Hector!

Memorial news from Lisa Kochian and Ethan Rivera

Hello Folks, 

We know that we all need some sort of closure. During this covid ridden time, we are very limited in what we can do. Once we are able, we plan to have several celebrations in memory of Hector to be organized in Saratoga, NY, Newport News, VA and of course in Gulfport, FL. When dates are known, we will post them on Hector's website.

It's been more than a month since Hector's passing and it is still hard to accept and doesn't feel real. We are sure we don't have emails for everyone so please know you were not forgotten. 

A sincere thank you to everyone who donated money that originally began as a fundraiser to help Hector fund his medical expenses and recovery. We didn't expect to lose Hector and now the funds are being used to pay for his final expenses. For sake of transparency, a total of $4,245.00 was collected. $3,000 of that went towards funeral home fees. The remaining is going to be used to start a music scholarship fund at Ethan's High School in Chesapeake, VA. When that is setup we will let everyone know as we would like to continue to support young musicians not just one time, but for years to come in Hector's name.

A very heartfelt thanks and appreciation to those who helped with the cleanup of Hector's place. Ethan and I could not have gotten through this without you.  We didn't even know where to begin. 

To all those who posted encouragement on Hector's website while he was in the hospital and condolences after, your words became a great source of comfort, even if Ethan and I didn't know you. It is amazing how many people Hector touched and how much you all loved him. Know that he loved every one of you right back. His Fans were his Friends and his Friends were his Fans. This gave life to Hector and he will live on in all of us forever. 

Stay safe and much Love to all,
Lisa and Ethan

Remembering our friend, Hector.

Hector Rivera was known professionally as simply “Hector!” He  earned that exclamation point every time he performed. 

He spent most of his career playing solo but became our bass player for a stint when Harry Dailey headed out on tour with Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefers. Vinnie stepped into those shoes when Hector left to continue his solo career. 

Here are a couple of video clips taken by Zeke (creator of the MBB logo):

The first is from what was billed as The Mad Beach Band’s Farewell gig at Watership Down, St. Pete Beach, in 1982. Hector and Pete Shackett had already left the band but reunited with us for this farewell. That’s Stormin’ Norman on piano. I’m guessing he and Harry gave Hector a rockin’ welcome on the other side. 

In the second one, nearly 40 years later, Hector serenades a friend who was under the weather at the time. Throughout all those decades, Hector's trademark energy and enthusiasm remained undiminished.

The Mad Beach Band extend our love and support to Hector’s son Ethan, his former wife Lisa, and all his extended family and friends.

You can leave a message at Hector’s website, DeepHair.com. You can also contribute there to help take care of his medical bills and final expenses.

Plans for a memorial gathering to honor Hector will be announced once the virus situation stabilizes.

–Pete Merrigan