~from Bruce’s Facebook page, by Bernie Finkelstein:
Some sad news to report. Acclaimed bassist Rob Wasserman has passed away (June 29). Here’s what Jambase reported last night.
“Just hours after Bob Weir shared the news bassist Rob Wasserman was battling serious health issues, comes word Wasserman has died. RatDog guitarist Mark Karan first revealed Rob had passed on with Weir confirming the news shortly thereafter.
Rob Wasserman is best known for his long tenure alongside Weir as a founding member of RatDog as well as the pair’s Bob Weir & Rob Wasserman project. Wasserman was a member of RatDog from the group’s mid ’90s formation through 2002 and then again from 2010 to their most recent performances.”
Rob played on what many people consider to be one of Bruce’s finest albums “The Charity Of Night“, recorded in 1996. Before that Bruce and Rob had played together in the early 90’s at Sony studios in New York where they along with Lou Reed and Rosanne Cash performed together on one of Bruce’s “Christmas With Cockburn” radio shows.
Rob was a brilliant musician and wonderful to work with in the studio. He will be missed. Rest in peace Rob.
Here’s “Pacing The Cage” from “The Charity Of Night”. This features Rob doing a beautiful bass solo.
Rob will be missed. I will never forget his incredible rendition of ‘God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen’ on the Christmas With Cockburn radio special of many, many years ago.
Rob’s Duets album came to mind tonight and decided to have a listen – Bruce had turned me on to him in 1996. Sad to learn of his passing. He was a remarkable musician who worked with some incredible talent. Thanks Bruce for being the one responsible for learning of this incredible guy.