Thirteen years ago, the world bid farewell to a true and unique individual in Daeron Skye, a.k.a. Ham Salad, but best known as Skye.
I first met Skye while working as an engineer at Jonestown Sound, a historical Vancouver church transformed into a recording sanctuary by producer King Dave III. Skye was unlike anyone I’d ever met. At first, I couldn’t figure him out. He wore a purple, silk disco-shirt and a cheap cowboy hat. He seemed high.
When we talked about music I found out that he had been a bebop snob until he first heard Under the Bridge by Red Hot Chili Peppers. He realized that whether it was Charlie Parker, Igor Stravinsky, or Kurt Cobain, all music came from the same place. I listened with interest whenever Skye talked about music. He enjoyed sharing his insightful perspectives.
Skye was a master of music theory and enjoyed learning as much as teaching. He took it seriously. He discovered hidden music secrets and enjoyed sharing them with other musicians. While many musicians are inclined to shield their secrets as if black art, Skye felt obligated to share them.
With an eagerness to learn and an appreciation for detail, Skye consistently lifted his discoveries to new plateaus. Sometimes he talked about taking over the world but I don’t think he ever wanted that. I think he mostly enjoyed making discoveries.
Jonestown was thrilled when rock legends, Yes, commandeered the studio, secluding themselves within its hallowed walls to compose its forthcoming album.
Meanwhile, Skye roamed the bustling downtown streets, forming a unique camaraderie with denizens of the urban realm. Once, Skye drifted into the studio, disheveled and exhausted he was oblivious to the curious glances cast by legendary Yes guitarist, Steve Howe. Skye casually took a classical guitar and flawlessly ripped through Charlie Parker’s Confirmation, note for note. It was at that moment that Steve Howe and Skye forged an indelible bond.
He was sure to compliment me when he thought I’d done something well. There was no political agenda behind his appraisal. If he liked it, he said it. His approval served as a reward, instilling a sense of pride within me.
I continue to extend my gratitude to Skye for his contributions to the music ether, his inspiration and encouragement, and his uplifting words. Skye, you were a true icon of originality, and your spirit continues to resonate.
Wow, Bugnut, well written, well said! A wonderful blog taking us down memory lane… he was a unique being… keep blogging, telling everyone more… thanks for your words… ox’s all of us who lived with him at Sanctuary.
What a gift, I thank you. Through your generous words I have a deeper understanding of my son’s all consuming love of music.
EDDY I’m sorry you lost your friend. He sounds like a fantastic person and I’m so happy you two were such great friends. I’m sure Skye was just as appreciative of you and your talents as you are of his. Its so beautiful when two minds and souls can meet and merge like yours did. I would love to have someone remember me as fondly as you remember Skye. I bet he’s smiling in heaven… Pat
hey, thanks for this post… with getting to know a little more about one of my dear best friend’s son, skye…. do you think we’ll ever get to hear more of his music sometime?
Thanks for this tribute. I am friend of Skye’s mom and really appreciate your tribute.
Eddy, thanks for allowing me into your life and your friendship with Skye by posting this blog. It seems fairly obvious to me from your writing that he believed in you as much as you believe in him. I look forward to more blogs about him in the future. Not only are you sharing his life and talents with people, I am sure it is cathartic. Much love my friend.
Thank you very much for sharing his memory with us. I never did get a chance to meet him, but I have the pleasure of knowing his son, Daymian. Since I am musically inclined, I think I would have liked Skye very much. I would have enjoyed showing him the bits and pieces of music I have so far created but have never been able to finish. It would be interesting to listen to his thoughts and feedback. But what I would have loved to do most is sing with him or jam with him on one of the instruments I know how to play, and I would have loved to have been able to share this with Daymian. Thank you again.
“WOW Eddy, I’ve only recently come into your circle and I didn’t know Skye at all, but the way you talk about him makes me wish I did know him. I had a similar experience with the loss of Brian MacLeod. That was difficult for me and a lot of people I am sure. You’ve peaked my interest in several musical areas that you have blogged about with respect to Skye. It makes me want to talk to you about it more in person. Maybe when we finally get it together and schedule some time in your studio ~ we can take it from there.
I sense your passion and your love for music and the lessons learned through Skye. I too felt that way from Brian. You are truly a passion driven person like myself. Your words ring with clarity and meaning in all you write about. My heart feels your loss.
Your friend ~JD~”
I knew Skye when his eyes were sapphire blue — before they became green. His eyes were both amazing and amazed. That was long ago in a place across a stretch of the Salish Sea. I always hoped to meet the man the child I knew became. Maybe, some day, I will hear his music and think ‘aaah… that’s you!’ Skye, his mother and sister will always be dear to me.
I, too, am thankful to you for sharing this tribute. I never met him, but I wish I had. His mother is a dear friend of mine.
Thanks so much for noticing Skye’s Talent.He was also a great boxer,poet,and writer.I look forward to hearing more of his material, yet unreleased.Ham is sorely missed and i find myself still looking for him on Granville st.Thankyou.
Thank you for sharing and keeping my brother’s memory alive ❤️