Brent Grulke R.I.P.

BRENT GRULKE, 52, longtime Creative Director for South By Southwest, passed away yesterday morning after a heart attack while having oral surgery at the dentist. He was the music editor at the Austin Chronicle from 1990-’91, where his staff included Texas Monthly writer Jason Cohen. He co-wrote the mid-‘80s book, I’m Sorry, I Can’t Rock You All Night Long, with best friend Mike Hall, and was a touring sound man for Hall’s Wild Seeds, the True Believers, the Reivers and the Killer Bees, among others. Survivors include wife Kristen, their six-year-old son and brothers Brad and Brian. Grulke’s easygoing, passionate personality endeared him to friends and fellow musicians alike. Said friend, writer Michael Corcoran: “Grulke was a sweet guy who loved his family and friends. He wasn’t competitive by nature, and I don’t think he ever crossed someone who didn’t deserve it. It hasn’t all sunk in yet, but it’s going to suck when he’s not around anymore. He was kin to so many of us who felt like we arrived in paradise because music was always in the air. It feels like a piece ofAustin, a piece of us, has died.” (8/14p)