R.I.P. Spanky Twangler

We are so sad to report that our dear friend (and former bandmate for some of us), Brian Rogers, aka Spanky Twangler, passed away on Monday after a 7-month battle with esophageal and liver cancer. He was 39 and is survived by his wife, 3 young daughters, his parents, and extended family.

Right up until the end, Brian was hopeful, faithful, and full of strength, so while we all knew in our hearts that his passing was a distinct possibility, he was focused on a miracle and no one wanted to accept anything less. I guess that has made it a bit harder to believe that he is really gone. We are so thankful for the time we were able to spend with him both during his fight and over the past 19 years that we have been friends.

He was an inspiration to so many people throughout his life, bringing joy to countless people as a rhythm and lead guitarist (The Penetrators) and most recently publishing a blog about his experience with cancer and treatment that was read by thousands of people around the world, (Brian's Updates).

We will miss him tremendously and we know that musicians in the Atlanta and Tuscaloosa/Birmingham music scenes and in the surf music scene worldwide all share in our loss. Thank you for your friendship and your music, Spanky. We love you.