R.I.P. Dave Sherman, 1966-2022
After truly living doom as much anyone ever has, Dave Sherman, bassist of Spirit Caravan and King Valley and frontman of Earthride, Wretched, Weed is Weed, and Galactic Cross, among others, has died. Word spread through social media that Sherman had passed; though the rumor was a cardiac event, the cause is yet unconfirmed. Born Oct. 16, 1966, Sherman was 55 years old.
Sherman was an inimitable stage presence and a creative soul. He always had a touch of mischief, but also always wanted everyone in on the joke. He was bigger than every stage he played on, and he played on every size stage. I had the good fortune to be in touch with him over the years about music, several interviews, and so on. Sometimes he was one of the smart kids playing dumb. When he walked into a room, you knew it, not the least by his voice.
And at least in my own experience, he was a humble, sweet guy. Shy in a way. I’ll miss thinking there might be another Earthride record coming or a chance of another Spirit Caravan reunion, or another Galactic Cross record, though the Earthride catalog remains particularly pristine for something that delighted in sounding so totally dirty.
He should have been mayor of Frederick, Maryland, but he was royalty in that scene and his loss will be felt for years. Doom on the East Coast and beyond grieves.
As bassist for Shine and Spirit Caravan, Sherman provided a perfect counterpoint to the guitar of Scott “Wino” Weinrich, and the two remain linked indelibly through the work they did on Spirit Caravan’s two full-lengths, EP, and other releases. Stirring the pot at front of the stage for Earthride, he was a man in his element. I can see him on stage at Cafe 611, Maryland doom incarnate at Maryland Doom Fest, soaking it in like the life force it was. And that is how I prefer to remember him. In his band, in that spot.
Dave Sherman will be missed.
On behalf of myself — still somewhat reeling, so pardon me — and this site, I send condolences to everyone who knew Sherm, and that was a great many people. His bandmates and family alone is a long list, especially for a man who made so many feel like family. To his friends in Frederick and worldwide, love.
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Tags: Dave Sherman, Earthride, Frederick, Galactic Cross, Maryland, Sad shit
I had multiple texts and emails tonight…wasn’t sure why, then I read them. Sherm was truly a good guy and always kind to me. Hung out with him in Pittsburgh 5 or 6 times over the years. Shared conversation online and loved every band he was in. I’ll miss him.
Sherman will truly be missed I’ve known him since I was probably 12 was always part of the family! Still stunned by this news.
So heavy. All silent. Long live Earthride.
RIP Dave Sherman.
The TRUE AMBASSADOR OF MARYLAND DOOM has passed on into the Dreamwheel. He was the most inviting biker rocker you’ll never meet, RIP Sherm.
So sad, I had the chance to chat with Sherm a couple of times, and you are right on JJ, he was one of the humblest, most genuine guys you could ever meet. Love to all.
wonderful tribute, JJ. I only got to see him once w/ Spirit Caravan but yeah – a true mensch. he came off as humble as genuine as anyone.
This hurts. He was one of my favorite singers/frontmen and Earthride was by far, my favorite doom band. He was so much fun to be around and you nailed the description of him (smart, funny, etc.).
Honestly, this is a way bigger deal to me than any “big” rock star dying (like, EVH, for example).
Completely gutted. Gonna miss him.
R.I.P. Dave
Big bummer to have heard of his passing.
Thanks for the article.
Rip Sherman
You have always been a part of the family
Truly amazing talent one of a kind guy. Always will be missed & remembered. My heart goes out to all your loved ones
I had the pleasure of knowing Dave for 8 years, we met-up a few times when I’d bus down from Vancouver, BC to Seattle.
Of course I’m a fan of all the bands he played in but he was more then just a musician to me, he was a friend, a colleague, a companion, someone that I trusted enough that I thought of him as family. The first time we met was in Seattle during Spirit Caravan’s reunion tour, we hung out in the V.I.P. room of the venue for a couple of hours before the show and bonded over our love of Thin Lizzy we even have the same “Black Rose” tattoos.
He had a big heart, great sense of humor, and honest to a tee. Rest well Dave, I love you! you will be sorely missed (#128148#)
Summed it up nicely JJ
First met Sherm when I took the greyhound from upstate NY to CBGBs & saw Shine, Dave was playing a hollow body Gibson, I recognized him immediately from The Obsessed documentary. Had the pleasure of seeing Spirit Caravan twice & Earthride many times. Would run into Dave at many shows,especially EHG in the Maryland area. Always great to see him, hard to believe it won’t happen again.