Few people can really claim to be the "Wild Man of Rock & Roll." Hasil Adkins walked the walk as well as talked the talk, and hearing "We Got a Date" for the first time with it's lo-fi, distorto pounding and maniacal shrieks and cackles over the prospects of cutting his impending date's head off (only *one* of the decapitation-themed songs in his repertoire) quickly set the bar to which anyone else claiming to be "demented" had to rise to. Below is the sad news as reported by the AP. Sad news for us, good news for chickens and women who want to keep their heads.
SOME RECOMMENDED RELATED LINKS:
Interview with Miriam Linna of Norton Records on Haze, originally from Maximum R&R.
Rocktober Magazine article.
Hasil's last radio appearance on WFMU, interview with Dave the Spazz on his Halloween show, 2004.(Real Audio).
Deuce of Clubs interview with Hasil from 1995
From the AP:
Rock-a-billy artist Hasil Adkins, a one-man band whose screaming vocals and freestyle approach to rhythm landed a cult following, has died at 67.
Adkins' body was found Tuesday at his Madison home, where he lived alone. The cause of death has not been determined but it does not appear to be suspicious. The body has been sent to the state medical examiner's office, Boone County Sheriff's Deputy J.M. Thompson said Wednesday.
"Someone had gone to check on him and had found him," Thompson said.
Guitar. Harmonica. Drums. Foot-rhythm instruments. Adkins played them all - often while singing. A yodel, screaming and a high-pitched female's lark were some of his many voices.
The son of a coal miner, Adkins learned to played guitar before he was 10. He claimed the only time he practiced his songs was on stage.
Known to his fans as The Haze, Adkins struggled for decades to get noticed. In a 2002 interview, he said he mailed out thousands of tapes and records over a 30-year period while fishing for a record deal.
Even Richard Nixon got one, courtesy of U.S. Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va. The president's reply to Adkins came on White House stationery in 1970: "I am very pleased by your thoughtfulness in bringing these particular selections to my attention."
"Hasil was one of a handful of artists I think (who) are truly unique and truly individual. There aren't very many people whose music you can identify in seconds. But he was one of them," said Michael Lipton, a Charleston musician and writer who wrote stories about Adkins for newspapers and magazines and later became friends with Adkins.
"And like those kinds of singular artists, they have good nights and bad nights, on a good night it was the most rhythmic, primal music I think I've ever heard," Lipton said Wednesday.
"On a bad night, it was still good."
Adkins was the original star of Norton Records, a label built around the primal recordings Adkins produced in his mountain home, beginning in the Eisenhower era.
"People told me they wondered how I could stick with it, so many heartaches and letdowns. I had 'em by the hundreds, millions I guess," Adkins said. "I said, well, I didn't start to quit."
Adkins, who claimed to have written more than 7,000 songs, first emerged hooting and wailing in the 1950s, only to disappear again. European fans kept the rock-a-billy rage alive, and when the Cramps did an early 1980s remake of Adkins' "She Said," his records suddenly became hot again.
What Adkins sang about was just as unique as his delivery, which was fueled by a 2-gallon-a-day coffee habit.
New York-based Norton Records combined new and previous recordings to release "Poultry in Motion," a collection of 15 Adkins songs about chicken from 1955 to 1999.
His "Chicken Walk" and "The Hunch" became two short-lived dance fads.
There also were tunes like "Chocolate Milk Honeymoon" and "Boo Boo The
Cat."
Despite his antics, acquaintances described Adkins as good hearted.
"He'd do anything for you, sing any song for you if he knew it," said Juanita Pridemore of Washington Heights.
Adkins often performed at Charleston's Empty Glass bar, where some out-of-town acts stipulated that he open for them.
"It was just amazing. It was like nothing you've ever heard," said Leslie Nahodil, a Boone County nurse who met Adkins during his occasional visits to her hospital's emergency room. "It was just pure,
homespun, country rock-a-billy music." (AP)
When I think of the Haz, I think of the Spazz. My condolences to Adkins's near and dear, but also to Dave -- his show introduced me to Hasil's music, and -- much like his Screamin' Jay tribute -- I anticipate the sendoff to end all sendoffs tomorrow night!!
Posted by: Listener James from Westwood | April 27, 2005 at 08:56 PM
I heard the Cramps' "She Said," thought they were the demented sonso'bitches. Then I heard the original. Pure crazy backwoods nutsoid beauty.
I saw Haze in New Orleans, Feb. 2003. One of our party pointed out, trying to sound jaded, "Oh, hey, there's Thurston Moore." Yup, he was there. All the freaks eventually bowed down to Hasil.
Posted by: Bat Guano | April 28, 2005 at 01:37 AM
Aw-aw-aw-awful news...I used to catch the Haze at Maxwells back in the early 80's. I recall yaking to him once, but I don't remember much due to heavy drink n' buse.
and thanks go out to Billy & Miriam for dragging Haze into our lives.
HUNCH ON!
Posted by: Repoz | April 28, 2005 at 02:01 PM
I took a trip to West VA in 1993 specifically to look up Hasil (& Jessco White & The Amazing Delores) and to photograph him. If anyone needs any images of Hasil for magazines or websites, please email me. Hunch that thing! BH
Posted by: Beth | April 28, 2005 at 03:55 PM
one in 6 billion!! radio dixigas will air a radio special following sunday!
(first of may!)
xxx
tex dixigas
Posted by: dixigas | April 29, 2005 at 07:06 AM
The family needs help giving Hasil a proper burial.
If you want to help, you can send money to:
Irene J. Dolan
4288 Camp Creek Rd.
Julian, WV, 25529
Posted by: Purple_Grackle | April 29, 2005 at 09:16 AM
Life is frequently dejection and disappointment, but every so often I discover something new and great that makes me think I'm so damn glad I lived long enough to experience this. It's part of the keepin' on keepin' on. One year ago, that happened again when I found Hasil Adkins. RRIP. Rest and Rock in Peace.
Brian H.
New Hampshire
Posted by: Mister B | April 29, 2005 at 10:37 AM
Giants trod the dirt in our lifetime. I got to see the man in action. He's from my home area and we got Adkins in our background so his wild blood in probably fermentin' in my veins somewheres. Adios, Hunchman.
Posted by: Jeff Kerr | April 29, 2005 at 09:54 PM
In a Cramps listserv message someone mentioned that Hasil was in the hospital a week before he died because...
"apparently, some drunk/crazy guy on a four-wheeler went on a rampage and started running people down, of which, hasil was one of them...he got hit sitting on his front porch..."
Anyone know if this is true?
Posted by: It's Hasil NOT Hazel | May 01, 2005 at 10:27 AM
When I checked last Friday for rock'n'roll obituaries on the "Dead Rock Stars Cub" site, I was shocked !!!!!!!! The Haze has passed away, the greatest anti-genius, ...what am I saying, the greatest genius of truth, integrity, rawness and everything rock'n'roll should be is dead...I cried a tear and did a crazy chicken walk...and listen to all my fave Haze classics in a row...
Luis
Madeira Island - Portugal
Posted by: Luis Miguel S. Jesus | May 02, 2005 at 08:02 AM
I just heard the news:
There's Bad Rockin' Tonite...
They call me the UK's answer to Hasil Adkins...
I always hoped to someday meet my eternal muse.
It ain't to be now and I shed a tear for the man who legitimised my sound.
All I can say is "Save Me Some Loving"
The King is Dead!! - Long Live the Great Pretender!!
RnRIP
Nervous Paulvis Eggsley's One Madman Banned (aka Wurzle Adkins)
Posted by: Nervous Paulvis Eggsley | May 02, 2005 at 04:30 PM
Unfortunately the 4 wheeler rampage story is true. Apparently the kid ran down Hasil while he was sitting on his steps to his trailer petting his new puppies and then ran down one other person after him...
While in the hospital Hasil said he hoped they only keep him for 5 years and he learns his lesson and can still have a chance.
i hope they beat the f******* s*** out of him myself
Posted by: Jane | May 04, 2005 at 07:34 PM
Tragic news. My band released a Haze tribute song last year and I got to speak twice to the main man. What an honour! Rock on, Haze. We'll miss ya!
Posted by: Charlie Davidson | May 07, 2005 at 09:09 PM
I've very sorry to hear about Hasil. My condolances to his family & friends.
I got turned onto Hasil by a music encyclopedia. He was right there towards the beginning in the "A's" I loved the description & checked out his stuff. I was fascinated. In 2001, my girlfriend & I went on a holiday to Charleston, South Carolina. On the way back, we spent the night in Charlston, WV. We rode our bikes to a local record store. I checked out & bought a Hasil CD. Then I asked the owner if he knew of any good local bands or clubs to check out. He took me outside to point in the direction I needed to go. On the way out the door, I spotted a flyer on the wall. The flyer had that day's date on it & it said, "Lords of the Highway & Hasil Adkins @ The Broken Glass" I got excited & said to the owner, "Don't tell me Hasil Adkins is playing tonight!!" He smiled & said, "Yeah, that's where I was gonna send you."
Needless to say, I showed up to the club. I was talking to the doorman, "Paul" & Hasil's friend Clate Cooper walked up. I had a good time talking to them about Hasil. Paul was talking to the owner by cell phone who went to pick up Hasil for the show. Hasil pulled up soon after & I said, "Hey Hasil!!" & he smiled graciously & shook my hand just as if we were old friends. It was entertaining to watch Hasil talk to Paul & Clate. Then we went inside & Clate introduced Hasil to me & told Hasil, "This guy is a big fan of yours & is from St. Louis & passing through tonight. I asked Hasil if he'd sign my flyer & CD which he did. Then I took a picture of him & Clate together. Clate then took a picture of Hasil & I together. It was such a great time! Hasil liked the flyer & wanted to know if I'd send him a copy. I told him, "No problem" The show was great & I took a lot of action photos of the gig. When I got home, I made color copies of everything & sent them to the address Hasil gave me.
About a week later, I got a nice thankyou note from Hasil.
I will cherish that note & those memories for the rest of my days.
Hasil was a true gentleman & a rockabilly pioneer.
Hasil, wherever you are, thanks for all the music & for being so nice to me. I really appreciate it & will never forget you.
Posted by: Clay | May 08, 2005 at 03:26 PM
hasil...i don't believe there's a heaven or a hell...but right now i hope i'm wrong...give me a sign...and let me know where you're at...and i promise i'll come and see you...and i'll bring some heads with me...r.i.p. from tdm
Posted by: the drunk mailman | May 09, 2005 at 08:07 PM
Haze we will miss you very much... I still remember the first time i heard your records... it was the begining of the end of an era!!! thanks for all the wildness & hapiness, love and
keep on rockinĀ“
Mariano, from Buenos Aires, Argentina
Posted by: Mariano Azqueta | May 10, 2005 at 09:37 AM
Hasil, I didn't ever get to meet you, in fact just a week or two ago heard, She Said. Passed your picture around a music site to see if they could I.D. Now I hear your gone. I hope you left some songs we've yet to hear. Just a gal in Colorado.
Posted by: Cheryl Williams | May 12, 2005 at 12:53 AM
I love you, Hasil. I hope to join you in heaven some day. You're my little baby boy and my little boy baby. Tears.
Posted by: Minnesota Amy | May 21, 2005 at 02:04 AM
wall fountains
Posted by: Stacey Adams | July 04, 2005 at 02:28 PM
There are very few true originals. We've just lost an original among originals.
Damn! He was good!
RIP Hasil
Posted by: Monk Fargo | July 12, 2005 at 12:03 PM
.....well Cuz.it ain't the same without ya. God, I wish I had gotton to know ya better. You look so much like uncle Roy Adkins in that pic of you holding the Banjo like a Fiddle. Won't be another like you. Maybe in Holland..since we are of Dutch descent.
......Boone County has a void in it since you passed. I hope someone remembered to place a bottle of Vodka at your feet and at least a gallon or two of Coffee for your journey. Rock on Bro....! From The Adkins Family, Lincoln County, W.Va...!
Posted by: Lincoln County, Adkins | April 18, 2006 at 08:10 AM
I spoke with Hasil on the phone only months before he passed away. I am a singer/songwriter, based in Virginia, and have originated a style of music called "Redneckbilly". I was going to do a show with Hasil near Madison, W.Va.. So unfortunate that he passed away before I could have an experience of a lifetime.
His music was unique to say the least. Hasil, Rest in Peace.
I'll do that show with you in heaven someday.
Randy Craft
Redneckbilly Music
Stuarts Draft, Virginia
Posted by: Randy Craft | May 25, 2006 at 03:27 PM
haze will always be alive in our "hillbilly-mountain" hearts. he has been a major icon of influence in the recognition of our mountain culture. sure happy to know his influence has, and will be, carried on through people like jesco white, clate cooper, and others. hope to see lot's of young mountain folk following in the footsteps of our cultural legends. it's something to be proud of !
Posted by: clate coopers' mystery dancer | June 25, 2007 at 11:28 PM
I have a split 45rpm of Hasil and Crazy Amy. Hasil sings "I got a gal in Minnesota" and Crazy Amy sings "going to West Virginia". It's signed by Crazy Amy. Hasil had passed.
Hasil was a true original. There aren't many left.
Posted by: Gary Forney | April 08, 2010 at 11:47 AM
Haze could let loose the most spine chilling cry that ever froze the blood.When you have heard Hasil live, you remember.
Posted by: Bobby Miller | June 09, 2010 at 03:33 PM