Adrian Peritore – My Tribute

I learned of Adrian’s passing four days after. I was out of the country trying to distance myself from everything. It was only during a brief connection Tuesday, November 28th that I learned. This if my first opportunity to respond.

I didn’t know Adrian. My interactions with him over the past 3 years has been to photograph him during L.C. Rocks concerts and recently with the Mark Chandler Band. I had never had a conversation with him till October 2023. I didn’t know how to approach him or even what we would talk about, which is why my last two encounters with him have significant meaning. I talked and listened to him. I found him to be not only approachable but easy to talk to and a very funny man. During the October 6, 2023 performance at Shooters 620, Adrian sat next to the entrance door prior to the show beginning. People entering felt obligated to show their id’s. I told him that he would make a good bouncer. My last encounter with him was on October 20, 2023 playing with the Mark Chandler Band. We talked about management and other work related issues.

Adrian’s passing comes at a time in my life where I am in the process of redesigning my life. For many years I tried to climb the corporate ladder to reach a position where my words would have a positive impact of change. This did not happen. Recently, I survived a bout of layoffs. His death is a reminder that we do not need to put off attempting to accomplish our dreams. I will accelerate my plans.

Over the past three years, I have had the honor and privilege to photograph the Excellence in Austin, of which Adrian was part of. My prayers goes out to any family, friends, and band members who played with him. I will never know the gap his death created in you. Please know that in this photographer will treasure his presence. I close with this quote.

“To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.”
― Oscar Wilde

From what I have gathered from reading the postings about Adrian, he lived.