1.03.2011

GOODBYE STANLEY T. MADHATTER... MY DEAR FRIEND


Dear Kimmer: When you think you're alone, you're not. Madhatter will always be with you shining his flashlight to help you see your way...Patches (January 2011)

Madhatter Poster by Gabe Heiss

I just got a call this afternoon telling me that my dear friend Stanley T. Madhatter has passed away... Sigh... What can I say about my favorite Detroit rock emcee/historian/best bud? Well, I can tell you this, Stanley and I had a blast together since we first met at The Flintstock Rock Poster Show. Kimmer Meets Stanley T. Madhatter

Stan with Detroit Legend Johnny Bee Badanjek

I loved him so much...

When Lesley and I got to the show we went to find Carl Lundgren's booth. Standing with Carl was the legendary Stanley T. Madhatter. Carl introduced us and I stuck my arm out to shake hands with Hatter and instead... Stan slapped a VIP bracelet on me and off we ran to see Question Mark and the Mysterians! Oh, what a fun time! We were two teenagers no matter what decade we're in.



Stan with his best friend Carl Lundgren

Oh, what fun we had with Steve Godoy and The Bermondsey Joyriders riding around Downtown Detroit!


We took them to Lafayette for a hot dog, the Grande, Translove House, and more. As we were coming back to Ypsilanti at 6am Stanley said to me... "Good thing you don't have a boyfriend cause we couldn't be having this much FUN!"


Then we got to hang with Steve's brother Art Godoy and The Vibrators.. Both shows oddly enough were at Corktown. The Godoys loved Hatter so much! (How could you not?) Hatter and I loved them too.


Hatter gave me this photo in the American Flag frame. A prized possession of his and that made it mean so much to me. He loved this photo so much that I fixed it up in photoshop and his friend Patty Cake made laminated copies for Stan to sell.


Stanley loved life so much. He called me nearly every day since I met him and would always say, " I woke up and it a great day!"

 Detroit Photographer Len Beste's Stanley Tribute


He never complained about life trials and tribulations. He found joy in the smallest things. He had the coolest clothes, coolest buttons, loved orange juice, chocolate milkshakes, grilled cheese and going to the I HOP!


He had the most positive attitude towards and trivial hassles that came his way. I think I will keep that as my gift from Hatter. I will truly try to focus on what is really important. "Love"

Thank you, Stanley, for everything...


Gratefully, I have hundreds of photos and videos of Hatter to share and help keep his dream alive. He lived to entertain the crowd. Never missed Sunday Mass, loved his room mate's golden retriever and the squirrels in his back yard. And to my dear friend Stan, I love you, I miss you so much, but we will NEVER forget the lessons you taught.

So farewell to The Reverend of The First Rock n Roll Church of America! xxoo KIMMER

More about Hatter:
Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Stanley T. Madhatter. ..

96 comments:

Fast Film said...

I'm sorry to read of the loss of your friend, you have my sincere condolences. He seems to have been the perfect foil/bodyguard/compere/character for you, tailor-made for Retrokimmer activities.

Nikki Corvette said...

Hey Kim, so sorry to hear about Stanley, he was a great guy. Thanks for the post. Please let me know if you hear of any memorial or otherwise info. Thanks, nikki

Maria Damon said...

My sincerest condolences.

Eric Rasmussen said...

So sad!

Mike Freund said...

Sorry, Kim. But you've got GREAT memories

Dan Boyd said...

sorry to see such a good guy go. RIP Stanley

Colleen Caffeine said...

im so sorry you lost a good friend :(

Skid said...

Kimmer ,Carrie and I have known Stanley for well over 30 yrs. He was a motorcity rock icon,and will be missed dearly. His legacy will "ROCK ON"..................R.I.P.Stan

Susie Forkin said...

So sad...I was just gonna call you when I get my car to see if I can do anything for you...I know how close you guys were...

Dave Grogan said...

A good dude

Susan Mann said...

So very sorry... He'll be missed.

Anonymous said...

Bob Tickle passed on a message of "so sad"..."I will have to sit down and think about him tonight".

Larry H Leitner said...

You knew it was going to fun when the Hatter was in the House!

Doug Podell said...

Very Sad:(

Pogo Rey said...

Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo !

Karen Neal said...

So sorry Kim! He was a sweetheart! :(

Andrea Edwards said...

ohhh my.. so sad :( He will so missed.

Jeff Grand said...

Its a sad day. He was SO nice and kind. And although we were not close, I will miss seeing his smile.

Niagara Detroit said...

So sad.... was he ill ?

Kristy Hilton said...

I didn't know that he passed away until now. I am very sorry to hear this Kim. God Bless You and I pray that everyone gets peace that passes all understanding.

Jim Edwards said...

He was one of a kind for sure. Hey, people. Remember to tell your friends who aren't so computer savy. I just called Greasy Carlisi and he was really bummed. He's calling Trixon, etc.

Pam Cooke said...

I am truly bummed to here this new's of a friend passing will be truly missed take care of yourself and your family and friends life can be short

Ron Perry said...

I have some awesome interview video of him. He was quite articulate, informative, and a one-of-a-kind character. I am glad to have met him before his passing. R.I.P.

Sue Rynski said...

Memories, memories...it's difficult to imagine you not in the flesh dear Stanley!!! rock and roll

Carolyn Striho said...

What a shock --to a dear man we knew forever...Stanley, the many years went fast but you were there bringing mad joy! fun and memories...even recently with Patti Smith together in Ann Arbor and at Arts Beats...love to your unique soul star...

Mark Boone said...

Oh no-What happened? I've known him since 1973..

Keith Rendel said...

Sorry, Kim !

Brian Sagert said...

You knew you were at a good show if you saw him there. The man always brought a smile to my face. From the first time I saw him at the Cinderella on Jefferson until just recently at the State on Woodward. Detroit rock n roll just won't be the same.

Cathy Przybylski Stoner said...

OMG! So Sorry to hear this! When did this and how did this happen? I worked with him for many years.

Retro Kimmer said...

Everyone Stanley passed away from Cancer. He carried on mightily until about 3 weeks ago. He hated talking about it and medicine in general. He was a very proud man and went out with his BOOTS on!

Johnny Bee Badanjek said...

Stanley was sweet man. If it was rock & roll Stanley would be right there in the middle of it. He loved all the bands and the music they played and hung out with everybody. He surely will be missed. Much love my brother!!!"

Anthony Bojanic said...

Kim, I am very sad and sorry to hear of Stanley's passing, and I know you two were very close. My thoughts and prayers are with you both. We just have to keep rockin', knowing that is what he would want us to do. RIP, Hatter, you will be missed

Art Lyzak said...

A Detroit rock legend. And a very likeable man.

Monica McCabe said...

He kicked butt MCing for ? and the Mysterians at the Gibraltar Trade Center. What a rock'n'roll icon!!! You couldn't help but smile when he got crowds going! He told it like it is! He was so witty! So unique. A treat of a human being."

Rick Ruiner said...

Kim, I am so very sorry. You know The Ruiners loved having him introduce us and hang out with us at shows--great MC and our good pal! But mostly, I know he was one of your dearest friends. I am so sorry. Love you!"

Margo Kempinski said...

I am saddened to hear this. Wonderful memorial, Retro. I had seen Stanley over the years at art fairs and other functions but did not meet him until the benefit for Gary Grimshaw where he introduced himself to me and then took me over to meet you. He was so warm and friendly. I am sorry for your and Detroit's loss."

Dara E. Rudnikov said...

Awww. He's probably up there hanging out with Ronnie(he left 2 yrs ago tonight

Kevin Morris said...

I,m so sad. my family. Stan i love you. my Brother

John Orlich said...

So sorry, Kim

Detroit Memories said...

I'm so sorry to read about the passing of your friend, Stanley. My sincere sympathy.

Rachelle Grabowski said...

I'm so sorry for the loss of your friend. :o(

Rikki St James said...

RK, I'm still in shock over this all. He always said ....This is handled,...Rikki...He had no problems...What a warrior...I need to send you a clip he did for THE BAD BOYS..There is no one who could do this EVER AGAIN......What a lost to this world. R.I.P. MY BROTHER. whatever is needed to be done , everyone DO IT. Rsj

Me-Me King said...

Kim - I am so sorry to read about the passing of your dear friend. I know you will miss him dearly.

Pete Kornblum said...

That's too bad. Stanley showed me the ropes on the lights at the Old Nec, as well as a few extremely weird nights talking to him over a jack and coke or two. He was an original, will be missed as an essential part of Detroit / Ann Arbor Apocrypha.

FUNHOUSE TATTOO BC said...

Hatter was a great guy. From the minute I met him... steve had told me all about his time with Kimmer and hatter... fuck, I wish that i could have been there to see the Trans love house...and the grande. But.. i got to hang out with him and kim when steve flew out to meet me in detroit when i played with the vibrators. What a time... He was definitely a highlight in the tour.
He will be missed... Art Godoy...

Thanks Kim and Hatter for the good time and the hospitality...
Steve Godoy

godoys said...

Hatter was a great guy. From the minute I met him... steve had told me all about his time with Kimmer and hatter... fuck, I wish that i could have been there to see the Trans love house...and the grande. But.. i got to hang out with him and kim when steve flew out to meet me in detroit when i played with the vibrators. What a time... He was definitely a highlight in the tour.
He will be missed... Art Godoy...

Thanks Kim and Hatter for the good time and the hospitality...
Steve Godoy

ghidrah said...

♥Stanley T. Madhatter cosmic rockr, R.I.P

cheryl sinclair said...

I am so sorry Kim.

Kevin Pachla said...

Stanley walked on stage at the Motorcity Special show and became our emcee. A true Detroit legend.

Kinks said...

Wow this is the 1st I heard. What happened. I was runnin' into him all summer @ the Key Bank farmers mkt. Yes I remember the days when he would MC for the BIG BANDS that came thru.

Fran Doman said...

Kim, I am so terribly sorry about your good friend Stanley. He was a very dear man; so kind to my kids. They will be so sad. I was looking forward to seeing him again soon. My heart is broken for you.♥ ♥

Richard Blondy said...

The World has lost a precious soul = Heaven will you give a big welcome to Stanley the Madhatte

Mitch Ryder said...

Last time I saw him was over the summer at the premier of Blank Generation in Ann Arbor. He seemed fine and did not indicate that he was having any serious health problems, so this is certainly suprising. My history with Stanley goes back to 1969, so naturally this is a sad occasion. I am distressed and curious. Does anyone have the details of how he passed?

Pogo Rey said...

Hes off to emcee the great gig in the sky. Rest in Peace,Stanley

Patrick Elkins said...

R.I.P. to the greatest of all time ♥

Dave Gosselin said...

Always a gift-giver, always a peacemaker, always a friend. He has touched so many of us in this temporary world. My whole family knew him well and will sorely miss him, but will forever keep him alive in memory. With tears I say rest peacefully, friend.

Cary Loren said...

holy shit.. a most beautiful cat.

Ray Goodman said...

RIP Brother Stanley

Ian Fulcher said...

Unbelievable. Unexpected. Irreplaceable.
Journey on, Stanley.

Leo Early said...

Stanley became a iconic personality for us at the Motor City Music Factory. Reprising his role from the Eastown, the Cinderella and so many other legendary rock venues. His colorful on stage rap was often punctuated with stories of his brushes with fame and political sloganeering. A total unfiltered personality, Stan was a link to our recent past and a Bon Vivant that absolutely loved a stage ! The world will be a much duller place with out you ... RIP

Dianna Lubinski said...

My Stanley present drawer will be forever a special place in my heart. Every time I saw him he gave me a present! My present to Stanley....love and a permanent place in my heart. I will miss you!

Elizabeth Brink said...

That's very unfortunate, he was a true local treasure. RIP Madhatter:(

Barbara Ingalls said...

I'm so sorry. I met Stanley at a Todd Rundgren concert a million years ago, what a nice guy he was to a skinny dorky music fan. R.I.P.

D.d. Kethman ‎ said...

LOVE U", WE WlLL MlSS U ! RlP... XOXO

Ryan Mathews said...

RIP my brother. Stanley was an icon -- of this city and of our times. He always reminded me of a time when having fun was a political statement. We've lost a friend and the universe has gained an MC. Safe travels.

Josh Davis said...

Heaven has a new Rock and Roll MC. Stanley you will be greatly missed. R.I.P. Stanley T Madhatter

Rollee Hibbard said...

A quote from the July 2007 Ann Arbor Observer article where Stanley was the featured Ann Arborite. (even though the story admits that he lived in Ypsilanti.).
"Asked how his life would have turned out in another era, he replies, "It would'...ve been not nearly as magical. My life has been one magical carpet ride.""

Matthew Loflin Davis said...

I wrote Kim Heron at the Metro Times and said a piece should be done on Stan. You all that knew Stan best should also write him.

Ellie Bower-Berthelot said...

I had many many good times with stan. Im sad to hear about his death. Words cannot describe this guy ! : (

Maureen Ferrell said...

Kim - I instantly thought of you when I heard about Stanley. I know how close you were and how much you cared for him. Does he have family? What a beautiful tribute on your site. Thanks

Mark Boone said...

When I first moved to Ypsilanti I joined a band called Uprising and the Mad Hatter often emceed and traveled with us...I didn't know if you had this flyer from a show he did with us in Lincoln Park in 1974..He was a one of a kind and will be missed.
love and respect to you and yours,
Mark

AL KING said...

Rock on hatter!

Retro Kimmer said...

Stanley talked about you all the time. I am so happy that he and I got to do so many gigs together! I trusted him and he never let me down. That is rare. I had a really hard time creating the tribute for him. It took me all day. I am sad for me as I will miss him so, but I am happy for Stan as he was suffering more than anyone ever knew. He hated hospitals and doctors and he didn't want to be lingering in one. He died in his own bed surrounded by the dog he loved and his prized possessions. Just as it should have been.

Mikey B said...

RIP Hatter.........It's hard to believe he's gone I was supposed to see Stanley this Sunday. He was going to MC for me again. We had big plans for 2011. I worked with Stanley at Nectarine back in the day. He was one of my biggest fans as I was one of his biggest fans. He was the best lighting guy and MC that I ever worked with, I can only imagine what the light show in heaven is going to look like. I guess we'll find out soon when the first thunder storm hits in the spring. I'm sure Stanley will be involved and it will be one of the best light shows ever. I will truly Miss You Hatter Mikey B"

Dennis Allen said...

really sad to hear!! My condolences!!

Wendy Case said...

Loved that rascal

Denise Sharp said...

So sad to hear that Stanley passed...My Grande memories will always include him walking by with his hat sticking out above the crowd...

Nina Friday said...

so sorry Kim ...:(

Bart Saric said...

Sorry to hear this Kim !
I send my deepest condolences to you and the S.T. Madhatter family.
He's rocking in the free world now ...

Bartol Saric

Mike Davis said...

Words cannot express my sadness. He was a good friend.

John Troutman said...

Dear Kim-
I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your friend, please accept my condolences.

Last year was very difficult for me. Lost friends and close relatives.
Meeting you and Scott in Michigan was a desperately needed highlight.

Again, I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your friend.
All Best Wishes and Good Thoughts--

BIG Rich said...

Party on Hatter

Steven Case Lyman said...

"..fear of the unknown diminish, inside outside start to finish..."
as the entity, we knew as Stanley, departs from this life into the Great Unknown.
I only personally met and conversed (one-on-one) with him, during a recent gathering at the Ann Arbor Public Library, where the subject-matter centered around a long-ago band The Prime Movers, and I hadn't the faintest awareness that he was then struggling with the dreaded C. Bless the soul of this sincere and sweet person, and may we all carry memories of his goodness in our hearts.

tj said...

that is so sad

Scott Richardson said...

Kim, my condolences. what a great article and testimonies.

Gerry Rafferty just passed as well. loved 'right down the line'

love you too, chin up girl,

best, scott r.

Marilyn Bettencourt said...

RIP STANLEY....you will be our rockin angel now.....

Greg Charles said...

Hi Kimmer, enclosed are a few photos of Stan..I'm glad you got to know
him.. I've known Stanley since High School, we were 17..i'll miss
him..Greg

Greasy Carlisi said...

I met Stanley in 1977, and spent time with him that summer in N.Y.C. I once talked him into hitchhiking back to Detroit in 1980 from N.Y. and that in itself was quite an adventure. He would call me and always invite me to Ann Arbor so I could hang out with him at The Second Chance on Mondays when he would D.J. and because of him I saw so many great bands, and to be his pal meant the world to me. No one could ever take his place on this Earth. What a Character he was.

www.theblankgeneration.com said...

"Stanley was a welcoming sight whenever we played Detroit and Ann Arbor. I remember his trademark hat backstage, in the crowd, with security.

Sure, he was fun, but let's not forget he was also reliable, resourceful and had an excellent memory. RIP Stan, you deserve it..........Ivan Kral"

Patt Slack said...

Good journey to a sweet man who never forgot to love. Patt

Jerry Mack said...

A friend to so many. He will be missed by all.
“Stanley Hatter was a friend of mine...!”
Sing it to WAR’s “Cisko Kid”.

Take care,

John Carver said...

He talked about, and loved, the time you two spent together. Stanley had a way of getting to one's heart and soul. He was a brave adventuring man.

Hiawatha Bailey said...

I just don't know what to say and cannot type through the tears.
Rock it Up brother Z'
Hiawatha and Thee Cult Heroes

Detroit Jack said...

Dear Kim, Unfortunately, I have never had opportune to share hearts with the Mad Hatter, and that I sincerely regret. I must say, like a mad hatter will do, he amplified a feeling many of us have, and in this case, have expounded uncountable times, that,"every day I wake up, is a great day!". And finally, I can only hope I have a friend, such as you, to see me through my trials. Peace, Love and Rock and Roll, Detroit Jack

Retro Kimmer said...

Oh thank you Jack! Hatter would have loved you so much. You have the very same joy for life and music that Hatter possessed. I would have loved to film you two together! What fun that would have been. Can't wait till you move back to the US. xxoo KIM

Anonymous said...

Never met him, actually just found the site today.
Love his musical selections.
Hope he is in peace.
Chuck Pike,
Windsor, Canada( a suburb of Detroit)

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