Memories of Sean Costello (40)

First got to hear Sean's music about five years ago and was hooked in an instant. Sean's songwriting and playing just got better and better with each album - not that the early albums weren't awesome in their own right. I live in the UK and never got to see Sean as I couldnt make the shows in France but I'm sure seeing the great man must have been something very special. The mantle of the "next big thing in the blues" was often banded around and overused but in Sean we had a player where "less definitely meant more". No big long flashy solos just impeccably played guitar - in 45 years of listening to the blues I really feel that Sean had no peers in the current generation of bluesman and his body of work should form a reference for any young player trying to find their way into the Blues scene. I still can't believe it's happened and my heartfelt wishes go out to his family - you can be very, very proud of all the pleasure your son has given to others. The last words are to you Sean, I hope you've found your peace

Words really cannot express the sadness I feel. I just can't get over the fact that he's gone. I'm thinking about him tonight and all the memories I have of him and I'm just so sad. He was not just an incredible musician, but he was a wonderful person. I'll never forget the few times I was able to hang out at his house or the time he and his band stayed with at my then-boyfriend's parent's house in New Orleans while we were visiting. I truly treasure every moment that I got to spend with Sean. This is by far the hardest thing I have ever had to deal with in my life. I loved him so much and wish I got to know him even better. He had so much more music to give us, but he gets to sing with the angels now. I cherish every recorded melody now more than ever

We miss you Sean......... Thanks for the friendship and music, we will keep your memory and music alive......... Dar and G

So terribly sad. You made the blues live through your fabulous voice and great playing. We saw you every time we could at Northside and we felt so proud to see you in Savannah in March where you outplayed everyone. You were always approachable and I was so happy that our daughter became a fan. She insisted upon hitting Northside at midnight on her 21st birthday and you had her dancing up a storm. You are sorely missed. A very great loss to the world of blues and Atlanta - we were privileged to have you.
Our very sorrow and compassion go out to your family

Boy did they ever break the mold with Sean Costello....He performed at our Natchel Blues Network's Blues at The Beach in the fall of 2001 and warmed the place up with his amazing style...He later appeared at Suffolk's Jazz and Blues Festival in September of 2005....After the show he brought me over to his van and previewed new tracks from his just released new recording...What a great person and musician.....All my feelings go out to Sean's family,friends and anyone anywhere who was touched by his music and friendship...
Alan Kurzer

My Rememberance of Sean Costello:
http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=155077048&blogID=382233258

I can't begin to express the overwhelming sadness...Peace and comfort to Sean's family as they try to cope with unimaginable pain.

We live in Atlanta and Sean was one of our own. After following him and his band for almost 15 years, my husband and I feel we've lost a member of our family. We are so very proud of him and, though we're not necessarily blues fans, we will always be SEAN COSTELLO FANS.

Blessings and love. "There'll Be No Half Steppin'", Sweet Sean. We will never forget you. RIP

My name is Freddie Kurz and Sean was my cousin. As a kid Sean would come visit my family and me in Delaware, and he would always bring his guitar. I looked forward to the times he would visit and missed him when he left. He Turned me onto playing guitar. I wanted to be just like him; he was THE coolest person in my family, and in the world as far as I am concerned. He was the son of my father's sister's son, but he felt like a brother to me in more ways than genetics. I found out Sean and I battled the same demons. I still battle those demons everyday, but I hope Sean will be looking out for me while he is where he is now. I'm never going to forget Sean and I am going to do everything I can to make sure no one else forgets him either. He wasn't just a musician to me, he was what I wanted to be more than anything; the coolest person anyone will ever meet. I looked forward to Sean playing at Warm Daddy's here in Philly, and couldn't wait till I turned 21 so I could see him by myself and hangout with him afterwards, maybe meet whatever hot girlfriend he had at that time, because you know he always had the hottest girlfriends. I miss you Sean, but hope to see you again someday.
Love,
Freddie

I was one of the few that was blessed to see and hear Sean play in Salem Oregon about a year ago. It was his first trip out here to the west coast and Lefty's Pizzaria was his first stop. I never heard of him before then. Sean totally blew me away with his one of a kind style. I just heard of his death today, and still don't know what took him. I just don't understand these things.
Sean, i truly hope you are in heaven now, cuz when i'm called "home", i'll be lookin for ya. i want to hear more of your music and if you don't mind, maybe we could jam. God bless.

Its such a bizare feeling its only days ago that I discovered Sean music,i just loved his rawness. My respect for musicians grows

From new years eve at the Blue Raccoon to wild nights at the Northside Tavern, to special performances at underground...Sean was worth the trip. He was an awesome musician, and a true blues soul. The music scene will not be the same without him. Our loss can not be measured in words.

Got to see you 3 times, and I'm so sorry I missed your last show....You and I toasted your 21st birthday with a Jaeger at the Star Bar so long ago, and I was on my way to the Big Easy when I heard of your passing. So sad...I get chill bumps even now when I think of our great loss, and all the talent gone. Thanks for the memories and Great Blues....

Sean was one of a kind, someone very special. I'll never forget the thrill I received when I knew I was going to see Sean. I'm 49 but I acted like a 5 year old headed to the circus. It is a very sad time, but we can consider ourselves very, very lucky to have known Sean. May every blessing imaginable be yours my friend