Seems every post on here lately is about someone we all fondly remember now passing away — and this one is, unfortunately, no different!
Over the weekend, Liz Boyle received word from Lance Fuqua, courtesy of a call from Hans Olson, that Rick Unger (center in the above photo) had passed away. For those who don't recognize the name, Rick was the leader, singer/songwriter and guitarist of a band named Cosmo Topper, a very popular Phoenix band in the '80's. I had the chance to talk with him a few times for an article I did for the New Times (first page here), and found him to be one of the funniest guys on the music scene back then. I believe he was also a graphic artist, and designed the band's cool logo and album cover.
Anyway, here's the only Cosmo Topper song I could find online (from an excellent resource called AZ Local), although what I remember best were their eclectic range of cover tunes — everything from "Reach Out, I'll Be There" to "Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys." Cool band, and a very cool guy.
Cosmo Topper - "Lowrider Streetcleaner"
Photo by Lissa Wales.
