hi Nikki,
Just wanted to say how terribly sorry I am for your heartbreaking loss.
Chris was absolutely beloved by those of us who knew him through Women. I was lucky enough to spend some time with them in various cities over the years, and he was always thoughtful and wise and wisecracking and kind.
Here is a picture from Cargo, London, 1 September 2010. Endlessly inspiring. Endlessly missed.
x
Nikki,
First of all, my deepest condolences for your loss. It felt like a total punch in the gut when I heard, so I can only imagine how you’re feeling right now.
I’ve only known Chris for the last couple years, since early 2009. I was already a huge fan of Women when they played at the venue I worked at in Portland, opening for Chad VanGaalen, and immediately found that
whole crew to be such a sweet, hilarious bunch of people. Chris made me feel like I was instantly part of their gang, too, with that friendly, welcoming, warm vibe he always had. Over the next couple years of touring I kept running in to those guys at various festivals and such, and got to know Chris as a dude always ready with an excited hug in greeting, an offer of beer, and ready to chat and joke around for hours. I was consistently dazzled by his playing too. An unbelievably inventive, amazingly gifted guitarist. He made Women sound like the future, which is a remarkable thing for a dude with a guitar in this day and age. Continue reading
Chris Reimer aka “Mirage”
I first met Chris in Chicago a few years ago when he was playing a festival with Women. He was by far the shyest of the group, the hardest to read but there was always something sincere in those blue eyes.
In our first 24 hours of meeting we all got drunk and ended up in a make shift fight club in some musty Chicago basement. The friendship kind of took care of itself from there.
I remember later that same weekend, still strangers but instantly great mates, we talked about the future. I asked him what he would be doing if he wasn’t making music, he looked at me like that was the most insane question ever asked in the history of the world and he replied ‘nothing’.
Chris was the first person who ever taught me what it meant to be a real musician, not just someone who puts out records or gets up on stage but someone who gave a shit about making music and nothing else.
Chris was a solo artist as well. He created amazing, stunning, striking, stomach wrenchingly beautiful noise, yet so delicate, so intense all you can do when you listen to it is want to curl up in a ball and submerge yourself in his world.
I will never get over the fact he won’t be making music again.
Dear Nikki,
I am so sorry for your loss. I am deeply shocked and saddened by the news of Chris’ passing. He was such a beautiful soul who will be genuinely missed by all those who came into contact with him. I have attached a few photos I scanned of the time when I first knew Chris, many years ago when he danced as child with Youth Dance Unlimited. He was like a little brother to me during that time, and I maintained a connection with your family through the years afterwards. My heart goes out to your family, there are no words to describe my sentiment for your family in this time. Please pass on my love to Joanne and Tim, my heart hurts for the pain you all must be experiencing. Please post any part or all of this message and photos on your blog, I would love to participate in celebrating his life as certainly he would have wanted.
Deepest Regards,
Deanne
This was my last correspondence with Chris. Despite being brief it says so much about him. Even in passing he was the thoughtful, creative, and hilarious person I will miss so much. I was so excited at the prospect of writing songs together, touring the world, and all the other little plans we made. I wish I would have told him that. But still, I’m so glad that my last words to him could let him know that we loved him, and we were missing him already.
Don’t lose any fingers in this cold snap bud. It’s freezing at night down here so I can only imagine what’s happening up there. Saw this the other day: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjfTWGx5Oi0 a reminder of warmer times in Cowtown. Hope you and Rena are swell!
Hi Nikki,
I am so so sorry about Chris. This is an incredible loss and I’m praying for you and your family right now. We had only met once, but I’ve known your brother for years.
He was such an amazing person, guitarist and friend. I’ve attached some of my favourite photos of him from when we first met and will be doing a tribute to him on X92.9 this Sunday on Xposure
http://www.x929.ca/shows/xposure/?p=1660
I first met him during an Azeda Booth interview I was doing for school. The guys hadn’t seen each other in a while so the interview was scattered as we drove in the van down to their show at Broken City. However, Chris sat calmly in the back seat answering my questions with such composure that contrasted so well with the energy from the others.
Rum milkshakes were always an inside joke between us. He suggested we go out for rum milkshakes after we had met and well… let’s just say they’re not as delicious as they sound.
Another favourite memory I have of him was when I asked “So Chris, what do you do?” his reply “…Women”
Always brings a smile to my face when I think about that. Continue reading
Dear Nikki,
I just found out about this blog through Twitter. About 24 hours ago I found out about Chris’ passing and was in complete shock and utter disbelief. I, too, did not know Chris that well but what I do know is that he was one of the kindest people in this world. I met the Women guys early 2009 and for me Chris was always the quieter one. Hanging out with them was always a ton of fun though and I have many fond memories. For example, one night there was some sort of weird rainbow light all over Tilburg, the Netherlands and Chris was trying to take a picture of it. My friend Phara, Chris and I were laughing about it and we called ourselves rainbros that night. It just came back to me today. In May when he played here in Brussels with The Dodos I got to know Chris even better and what I will always, always remember is this: I ran up to him, shouted his name and I gave him this big hug and he spun me around. It’s one of the best hugs I’ve ever gotten and it showed to me how much love Chris had to give. He always made time for people and was always so genuinely nice.
I have included a polaroid my friend Phara took of the three of us last May. I love the joy on all three our faces and I’m happy I have this to remember him by.
Wishing all of you so much strength and love.
Hugs,
Gerlin
The Chad Tape
christopher john joseph reimer 
