Tuba man, aka Edward McMicheal, was a street musician in Seattle who seemingly could play almost any song on a tuba. For the last 10 years, you would likely find Tuba man at SuperSonics, Seahawks and Mariners events in Seattle.

You would have been able to see Tuba Man this year’s sporting events, but some teenagers mugged him while he waited for a bus. He appeared to be recovering from his injuries, but died unexpectantly last week. As a result, the Seattle community has been robbed.

Seattle is now struggling to find a way to honor the memory of a man who played the tuba and brought joy to many.

Justice will prevail. Two are in custody and police will track down the others. However, this year the streets of Seattle will be strangely silent. Tuba man is dead, and we are all diminished…

No man is an island, entire of itself
every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main
if a clod be washed away by the sea,
Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were,
as well as if a manor of thy friends or of thine own were
any man’s death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind
and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls
it tolls for thee.
– John Donne

Here are some videos of the late Ed McMichael, aka the Tuba Man:

Robert L. Jamieson Jr., a columnist for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, has written several good articles about the Tuba Man.

Seattle owes much more to Tuba Man

Violence takes iconic Tuba Man

Tuba Man: Seattle is sadder

Tuba Man was a grin set to music

Tuba Man: A real Seattle team player

Seattle is coming together for Ed the Tuba Man. Ian Newall, a professional freelance trumpeter, is going to play his trumpet to honor Ed McMichael this weekend. He and his wife, Alisa, have set up a website for the event.

A memorial fund has been set up for Tuba Man.

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