REMEMBERING—AND HONORING—MASE

The Alternative radio community is still reeling from the unexpected death of WWCD Columbus PD Mason Brazelle on Saturday, likely from complications of a bleeding ulcer. Mase, as he was known to all, was, without question, one of the most musically passionate and knowledgeable radio programmers we’ve ever had the privilege to know.

A conversation about airplay priorities would swiftly veer into a debate about which of our favorite Replacements and Clash songs were superior. Mase would indulge my stories about indie rock in the ‘80s—at 53 years old, Mase was wistful about being part of the music scene in Atlanta, where he drummed in multiple bands, nearly 10 years past the halcyon days of DB Records, R.E.M., Love Tractor, Swimming Pool Q’s and Drivin N Cryin, etc.

The Clash ("the only band that matters") was Mase’s one true musical love, and tonight at 6PM EST, Alternative radio stations will be playing “This is Radio Clash” in his honor. Already committed to this tribute are WWDC, WLKK, WEQX, WKZQ, WQMP, WLUM, WGHL, WLZX, KXTE and KRXP.

Our friend Brady Bedard (left), SVP Pop Promotion at Columbia Records, posted this on Instagram: “Tears are in my eyes now. His passion and his love for music was true and uncompromisable. Our shared love for the Minneapolis music scene, the Atlanta/Athens scene, Mike Watt, Cheap Trick, power pop, rock, etc.—fuck, man, I loved those talks and hangs. Dude—I remember that time @ SXSW after the Watt show (he did 35 Minutemen songs in just over 40 minutes and we were so fucking excited!) Then we sat at the picnic table behind the venue, all sweaty and shit, just to get a few minutes with Watt, and then we ran away after we got the pic, squealing like we were a couple of teenagers at a One Direction concert. The best. Makes me smile thinking of moments like that we shared together over the years. You were a pure soul who believed that music was life and life was music. My friend, I know right now you are in heaven, chatting up D. Boon, Joe Strummer, Grant Hart and Bob Stinson. Happy tears are in my eyes now, just thinking about that. R.I.P. @masecd1025 “If I don’t see ya in a long, long, while, I’ll try to find you Left of the Dial…"