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Joel Burrows Dead: Multi-Instrumentalist for the Minders & Thermals Dies

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Joel Burrows, a multi-instrumentalist from Portland, Ore., who played drums with the Minders and guitar with the Thermals, has died.

According to the Portland Mercury (via Pitchfork), Burrows had been battling health problems since suffering a massive head injury after being hit by a van in early 2011. He was in the ICU for months following the accident before moving to an assisted-living facility that specialized in patients with brain trauma.

Earlier this year, Wild Flag and former Sleater-Kinney drummer Janet Weiss organized a Portland benefit for Burrows called "Songs for Joel." The event raised funds for an expensive wheelchair insert that wasn't covered by Medicaid, and featured performances by Spoon's Britt Daniel, Corin Tucker, Modest Mouse's Isaac Brock, Drew Grow, Laura Viers and more.

RIP, Joel.

Listen to the Minders' "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah"

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meg49ers

Wow. He was a human being... at least he left his mark unlike so many of us that won't ever amount to a hill of beans. Who will remember you? Maybe I am being to harsh, but some of the comments seem to be so cold and ignorant. If you don't know who he is, duh-google him. IF you don't care, why comment at all?

http://youtu.be/2C9INJvKu9Q

December 04 2012 at 12:40 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
sarah

I said, who is he... R.I.P.

November 01 2012 at 12:42 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
bigthunder1cav

wow

November 01 2012 at 11:10 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
johngwc

If it's any consolation, my saying is: "you have to live in order to die". So, although I do not know of him, I hope he enjoyed his life.

November 01 2012 at 10:35 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
johngwc

Who arethey?

November 01 2012 at 10:33 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
neddicklight

Not familiar with Joel Burrows or the bands he was with, but all the same, my condolences to his family. R.I.P. Joel.

November 01 2012 at 4:34 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
brennemanbelkin

Poor guy. RIP Mr. Burrows.

October 31 2012 at 10:50 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Marty

Wonderful musicain taken too early.

October 31 2012 at 10:21 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
char4avon2

Sorry for the loss, howevewr, I never heard of him before

October 31 2012 at 5:58 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to char4avon2's comment
Major

Likewise.

November 01 2012 at 1:42 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jimmy

I've heard of John, Paul, George, & Ringo but not Joel Burrows.

Best to his family & friends.

October 31 2012 at 4:27 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Jimmy's comment
Steve

What a bottle of douche thing to say.

October 31 2012 at 8:26 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply