Z best

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We knew him as David Z. His full name: David Zablidowsky.  Also known as David Z Rock.  
On Friday July 14, 2017, He was on tour with his band Adrenaline Mob.  It is reported the RV they were traveling in had a flat tire.  The RV and another vehicle traveling with the band pulled off to the side of the road for repairs. Apparently while they were attending to the tire, a semi trailer veered to where they were parked on the side, hit the RV and another vehicle traveling with them. Everyone but the driver of the semi truck that hit them were injured, some critically.  David was in the RV and killed on site. 

His fame: the hottest damn bass player I've ever seen...and I've seen quite a few.   With the stage presence of a giant- you would never ignore him.  Quite impossible.   A blind person could feel the heat of his performance. 

He was referred to as "A beast" by some of his friends.  He was fearless on stage. My girlfriends and I called him a "horn dog": and we meant that in the nicest possible way. His energy was undeniable, yet he maintained a charming boyish air. On stage: he was a 100% bad ass bass player.  He was superman. He was unforgettable.

David Z the musician was an explosion of energy.  Every note was delivered with attitude, the musicality came directly from his soul. It was driving, passionate, tough, funny and at times incredibly beautiful. He was a solid player, better than solid, he was "a beast" admired by musicians, friends and fans alike.  It was obvious he loved his craft.   It was evident with each note and the joy every time he hit the stage. He never betrayed his music for showmanship, but excelled at intertwining the two.  As a member of the audience, we reaped the rewards. That is why his death struck us so personally. We looked forward to his life force on stage.  The prancing, the dancing, the leaps, the running from one side of the stage to another.  He was scheduled to appear with Adrenaline Mob in Charlotte this September.  The date was circled on my calendar.  It would be another guaranteed night of music, energy and entertainment.  

All that changed July 14th, and the music world is stunned, not to mention the fans of every band he was associated with.  He may not have been a house hold name, but he was legendary and respected as a session musician and performer by his peers.  He was loved by the fans.  

There are some people that just make an impression on life. My husband was one and David Z Rock was another.  They had that quality of being instantly memorable. 

In the hours following the news, I took time to browse through David's Facebook page and noticed all the photos posted by friends and fans.  So many after show photos with fans. Not everyone takes the time.  He always did. He stepped it up. Not only did he understand performing for an audience, he understood the essential connection to the fan.  Whether is was with ZO2, TSO, Rubix Cube, Soto, Joan Jett, Adrenaline Mob or anyone he shared the stage with, David Z broke through the barrier from stage to audience. David Z was genuine. Absolutely real. He loved performing, loved his music and we knew it. His sense of humor and talent was as vibrant as his sexuality on and off stage. He worked it with boundless energy like a young puppy and just as eager to please. It was pure fun- playtime.  It was like watching a kid on stage, and his band mates felt it and fed off the synergy feast.

I first experienced David with TSO 14 years ago with my husband.   A few months later we saw him with his brother Paul & drummer Joey Cassata tear it up as ZO2 opened for KISS and Poison.  They hung out at the merch area after they got off stage, and we hung out talking with Paulie and David during KISS's performance. Both were personable. Funny. The humor was strong and evident in their videos and their show Z ROCK on IFC.  Look no further than "I Like Sauce" parody as an example of his ability to laugh at himself. 

David's warmth and outgoing personality continued at meet & greets throughout his touring with TSO.   He was never an asshole.(Yes, there are many in this industry) Lucky for us, David Z was NOT one of them. He was not arrogant, yet with his talent, no one would have blamed him if he were. He was confident, driven, and one of those people that just made life a little brighter.  The loss to fans is monumental.  Many comments were posted that he was the one they looked for on stage.  He was the reason they ultimately purchased that ticket. Positive energy breeds positive energy.  That connection was imperative for many as they immersed themselves in David's antics on stage to help them step outside of their own lives.  He never disappointed.   

To his family and fiance, there are no words of comfort I can offer. Time does not heal all wounds, but memories make the wounds weep less. To his TSO family especially, Christopher, Jeff, Joel, Alex, your posts are heartbreaking. This tragedy is especially hard after the loss of Paul O'Neill this year.

You need only read the tributes from musicians from around the globe as they react to this horrible tragedy to know the respect they had for him as a musician.
the Blog from Jeff Scott Soto had me in tears. 

There are people that exude something special when they walk in a room or on stage. Je ne sais quoi. Yup. David was the definition of Je ne sais quoi. Time to Rock the Heavens, the angels are in for a real treat. 

~ MLS
author The Loss World

The Loss World Monologues

Addendum:  Scholarship in David Z's Name for aspiring music students at his alma mater, Brooklyn College.See below:

The world lost a massively talented musician and an even more extraordinary person in a tragic accident on the way to do what he loved the most.  His amazing brother Paul Zablidowsky and his family and friends want to keep his memory alive and to have him continue to help aspiring music students at his alma mater.

A scholarship fund was set up in his name. Please donate on this web page and fill in David’s name in the fund designation:

https://secure.etransfer.com/…/Broo…/Donation/donation1.cfm…

Make sure to write "David Z" where it says Fund Designation.

Also, checks in his memory/toward his scholarship can be sent to:

Brooklyn College Foundation
Attn: David Zablidowsky Fund
2900 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11210

And please share and spread the word!!