'SMiLE' cellist among tsunami missing

Billboard.com ^ | Jan. 4, 2005 | Billboard

[JellyJam]

Brian Wilson has issued a desperate plea for any information on the whereabouts of Markus Sandlund, a cellist from the Stockholm Strings & Horns who played on his recently released recreation of the lost Beach Boys album "SMiLE." Sandlund was vacationing in Thailand when the area was battered by a tsunami following a Dec. 26 earthquake in the Indian Ocean and has not been heard from since.

"I have been devastated since I heard the news that Markus is missing in Thailand," Wilson says in a statement. "We have sent an agent to see what we can find out, but as of today (Jan. 4) we have been unable to locate Marcus in the area. If there is anyone out there who might know Markus' whereabouts please contact info@brianwilson.com.

[JellyJam]

What a shame ... Sandlund was wonderful on "SMiLE" (my favorite album of 2004). Godspeed.

[JellyJam]

for your PING list!

[Right Cal Gal]

MIne too - I waited almost 40 years for it. Let's hope for answered prayers regarding this fine musician.

[JennysCool]

Damn.

[PilloryHillary]

AHH crap! Horrible news!

[sweetiepiezer]

Prayers for all missing and unaccounted for.

[jwpjr]

About the only high spot for people worried about missing friends, relatives, etc. is that communication with the area is practically non-existent. You can blame President Bush for that. He wasted several hours on the morning of the disaster ordering US military units, planes, ships and helicopters, in fact an entire carrier battle group, into the affected area. It's pretty much common knowledge that these resources, while pretty impressive if you're one of those in desperate need of help, do not have the weight in international press that offering millions of dollars carries. I mean, which would you rather have after two days clinging to a palm frond praying for rescue, a US military helicopter or the promise of lots and lots of money? My heart swells with pride when I realize that we are ONLY nation on God's green earth that could have sent almost a dozen C-130 cargo planes and and entire carrier battle group to a location half-way around the world. I can't imagine how gratifying it must be for the personnel on those ships and aircraft to be able to put their skills to such a great cause! Forget the international press, the lefties and the liberals, GOD BLESS AMERICA!

[JellyJam]

God bless America, indeed!!!!

And that's definitely a problem, the lack of communication - there are still thousands of people wandering around the affected areas, unable to contact loved ones. There's still hope they can find Sandlund.

[trussell]

Prayer ping.

Please post your replies to JellyJam

JellyJam, My prayers go up for Markus Sandlund. May God keep him safe. Lord, please provide safety to Markus and all who are unaccounted for. You know where they are, as you see all! Please help those who are searching to find those they are searching for. Please give comfort and peace to the families of the missing. Surround them all with your love. In Jesus' precious name. Amen

Sweetiepiezer, thank you for the ping.

Blessings,
trussell

If you want on/off my prayer ping list, please let me know. All requests happily honored.

[JellyJam]

Amen!

[Twinkie]

Right!

[weegee]

Rock and Roll PING! email Weegee to get on/off this list (or grab it yourself to PING the rest)

[Dog Gone]

I'm getting pretty tired of the "Bush's fault" spin from the media, and it's pretty incessant.

The victims seem to be glad for our efforts. Only the American media isn't.

[MetalHeadConservative35]

ya know...if any country openly says its all bushes fault..just bomb a city..and be like "shut up" cause im REALLLLLLY tired of being the scapegoat for every problem here (meaning the US)

[vetvetdoug]

I am glad someone else enjoyed SMiLE. I have played it over and over since it was released and find it to be refreshing and nostalgic at the same time. I got Brian Wilsons' Album from the summer and listened to Desert Ride till my six year old could recite the lyrics verbatim.

[JellyJam]

LOTS of people enjoy "SMiLE" ... as they should, it's brilliant (even some of the nonsensical lyrics from Van Dyke Parks). Ignore the purists who aren't thrilled with "SMiLE" because it doesn't include the original Beach Boys.

I'm just peeved with the Grammy voters for not nominating it for Album of the Year.

[mabelkitty]

With all due respect, Mr. Wilson, you don't get to jump to the head of the line demanding authorities find your lost friend just because you are well-known and have lots of money.

[JellyJam]

Where in that article did it say that Brian Wilson demanded authorities find his lost friend?

Go chill.

[TopDog2]

My wife and I went to see Brian perform Smile in Chicago. It was an awesome show featuring very talented musicians. I hope this turns out well.

[JellyJam]

I'm envious ... I'd love to see him in concert.

I pray all's well, too.