John Dieckman—Rest in Peace
Veteran area musician John “Mudbone” Dieckman suffered a fatal heart attack on Friday, apparently while moving into a new apartment. His sudden death is being widely mourned by friends and fellow musicians who knew him as an extraordinary player with a keen intellect and a sharp sense of humor that was much broader than his large frame.
Dieckman played with many different bands over the decades, including several years as pedal steel guitarist with the Steam Donkeys. I speak for my band mates when I say we all gained substantially from both his deep musical knowledge and his lovable personality. We are all in a state of sadness and shock at the loss of such a truly great talent and wonderful friend.
Visitation hours are planned for this Wednesday, December 17, at Ullrich Funeral Home, 8630 Transit Road, East Amherst, from 2-4pm and from 7-9pm.
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From Matt,Sue,Joanne,and Lorry. we are so touched that he was so loved. Matt will have many hard days ahead but I know with all of you his memory will stay alive for Matt. Thank You So Much!!!!!!!
Comment by Sue Caccamise and Matt Dieckman — December 15, 2008 @ 5:56 pm
I knew John for a lot of years and csn only think of all the good times we shared together. I will truly miss Jonh and I send my condolances to his family.
Comment by Dick Huey — December 15, 2008 @ 7:35 pm
I have known John for years and I loved him like a brother. He “bunked” at my apartment for a time in the late 80’s while home from touring in Alaska. He coached our ball team for Stamp’s and was a great guy. I am so glad I got to see him at his last birthday party….he will forever be remembered, especially on February 29. Have fun on your new adventure John. My deepest sympathy to his entire family, especially Matt.
Cathy
Comment by Cathy Allen — December 15, 2008 @ 8:01 pm
As a pedal steel player (a small fraternity around here), John was amazingly generous and supportive. He was always ready to share a lick and always had a word of encouragement for other’s performances. I can’t say I knew him as well as I would have liked, but I will certainly miss him — he was one of the good guys.
Comment by Dennis Mike — December 15, 2008 @ 8:02 pm
John, Dwane Hall and myself attended the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame awards this past fall. The night started @ the Sportsmen, then over to the Tralf onto the Tap Room and finishing up back @ the Sportsmen. All three of us had a great night! I’m so thankful for the experience.
Comment by Ken Biringer — December 15, 2008 @ 8:38 pm
Since I was a child John has been a part of my life, a big brother and a great friend. Whether it was working with him, traveling with him, or having a few drinks with him, they are moments that I will never forget. I have been cut short of his friendship, generosity and talent. We all have. John will be greatly missed by all who knew him. On behalf of the Hall family, we love you brother.
Comment by Jason Hall — December 16, 2008 @ 5:48 am
I’ve Played with John for many years,”Mudbone Johnny and the Blues News”, “The Hole in the wall Gang”,”Monday Night Madness Band at the Bonnet” just to name a few. And for those of us who understand, John was the Ultimate owner of the Prestigous “Corn Crown” Winning it year, after year, after year.
John,s mother Marg and my mother use to sing together at the old “Tambarine Bar”(Now the Junkyard Bar) in Tonawanda. So our memories go way back. His Talent, His Humor and his friendship are something I will always charish and never forget.I just want to see the look on Ole’Saint Peter’s face when John throws open those pearly gates and yells “LETS F#*@ THIS PLACE UP!”.
Good-bye my friend you will be soarly missed.
Comment by Billy Smith — December 16, 2008 @ 6:34 am
To have the privilege of working with John as our guitar player in East of Eden the last few months added a new dimension to my life musically and personally. This kind hearted living loud musical talent brought many gifs to us individually and as a band..and we will hold them as treasures for all time..
We love you Mud…
Sandi/East of Eden Band
Comment by Sandi Pack — December 16, 2008 @ 7:18 am
I knew John for a number of years before even really knowing how passionate he was about music. His life outside of music was the same all around. He was a genuine guy with an optimistic outlook on life. Without a doubt the most important thing in his life was his son, Matt. I have deep respect for Him and he will be sorely missed.
Love ya John.
Comment by Luke Lorentz — December 16, 2008 @ 9:12 am
John,
Rest in Peace!
Our prayers are with you and your Family & Friends.
Mother May I ( Buffalo )
Comment by Jay T. McGurrin — December 16, 2008 @ 9:57 am
Matt, and Family:
I can’t tell you how deep this loss will be felt within your family and the community. John had so much compassion and heart. He saw things in a way that made us all better people. He was a frequent visitor to my house for meals, beers at my house in the 80’s. I took him for his first ride in a “rig”..HE enjoyed talking to my kids. I liked to think I was a friend to him as well. Discussions were always analytical. What a great friend he was….I am a better person for knowing him and being able to call him a “friend”. He loved his son, and there was no doubt about that fact. Wonderful sense of humor..great guy! good Dad.. He will surely be missed.
Comment by Lynnie R — December 16, 2008 @ 10:53 am
John was a wonderful man and a pleasure to work with. A true gentleman, I will miss him very much. Love You Big Guy. My condolences to his son Matt, whom he spoke of often.
Kathy Marie and Family
Comment by Kathy Marie — December 16, 2008 @ 1:11 pm
John was a wonderful man and a pleasure to work with. A true gentleman.I will miss him dearly. Love You Big Guy. My condolences to his son Matt, whom he spoke of often.
Kathy Marie and Family
Comment by Kathy Marie — December 16, 2008 @ 1:13 pm
A fellow Pedal Steel player myself, I wish that I would’ve had the opportunity to get to know John better. However, I certainly knew well of his skills, talent, accomplishments and character. He will be missed by his fellow musicians and friends here within the WNY music scene.
Comment by Mark Treepaz / Jeff Beckley & Honky Tonk Time (band) — December 16, 2008 @ 1:35 pm
John,
You were a great friend and musician….I will miss you.
Paul Varga
Comment by Paul Varga — December 17, 2008 @ 4:01 am
Big John was a true force of nature! I laughed when I read Billy Smith’s comments! Thats John, alright.. Hope the guys in heaven knows what theyre in for . LOL !!!
The Buffalo scene will never be the same.
marci and rex blattenberger
Comment by marci and rex blattenberger — December 17, 2008 @ 1:46 pm
I first saw John play with Circus when I couldn’t get into the Club legally! When I played with Jim Lorenz of the Buffalo Sabres, Fred Amendola couldn’t continue playing steel, so he suggested John. It was great playing with him, Bobby Long and the others. John was a great musician, and a truly nice guy. I will miss him, and I hope his family is OK. Ed Supple
Comment by Ed Supple — December 17, 2008 @ 5:25 pm
John was a true friend and a great musician. And it’s very difficult accepting that he is no longer with us.
We basically discovered and tried to tackle this beast called the pedal steel at the same time, and spent so much time together doing it.
I’m missing John already and offer sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Fred Amendola
Comment by Fred Amendola — December 18, 2008 @ 11:16 pm
John and I were good friends in high school and we had recently reconnected. He was amazingly down-to-earth and fun-loving. I am so glad that I had the chance to reunite with him over the last year. My heartfelt condolences to you, Matt. It was great to meet you last summer. Dave Wiens
Comment by David Wiens — January 5, 2009 @ 2:13 pm