
R.I.P. David Berman of Purple Mountains and Silver Jews
He Was 52 Years Old; Fellow Musicians Pay Tribute to Him
Aug 07, 2019 David Berman
David Berman has died. The 52-year-old was best known as the frontman (and sole constant member) of Silver Jews. But he recently returned to music after a long hiatus with a new project, Purple Mountains. Last month Berman released the self-titled debut album under the Purple Mountains name via Drag City. It was Berman’s first album in 11 years, since 2008’s Silver Jews album Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea. Drag City announced the news of his passing today. No cause of death has been revealed as of yet. Below, find tweets from fellow musicians reacting to his passing, as well as a selection of his music.
Berman was born in Williamsburg, Virginia in 1967. His father, Richard Berman was a lobbyist who represented the firearm and alcohol industries, among others, which later contributed to Berman’s estrangement from his father. Berman formed Silver Jews in 1989 with two members of Pavement, Stephen Malkmus and Bob Nastanovich, which was the same year that Pavement was formed. The band was formed in the New York City area (Hoboken, New Jersey), but Berman, Malkmus, and Nastanovich had all previously attended the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA together. Silver Jews started out as a recording project and didn’t tour their first four albums: 1994’s Starlite Walker, 1996’s The Natural Bridge, 1998’s American Water, and 2001’s Bright Flight. Berman embraced touring for Silver Jews’ last two albums, 2005’s Tanglewood Numbers and 2008’s Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea (which was recorded partially in Lexington, VA, where Under the Radar is currently based). By then Berman’s wife Cassie Berman had joined the band. Malkmus and Nastanovich would come and go over the years as Pavement’s stature grew, as did other members, with Berman the sole constant, disproving the initial assertion that the band was simply a Pavement side project. In 2009 Berman announced he was retiring from music and Silver Jews played one final show on January 31, 2009 in some caverns 333 feet below the ground. Berman also released two books: Actual Air (1999) and The Portable February (2009).
At the time of his death, Berman was living in Chicago and was separated from his wife Cassie (although the two still owned a house together in Nashville). Berman dealt with substance abuse issues over the years and in 2003 attempted suicide.
When it was announced that Berman was returning with Purple Mountains, fans and the music press embraced him with open arms. Purple Mountains was critically acclaimed, with an 87 rating on Metacritic (indicating “Universal Acclaim”) and a rave 8.5/10 review from our own Timothy Michalik. Purple Mountains’ first tour was scheduled to begin this Saturday.
Below is a selection of Silver Jews and Purple Mountains music, as well as a tweet from Drag City about Berman’s passing and tweets from fellow musicians reacting to his death.
We couldn’t be more sorry to tell you this. David Berman passed away earlier today. A great friend and one of the most inspiring individuals we’ve ever known is gone. Rest easy, David. pic.twitter.com/5n5bctcu4j
— ???????????????? ???????????????? (@dragcityrecords) August 7, 2019
Hurts that David Berman was suffering so much. He brought me and I’m sure all of you so much joy. Twisted eccentricities of the suburbs were psychedelic cartoons in his lyrics. Sad day. It’s raining in NYC.
— Ryley walker (@ryleywalker) August 8, 2019
Jesus Christ David Berman you fucking legend my heart is sinking
— Japanese Breakfast (@Jbrekkie) August 7, 2019
I just downloaded his whole discography for the boat. Was ready to just log off and zone in on a master. We don’t know what happened but it makes me fucking terrified of myself of this job of this sorrow. Of this thing we get asked about as cathartic but never really is.
— Japanese Breakfast (@Jbrekkie) August 7, 2019
Very very sad to hear David Berman has passed away. A massive talent and a huge influence on us. RIP
— Aaron Dessner (@aaron_dessner) August 7, 2019
madeline and i were discussing david berman’s positive influence on us literally 15 minutes ago. ???? rest in peace & thank you
— Lala Lala (@Lalabandlala) August 7, 2019
I could sit here all day and quote memorable David Berman couplets and never grow tired. He had no competition. He was the competition.
— The Mountain Goats (@mountain_goats) August 7, 2019
rest in peace to the great David Berman ????
— el-p (@therealelp) August 8, 2019
You’re just listening to someone’s music one day assuming there will be more and then they’re gone. Huge loss. Thankful for the records we have & thinking about everyone who knew David Berman, played & worked with him. #RIP
— superchunk (@superchunk) August 8, 2019
if i were asked to name a poetry book with a perfect opening, david berman’s ‘actual air’ would be the first one that comes to mind. i’m always thinking about this poem pic.twitter.com/MS0nOxbU2X
— speedy ortiz haunted presence? (@sad13) August 7, 2019
700 hundred taken today in ICE raids, mass shootings every other day, an endlessly poisonous + cruel political climate and the death of David Berman. Something awful and dispiriting for everyone.
— Carl Newman (@ACNewman) August 7, 2019
heavy heart. thank you david berman. we were so lucky to have had you here for a while.
— Jenn Wasner (@flockofdimes) August 8, 2019
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