"I received an email from John Vance tonight and he could use our help. I hope that he doesn't mind I posted this but it pisses me off because I've had it happen to me. Why someone would want to do this especially to John is beyond my comprehension. Seems someone stole his equipment... all his bass gear. Be on the look out for someone wanting to unload a Hartke 115 cab ,Hartke 2.3 XL cab, Trace Elliott head, 78 Fender P bass, this one is very heart-breaking because it contained the ashes of his brother, Tom." - Mark Schrupp 7/30/05
In case you didn't know much about Tom Vance before now, these articles will give you a better idea what he was like.
What Others Are Saying About Tom:
Vance's loss felt by musicians worldwide
As it turns out, local musician Tom Vance's sudden passing wasn't only mourned in the Quad-Cities, where hundreds of people turned out for his visitation and funeral last weekend. Music fans around the world were stunned and grieving once they found out about the death of the Mommy's Little Monster guitarist and songwriter from a massive brain hemmorage May 11. - Sean Leary
Q-C musicians shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of Tom Vance
I, and pretty much the entire Quad-Cities music scene, was shocked and saddened this week by the sudden, completely unexpected passing of one of the most prominent and beloved figures on the local stage. - Sean Leary
Q-C Underground pays tribute to Tom Vance - 5/30/04
At the time I write this, it's been almost two weeks since my friend, Tom Vance, died of an aneurysm. I've been waiting for Tom and his band, Mommy's Little Monster, to release a new CD this year so I could do another story on them. Unfortunately, this isn't that story, but I thought I'd share my thoughts on a really great guy.
Vance benefit Sunday celebrates his passion for music
They were respectful, emotional, touching and reverent. But given the time and certainly the places, the visitation and funeral services for local musician Tom Vance couldn't quite fully capture his passion for loud rock music. However, a special gig this weekend likely will fulfill that missing bit and act as another fond farewell to a great man and a talented songwriter and guitarist.
He'd want all of us to use the boards
I only met him twice, but communicated with him on a local message board for about three years. He'd want all of us to use the boards, use the internet, for good purposes. To build a community of musicians and fans, promote live music and especially, encourage one another. Here are several of Tom's posts I grabbed off the boards. - Carla
Monster's Vance gets one in a Marillion shot
How many musicians in the Quad-Cities can say they have played with a band that has sold 14 million records worldwide? Tom Vance, guitarist of Mommy's Little Monster, will be able to make that boast shortly.
Q-C guitarist's dream gig becomes a reality
If you took a poll in the Quad-Cities, it's a safe bet to say more people would be familiar with popular area rock act Mommy's Little Monster than with the British outfit Marillion. However, to MLM guitarist Tom Vance, the chance to join the latter group was a rock and roll fantasy brought to fruition.
An interview with Tom Vance
"This is really a dream come true for me. Imagine playing with your favorite band on a big stage, a few thousand fans, and in England of all places." -- Tom Vance
Your Favorite Band
"The soundtrack for "Your Favorite Band" is $15, available at the show, and the profits go to Tom Vance's family. after the show, it'll be on sale at Coop records in Moline. Acts featured on the soundtrack include Mommy's Little Monster, The Lovedogs, Lynn Allen, Tripmaster Monkey, Einstein's Sister, The Kabalas, Tenki, The Metrolites, Billy Peiffer and Iowa, Kerry Tucker And Sean Leary. Also, the book, "Your Favorite Band" is available at borders and on my website, www.seanleary.com."