Mark Chesnutt and his band suffered a devastating loss this past weekend while on the road.
The country star that brought the world 14 number one hits, including “Bubba Shot the Jukebox” and “Goin’ Through the Big D,” has had his own health battles in recent years. But this latest update from Chesnutt shared the sad news that his bass player, Dave Sirmon, passed away in between shows while they were in the middle of a tour.
Sirmon was 55 years old, and had just celebrated his 55th birthday three days prior to his passing on July 5.
Chesnutt took to social media to announce the shocking death of his friend and longtime bandmate, and memorialized him with a thoughtful message about how much of a light Dave was to everyone that he met:
“I lost my buddy Dave Sirmon Saturday night while on the road. Dave played bass guitar in my band. He was a great musician and friend. He was such a hard worker and very hands-on with everything on the road. He was somebody I could really depend on not only for playing music but for every aspect of the road. Advice, music, songs, the bus. Everything.
He was quiet but so funny with a great sense of humor. He was the perfect country gentleman and an amazing man. One of the most positive people I’ve ever known. I never heard him complain one time. When you saw Dave, you saw light and would immediately smile. That was Dave. He will always ride with us in spirit and in heart. We will miss you, brother.”
One day prior, Dave Sirmon wife’s, Louise, also took to social media to speak on her husband’s death.
Word had gotten out amongst friends and family that Sirmon had passed, so she decided to clear things up on Facebook. She revealed that Dave passed away in his sleep, and thanked everyone who had already reached out to offer their condolences:
“Clearly the word is spreading. This is Dave’s wife, Louise, and I am so very sorry to anyone finding out about Dave’s passing via this post or any other social media.
He did pass away in his sleep last night on the tour bus. I will share memorial plans when they are in place, but they will likely not be for a few weeks. Thank you to those who have reached out.”
According to another update from David Sirmon’s Facebook page, a memorial service will take place on August 2 at The Troubadour in Nashville. The celebration of life will run from 1:oo p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and will also feature a live auction that will go to benefit Dave’s family and help cover expenses related to his death.
The memorial announcement also featured these kind words about the late bass player:
“For decades, Dave was the steady groove behind the music – on stages across America with many of country music’s finest. He was doing what he loved most when he played his final show alongside Mark Chesnutt.”
RIP Dave Sirmon, and our thoughts go out to his friends, family and bandmates during this time.
