The great guitarist Garry Shider, a close collaborator with George Clinton for decades, has died at age 56. Recognized visually onstage as part of the Parliafunkadelicment Thang for his penchant for wearing a diaper, Shider had brain and lung cancer.
Shider’s condition had been known for some time. The extraordinary TV writer and Parliament-Funkadelic historian David Mills (Treme, The Wire), who himself died in March at age 48, wrote a beautiful tribute to Shider this past March, which you can read and listen to Shider music here.
Shider was a key contributor to P-Funk touchstones such as “One Nation Under A Groove” and the earth-shaking “Cosmic Slop.” Here’s a bit of footage prominently including Shider that appeared on Belgium television:
Shider was a marvelous vocalist as well as an innovative guitar player. Listen to his croon on Mills’ blog item as Shider sings “Sexy Ways.”
He’ll be missed immensely, but his grooves survive forever.
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More: Funkadelic and Parliament guitarist Garry Shider dies at age 56
Rest in piece Garry Shider.
gary shider! man your grooves give me a reason for living. thanks for the funky good time! I hope that I am re-incarnated as you
What is about the age of 56 for black male performers? Ron Banks, Marvin Isley, and now this one. 56 is an unlucky number….try to skip it if you can.
In that video dude was smoking a cigarette….when will we learn? My brother was a smoker all his life and died of heart cond.& lung cancer. Not smoking will give you at least 5-10 more years on your life.
Rest in Peace Garry.
Condolences to the family, friends and fans of Mr. Shider.
God, do I miss UBM/David Mills!
When I heard of Mr. Shider’s passing I thought of UBM. I miss him terribly, also.
Farewell Garry Shider.
RIP Gary I’m a great fan
WHEN THUA MOTHERSHIP COMES DO YAL WANNA RIDE!
When I was 56 I lost my business (thanks to George Bush) and my whole world collapsed. I’m 63 now, but I’m here to tell you, that 56 is the end of feeling good. I’ve never been the same and all that good $hit’s in the past. I’m thankful Garry got that far. He was a great great guy and a terror on his guitar and vocals. God Bless George Clinton and what he’d done with James Brown and Little Richard’s sound.
Shider aka Diaper Man will be missed. I came from a really funky place, Plainfield NJ. My uncle was Eugene Jackson (Moochie) from the group Quazar. When I was 4 years old I met the Goines brothers, George Clinton, Garry Shider and several others when they used to practice in Plainfield. I tell people that the P originated in Plainfield. I got suspended for ditching class with my homies here in CA. We were waiting for the Mothership to land. Much love and thanks to Garry Shider. Go Funk ‘em!!!
Thanks Garry, for the Funk.Do’nt worry bout me,I’m just Funkin’ around for Fun. Now there’s three axes in Heaven.(Eddie & Glenn).Swing Down. You will be missed. RIP
I worked with Garry for 2 years. I was 19 and he was helping me to try to put together an album (back in 1986-1987). He was a great guy. He felt sorry for me because a crooked music manager took all my money, and he was producing my album for FREE. We were called Rich and Creamy….(corny, I know). I LOVED Garry and his whole family. Garry…Rest in Peace. I know you will FUNK it up on the Mothership.
Garry Shider was the first member to grant me permission backstage to the Mothership, during the early days Upstate P-Funk Concert.
From then on . . . the whole P-Funk members became my extended
family.
I’m forever indebted to Gary Shider’s kindness and generosity.
Although Gary was an international recording star . . . he always stay
grounded and down to earth.
Along with late Glen Goins, Gary vocals and guitar playing give P-Funk that distinct sound. And
not just knee deep . . . Gary gave
up da whole funk.
Gary . . . your talents and kindness will be surely missed.
Rest In Peace!
–Benjamin Williams/BW Comix