Image via Josh Burdette’s Facebook page.

Yesterday we reported the tragic news that Josh Burdette, crew chief, manager and “That Guy” at the 9:30 Club, had died. A Washington, D.C. native and 17-year-employee of the famed music venue, Burdette’s death comes as a devastating loss to the local music community.

Burdette, a University of Maryland grad with a degree in psychology, became a staple of the V Street venue, yes, for his intimidating demeanor, but also for his incredibly friendly personality, professionalism, and wisdom. In the Post’s wonderful obituary, there’s a great anecdote about James Brown meeting Josh for the first time:

James Brown, who walked into the club one night, was apparently shocked. “Did he come out his mama lookin’ like that?!” the Godfather of Soul quipped to an associate.

As the chief crew member and manager of the 9:30 Club, Burdette built up quite reputation among local and touring musicians, striking up many strong friendships over the years he worked at the 9:30 Club. Talk to anyone who’s been to a show at the club in the past 17 years and chances are they’ll have a good story about Josh. Mine involves repeated attempts at crowdsurfing at a Less Than Jake show in high school, before Josh pulled me to the side of the stage and said “You’re too big to crowdsurf, trust me.”

Knowing that, DCist reached out to bands and artists far and wide to have them share their stories, anecdotes, or just a few words about Josh.

“Losing Josh is a huge blow, and I still kind of don’t believe it. I met him on tour, like everyone else, and from the first he was a caring, kind and wise friend. I’d see him most places on the East Coast, and he also came over to the UK for my Wembley show; we called him my “security guy”, but actually I just wanted to hang with my friend, and he kept me sane through a very stressful day. I know that every time I’m in DC part of me will be looking round every corner to see if he’s there. The world is a poorer place without him.” — Frank Turner

“To myself and Jukebox the Ghost, the 9:30 Club has always felt like home – not just because of the incredible fans that have stuck with the band over the years, but because of the warmth, attention to details, and kindness of the 9:30 Club and it’s staff. Josh was no exception. I remember walking into the 9:30 Club countless times over the years, always to be greeted with respect and a high level of professionalism and care from Josh and everyone that worked with him. I can’t say we knew Josh well, but he played a huge role in always welcoming us, and making us constantly return to the world’s greatest rock club. Next time we’re in DC, Josh will certainly be missed.” — Seth Kallen, Manager, Jukebox The Ghost

“I started working at the club in November of 2002, and like most, was initially intimidated by Josh. He certainly had a presence, but I soon learned that this was just a front to cover one of the most calm, deliberate, thoughtful, and sweet guys in town. I have a lot of memories of him, but these stick out:

It’s his steadiness in the hard times we shared that makes this moment so confusing to me. He seemed so together, and comfortable in his skin. It may be selfish to say, but I don’t understand why he would leave us like this.” — Justin Jones

“Where do I start? What can you say about Josh’s appearance that hasn’t been said many times before. He was one scary looking man! The first five times (at least) that I met him I was shaking in my boots. He was always business-like when we played at the club, keeping both the band, and the audience in line. Every time I went to the 930 club to see a band play, Josh would always say hi, make eye contact, demonstrate that he knew me. I’m probably a Z-list celebrity, if that, but Josh knowing who I was always made me feel special.

One time our band was playing at the 930 club and my elderly grandmother wanted to come see us. I arranged for a VIP pass for her, and was busy with band business when she and my folks arrived. The VIP balcony is on the top level of the club and there’s no elevator. At 90 years of age, she moved slowly but was so excited to be at the show. Josh made a point of escorting her all the way to the top, stopping every few steps for her to rest. She stayed the whole night and Josh helped her out when it was time to leave. She remembered that night until the day she died, and she would fondly retell the story any time the band or the 930 club came up in conversation. Every time we played the 930 club after that she would ask me to send my regards to the giant man with tattoos who showed her so much kindness. Maybe she’s returning the favor on the other side. Either way, I hope Josh has found peace.” — Steve Jackson, The Pietasters

“I’m blessed to work in a community of music that thrives on positivity and support from within. The road and travel can be taxing but what makes it bearable & rewarding are the special people who we meet and grow to love on the journey. Our bud Josh was such a strong supporter of the music and friends that we love and surround ourselves with and was even willing to travel to come let us know. I wish I knew him better as his local comrades knew him but as someone who comes and goes, seeing him and catching up when we could was always special and simply helped recharge batteries and keep the chin up. Not only for me but for my band and tour mates worldwide. He will be sorely missed but his positive example of how to treat each other and spread good energy up to an infectious boiling point will always be with us as a bookmark to turn back to whenever we lose touch with common respect. We love you brother. Thank you for sharing the short time you had in this world with all of us and leaving us a few pieces of the puzzle to help us further down the road.” — Chuck Ragan, Hot Water Music

“My mind tells me that I didn’t know Josh at all, but his vibe was so present and kind and indelible that it feels wrong to say that. It’s the craziest thing. There must be thousands of people that feel the way I do. I felt like he kind of created a gate of good feelings at the door of the 9:30 Club, through which I passed to the rock ‘n roll. It’s just so sad he’s gone, a sad day for Washington, D.C.” — Travis Morrison, The Dismemberment Plan, The Burlies

“Josh could practically read your mind. In the 9:30 Club office, before one of my sets, he asked if I was ok. I wasn’t. I had an upset stomach after dinner, which is about the last thing you want right before going on stage and jumping around. I was there to look for Pepto Bismol, and before I could even ask Josh had ushered me to the well-stocked 9:30 Club staff medicine cabinet.

Another time, the club had set up big, expensive lighting units on stage. I was asked before doors if we’d be having anyone else on stage that night and said, “Nah.” By the end of the night, revved up from DJing, I’d forgotten that pledge and urged the remaining crowd to get on stage and dance. It wasn’t until later, when I was talking to Josh after the show, that I realized my faux pas. I said sorry, that was my bad, and he said, “No prob. I stationed a few extra security near stage right before that.” When I asked how he knew he said, “Your body language gave it away. Could totally tell you were going to do that.”

Josh had a psychology degree and brought it to bear on being an effective security leader. Nightclubs can be a crucible of stress with the mixture of alcohol and high spirits, and being able to predict what someone is likely to do before they do it is an asset. However, I think the real reason Josh was able to do well with his security responsibilities, make so many friends and earn the respect of countless musicians is because he cared. He gave a shit and he cared about people. He was one of the good guys and he’ll be sorely missed.” — Will Eastman, Volta Bureau, Owner of U Street Music Hall

“Josh was one of the wisest people you would ever meet. When you talked to him, you hoped you would be lucky enough to retain some of that wisdom, but you had to make the effort as he never forced it on you. But every word he spoke was from one of the kindest, most thoughtful and well-centered folks you could hope to have in your life.

And then there was the fantastic joke that people that didn’t know him fell for every time. Here was this scary looking dude that was a complete contradiction of his appearance. I think everyone felt a little ashamed and learned from that.

We were all so proud to have him as our ambassador to the world. He was as 9:30 as 9:30 gets. I’m pretty good at moving on but this one’s gonna be tough. There will be no getting over it, sorry.” — Seth Hurwitz, chairman of I.M.P. and co-owner of the 9:30 Club

This post will be updated as more stories come in.