I had the pleasure of meeting Joe many times as I went to see him with N'Sane. He always took the time to come over and sit with us in between sets. He was so nice and was amazing to watch. Joe Shikany Rocks.......4 ever!!!!!

Joe Shikany I have known since we were 17 year old kids playing ROCK & ROLL. I turned 60 this year... Joe didn't get to. Our Birthday's were just a few months apart. I miss him. I miss being able to pick up the phone & tell stories & laugh about everything. Last time we Jammed together in Seattle I had no idea it would be the last time. I haven't been back to Seattle since the Memorial Service. Yes I wrote the song MERCY & PEACE ... we were still working on it in the Studio when they called me about Joe. I couldn't believe it... I called the Studio & we rushed to finish it so it could be used at his funeral & Memorial. I had no idea when I wrote the song that it would take me to Joe's passing. It was a heavy experience at the Memorial when it was played. Out of body experience. One of the deepest & moving day's of my life. Joe was a good friend to me in the beginning, and a good friend at the end. I will always love you JO JO. That was my nickname for him when we were young. He hated it then. Later in life he said he liked it. He wanted me to move back to Seattle & play with him again. I was making plans to do that. I miss everything about Joe. My world is a little quieter & memories even more precious. I couldn't write this till now. Dec. 19th, 2009.... Now he's in HEAVEN & lives in my dreams. Have fun up there Joe .... I'm right behind you... Thank you for been so good to me. Love eternally :) Shirley Lorene

Always friendly, and came over and said hi, when I visited my friends, Lee and Bill. And talked several times. When to see Magic Bus, when he played. And met his wife Shauna. A very nice person.

Although I only met Joe one time, I watched him play in many bands thru the years, I met Joe becuase my band had to cancell a show for my older brothers 49th birthday & Joe & one of his bands "N-Sane" covered the gig for me at last minutes notice, one of the most outstanding musical brothers ive ever met, not only super nice guy, but a great musician, & Joe & Myself & my drummer set up my bands gear for them to use to cover this gig for me,,,,,even though Joe had a gig later that night at a club venue. Joe was a "true blue" musician, the seattle music scene has lost a super nice guy & a fantastic musician, I would have enjoyed to play music with him any time, RIP Joe,,,,,,maybe I will get to play some tunes with ya when I get there Bud.....& thanks for saving my butt

With Joe it's clear that "one person can make a difference" in the lives of others. I have seen an outpouring of grace and friendship from Joe's fellow bandmates and friends wherever I go and see them. I see them "raising there glasses high up into the air" and knowing they are always saluting Joe for giving them a better understanding of what it means to appreciate what little time we have on this earth. We all have the common bond of "knowing Joe" and with that we can smile and say, "thank you Joe for the memories" and rejoice in knowing that his spirit is still here.

I met Joe at the Pipeline playing for Shyanne, hung out with him for several months but could never quite win his heart. He took me to the Space Needle for my birthday in his new Audi, let me sleep in his room while he sewed clothes for his gigs, and treated me like a queen. I was married to another rock musician then, but was crazy for Joe. I remember the pix of his parents in his room, and those big brown eyes. What a fantastic impeccable person.

I worked at a local wood shop along side with Joe for about five years. I remember Joe as a "Big Brother" figure and a genuine friend. He always had a calm about him and was so easy to hang out with. I will always remember the day he gave me a couple of his bands' cd's - he was so generous! I am shocked to hear of his passing. Rockin' heaven's world, now! - rock on, Joe! - Mikey

I went camping with Joe about 6 years ago. We both brought our mountain bikes, and our instruments. One night over the campfire, we decided to jam, and I asked Joe."what shall we play??". He said, let's do all of Abbey Road from memory"! Cool, so we did it, from Come Together, to The End.....what an amazing mucisian and person he was!! That's one of my favorite memories of Joe Shikany!!!

I played drums with Joey, that’s what I always called him, for a time in the 80’s, in a group called “Shots”. We were all very excited when Joe agreed to join our band. Joe raised us to another level in the Seattle music community as he was highly respected and has always been one of the finest guitarists and vocalists in the Northwest. The group was a close bunch of guys, brotherly, for the most part. We performed five or six nights a week, had a shot at a record deal, won a trip to Austin Texas for the Willy Nelson Music Invitational, did some touring, some water skiing, we all got busted for fishing without a license in Bozeman Montana, (thanks a lot Faffel). That episode was video taped in its entirety by Joe. The tenacity of the guy! I have to locate a copy of that. The band rehearsed in the basement of his house two to three days a week, so, experienced first hand his abilities with tools, and his work with guitars, clothing and his garden. We partied pretty hard at times, and really did enjoy hanging out. My wife and I were present for Joe and Shauna’s marriage. What a beautiful day that was! I have known Joe for over twenty years and don’t remember ever having a cross word with him. I never heard Joe speak negatively of any one, even if I thought it was deserved. Joe was a consummate pro. He never let his ego get in the way of the music. Joe and I played together a bit over the last few years, but didn’t get to visit as much as I would have wanted. I feel very blessed and honored to have known and played music with Joe, he will be greatly missed. Love you Joey, Wade Reeves

I played drums with Joey, that’s what I always called him, for a time in the 80’s, in a group called “Shots”. We were all very excited when Joe agreed to join our band. Joe raised us to another level in the Seattle music community as he was highly respected and has always been one of the finest guitarists and vocalists in the Northwest. The group was a close bunch of guys, brotherly, for the most part. We performed five or six nights a week, had a shot at a record deal, won a trip to Austin Texas for the Willy Nelson Music Invitational, did some touring, some water skiing, we all got busted for fishing without a license in Bozeman Montana, (thanks a lot Faffel). That episode was video taped in its entirety by Joe. The tenacity of the guy! I have to locate a copy of that. The band rehearsed in the basement of his house two to three days a week, so, experienced first hand his abilities with tools, and his work with guitars, clothing and his garden. We partied pretty hard at times, and really did enjoy hanging out together.. My wife and I were present for Joe and Shauna’s marriage. What a beautiful day that was! I have known Joe for over twenty years and don’t remember ever having a cross word with him. I never heard Joe speak negatively of any one, even if I thought it was deserved. Joe was a consummate pro. He never let his ego get in the way of the music. Joe and I played together a bit over the last few years, but didn’t get to visit as much as I would have wanted. I feel very blessed and honored to have known and played music with Joe, he will be greatly missed. Love you Joey, Wade Reeves

I played drums with Joey, that’s what I always called him, for a time in the 80’s, in a group called “Shots”. We were all very excited when Joe agreed to join our band. Joe raised us to another level in the Seattle music community as he was highly respected and has always been one of the finest guitarists and vocalists in the Northwest. The group was a close bunch of guys, brotherly, for the most part. We performed five or six nights a week, had a shot at a record deal, won a trip to Austin Texas for the Willy Nelson Music Invitational, did some touring, some water skiing, we all got busted for fishing without a license in Bozeman Montana, (thanks a lot Faffel). That episode was video taped in its entirety by Joe. The tenacity of the guy! I have to locate a copy of that. The band rehearsed in the basement of his house two to three days a week, so, experienced first hand his abilities with tools, and his work with guitars, clothing and his garden. We partied pretty hard at times, and really did enjoy hanging out together.. My wife and I were present for Joe and Shauna’s marriage. What a beautiful day that was! I have known Joe for over twenty years and don’t remember ever having a cross word with him. I never heard Joe speak negatively of any one, even if I thought it was deserved. Joe was a consummate pro. He never let his ego get in the way of the music. Joe and I played together a bit over the last few years, but didn’t get to visit as much as I would have wanted. I feel very blessed and honored to have known and played music with Joe, he will be greatly missed. Love you Joey, Wade Reeves

They say only the good dye young. Well, Joe was certainly young at heart and young in spirit. It won't be the same without you, Joe...our hearts and our love rise up to meet you. And you smile.

Joe Shikany singing the Paul Rogers song "Feel Like Making Love" with his fellow band mates and fellow Paul Rodgers musicians, Jeff Kathan (on drums), and Lynn Sorensen (on bass) during their Magic Bus show at 7 Cedars Casino in Sequim.

This is a video clip from an episode of "Northwest Talent Review" produced by Gary Draper. For more info about the shows, visit http://www.westseattle2000.com .Also, check out http://www.myspace.com/westseattlegary -Thanks for watching.

Seattle area guitarist Joe Shikany was killed by a falling tree August 18th, 2008, in a freak accident near Spokane.

I met Joe in 1976 and probably saw him play over a hundred times. He was as far as i am concerned one of the most talented guitar players I have ever seen as well as a wonderful person. My favorite bar band of all time was Bighorn, they always gave you much more than your moneys worth. I will miss Joe and will think of him often. I see him in heaven right now with Bobby Marcy puttin the band back together. My sincere prayers and thoughts to his family.

Linda

15 years ago

My memories? It was the best 4 years of my life.

Always loved seeing ya Joe, at The Wharehouse, The Pipeline, The Aqarius! In those early, fun, golden days. You were so fun to watch and always were so gentle and kind. Every time I ran into you, you always had a smile and beautiful attitude to match your amazing guitar playing! When I met my Rick, we both would love to see you guys play and we always had such admiration for your style and grace. We will miss you very much but will always remember your wonderful spirit and guitar. God bless you dear friend and we send our prayers for love and comfort to your family. With Love, Samantha and Rick Pierce

Always loved seeing ya Joe, at The Wharehouse, The Pipeline, The Aqarius! In those early, fun, golden days. You were so fun to watch and always were so gentle and kind. Every time I ran into you, you always had a smile and beautiful attitude to match your amazing guitar playing! When I met my Rick, we both would love to see you guys play and we always had such admiration for your style and grace. We will miss you very much but will always remember your wonderful spirit and guitar. God bless you dear friend and we send our prayers for love and comfort to your family. With Love, Samantha and Rick Pierce

I met Joe in high school and would often hang out as he practiced with "The Panics" and later bands. I have a fond memory of Joe playing at the Cog ( Gonzaga Univ.) in late 68 (as a member of Kentucky Blew Grass) . There was an equipment problem but Joe went ahead and played an impromptu solo which he began by calling it "My Broken Equipment Blues" He blew us away and it was then that I realized just how much talent my friend had. We will miss you Joe.

I always felt priviledged to get to talk to, or hang with Joe whenever running into him at a gig, or party, or whatever the ocassion. For someone so talented, and played with alot of well known acts, and musician it is humbling to know that he wwas willing to treat you as a person equal to him. A very kind heart, and no ego from what I ever knew. Just wanted to pay my respects, and hope he is at peace. You will always be missed. Jay, and the Lawless Family