Introducing the Chet Helms Biography Project

A year or so before he passed away, Chet finally decided to write his autobiography. He began looking around for a suitable collaborator and in mid-November 2004 he “interviewed” a Bay Area writer. The interview, which should surprise no one who knew him, consisted entirely of a spellbinding 2 ½ hour Chet monologue, during which he said several times that he wanted “to set the record straight.” A month later, Chet asked the writer to help him tell his story and they began talking about strategy, a work schedule and Chet’s vision of his book.

Unfortunately, and ultimately tragically, Chet’s mounting health problems prevented the project from proceeding very far

Now that Chet has shuffled off this mortal coil and is no longer available to tell his story, it is up to us to do it for him. And Chet’s story is out there, scattered far and wide. It is in photographs, letters, emails and documents. It is on audio tapes and video tapes, and it is in the memories of countless people who were fortunate enough to have found themselves in his unique orbit, whether for a few hours, a few years, a few decades or a lifetime.

We invite anyone who wishes to share with the world any material that was part of the fabric of Chet’s life to contact:

The Chet Helms Biography Project
Greg Hoffman
Authorized Biographer
greg@familydog.com
(650) 349-3782

A CHET HELMS TRIBAL STOMP

Sunday, October 30
10 am to 5:30 pm
Speedway Meadows, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

The concert and webcast was a huge success! Thanks to everyone who came out to honor Chet.

Excerpts available here

The Guestbook

Chester Leo Helms
August 2, 1942 - June 25, 2005

    


Chet's ashes are interred at
San Francisco Columbarium


1 Loraine Court
off Anza, west of Stanyan
Richmond District
San Francisco
Top Floor

Weekdays 10am-5pm
Weekends 10am-2pm

The San Francisco Columbarium is operated by
The Neptune Society
415.752.7891

time ago in 1967...now I host a radio show on the FM that streams on the web as well...with this music...and vibe...This a world of Spirit...Chet, thank you...Dan Wargo 'The Stone Age'KHSU-FM 90.5...Wednesdays at Midnight-www.KHSU.org...click on Schedule and then on 'The Stone Age' Electric Music from the last Century...Seminal Sounds from the 60's and 70's...Music that doesn't die .

  Daniel Wargo  of Arcata, CA USA  on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 at 11:27:33 (CST)  
I first met Chet in the late 70s/early 80s when my Austin,TX-based rock group The Explosives was playing SF and all around the Bay Area. Our SF-based manager was friends with Chet. I had managed to stay in touch with him all these years. Last year, I was nominated to be inducted into the Texas Music Hall of Fame. I contacted Chet via e-mail and asked for his vote. He e-mailed back to tell me he had voted for me and I'm so glad I printed out and kept that e-mail! I treasure it. He was one of the greats.

  Freddie Steady Krc  of Austin, TX USA  on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 at 10:56:08 (CST)  
My favorite memory of Chet .... My good friend Stu Blank was dying of cancer and a huge benefit for Stu was thrown at the Galleria in San Francisco. Most of the folks I've played music with were there to honor and visit with Stu. It was a very special evening. When the wires were being rolled up, the doors closed and most of the crowd gone,a few of us visited relating old stories of working with Stu and the passing scene. George Mickalski asked me if I would mind giving Chet a ride home. At the time, I was driving an old '67 VW Camper. Chet climbed in the back, and immediately smiled that benevolent grin and produced a joint from his pocket. We drove around awhile, smoking, and talking about the old Haight music scene. I initially met Chet while playing in the Charles Biscuit Band, and Chet remembered us playing a lot at the Shady Grove Cafe. Chet encouraged me to keep playing music, not to ever give up. He said playing music, living with music inside us brought us closer to the Creator than anything else we could do on the planet. When he climbed out the back, he joked, "Thanks for the Trip". I think about that evening when I think about Chet. R.I.P.

  Dave Jess  of San Francisco, Ca  on Tuesday, January 31, 2006 at 14:08:44 (CST)  
Chet, I find myself talking to you almost daily. I met you first in 1969 and the moment we met there was a connection that has lasted all these years. I opened an Art Gallery in Moscow, Idaho in 1996 and before I opened it I called Chet at Atelier Dore to ask if he would be in his shop on Monday because I was flying down to bring him a gift. You could see the smile on his face over the phone. No one had ever said they were flying in to give him a gift. I matted and framed one of his Avalon posters to give him and I wanted him to bless my gallery that I was going to open. He raised his hand and made the sign of the cross. My framing shop and gallery has been open ever since but it only supports itself and not me. I work a full time job on top of the gallery to support me. I was planning with Chet to do a benifit for Chet here in little Moscow, Idaho this year. I called Chet to ask him something and someone else answered the phone. Chet had a stroke. I drove to San Francisco to visit him at the Pacific Med Center and I called on June 25th to make arrangements for the visit and ... I was told that Chet had passed away that same day. I wept like a child. I went home. Chet was gone!!!! When I got home I received an e-mail from Johnny Helms mentioning Chet's Memorial concert at the Great American Music Hall. I clicked on the site that Johnny had sent me and I immediately saw "Sold out thank you". I e-mailed Johnny and let him know that I would like to attend and asked if he could get me in. He said I was on his guest list. I also asked if he could put me up for the night. He responded by saying that he had a small couch and that I was welcome to use it. I flew to S.F. and rented a car and went to Johnny's basement apartment. Johnny is like a walking mirror of Chet. When we talk on the phone I feel like I am talking to Chet. Johnny and I went to the Chet Fest together, just the two of us. The next day Johnny told me that he was asked by numerous people whether I was his other brother Jimmy, because we had arrived together. I visited Chet twice at the Columbarium where his ashes are interred. He will always be with me. Johnny, I want to thank you.

  Darryl Kastl  of Moscow, Idaho USA  on Friday, December 16, 2005 at 04:31:38 (CST)  
thanks for all that you have done

  mike kelley  of tamp florida for now, fl usa  on Thursday, December 01, 2005 at 14:19:28 (CST)  
What a long strange trip its been !All of our love to Chet and the family.

  larry huber and marcia  of edison , , wa usa  on Thursday, December 01, 2005 at 00:10:40 (CST)  
I met chet when I first started playing for Merl Saunders in the 80s and always loved his style of business. In fact I think a lot of young dot commers coined his style in their companies, that is relaxed, easy going and deeply committed to giving people creative space to accomplish your goals. I also appreciate his helping to launch our careers in the 90s by booking us time and time again all over the San Francisco scene. He used to corner me at the Haight Street Fair, asking me to stop by his studio to view the candid photograph he shot of me in the Merl days. We were always on the tour and quite busy then. Now I wish I had stop by. His memorial to us and our tribute to him (all for free) was an appropriate send off and release for all of us. They'll be new promoters and artisians that will follow and some will look back and hopefully follow in Chet's footsteps. Bless you chet

  Michael Warren  of Richmond, CA USA  on Wednesday, November 30, 2005 at 20:55:54 (CST)  
I don't know what I did or what I said at those concerts, but I wouldn't have missed them for the world!

  S.K. Waller  of  on Monday, November 28, 2005 at 00:32:35 (CST)  
I remember Chet back in '66 at the Avalon. Me and Jim used to go and watch Quicksilver,Hendrix,BoDiddley,GratefulDEad, IronButterfly and we watched Janis the first time she got on the stage with BigBrother. I was in awe of them all, wanted to be them. Sat in the balcony feeling the luxury, eating acid, smoking joints, and grooving to the flickering lights with the music always there. Always I watched Chet doing his thing - in awe if it all.

  Doris Chapman  of San Rafael, CA USA  on Sunday, November 27, 2005 at 19:42:46 (CST)  
Many happy fun visits at the gallery, lots of tokes, much laughter,great discussions and sharing of ideas. A brilliant collector, knowledgable historian, superb entrepeneur, and dear friend.Chet lives on in our hearts and is immortalized in our history of all that is cool!

  tom fay  of Sacramento, ca sacramento  on Saturday, November 26, 2005 at 13:49:48 (CST)  
This tribute to Chet was the most heart rendering expression of Love that I have experieced in a very long time. As a former Director of the Haight Ashbury Free Clinics Rock Medicine Section, I can say that this event truly showed how Love has survived and I know that the thousands of us in attendance at this Tribal Stomp will once again take the energy that we shared on that day to the four corners of the earth to carry on... Thank you for bringing us all together again.

  Robbie Corrado Porter  of Dallas, OR 97338  on Friday, November 25, 2005 at 22:45:01 (CST)  
I performed at the Family Dog venues many times.Chet was a free spirit and a great supporter of music.He will be missed.

  Texas Jake Lee  of dallas, tx usa  on Friday, November 25, 2005 at 15:35:09 (CST)  
i love the site.thank you.

  mugu man  of ohio, usa america  on Thursday, November 24, 2005 at 08:41:13 (CST)  
It was the Family Dog House, 1968 where I had my 19th birthday party. It was after a night at the Avalon. It was a night I shall never forget even though the saying goes "if you can remember the 60's, you weren't there". I do remember the good times at the Avalon, Playland and the Family Dog House. Chet has touched so many lives in a positive way. He will always be remembered and kept in our hearts. Until we meet again Chet, Peace! Gail Hesse

  Gail Cruse  of Santa Cruz, CA USA  on Sunday, November 20, 2005 at 16:35:55 (CST)  
my very first "hippy" concert was in 1967, at the avalon ballroom. i was still in high school in the east bay (Castro Valley), steppenwolf was the headlining band and i don't remember who else was there that night. it was the most incredible and entertaining night of my young life. after the avalon ballroom closed, my favorite place to party was the Family Dog at Playland at the Beach. the place was so laidback and trippy, too, with all those old movies running on the walls and the oil/water blob light shows everywhere. my fondest memory of the family dog was when my friend and i were taking tickets at the door to pay for our way in that night,(her brother was in the family dog production company), and it was a benefit concert for the qsms commune and QuicksilverMessengerService were playing, when jerry garcia and bobby weir came to the door, obviously we didn't make them display a ticket, i was all ga-ga and jerry and bobby were sweet and shook my hand and said hi!. wow! i was in heaven. so..... thanks chet, for some of the best and most memorable days of my life. peace n love sunshine

  sunshine  of central point, or usa  on Friday, November 18, 2005 at 13:24:15 (CST)  
Chet had a lot left to give the world; but the waves of spirit, generosity and quite strength that people like Chet send out, will continue for eternity. Its people like Chet who gives us hope that the human species wont self destruct through the illusion that survival of the fittest applies to brute force, deceit and dishonesty, rather that compassion, caring and a sense of fair play. Chet was quietly sophisticated. Chet always looked to me like a Victorian era world explorer, with his big bushy white beard, white hat and camera strapped around his neck. I found him to have a strong sense of humor, which was never sarcastic, or at anybodys expense. It was more important that all the musicians, artists and staff be paid for the evening than he making a profit... He had tremendous strength of character. May the wind be always at your back. Happy Trails old friend, Pete Sears

  Pete Sears  of San Rafael, CA USA  on Thursday, November 17, 2005 at 17:09:17 (CST)  
Want Chet in the R&R hall of fame

  lpmarechal  of novato, ca usa  on Thursday, November 17, 2005 at 11:54:26 (CST)  
August 1, 1968 at the Great Highway Family Dog...both Chets and Jerrys birthday..I think it was orange sunshine with Albert Collins opening, dancing from the Krishnas from the Berkely temple and then hours of the Dead. I melted that night and was so grateful to have that be my first memory of Chet. HooDoo Rythem Devils, Terry Reid, CatMother, Ace of Cups and all of the other acts I returned to the Dog to see after first having my eyes opened there. So much love was there Kind hearted soul That night I learned to drive home from the dog Thank you, Chet. Bill

  Bill Bischoff  of Modesto, CA  on Saturday, November 12, 2005 at 14:40:16 (CST)  
Just a simple admirer of his work. The world is a better place as a result of both his work and his person.

  Gerry Plant  of Garrison, NY United States  on Thursday, November 10, 2005 at 20:34:28 (CST)  
Your mind and a heart got over the sea. Much Japanese music freak loves Janis and Jimmy.Your light Helped culture of Japanese rock music. Your love changed Japanese music industry.chet, Can you imagine that Janis, Jimmy CD can be found in all the Japanese record store?. Chet, You are True Hippie! rip, Yasu

  yasu  of tokyo, JAPAN  on Wednesday, November 09, 2005 at 14:30:39 (CST)  
OH, It was "A Beautiful Day" in GG Park for the Chet Memorial Tribute...in every sense.... YESSSSSS! My faith, altho not lost, has vastly been renewed! What an awesome and magically beautiful concert. I am touched reading these heartfelt posts in the guestbook CHET LIVES!

  Richard Schuman  of Carmichael, CA  on Tuesday, November 08, 2005 at 16:27:30 (CST)  
I came out to California for a weeks' visit in July 1967; I was a high school kid. Made my grandmother, the sponsor of this trip, drive us down Haight Street, the whole way.. we crept along at about five miles per hour, along with the Gray Line tour buses. The street was jammed with people, incense and assorted was in the air. Later that night we drove by the Great Highway and there was a dance going on; no doubt a Family Dog affair. I couldn't get in, but the impression it left on me was indelible. When I got the opportunity, in '73, I moved out to San Francisco to stay. I had heard a lot about Chet in the meantime, and always appreciated the attitude he brought to the scene. He was truly a rock and roll giant, and responsible for so much of the scene we have enjoyed for decades now. I did meet him once, a few years ago, at Atelier Dore. Just a nice, polite, unassuming guy; you'd never know to see him that he had done so much for music, and the community. I am sad he's no longer with us, but I believe he has gone to his reward, and is reunited with Janis, Jerry and yes, Bill. The memorial in the park was perfect, a great day with so many of the artists whose careers and lives he enriched. I will always remember him. Thanks, Chet!

  Greg Oliva  of Hayward, CA USA  on Tuesday, November 08, 2005 at 00:01:47 (CST)  
I can't begin to express how much the Family Dog means to me. I can't begin to express how much Chet means to me, either. I saw Steve Gaskin at the Stomp last week ... I (voluntarily) pushed a broom at the Beach House (post Avalon) but never really got to know everyone. Yes, indeed ... God's speed Chet ...

  Ed  of Petaluma, Ca USA  on Sunday, November 06, 2005 at 15:04:54 (CST)  
I met Chet once when my friend Lore went to the city to try and sell our art to Family Dog. Chet was frendly, looked at our work and sent us home glowing having been to the mountian. Thanks for years of the best, Gods speed Chet!

  buz hitchcock  of san diego, `ca US  on Sunday, November 06, 2005 at 11:17:11 (CST)  
CHET WAS MY VERY FIRST BOSS ,WHEN I FIFTEEN YEARS OLD.I WORKED IN THE LIGHTSHOW AT "THE FAMILY DOG" IN DENVER.HE WAS A WONDERFUL GUY,VERY KIND.I HAVE FOND MEMORIES OF MY TIME SPENT WITH CHET.IT WAS AMAZING ERA,ONE THAT I AM PROUD TO HAVE BEEN A PART OF,THANKS TO CHET.HE WILL BE MISSED.THANK YOU FOR STARTING ME ON MY ADVENTURE CHET.LOVE ALWAYS ,RIKKI

  RIKKI (NYMAN) DIDIER  of DENVER, CA USA  on Sunday, November 06, 2005 at 00:52:30 (CST)  
My sincere condolances to Chet's family. He was a true catalyst of the 60's renaissance of the greatest music and spirit ever evoked. Without him, we would have never had such experiences and metamorphosis in everything we did and felt and, many years later, the music still holds true to our hearts. It is our responsibility to carry on this 'force' for generations to come, if not for Chet, but for us all. Peace. Jay

  JAY TURNER  of SAN DIEGO, CA USA  on Saturday, November 05, 2005 at 00:30:00 (CST)  
Thank you Chet.

  Corky Siegel  of Chicago, IL USA  on Thursday, November 03, 2005 at 20:16:20 (CST)  
great job. enjoy your walkabout. you earned it. love, -j.k

  jeremy s. kramer  of  on Thursday, November 03, 2005 at 01:32:51 (CST)  
Dear Chetski ! Tigger told me today he misses your red wool "POP ART "sweater to crawl on to . TigTig cried Sunday and wanted you to know he misses your soft warm smile and pets. You were his favorite stomach to curl up to. He asked me if you'd make a metaphysical visit to the gallery! I said, "you have the spirit to do anything you wished now"! Tigger meowed with a wink as ocicats do , knowingly. The intimate moments we shared Chet will never be taken away from us.... those last days were intense , very intense and I'm glad you are on the other side and not in pain anymore. I know that interferion was a hard drug for you to take . Your daily stoic nature hid it well for those that did not know you well. I just wished Joel Selvin had been more aware of ALL your accomplishments rather than call you " haples " . (sorry Joel but you can be a real jerk sometimes) Chet was born in Santa Maria , Ca. by the way, and when his mother became single , she moved the family to Texas and was a school teacher the whole time she raised her boys.. f y i Chet had a very scholarly mind and knew a hell of alot of art history that most people did not realize or know. It never ceased to amaze me the vast esoteric knowledge that came out of "Atelier Dore" in the wee hours of the morning while Chet held court! . Chet did struggle off and on financially but he was a very rich man, he just never hoarded the gold like others. I think perhaps Chet and Moses had alot in common: "I'm a river to my people and that is why I'm a poor man " Chet you were a musical river to many. May that ledgend of yours be captured on film and promoted properly so that generations to come will learn what it means to live with steadfast vision. The rock and roll hall of fame is waiting for you. Boots and TheFamilyDog put together your memorial with class and dignity, how could one not cry in the sea of people that came to send you off. May the whole world know your life ..... in due time. "Sun"day , Oct. 30th 2005 was full of amazing moments , it was perfect, and timeless. You were lucky to have a Judy , so understated all day and friends like Boots; quite the orgainizer, quite a feat in such a short time, something the public did not have privy to from behind the scenes. Magic filled the air all day Sunday, quite a holy day. love ya chetski and will miss you more than you will ever know. famous melissa and tigger

  famous melissa  of san francisco, ca usa  on Tuesday, November 01, 2005 at 15:17:17 (CST)  
I watched the memorial online yesterday! Thanks so much for that! I was at monteray pop and was fortunate to cater the tribal stomp with Star Systems/ Madhatters . I just recently bought one of those original handbills on Haight street to frame so i will never forget that great party for Chet. Yesterday I lost the feed to the show. I am hoping there will be a video. Please keep me on the list. I am in Oregon now living on the Family of the Mystic Arts land and also here in Eugene with Sunny Fannin [ Chet will remember her and Johnny ]. We are keeping the LOVE ALIVE whereever we go ! A big hello to Barry Melton too and every one who showed up to honor our beloved Chet. Peace and Love to us all , AKASHA MAKENNA LOVELIGHT aka didi

   DIDI AKASHA  of Eugene , Ore US  on Monday, October 31, 2005 at 20:36:50 (CST)  
It was really a groovy day at the park Sunday. I think that is what it was supposed to be all about and was for awhile.. Peace and Love, -Louis

  Louis LeFrak  of  on Monday, October 31, 2005 at 19:50:17 (CST)   I was lucky to grow up in the late 60's and experience my very first light show at the Avalon Ballroom by no other than Chet Helms and the Family Dog. I was mesmerized! The family dog continued to provide wonderful entertainment and concerts. THANK YOU

  sally  of Burlingame, ca usa  on Monday, October 31, 2005 at 18:01:06 (CST)  
Thanks and condolences, to all the great musicians and others involved at Speedway Meadows in Golden Gate Park - Great show everybody! - heartfelt.. I had so much fun it hurts (today). What a crowd! Thanks for your thoughts everybody - ask me about my audio clips -

  Shiney Mike  of San Francisco, Ca  on Monday, October 31, 2005 at 17:25:46 (CST)  
he could lite up a room with his smile. He was a lite beacon a mong us his lite shone brighter than anyonr i knew his smile will truly be missed i will allways feel him love to you allways mellody belyea gannon

  mello gannon  of berkeley, cal us  on Monday, October 31, 2005 at 15:50:59 (CST)  
ive always loved the music, but ive never been to a free concert in gg park b4 you guys are great. if ya need help with anything, lemme know

  Riki Chen  of san francisco, ca usa  on Monday, October 31, 2005 at 15:48:53 (CST)  
VERY nice concert yesterday (Sunday Nov. 30th, @ Speedwaty Meadows at the Park). Boots, it would have made Chet proud and happy. Chet was a friend of mine in life, and I mourn his death. Ther'll never be another Chester --- he truly cared. The world learns, and is greater for, his vision, humanity, kindness and caring. God bless ye, Chester!

  tommyD  of granite bay, CA USA  on Monday, October 31, 2005 at 15:01:57 (CST)  
Chet was a great man whom I am lucky to think of as an old friend. I first met him during the 30th anniversary of the summer of love shows that he put together. What an excellent welcome to my new home in the bay area! Next, I think of Chet signing posters at the 1st Bonnaroo and sitting and enjoying hours of stories with history brought alive by it's author and witness. And cherished photos of the moment sent a year after the fact by kind hearted Jay at Flyright studios! Reminders of the old family feeling of the tribe. I think everyone cherished their time that was shared with Chet at that site, both old and the young who had not even been born when Chet brought Janis Joplin out from Texas... In recent years, I had the pleasure of sharing Chet's company at the Hep Cats show, at dinner, and in his home and continued to be amazed at how great it felt just to be near his space. A true Southern Gentleman and Elder who really had something to say! But he said it through HIS WAY! His way of speaking and sitting silent and always the kind word. The sparkle in his eye and the appreciation acknowledging the smallest gesture. And Humble , though the end. But always sharing his Love and his Beauty with anyone who would come his way. I feel greatly honored to know this elder statesman of a generation who helped the entire world find a better way. God Bless you CHet and May your soul fly free. And Thank you for bringing everyone together a final time in the park in honor of your passing. ....on 10/30/05 at the Chet Helms Tribal Stomp... Showing that the thoughts and traditions you started are not only alive but have grown ever stronger. Condolences to your family, and your brother John. Thank you for inspiring me and so many others to keep the spirit strong! We Love You Chet Helms!

  Milton Rosenberg  of Venice, CA USA  on Monday, October 31, 2005 at 14:09:07 (CST)  
A first class human being that invariably encouraged others.

  Anthony Owen&n Love You Chet Helms!

  Milton Rosenberg  of Venice, CA USA  on Monday, October 31, 2005 at 14:09:07 (CST)  
A first class human being that invariably encouraged others.

  Anthony Owen  of McKinleyville, CA USA  on Monday, October 31, 2005 at 14:01:58 (CST)  
Thanks to everyone for the amazing energy that went into making the Chet Helm's Tribal Stomp the wonderful event Chet would have wanted. All day, I felt like any moment I would see him there with the beatific smile he always wore - and a cool necktie. Chet's influence was profound, going far beyond the impact of the music he promoted. He will be remembered in the true message of the "hippies." Not sex, drugs, and rock and roll. But peace, love, and kindness to all living things . . .

  Lesa  of Mill Valley, CA  on Monday, October 31, 2005 at 13:55:50 (CST)  
I remember the dance concerts at the Avalon to be a lot more laid back and friendlier than the ones at the Filmore. I think it was because of Chet Helms. He seemed to enjoy the sceen as much as he enjoyed putting them on, you can't say that about the "other" guy. It felt like you were part of the Family Dog when you were there. Thanks Chet.....God Bless

  Larry McCoy  of Prunedale, Ca USA  on Monday, October 31, 2005 at 12:37:46 (CST)  
What a beautiful day for a one of a kind musical hero to all of us! We had a wonderful time!

  Craig Wright  of Windsor, CA Sonoma  on Monday, October 31, 2005 at 11:24:53 (CST)  
You don't know what you've got 'til it's gone. I was a bit too young to make it to the Avalon. The Great Highway vibe was so different and so much better than Fillmore West. The Tribal Stomps were so comfortable. I'm grateful that Chet's energy enabled Boots, et al, to do it again yesterday. I love, and miss the euphoria.

  Bob Griffin  of Sonoma, CA USA  on Monday, October 31, 2005 at 10:46:33 (CST)  
THANKS BROTHER,,,,,

  beast  of boulder creek, ca  on Monday, October 31, 2005 at 10:21:49 (CST)   My life is a better one because of you - and that is what life is about. Thanks. I am not too far behind you so look for me. Terry

  Terry McDermott  of San Francisco, CA USA  on Monday, October 31, 2005 at 09:54:09 (CST)  
I remember a few years ago I had read Chet had died, and then I met him, last year at the TRPS show..I asked him about his "death" and he laughed it off saying it was a joke a buddy of his had done...He brought a lot of joy and happiness to countless numbers of people....Uncle Bobo and Jer will be happy to see you and the rest of us will miss you

  K D GOLDSBERRY  of Las Vegas, NV  on Monday, October 31, 2005 at 03:25:00 (CST)  
We did not know of Chet and his fantastic legacy prior to today (10-30-05), but we were in S.F. for our 25th Anniversary and on our way to Ocean Beach on the 5 Fulton MUNI bus this morning when told of the concert. We were so very lucky to have met Chet's brother, Johnny Helms, at the Speedway, and even moreso to have found out about Chet, about his life and about his tribute concert. Our 21-year old son, Ben, sponsors jam sessions back home, just as Chet did when he first started out, and we have made sure that he has found out about Chet as well. May Chet's unconditional love of music live on always, and our deepest sympathies to all his family and his very many friends. - the Kumlers

  Norm & Terri Kumler  of New Cumberland, PA USA  on Monday, October 31, 2005 at 01:37:52 (CST)  
What a beautiful day it was today for YOU, Chet! You deserved all the wonderful vibes that were flowing today in the Park-that old feeling was really there for everyone-Thanks for the memories...

  mary applegarth  of san anselmo, ca  on Sunday, October 30, 2005 at 23:40:38 (CST)  
Thank you, Chet, for the music and the good times. Shine on!

  Dozo the Clown  of Richmond, CA USA  on Sunday, October 30, 2005 at 15:16:41 (CST)  
Dana's taking his kids to the Park to hear the music and play in memory of Chet.

  Dana Porteous  of Novato, CA USA  on Sunday, October 30, 2005 at 13:55:26 (CST)  
I used to see Chet around; at the double rainbow cafe, at the coffee place I can't remember the name of on maybe sutter with the sign with the coffee cup with people in it, on the street etc. I loved him for the things he's done and his giving spirit even though I didn't personally know him and have never spoken to him. I used to want to talk to him at the cafes and maybe ask him for a job but I never did. I'd just smile respectfully if he looked my way. He was a man who was more driven by noble ideas than money and we could use a whole world of people like him. He is an example to us all. Nator of Oakland

  Curtis "Nate" Thomas  of Oakland, CA United States of What the Hell's Going On!  on Sunday, October 30, 2005 at 13:45:57 (CST)  
Great times at the avalon and...beyond the great gig in the sky.... PEACE&LOVE..AND MORE PEACE

  pog green--TOTM  of S.F., CA USA  on Sunday, October 30, 2005 at 13:01:17 (CST)  
RIP brother you will be missed

  John  of San Francisco, California USA  on Sunday, October 30, 2005 at 12:01:03 (CST)  
Chet, see you at the last Gathering of the Tribes... Bob PS- May ants crawl up John Whooley's nose.

  Bob Simmons  of Austin, Texas USA  on Sunday, October 30, 2005 at 11:08:27 (CST)  
I'm not too far behind you;save me a spot.

  Jack Gill  of San Francisco, CA  on Saturday, October 29, 2005 at 23:18:40 (CDT)  
What a wonderful guy! He will be missed but will join us in spirit tomorrow at Speedway Meadows!!

  Lisa Haupt  of Livermore, CA 94551  on Saturday, October 29, 2005 at 22:43:26 (CDT)  
Chet, You were a patient and thoughtful mentor to a young boy in a hurry. I will miss you.

  Tony Maldonado  of San Francisco, CA  on Saturday, October 29, 2005 at 21:50:47 (CDT)  
Aloha, Chet, whom I knew only through the grace and generous spirit of his daughter Sarah. Sarah, I've been thinking af you all summer, since I happened to be in the City when Chet passed. Drop me a note sometime.

  Ragnar Carlson  of Kailua, HI  on Saturday, October 29, 2005 at 19:56:00 (CDT)  
Good bye Chet...it's been a long, lively road...sprout your wings and fly with the best of 'em...

  Barefoot Bob  of Cabot, Vt USA  on Saturday, October 29, 2005 at 18:22:13 (CDT)  
Thanks Chet, What strange long trip its been ;) see you Sunday...

  Jeff  of Madrid, IA Usa  on Saturday, October 29, 2005 at 16:43:06 (CDT)   Born and raised in San Francisco(38th and Judah) I was just a tot when the first gathering of the Tribes happened. I remember walking up Lincoln to the fields and being amazed at the number of freaks just like me. I was at school when we went every weekend to the Avalon, standing in those long lines on Sutter st.It was so great when we finally got in, and they handed out the glow in the dark chalk to draw on the floor.

  Europa  of Los Angeles, Ca usa  on Friday, October 28, 2005 at 16:59:17 (CDT)  
Thankyou Chet for all the good times you provided for us at the Avalon! Truly the Family dog was a family with you as the father figure!

  Fayden Holmboe  of Half Moon Bay, California  on Thursday, October 27, 2005 at 22:53:25 (CDT)  
Chet was one of the good guys. He will be greatly missed.

  Zunk Buker  of New London, NH USA  on Thursday, October 27, 2005 at 10:36:08 (CDT)  
I LOVE UR SITE,NOT MINDING I DON'T KNOW U BUT I LOVE UR SITE PLS KEEP IT UP.

  MAGA  of NY, NY USA  on Thursday, October 27, 2005 at 04:30:05 (CDT)  
Chet, dear man that you always were to me, You lead the pack and Bill Grahm, Bill Morgan and The Rest of Us brothers and Sisters did all we could to live up to your example. Thanks for the Best of Times and your giving Lifestyle.

  Barbara Moore  of Malibu& Sonoma, Ca. USA  on Thursday, October 27, 2005 at 02:20:34 (CDT)  
You will be truly missed, rest in peace . . .

  Maria Collins  of Los Gatos, CA USA  on Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at 16:30:10 (CDT)  
THANK YOU CHET FOR THE GOOD TIMES ON THE GREAT HIGHWAY

  ronnie fast   of traveller,  on Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at 10:15:59 (CDT)   i had known Chet since i was about 13 years old. My friends and i used to sneak in through the bathroom window at the Family Dog and i saw my hero Marc Bolan of T.Rex when i was about 14 (i think) at Family Dog when it was at Ocean Beach. i then met Chet as an adult and became friends with him after he studied massage. i was a new single mom and knowing Chet meant a lot because he was so gentle and kind; he was so generous with his soul and i had been through a rough time and he helped me to heal. It is amazing that it must of been over 27 years ago. Time flys. i was touched by his sweetness and we would run into each other and sad to say he would invite me to his gallery and i was always so busy i only got to see it one time.Now i wished i had spent more time with him. The last time we saw one another was at a "Sea of Dreams" Valetine party 2003? Every time we would run into each other, it was a happy happy time to see him. So dear sweet Chet many blessings on your new journeys and may we meet again my friend. In my heart always, eileen vigil carey

  eileen vigil carey  of pacifica formerly of Fairfax & S.F, ca usa  on Tuesday, October 25, 2005 at 23:31:36 (CDT)  
I only met Chet once, but the Big Brother was a revolution for me. As a young child I remember listening to them pratice musice in the little town of Lagunitas, California. My father would call the sheriff dept because of the loud noise, myself, I loved every note, every bar of the music and Cet was the begining of a revolution that I feel started in the Bay Area back in the 60's. thanks Chet for making a difference in our lives and bring us some of the greatest musicians that were and will ever be. Sweet Dreams Dear Prince.

  Theresa Ingersoll  of Prescott Valley, AZ USA  on Tuesday, October 25, 2005 at 20:52:26 (CDT)  
We have lost another of Rock N' Rolls ledgens. I will miss him and hope that his family has peace.

  Kenneth Hutchins  of Prescott Valley, AZ USA  on Tuesday, October 25, 2005 at 20:16:42 (CDT)  
To Chet's Family, He left a legacy for many to remember and will be missed. He became synonomous with the music that changed our country. James

  James Parker  of new braunfels, tx usa  on Tuesday, October 25, 2005 at 10:46:31 (CDT)  
Chet...you were a Gentleman in every sense of the word. You are very much missed and very much remembered. Rock On!

  Marc Margolis  of Oakland , CA  on Monday, October 24, 2005 at 18:38:30 (CDT)  
Thanks!

  Timothy Speirs  of Bend, OR USA  on Sunday, October 23, 2005 at 15:27:58 (CDT)  
Thanks Chet for all the great talents you reconized and helped since the 60's. Your love of music has and will continue to let the world remember "Chet Helms". For me I would like to say thank you for Big Brother, Janis Joplin (I wish I could have seen them, I so enjoyed the guitar leads and Janis vocals that no one can touch), and yes, Dan Hicks and the hot licks (crazy cool songs). Peace

  Kaye Walden  of Sunnyvale, CA USA  on Sunday, October 23, 2005 at 13:34:52 (CDT)  
I didn't know Chet in SF. I knew him in Austin and may have been a part of his coming to SF. He & I were part of a group of folks working against segregation and the war in Vietnam in 1962. I just came across a couple of old photos of my 1962 SF wedding and there was a clean shaven, short haired Chet in a suit & tie. He joined about 8 others at my home for dinner every night in Austin Jan-May, 1963 where we enjoyed each other's company, discussed philosophy and politics and ate cheap meatless meals I prepared. Everyone chipped in $5/week and I borrowed a car every Monday to shop for our food. Anyway, I loved Chet. He was thoughtful and kind and great fun. I returned to SF & he came out with Janice later in 1963 (I think) Around that time, I had had a sad encounter with a dear friend who became quite well known as a member of a famous SF rock group. This "friend" had been best man at my wedding, but told me in no uncertain terms that he wanted nothing to do with anyone in his former life as he was certain that we all wanted his newly acquired wealth. Because of this, I never contacted Chet, but watched from afar his lovely contributions to the culture of my native city, SF. I often wanted to call him or later to drop in on his gallery, but never did. I like to think that because we got him out for our wedding in 1962 and that I constantly expressed my deep desire to go home to SF during my time in Austin whetting his appetite by telling him what a beautiful scene was happening there that he made the move. Who knows. When I knew Chet my name was Sandi Roodin Laughlin.

  Sandra Morey  of Oakland, ca 94602  on Sunday, October 23, 2005 at 13:19:57 (CDT)  
I didn't know Chet in SF. I knew him in Austin and may have been a part of his coming to SF. He & I were part of a group of folks working against segregation and the war in Vietnam in 1962. I just came across a couple of old photos of my 1962 SF wedding and there was a clean shaven, short haired Chet in a suit & tie. He joined about 8 others at my home for dinner every night in Austin Jan-May, 1963 where we enjoyed each other's company, discussed philosophy and politics and ate cheap meatless meals I prepared. Everyone chipped in $5/week and I borrowed a car every Monday to shop for our food. Anyway, I loved Chet. He was thoughtful and kind and great fun. I returned to SF & he came out with Janice later in 1963 (I think) Around that time, I had had a sad encounter with a dear friend who became quite well known as a member of a famous SF rock group. This "friend" had been best man at my wedding, but told me in no uncertain terms that he wanted nothing to do with anyone in his former life as he was certain that we all wanted his newly acquired wealth. Because of this, I never contacted Chet, but watched from afar his lovely contributions to the culture of my native city, SF. I often wanted to call him or later to drop in on his gallery, but never did. I like to think that because we got him out for our wedding in 1962 and that I constantly expressed my deep desire to go home to SF during my time in Austin whetting his appetite by telling him what a beautiful scene was happening there that he made the move. Who knows.

  sandra Morey  of Oakland, ca 94602  on Sunday, October 23, 2005 at 13:18:06 (CDT)  
All my heroes are crossing over to the other side...Bill Graham, Jerry and now Chet. I miss the energy, the vibes & the compassion of those heady days! I will be at "The Stomp" to honor your memory Chet. Call it a pilgrimage for that is exactly what it is! Peace & Love, if ever the world needed it more. As the Family Dog used to say, "May the sweet baby Jesus, shut your mouth and open your mind." Thanks for the memories, brother.

  Joe Halpen  of Reedley, CA USA  on Thursday, October 20, 2005 at 02:25:27 (CDT)  
Thank you Chet for making our lives a little better. You will be sorely missed

  Craig J. Johnson  of Flagstaff, AZ  on Wednesday, October 19, 2005 at 20:32:00 (CDT)  
Will be attending the "Tribal Stomp" in a few weeks in Golden Gate Park to help honor you memory. You were a pioneer in the early days of the movement. I will always remember the Family Dog, the music, posters and all of the contributions you made to the San Francisco scene. Rock on brother, long may you run. Peace & Love (as we hippies used to say).

  Douglas A. Schwartz  of Santa Rosa, CA USA  on Tuesday, October 18, 2005 at 16:09:41 (CDT)  
Chet and Family: Miss him too much and my deepest sympathy for his passing over us never to be forgotten. Donna Funicello, Friend of Chet's

  Donna Funicello  of Tiburon, CA Marin  on Sunday, September 18, 2005 at 17:39:52 (PDT)  
Oct. '66 Avalon .. QMS, Congress Of Wonders, Steve Miller.. Acid Prohibition just took effect, long after the effects had transformed everything.. Too Late, Jack Webb.. Chet did it His Way.. Sometimes chaotic.. Sometimes Incredible.. Always integrating the elements as no one else did.. Thanks, Chet.. You were there when we needed you, And it never got better than that.

  RC Stilwell  of Noti, Or USA  on Sunday, September 18, 2005 at 10:10:34 (PDT)  
The name "Chet Helms" and "Family Dog" brings back memories of events and music that were a part of my life and my generation and not just a business.

  David Jardin  of Gilroy, Ca USA  on Thursday, September 15, 2005 at 12:48:40 (PDT)  
i was very happy to get to know chet a little in recent years,through his wonderfull family-sarah and judy .though i was a little lost for words at first- as a former light-weight music promoter and music-lover- chet was the gracious southern gentleman,and over-all gentle-person.some would say he spoke of himself a lttle too often-but i was a willing listener.he was one of the key people of my generation . the planet and our spiritually-starved culture was a better place because of his life. hope to see you all in the park on oct.30th !

  rich rollison  of brooklyn, ny usa  on Thursday, September 15, 2005 at 06:34:31 (PDT)  
Chet didn't know me by name but, being the approachable guy he was, we talked several times over the years at various venues, the last being at the Avalon a while back at one the shows put on by Morning Spring Rain. He noticed my Family Dog shirt, smiled, and greeted me. I asked him what he thought of all this (the Avalon gig)now some 40 years later. He jokingly said "I'd have to charge you $500 an hour to tell ya". I'll miss Chet, but will always feel good when I think about all the magic he brought.

  Jim Davis  of Hayward, CA USA  on Wednesday, September 14, 2005 at 14:22:15 (PDT)  
The ultimate 'Big Brother' to all us lost kids in the big bad bay area. Let's all get it together at the meadow in the park & celebrate the spirit of *LOVE*PEACE*HAPPINESS*. October 30th 2005.

  Michael Liberty Rainbow  of Bellflower, CA USA  on Tuesday, September 13, 2005 at 16:50:48 (PDT)  
i had a splendid time and learned a lot because of chet. thankyu

  Brian Moon  of san diego, ca usa  on Monday, September 12, 2005 at 09:58:03 (PDT)  
You are deeply missed, my good friend. I will always be thankful to you for letting me do one of the posters and handbills for the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the Summer of Love. You helped with my art career so much. I miss the afternoons just sitting around and chatting at your gallery, Atelier Dore. May the angels bless you in Rock & Roll Heaven. Love ya!!!

  Frank Alan Bella  of Chico, CA USA  on Sunday, September 11, 2005 at 17:14:38 (PDT)  
Thanks for being my friend. Heaven is yet a better place with you there! You will always be no futher than a vision away.

  Bonnie Tomosvary  of Santa Rosa, CA  on Saturday, September 10, 2005 at 11:04:33 (PDT)  
Chet- I only just met you, and now you reserved for my memories. You were a true gentleman, and I very much enjoyed chatting with you and Wavy Gravy. Thanks for all the memories, and recognizing and starting something that is larger than us all. We miss you.

  boognish  of San Francisco,  on Tuesday, September 06, 2005 at 15:37:48 (PDT)  
I was not in San Francisco in the 60s, but like millions of others at the time I wished I were. And I learned about the Avalon Ballroom and Chet Helms, and finally in the 70s was lucky enough to begin collecting the Family Dog Posters.
I met Chet Helms on my last trip to the city, December, 1982, at the Atelier Dore. I didn't really know what to say, so I said, "It's a pleasure to meet a living legend". He laughed, and said, "You're from the South, aren't you?" And gave his own southern provenance. I spent fifteen minutes with him. He put me on the Atelier Dore mailing list.
Chet Helms is a legend, and San francisco and its music would not be what it was in the 60s and what it is today without him. He deserves a statue, though he might be the last to think so.
Randolph Phillips, Shiloh, Ga.

  raandolph Phillips  of Shiloh, GA USA  on Monday, September 05, 2005 at 20:02:20 (PDT)  
chet helms is the most caring and compassionate man throughout humanity to contribute to the love and music in all areas than any other person before or after his time he spent with us.he gave us the most powerful unconditional love the world has ever known.i love, admire and respect chet as his friend and close associate in his gallery and his home.working with him was always a joy and learning expierence.i truly love and miss chet with all my heart.i invite all to walk the haight-ashbury to see the flowers.blessings to all.PEACE.LOVE AND HARMONY

  james beckett  of san francisco, calif usa  on Monday, September 05, 2005 at 12:15:55 (PDT)  
chet was so absolutely kind when my 12 year old son needed to step outside the Maritime Hall to get fresh air......he was asthmatic. no trips.....only empathy as my son passed chet and said "i need a breath of fresh air".........he smiled and opened the door. love and light, Bruce

  bruce  of salinas, ca usa  on Sunday, September 04, 2005 at 00:01:40 (PDT)  
Thanks Chet, your an inspiration to all of us. see you later. love, phil salomone

  Phil Salomone  of vista, ca usa  on Saturday, September 03, 2005 at 17:22:17 (PDT)  
God bless you, Chet old friend and brother. I remember your goggly eyes behind those big black-rimmed Buddy Holly glasses and your peacoat with the peace button on the lapel and the your straight long hair the day I met you on the San Francisco post office stairs in the summer of 1962. I remember your smile and gentle voice and humor and engaging manner. How easy it was for you to make friends and yet you were real and earnest in a funny way. We were protesting the resumption of atmosperic nuclear testing and Joan Baez sang and you were on the scene, in the center - as you remained - first in reality and then in our hearts. I remember dumpster diving with you in the Haight Ashbury and finding a scrapbook made by a teenager who had lived there in the 1920s. I remember your short career as a painting contractor when you hired all the hippies at the Page Street Palace to be you painters. And I remember of course meeting you on Haight Street week after week as you made the rounds with an armful of posters advertising the week's event at the Avalon. God bless you forever, dear brother. Now you are gone too.

  Christopher Newton  of Oceano, CA USA  on Saturday, September 03, 2005 at 08:31:05 (PDT)  
I've been fascinated by Chet Helms and the Family Dog for years and their truly inspirational part in shaping not just the San Francisco scene of the 1960s, but in particular apsects of popular culture in general, the reverberations of which are still felt and lived out as an inspiration to many today. I've recently had the pleasure of talking to the road manager of English underground rock band the Deviants, who later mutated into the legendary Pink Fairies, for some research I'm doing on a book about these bands. He told me about the time with great affection and pride how when the Deviants had been stranded in Canada and the US with invalid return flight tickets, the Deviants finally made it that great counterculture music mecca San Francisco, Chet was kindly fed them and put them up at the Family Dog commune. He even got them various gigs in the Bay Area, including a Family Dog night at the Great Highway. Although the band didn't stay at the Family Dog commune during their entire stay in San Francisco, it was Chet who took them in on their arrival and introduced them to the scene. San Francisco was where the band devloped out of the Deviants to become the prototype classic-Pink Fairies line-up. This is one of the significant moments in Deviants / Pink Fairies history. long Live Chet Helms and the Family Dog!

  Rich Deakin  of Cheltenham, England  on Friday, September 02, 2005 at 02:57:29 (PDT)  
I never met Chet Helms. I knew him only from what I read about him. He always stood out for me as one of the true hippies. I am sure that he now resides in a place where his kind, gentle spirit is rewarded with the love it deserves.

  Leonard Grusk  of alexandria, va usa  on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 at 06:00:15 (PDT)  
I just hear about the death of Chet. As a former Bay Area resident, I want to say he will be remembered as the first "Bill Graham" of the Bay Area and The Family Dog and bringing Janis Joplin out West. I never met him, but it would have been wonderful to. May you rest in peace brother and thank you for all your contributions to the San Francisco Sound and much more.

  Jay Peterson  of San Diego, CA  on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 at 05:45:29 (PDT)  
I was just a 12 year old kid in Brooklyn NY when it all went down at the Avalon Ballroom (I had the Zig-Zag Family Dog poster on my wall at the time and gazed at it often wishing I was there) but I felt the spirit he emanated nonetheless and it led me to SF where I finally had a chance to thank him at the 30th Anniversary of the Summer of Love(I was at the 20th as well). He really did exemplify what Peace and Love were REALLY about. Not a catch-phrase but a daily practice (not always easy). A role model for the ages.
"This morning my best friend
Was sleeping in his bed
His face like a jewel..."

He was a friend of all.

  Jim Greene  of Santa Cruz, CA USA  on Monday, August 29, 2005 at 23:43:46 (PDT)  
Ah-h-h, those magic years now seemingly so long ago, yet still vivid in my memory. Growing up in Half Moon Bay and hitch hiking every weekend up to The City when I couldn't "borrow the car" for Chet's wonderful shows. He turned me on to so many great bands and gave me an eclectic appreciation for ALL styles of music that lives with me to this day. From the strobe lights, light shows, great rock bands and the "old" Fillmore to Big Brother and the Holding Company and Flatt and Scruggs and more at the Avalon Ballroom, to the free concerts at Golden Gate Park and The Youngbloods at the Great Highway. Thank you Chet for changing MY life in a most positive and wonderful way. You touched so many lives my musical brother. God speed and Mahalo and Aloha!!

  Boyd Scofield  of Honolulu, Hawaii USA  on Thursday, August 25, 2005 at 22:11:22 (PDT)  
Just found this page. Don't know if it's the same page I found just after Chet's passing in June and left a message on with a soon-to-be-defunct email address. The messages on this page only go back to July 6, and the one at the bottom is incomplete (no name or anything identifying the poster). Anyway, here I am again. I worked for Chet Helms and the Family Dog at the Avalon Ballroom from Fall of 1966 until the Avalon closed in December of 1968, at first helping out wth the lightshow (Roger Hilliard and Ben Van Meter's North American Ibis Alchemical Company) then as upstairs janitress and lastly in the Coat Check. I lived for a while in a Family Dog House on Bourbin Street where Chet's brother Jimmy and other FD folks lived, across the street from from Alton Kelly, the poster artist, until the SF redevelopment agency tore down all of those lovely old victorians for the "Western Addition Redevelopment Area". Working for Chet and the Family Dog is something I will cherish forever. A favorite image for me is Chet in his pale business suit, long hair flowing down his back, briefcase in hand. Such a fine and gentle person. Chet was the true "father" of San Francisco Rock 'n' Roll. I'm sorry I missed the gig at Great american Music Hall last month. If there are any more memorials or shows, please let me know. I still have lightshow equipment and still do lightshows now and then. PEACE. Linda

  Linda "Kitty" Braskat  of Berkeley, CA USA  on Thursday, August 25, 2005 at 12:08:44 (PDT)  
We will miss you.

  phil gelato  of brookfield, IL usa  on Wednesday, August 24, 2005 at 14:34:57 (PDT)  
I was born in San Francisco and met Chet for the first time in 1970. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of Chet. When he would visit my home we would talk for hours and it would seem like ten minutes. His influence on my life is and will always be tremendous. I live in Idaho now and was on my way from Idaho to San Francisco to visit Chet at the Pacific Med Center when I was told of his passing just hours before I was to arrive. In 1996 I called Chet to ask if he would be in at his Gallery on Monday because I was flying down to bring him a gift. You could see the look on his face over the phone. I framed one of his Avalon posters to give him as a gift. The poster was of a Grateful Dead show and the whole poster was the Family Dog Logo with the Grateful Dead at the top of the poster. My mission was to tell him about the Art Gallery I was about to open and that it would be based on Chet and the Family Dog and to ask for his blessing. He made the sign of the cross and ... He actually blessed my shop! WOW! What an honor to have him do that. The last time we talked I told him that I loved him and he reciprocated. That was just days before his passing. I had the honor of being the guest of his brother John Helms at the Chet Fest. John let me use his couch and we went to the show together. John, if you read this I want to thank you again for your kindness and your loving heart.

  Darryl Kastl  of Moscow, Idaho  on Wednesday, August 24, 2005 at 01:41:38 (PDT)  
As a huge fan of the San Francisco rock era, it was my great pleasure to meet and talk with Chet on three occasions. The first was at the Chet Helms benefit held at Maritime Hall in early may of 1994. Ironically, that very same week, Richard Nixon died. The second time was at his art gallery on Bush St. in September of 1996,while I was again vactioning in San Francisco. I just walked in off the street and asked his secretary if I could talk to him, and Chet was very warm and gracious in receiving me as a visitor. Ironically, that very same week Spiro Agnew died! During our conversation I mentioned that the last time I had visited San Francisco, Nixon had died the same week, and that this time, Agnew had died the same week. He replied "Yeah? Well come back and visit soon!". The third and final time I met him was at the Charlatans reunion show at the Sweetwater in Mill Valley in 1997. He approached me, pointing to the Family Dog logos on my T-shirt and said, "I see you're wearing your colors". Man, I felt ten feet tall! Those were some of the kindest words that anyone ever spoke to me. God bless you, Chet! Farewell! Your memory will never die in my heart!

  Stew  of Rochester, MI USA  on Tuesday, August 23, 2005 at 19:56:53 (PDT)  
I first met Chet in 1968 during some concert in Golden Gate Park. Later, while living across the street from each other on Mullen Avenue, we became good friends. Those were some great times back then, and Chet was clearly instrumental in making the magic of that era happen. I feel honored to have known the man. God bless you, Chet, and may you rest in peace. PS. Does anyone know the whereabouts of his brother, Jimmy? Last I knew he'd moved to Hawaii. Also, does anyone know of a web site where you can try to reconnect with San Francisco friends from the 60's and 70's? I've lost touch with a lot of good people over the years. Drop me an email if you have any information. Peace.

  Michael Dresden  of Sacramento, CA USA  on Friday, August 19, 2005 at 23:17:42 (PDT)  
God Bless Chet....

  Bruce McClelland  of Tucson, AZ USA  on Friday, August 19, 2005 at 17:02:28 (PDT)  
Sorry to have joined this gathering belatedly, but I just heard. I worked with the Family Dog in the late '60s. It was an honor and irreplacable education. Everyone has said things so well that all that I can do is add my voice to those who point out that Chet not Bill represented the true formative spirit of nthe 60's. Thank you for the positive example, it will be carried on. Love and Peace,David

  david  of fort bragg, ca  on Friday, August 19, 2005 at 14:49:21 (PDT)  
Oh, Chet...I didn't know You, but I think You were ideal Human-being. I love Big Brother&The Holding Co., and I know that You were,,daddy" to them...So no matter I haven't met you; I love you!!! lOvE, Maddie P.S.I'm sorry about my English; I'm from Poland... :-)

  Maddie  of  on Friday, August 19, 2005 at 07:21:38 (PDT)  
We will miss Chet. He was a very good friend of ours. God bless hom and keep him safe.

  Jim & Mary Pinchotto  of Folsom, CA USA  on Sunday, August 14, 2005 at 13:50:34 (PDT)  
Thank you for the inspiration.

  Adam Abunai   of NY & Tokyo,  on Friday, August 12, 2005 at 13:04:06 (PDT)  
Chester was my cousin and I remember as a child looking up to him. He was 12 years older than me and I thought of him as a "God". He and I were both brought up in a very religious family and we were both very rebelious, so when he left Texas to go to San Francisco I felt like he had deserted me.....lol!!!!!!! I was only around 11 or 12 years old, maybe younger, and felt like I was the only "hippie" left here. Well, Chester, you blazed a trail and left me with an insurmountable mountain to climb, but here's to you and all the wonderful memories I have because of you.

  Linda Downs  of Fort Worth, TX U.S.A  on Thursday, August 11, 2005 at 15:21:40 (PDT)  
chet i never knew you but you gave me the best memories of my life at the ballroom thank you

  mike  of san leandro, calif usa  on Wednesday, August 10, 2005 at 18:35:50 (PDT)  
I met CHESTER in 69 and it was easy to see that he had a special gift , A love for everyone. Family Dog Spirit FOREVER. Your Spirit will be with us .

  Capt Bob Lachine  of Grants Pass, OR. USA  on Tuesday, August 09, 2005 at 14:00:33 (PDT)  
Dear Jimmy, I just heard about Chet's passing...I am sad but remembering all the beautiful times in SF and at the Avalon and Family Dog houses know that Chet has just gone ahead of us and we will all meet again someday. Please get in touch if you read this. email me at dmkeenan_21@hotmail.com I would love to talk to you. Love, DD

  Diane Keenan  of Salem, MA USA  on Monday, August 08, 2005 at 20:59:25 (PDT)  
I just heard, Chet, that you have passed on to the other side. Thank you for everything..the beautiful and free Avalon Ballroom, all the wonderful music and all of the many, many other things you were. God Bless. To Chet's family, my thoughts are with you. Jim, if you read this please get in touch with me. I miss you. All my love, Diane

  Diane Keenan  of Salem, MA USA  on Monday, August 08, 2005 at 20:52:21 (PDT)  
Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince: And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!

  Evelyn  of San Francisco, Ca USA  on Monday, August 08, 2005 at 15:35:47 (PDT)  
Chet and I met when we were both freshmen at UT in 1960. He was a restless and inquiring soul. When I interviewed for Junior Fellow with John Silber, I told him about Chet, that he "liked to talk about philosophy." Silber interviewed him and guaranteed him a Junior Fellowship if he would bring up his GPA. Instead, Chet dropped out of UT and, after a while, hitched to Mexico and then to California with Janis Joplin. After a few years of orienting himself to San Francisco from a $10-a-month room in the Japanese section (I think it was), he became her first manager. I saw him there in 1964 (he gave me my first joint), and again in 1967, when he was producing rock shows at the Avalon Ballroom. While we were there one evening, listening to Janis and Big Brother, one of his henchmen came to announce that Andy Warhol was outside with his party. "Tell Andy and his friends they are my guests," he said grandly. (I think Warhol went over to the other rock venue instead!) I still have under my bed a box full of rock posters he gave me, and on my bookshelf the Look Magazine, January 9, 1968, with a fine Penn photograph of Chet surrounded by his group, the Family Dog. We have stayed in touch over the years. He had a small, fine art gallery in San Francisco where he specialized in African-American and also early California painting. We visited here in Austin at the opening of d"Love, Janis" at Zach Scott. I had never gone, as an undergraduate, to Threadgill's, and only once visited the "Ghetto" where Janis & friends lived up just west of Guadalupe south of 29th Street. At the world premier of the musical, Eddie Wilson, who runs Threadgill's now, brought Chet out to help publicize the show. I got to see him then in an old, familiar role: as the absolute center of journalists, photographers and groupies. Paul thinks we saw him last in San Francisco in the mid '90's. Judy, Paul and I enjoyed dinner at your home with Chet sometime in the early '90's, I believe. Please accept our deepest thanks and gratefulness that you and his brother and his other friends were there to care for him so lovingly as he died.

  Jo Ann Cope Powell  of Austin, TX USA  on Monday, August 08, 2005 at 11:33:50 (PDT)  
Thank you Chet for the memories of the good times... The Avalon, the Family Dog On The Great Highway...The love you showed us all. I will never forget the magic of those days. The music, the lights, the experience.
"We find, after all the years of travel, that we don't take a trip... a trip takes us" - John Steinbeck -

  David Fouch  of Rainier, OR USA  on Saturday, August 06, 2005 at 23:32:29 (PDT)  
The last time I heard Chet's voice, was over a public address system, on the Eel River, a few years back, it was a very hot day. I was surprised. A previous post on this site comments, "glad to see some of you survivors are still on the planet". Well,that pretty much summarizes my feelings, when I heard Chet's voice. I too worked at the Dog on the Great Highway. Actually, I lived in the building. In a small room, sometimes known as the 'Executive Ballroom'. On occasion, Chet would come in and chat. You couldn't fully stand up in the room-closet, but Chet, a bit of an icon in San Francisco, had no problem crawling in, sitting on the floor, and speaking his mind. He was, a "bit flaxy" about finances. Ah, but absolutely incredible, at connecting with local bands, on a personal basis. He had the ability to book a band with a phone call, often below the usual dollar figure required. Which, as mentioned above, was usually a financial necessity. I can't think of a rock band, from the Bay Area, that didn't respond to his request, if at all possible. I enjoyed my experience working for Chester, as much as anything I've ever done. That says alot. I thank him for that. And yes, I even got paid. It seems obvious to me, that Chet's passing, is renewing something positive once again. Reading the variety of thoughts, by so many he touched, says volumes. Volumes about a guy who did something, that added a special touch to the lives of so many. So Chet, you'll always be, special, not bad for someone, who didn't seem to work at it. P.S. After 35 years, a hello to "Bells and Laura".

  Keith Johnston  of Manchester, Ca. USA  on Friday, August 05, 2005 at 20:35:44 (PDT)  
I didn't know Chet personally but I always felt that he was a friend. I went to the Avalon for the first time in June 1966 because a friend thought that it was the one place someone in my condition should be. The bill for the night was "The Quick and the Dead", after that I was there as often as possible. The Avalon Ballroom reflected Chet and the others in the Fmily Dog who put on the best shows in San Francisco but always made you feel like part of the family. When we got married in 1969 my wife and I went out to the FDGH for our honeymoon.

  greg humphrey  of silver spring, md usa  on Wednesday, August 03, 2005 at 18:41:03 (PDT)  
I never did get to meet u but u have been an inspiration for me and who I am today. U will always shine on in my eyes. Peace Love & Happiness

  Jen  of Mt. Morris , MI USA  on Wednesday, August 03, 2005 at 11:49:52 (PDT)  
I never did get to meet u but u have been an inspiration for me and who I am today. U will always shine on in my eyes. Peace Love & Happiness

  Jen  of Mt. Morris , MI USA  on Wednesday, August 03, 2005 at 11:49:42 (PDT)  
I thought of you yesterday as I was listening to some of Janis' letters home I have on a C.D. your name was mentioned and I rememberd I had gotten your web sight from you at bonnarroo 2003. I decided to get on the internet and check it out. I did not know that you had passed on to the other side. I also did not know that Yesterday was your Birthday! What a surprize, and way to show me that you are deffinitly still around! Happy Birthday, and tell Janis I said "hello" !!!

  stephanie kincaid  of Baltimore, Ohio USA  on Wednesday, August 03, 2005 at 11:01:07 (PDT)  
Well, I guess it's past time I checked in here -- glad to see some of you survivors are still on planet. When I worked for Chester at the FDGH, I was "Bells", for the most part. Large quantities of water have passed under many bridges in the interim, and I'd had no direct contact with Chet for a number of years (save an e-mail exchange a few months back about some memorabilia that was being hawked on eBay -- now I can't, for the life of me, find his post and I sure wish I could). But just knowing he was in my world meant a lot. And we who remain are, I think, diminished a bit by his absence. See, not only was Chester a seminal/pivotal influence in the course of the development and evolution of the San Francisco scene, he was also just an indescribably sweet person. A bit flaky around the finances (Bill Graham was the Businessman, not Chet), but a kind and gentle man, a teacher and a leader. And all of that when he was in his mid-20s fer Crissakes! Frankly, I was a bit surprised and disappointed at the minimal media coverage of his death. But I gotta admit, Chet would find his "below the radar" status amusing. He never was a "success" according to the way the straight world kept score. He's gone too young at 62. I'll miss him the rest of my life.

  AC Smith  of Watsonville / Santa Cruz, CA  on Tuesday, August 02, 2005 at 21:16:03 (PDT)  
Happy Birthday Chet! How free it must be to be dead! To have lived and loved, to have facilitated joy, that is a fine, all too rare, mark to leave on this often troubled world. You were a visionary, and the vision endures. We have a long way to go. We will miss seeing you around town, but the important memory of your presence will endure. Welcome to the League of Illustrious Ancestors of San Francisco!  D. A. Wilson, 8/2/05, San Franciso

  D. A. Wilson  of San Francisco, CA USA  on Tuesday, August 02, 2005 at 08:20:51 (PDT)  
Chet, You are missed and loved and will not be forgotten. It was my great pleasure to become your friend. I will cherish seeing you at so many parties at my flat and at screenings of my films. Having you present was an indication to me that it was the place to be in SF that night. You were always generous with you time and good energy. Peace be with your soul my friend. The world was a better place because you were here with us. Your spirit will live on with us for a long time. Your friend, Bob

  Bob Sarles  of San Francsico, CA USA  on Monday, August 01, 2005 at 19:59:25 (PDT)  
I first met Chet on the stairway of the Fillmore Auditorium after a Hot Tuna show. I was in awe of his stately appearance and humble mannerisms. I loved hearing his fond recollections 1st meetings with muscicians, especially when it came to Linda McCartney (someone who really counted as a dear friend to him). In recent years it seemed like Chet was at almost every music event which I could make it to in the Bay Area; he must've been out to some sort of show or musician-related event several times a week. God, I always looked forward to seeing him there at the show, with a nod and smile and clicking away with his camera, capturing people on stage whom he obviously adored. Long live the memory of the True Gentleman of the Bay Area Rock and Roll Scene!!!

  Jeff Tucker  of Benicia, CA USA  on Monday, August 01, 2005 at 19:04:54 (PDT)  
I still live in Haight/Ashbury.......Chet came to visit the heads at our flat when he was in the neighborhood.....good vibes always... Family Dog and Chet has done so much for the music... and art-posters I remember in 67 when Alan Cohens Oracle used to have the ads for the blacklight posters....family dog was always the coolest... in peace and with love, Bruce ps: if you get a chance, see the "Wickers World" BBC segement on Chet and Haight Ashbury....they actually go out into nature where Chet and a girlfriend take acid

  Bruce A Archer  of San Francisco, Ca. USA  on Monday, August 01, 2005 at 12:15:12 (PDT)  
message: My partner David and I smoked pot with Chet at the Avalon Ballroom while Big Brother played their set. 1967? No, this was October 2002. Chet danced that old hippie dance with his arms in the air making small circles, all this with his pack slung from his shoulder. Harlo from the Cockettes was there too. The name "Chet Helms" registers with me and its gravity I've felt for nearly 30 years when I first started studying the Haight-Ashbury. Meeting him was dreamy, really, and his kindness, Texas-style, was disarming. I asked him if I could interview him about the interface of gays and hippies in San Francisco in the late 1960's. He obliged and he gave me a very thoughtful interview. A really hippie mensch. Regards to all those he touched so deeply. Steven Palmer

  Steven Palmer  of New York, NY USA  on Sunday, July 31, 2005 at 20:45:04 (PDT)  
I often wondered what was going on in the head of the guy sitting behind and to the right of me during high school. I had a suspicion that he was biding his time until he could go out and do somethig more iteresting. I could see all the wheels going between his ears but I had no idea of the subject. High school was not a good time for me nor for Chet. At our 40th class reunion we celebrated the fact that we had both taken the 'other road'. The road less taken; "and that had made all the difference." Good by Chester, keep on dancin'

  Dody Fugate  of Santa Fe, NM USA  on Sunday, July 31, 2005 at 20:34:42 (PDT)  
R.I.P Chet

  Danielle Seiple  of San Francisco, CA United States  on Sunday, July 31, 2005 at 20:13:57 (PDT)  
When I was 19 I went to the Avalon Ballroom for the first time and was Hooked on the San Francisco scene. Fell in love with Quicksiver and spent five years knowing them and loving David Freiberg! He and I spent some wonderful times together and I owe it all to Chet and Family Dog!!! That was and still is the most favorite time of my life. Thank you Chet!!

  Kathie Bell  of Redmond, Wa USA  on Sunday, July 31, 2005 at 18:35:47 (PDT)  
We are among the many who were fortunate to have walked along the same road for awhile. Rest easy, you deservs the respite. Peace. Frank

  Frank Polte  of Pine Grove, CA  on Sunday, July 31, 2005 at 17:56:30 (PDT)  
Ahhhh talk about magical. Friday night was incredible. I know that Chet was there in spirit. Didn't you all feel him there as I did? The people, the music, the lightshow, the smoke...ahhh, everything was as it should be. I was the one wearing the chet dress. I felt so good making it and wearing it. I felt so good that Judy truly liked it. The posters are incredible. Totally takes me back to the Avalon days.. I will cherish them forever. Roger...thank you for making it all possible for us. I will go talk to chet tomorrow and tell him all about it. Thank you all!

  Linda Appleby  of Mill Valley, Ca USA  on Sunday, July 31, 2005 at 14:19:57 (PDT)  
GO FIND JANIS CHET,AND REMEMBER...ANGELS DON'T ALWAYS WEAR WINGS.

  ANGIE (FROM O.K.C.)  of oklahoma city, ok u.s.a.  on Sunday, July 31, 2005 at 03:22:20 (PDT)  
I want to thank all of you who have had such great things to say about Chet helms. He was a person that gave other people a chance to purisue there dreams and Chet made them happen. Chet for years was a person I could call up really late at night and he was always there. Last time me and him spoke was a week before he left us and he told me he could not talk late at night any more.Chet Helms was so money it was not even funny, very humble very funny, and we would not have half of the music today if it was not for him. I am so blessed to have known Chet I miss you bro, god bless and peace mase

  Mase  of sarasota,fl, fl usa  on Sunday, July 31, 2005 at 03:11:53 (PDT)  
I will always miss Santa Clause

  Mason Dunn  of sarasota fl, fl usa  on Sunday, July 31, 2005 at 02:55:02 (PDT)  
Remembering Chet, who dedicated his life to tame the savageness of man, and make gentle the life of the world. When he shall die Take him and cut him out in little stars And he will make the face of heaven so fine That all the world will be in love with night And pay no worship to the garish sun. From Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet Peace Always, Larry Oleson

  Larry Oleson  of Kelseyville, Ca. USA  on Saturday, July 30, 2005 at 23:34:30 (PDT)  
Thank you to everyone who took part in the ChetFest! Musicians, poster artists, fans, and crew: you are amazing. It was an event worthy of the man who inspired it . . . I hope just the first of many.

  Roger McNamee/Flying Other Bros  of San Francisco, CA USA  on Saturday, July 30, 2005 at 22:25:07 (PDT)  
Chet and I were pals when he first came to San Francisco in the early '60s. He would come over and talk to me about his girl friends. Then we went to City College coincidentally at the same time in the mid '70s. He was comfortable to hang out with on the lawn with between classes. Then I would run into him at book shows in the '90s. Sorry to see him go.

  Teresa Roberts  of San Francisco, CA USA  on Saturday, July 30, 2005 at 17:42:19 (PDT)  
Anita and I went to the show at Great American last night, a part of history. I always felt that way around Chet, weather it was having a smoke with him at a party, a Freddy Clark show or just on the street, even though he always played that down,to me he'll always be the man that invented the hippie. I gave him (and Robert Alltman) matching stone pipes I gathered on Bolinas beach on his Bday, we smoked in front of studio Z. I first met him at Donna rose and Mark Needhams 1960's party in petaluma, they let me set up the jams, I was introduced to him by bro', Marko Burnardini. 30 seconds into the fist song, Chet was up front and center, taking pictures of me and my autographed telecaster... I was on top of the world. I'll miss him telling me stories of Jimi Hendrix, Family Dog @ Great Highway and of life. A true Gentleman, he will be greatly missed by all... the smoking lamp has been lit, Chet, take it light... Ben and Anita, Marin CA

  Ben Williams  of San Anselmo, CA, via Rockville MD, CA Marin  on Saturday, July 30, 2005 at 12:32:34 (PDT)  
Thanks be for your life. You have touched many and had a tremendously positive impact on the world. The ripples of your thoughts and energy will go on and on. Someday we will all see the waves breaking on the shore.

  Michael Farnham  of St. Paul, MN USA  on Friday, July 29, 2005 at 21:23:54 (PDT)  
Chet, Give Janis A Big Hug For Me!

  Ricky Lanclos  of Port Arthur, TX USA  on Friday, July 29, 2005 at 18:54:47 (PDT)  
When I toured playing bass for Merl Saunders before his stroke, Chet came up to me and told me how much he enjoyed my playing, I was honored and humbled to hear that coming from someone of his stature. we became friends and Ever since then, He came to every show I played with Merl always VERY encouraging to me and an over all GREAT man. I felt a ginuine warmth and sincerity from him that is present in VERY few people in this business. I will miss that about him and all of the support he gave to me and other fellow musicians he came in contact with. We ALL can learn lessons from Chet about humility, Loyalty and Love. He will be greatly missed.

  John Payne  of Concord, CA USA  on Thursday, July 28, 2005 at 21:54:30 (PDT)  
Sorry that Chet is gone & I hope that he did not suffer. I visited the Columbarium on Monday & found a beautiful place for a beautiful man. I will be at the show. I thank God for Chet & his kindness.

  jim crabtree  of san francisco,  on Thursday, July 28, 2005 at 17:01:06 (PDT)  
Well he was the right man at the right place at the right time. A key figure in shaping and bringing all the people, music and events of those wonderful years together.

  Matthew Warman  of Cambridge, England  on Thursday, July 28, 2005 at 00:55:19 (PDT)  
maybe this beautiful man has met up with all the beautiful people, he has not seen in a while, they are still catching up and they will let us know later how it is going. in the meantime what a loss to the rest of us..young and old, my condolences to the family of mr. chester leo helms. allyson ann.

  allyson ann   of seattle,  on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 at 18:35:41 (PDT)  
With loving, happy, indelible memories. /s/ John D --=-- Please do not add this e-ddress to third-party databases. Thank you.

  John C Diamante  of San Francisco, CA USA  on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 at 15:33:04 (PDT)  
met the man once at Nickies Barbecue. we had a really good talk and smoke... he showed much kindness in his eyes...sorry to hear we lost such a patriot of music and the peace and art movement.

  dennis leffew  of san jose , ca usa  on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 at 15:26:54 (PDT)  
Chet was the best. Is there going to be a memorial concert? I saw and was appreciative of the tribute at the High Sierra Music festival in Quincy.

  tim rhode  of manteca, ca usa  on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 at 12:48:06 (PDT)  
I last spoke with Chet at the Peace Concert in Marin '04, and wish I had chatted more with him and Spencer. Looking forward to shakin' bones and waking the dead Friday at GAMH.
Tim

Remember me on the morrow
Remember me, but not with sorrow
No tears, now, or after
Just happy songs with lots of laughter
Remember me

--- Acquanetta

  Tim OConnell  of Scottsdale, az  on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 at 18:47:12 (PDT)  
Greetings to all. Be well,be happy. Godspeed.......................James *please inform as to when the Memorial will take place(and where). Peace

  james  of Sunnyvale, Ca united states  on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 at 16:49:16 (PDT)  
We will miss you!

  Sean Williams  of San Rafael, Ca USA  on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 at 14:01:12 (PDT)  
Got a call @ 5am the night of.God bless you.You are always fair.

  Mckey Fischer  of S.F.,  on Tuesday, July 26, 2005 at 12:58:40 (PDT)  
Last time I met Chet was on march 3, 2005 at Istituto Italiano di Cultura, downtown San Francisco. I was there to present to an italian-american crowd my new book PEACE & LOVE. Chet Helms and Country Joe McDonald wrote two meaningful forewords to the book I was kind really proud of. I invited both of them to my show. Sam Andrew (from Big Brother & The Holding Company) was so nice to join the party. And so did my old friends Mike Marshall (multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire) and Richard Green and Gunnar Madsen from the a-cappella band The Bobs. Dan Hicks, Paul Kantner and David Freiberg sent messagges just because they could not be there. Famous rock historian Joel Selvin introduced the whole event.
We were all waiting for Chet to come. I remember I tried many times (even from Italy) to get unsuccessfully in touch with him. All of a sudden, few seconds before to kick off, Chet shows up. My wife came immediately to me yelling: "Hold on! Chet is here " I was so pleasantly surprised and deeply happy to see him, I tried immediately to hug him. "Please, don't do it" he whispered "All my body hurts". It was very evident Chet was suffering but he didnt want to miss my party. I remember when vice-president Valeria Rumori announced he was in the house, Chet got a warm and long standing ovation.
I will always remember Chets gentle soul. And his huge generousity. He was so nice and patient to share his memories and spend hours and hours with me just to help me out with my book and articles. I remember what once he told me trying to describe his feelings the first time he joined the Trips Festival at Longshoremen's Hall in 1965. He came into the Hall, saw lost of hippies and thought: "Well, I'm not alone" From then