“Even with those issues, Stuart’s enthusiasm onstage never wavered,” declared founding Marshall Tucker Band member Doug Gray. “Our thoughts and prayers are with Stuart’s family and those who knew him. We have lost a great friend.”
According to the group’s press release, as a young child Swanlund actually lived right across the street from Gray, and could hear the elder musician (and unknowingly, future bandmate) rehearsing with his band. When not performing with the Tucker band, the guitarist would play with Chicago-area rockers the Tone Generators.
Swanlund, who was 54 years old, is survived by his lifelong partner Stacey Schmaren, his son William, three grandchildren and his sister Suzanne.
On his Facebook page, Gray asks fans to “take a moment to remember Stuart’s one and only great laugh and certainly his everlasting smile,” before instructing Swanlund to “testify with that slide guitar in that band you will be joining!”
My friend Terry Sack had this to say about his friend...
" Stuart was not only a fine guitar player, he was a good friend and one of the very few who could continue in the True MTB tradition, he will be sorely missed "
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