John Redmond, Renaissance Man, passes away

John Redmond

John Redmond, 62, a long-time Korea Times contributing writer, died last week. David Tizzard, also a contributing writer and Redmond's friend, wrote a eulogy that we think captures our feeling of the loss of a close one. -- ED.

By David Tizzard

In the early hours of Saturday, May 12, John Redmond passed away. His death became known to many of us here in Seoul later that rain-soaked evening. A tangible and collective mourning that journeyed across cities, countries, and continents. His passing was sudden and the grief that arose from it genuine.

It will not be quite possible to encapsulate here the entirety of just who John was. Indeed, he likely would have taken great umbrage with the moniker given to him in the headline: Renaissance Man. And yet despite what he might argue, he was. John Redmond was a journalist, a writer, a surfer, a cyclist, a bassist, a guitarist, a West Ham fan, an Aussie Rules debater, a photographer, a pool player, a thespian, a restaurateur, an actor, an Itaewon legend, a teacher, a sound engineer, a director, a chef and all-round good guy.

He was a friend. Somebody to talk to, to listen to. He had opinions. Experiences. And, always, a story or two to tell. He would take pleasure recounting his days in Melbourne playing music with a whole host of strange and interesting characters. He would beam as he spoke of his time in South Africa, either surfing waves or taking part in huge bike races. He had surprisingly clear and vivid memories of the various concerts attended in London, a list of acts large enough to fill volumes of NME.

There was a depth and intensity to John that was borne out of all that he had seen and, when you spoke to him, this came through. One of his great gifts, his pleasure, his hobby, was speaking to people. This was clear in how he ran the Foreign Community section of The Korea Times with such dedication and pleasure for so many long years.

There wasn’t an event John wouldn’t cover in Seoul. A Tuesday afternoon might see him rubbing shoulders with the Australian ambassador at an event full of canapes and champagne, only for the very next evening to have him with his camera in hand interviewing a group of tattooed young gentlemen trying to make their mark on the music scene. He would then toddle off and have himself adorned with the strangest of costumes for his latest TV role and share them with us all on Facebook. He was a king of the fake moustache, no doubt.

Many might have met him at the homely fish and chip he ran in Songdo. Football teams would drop in on Sunday after playing in the nearby fields and spend the afternoon sitting and talking with him while he and his partner Julie provided all the hospitality and condiments that people expect from such food. One day he would be in there arranging things for the latest Egyptian dramatic piece he was directing. The next day he would be playing videos and showing people some of his favorite songs.

He was a true stalwart in the music scene, both on and off the stage. Standing up alone in a bar with nothing more than his acoustic guitar in hand and personality as support held no fear for John. He played countless concerts and could always be found at the Haebangchon Music Festival where he would draw friends and keen listeners alike. One of the more memorable renditions he performed over the years was of Depeche Mode’s “Personal Jesus.” He gave the song a haunting feel, navigating his way through the lyrics with a genuine sense of artistic understanding.

He also played in various groups, including The Tremors fronted by his friend, Doosan Bears pitcher Matt Randel. The two men, years and countries apart, built a relationship that would draw many others to them. A scene unto themselves and beholden to no one. A love of music and a certain ethos in the way things should be done that would always overcome any other differences that might arise. Years later they would reconnect to form the Stoogicides, a tribute to The Stooges, and play a series of shows together. Videos and recordings still reverberate around the internet for the memories to linger and John’s sound to live on. To be remembered.

John Redmond was a fascinating man. A Renaissance Man. He had a profound effect on many people’s lives and the comments, photos and tributes that came rolling in after he passed served to demonstrate this fact. John now plays in the great gig in the sky and I have no doubt he will still be telling people it’s a “done deal.” Prayers and thoughts go out to Julie, to his family, and to his loved ones. He sleeps in peace: Requiescat in pace.

A schedule for funeral services and memorial events will be set later.

“Dance to the beat of the living dead Lose sleep, baby, and stay away from bed Raw power is sure to come a-runnin' to you If you're alone and you got no fear So am I baby let's move on out of here Raw power is sure to come a-runnin' to you Raw power got a magic touch Raw power is much too much Happiness is guaranteed It was made for you and me Raw power, honey, just won't quit Raw power, I can feel it Raw power, it can't be beat” Iggy Pop “Raw Power”