It must be said, and I'll do it...
I recently found out that Kim McLagan, formerly Kim Moon, was killed today in an auto accident in Texas. She was only 57 years old, and had finally made the life that she had wanted for years, opening her own skin care boutique in a small town where she lived with her husband and a caring, small circle of close friends. She left behind little Mandy (she'll always be little to me... *smiles softly*) and her husband, a close friend of all of ours, Ian. Our hearts go out to them.
What I say next is more of an open-ended letter to her, but it must be said, and I say now that I'm writing this on behalf of not only myself, but of Moonie (since he's very obviously preoccupied right now... *sighs*), Pete, and Roger, since we all knew her.
Kim,
No matter how the years have gone by, I know that in our eyes, you'll still be Kimmy - And Lord, how you DESPISED that nickname. I remember you'd come after any of us who dared utter it in your presence. When we first met you, you were so very young, blond hair, blue eyes, the epitome of beauty, and that beauty was very much noticed by Keith. You were the heart and soul of The Who's heart and soul, and you never even knew you had that much impact on all of us then. You were so smart, and so funny, and you were the only one who could keep up with Keith and all of his quips. Our thoughts, now turn to Mandy and Ian, your loving family and all your friends whom you left behind. We all cared for you deeply, and we always have, and we will always continue to do so. Keith, especially. He knows what went wrong now, but he was truly happy for you and the life you were able to make for yourself. He always loved you deeply, it's just that other side of him that didn't feel the same. And now he grieves with Ian. You always held a special place in our hearts, even after you and Keith split, because you were there with us in the beginning, right alongside Karen and Alison, and tolerated that whole mess of a band starting out. You helped us a great deal those first few years, and whether you knew that or not, I suppose we'll never know. I really wish I could have better words than this, since words cannot describe the charisma, the beauty, the magnetic personality you had that won over not only Keith, but all of us, all those years ago. I sincerely hope you're at peace, Kim, wherever you are. And know that you're very much loved by all of us, and will always continue to be.
John Entwistle, on behalf of Keith Moon, Pete Townshend, and Roger Daltrey
The Who
What I say next is more of an open-ended letter to her, but it must be said, and I say now that I'm writing this on behalf of not only myself, but of Moonie (since he's very obviously preoccupied right now... *sighs*), Pete, and Roger, since we all knew her.
Kim,
No matter how the years have gone by, I know that in our eyes, you'll still be Kimmy - And Lord, how you DESPISED that nickname. I remember you'd come after any of us who dared utter it in your presence. When we first met you, you were so very young, blond hair, blue eyes, the epitome of beauty, and that beauty was very much noticed by Keith. You were the heart and soul of The Who's heart and soul, and you never even knew you had that much impact on all of us then. You were so smart, and so funny, and you were the only one who could keep up with Keith and all of his quips. Our thoughts, now turn to Mandy and Ian, your loving family and all your friends whom you left behind. We all cared for you deeply, and we always have, and we will always continue to do so. Keith, especially. He knows what went wrong now, but he was truly happy for you and the life you were able to make for yourself. He always loved you deeply, it's just that other side of him that didn't feel the same. And now he grieves with Ian. You always held a special place in our hearts, even after you and Keith split, because you were there with us in the beginning, right alongside Karen and Alison, and tolerated that whole mess of a band starting out. You helped us a great deal those first few years, and whether you knew that or not, I suppose we'll never know. I really wish I could have better words than this, since words cannot describe the charisma, the beauty, the magnetic personality you had that won over not only Keith, but all of us, all those years ago. I sincerely hope you're at peace, Kim, wherever you are. And know that you're very much loved by all of us, and will always continue to be.
John Entwistle, on behalf of Keith Moon, Pete Townshend, and Roger Daltrey
The Who