birthday, you sexy beast.