i will miss him very much michael mcmath

I first met Joe back in 2003 while bartending at Club Hollywood in Shoreline. He played there many times with two of his supergroups, Nsane and Powercell. Joe was not only an amazing musician but a humble, polite and friendly guy. I knew my Thursday night shift would be busy and fun if Joe's band was on the bill. I'd buy Joe a couple of Coronas and he'd always be surprised and gracious. He never expected any favors or special attention even though, given his talent and musical history, it was definately deserved. Great smile, great attitude, great guitar player, great guy. He's among the greatest guitar players I'd ever had the pleasure of knowing. Guitar Heaven just got a little louder. I miss ya buddy...Mike Kennedy

Back in 80's there was a Sax Player some of you may have heard of, KENNY G. He was doing demos at RMS studios in North City. On hand were; Andre Montague, Steve Bensusan, Joe Shikany, Roger Sause, Kenny G and me. Joe was playing some real tasty licks, After a few runs we stopped and listened. I said that was "percussive" to which Kenny replied yeah its percussive I like it and then Roger said to me "Who the Fuck are you The Producer ? I am not sure if any of those ended up on the album, I hope so. Joe was a cool cat .

I must say that I feel numb in regards to Joe not being here any more. I guess that when you are friends with someone that you just figure that something like this just can't happen. But it does. Joe was a great guy not only to play music with but one of the nicest guys that I knew. I will miss him. Evan Sheeley

it seems for some strang reason..joe would show up at a place i was playing over the last 20 years..and i would see him out front chewing out the soundman because he could not hear my bass..he did that atleast four times for sure..and for a guy like joe to chew out anybody says alot i guess..i will miss you..and it was great to get to spend some time with you a couple of weeks ago..i will always think of you when i open a corona..that was my last image my friend...peace Dana Brown

Joe was a true friend to many people. I first met him at Parker's Ballroom in Seattle when "Magic Bus" opened for "Rail" in the early 90's. I videotaped him & the band and featured them on a TV show I produced on local cable access. He and his sidekick, Lynn Sorensen, have been two of my favorite people since then and I always have had a great respect for them both as people and musicians. The old cliche, "He was such a nice guy" gets used by many people when talking about someone who passes away, but very few people could be as sincere as the people who knew and loved Joe and might say "He was most definitely one of the nicest people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing and he just happened to have been an incredibly talented musician as well". The Rimrock Steakhouse was completely packed the other night with people who Joe had touched their lives one way or another. I was proud and honored to have been there and as I wipe a tear from my eye while typing this, I bid my friend Joe a fond farewell. -Gary Draper

I can't really say that I KNEW Joe, we never had any in-depth conversations, but I have had the honor of speaking with him on several occasions, as well as jamming with him too. Joe always offered me a spot on the stage to sing a song or two. A very kind, gracious and humble man- I am certain there are many out there that share the same sentiments....what a HUGE loss to the music community. People like him make it a community.

In bobby's Monte Carlo heading to the spokane colliseum to open for "Triumph" '79...joe was smaller than mike Ipsen or me so he's in the middle back seat, and with out missing a beat he says " I getting killed by old spice back here"...he was part "Monk", part "beethoven", part mad scientist, ( building is own guitars), and all love...it just hit me today sunday...tears, sadness, disbelief...in 36 years of the music business, joe had the biggest heart and the sweetest soul...heaven is louder today...stevie adamek

I'm a friend of Joes from the old Shyanne and Bighorn days. I remember sitting with Joe while he showed me his handmade gituars. They were beautiful to look at and magical when he played them. To hear Joe play was to know what true talent sounded like. He was gifted in his talents and in his heart. He was kind, loving and just a genrally good man. God called home one of his angels. So Joey YOU ROCK THAT PLACE!!!!

I was one of the original Go-Go girls and performed with Magic Bus throughout the 90's. I have so many memories, all week my mind has been playing what seems like a constant and changing video of all those memories. And new ones keep coming to mind. One of the funny ones just popped into my head yesterday, and it brought a smile to my face. I called Steve Hanna (Magic Bus Keyboards) right away to see if he too remembered this. We were playing a gig duing spring break week at Whistler Mountain. The weather was incredible. Steve and I were on the slope, and as Steve was an inexperienced skier at the time, I was giving him a little mini lesson. Suddenly, we could hear from way up on the hill above us, singing! The voice got louder, and louder, until all at once Joe pops up over the hill, and as he goes literally flying by us (Joe was an expert skier) he was singing the theme song from The Monkees (Here we come, walking down the street) at the top of his lungs! Clearly having the time of his life, with that big goofy smile on his face. Steve and I both yelled "show off"! He gave a little cackle I could hear from further down the hill, and proceeded to continue the song, as we heard his voice slowly fade into the mountain. The hundreds of memories I have of Joe, all of which are important in each of their special ways, this is the one I will try to keep formost in my mind. But I will never let his voice fade in my mind. I will hold dear every moment I was honored to share with this truly gifted and lovely human being. What a class act. You cannot be replaced in our hearts and minds. Nor in the music community in which you were respected and revered above no other. Leslie Hammond

I was one of the original Go-Go girls and performed with Magic Bus throughout the 90's. I have so many memories, all week my mind has been playing what seems like a constant and changing video of all those memories. And new ones keep coming to mind. One of the funny ones just popped into my head yesterday, and it brought a smile to my face. I called Steve Hanna (Magic Bus Keyboards) right away to see if he too remembered this. We were playing a gig duing spring break week at Whistler Mountain. The weather was incredible. Steve and I were on the slope, and as Steve was an inexperienced skier at the time, I was giving him a little mini lesson. Suddenly, we could hear from way up on the hill above us, singing! The voice got louder, and louder, until all at once Joe pops up over the hill, and as he goes literally flying by us (Joe was an expert skier) he was singing the theme song from The Monkees (Here we come, walking down the street) at the top of his lungs! Clearly having the time of his life, with that big goofy smile on his face. Steve and I both yelled "show off"! He gave a little cackle I could hear from further down the hill, and proceeded to continue the song, as we heard his voice slowly fade into the mountain. The hundreds of memories I have of Joe, all of which are important in each of their special ways, this is the one I will try to keep formost in my mind. But I will never let his voice fade in my mind. I will hold dear every moment I was honored to share with this truly gifted and lovely human being. What a class act. You cannot be replaced in our hearts and minds. Nor in the music community in which you were respected and revered above no other. Leslie Hammond

Joe was one of the best musicians to ever grace the music world. He kept the audience going with his great skill. This man will definitely be missed. Rest in peace Joe. Much love from your fans.

Joe Shikany with Lynn Sorenson and Doug McGrew at the Barrel Bar. Joe singing "Can't Get Enough of Your Love". Joe died in a freak accident August 19, 2008.