IN MEMORIAM: Remembering Eric Giardina, Iconic Chippewa Valley Metal-Rock Musician
guitarist performed in groups such as Ghosts of the Sun, Picard, No Loving Place, and Black Flood Diesel
Parker Reed, photos by Trenity White |
Deeply passionate musician and tremendously gifted guitar player and composer Eric S. Giardina passed away on Jan. 1, after decades of contributing to the Chippewa Valley music scene.
The guitarist contributed significantly to the development of the local metal scene, playing in groups such as Ghosts of the Sun, Picard, No Loving Place, and Black Flood Diesel.
“His talent was swooping in after a song had been written, and breathing depth, life, and passion into the music with his own unique style,” his obituary said. “He was a master of capturing emotion, and with the flick of his wrist could decide at any point how he wanted you to feel when you were listening to a song. He had an ability to blend into a song in a way where you didn’t even realize what he was doing.”
In addition to music, Giardina had a passion for the outdoors, where you would often catch him boating, kayaking, hiking, and making his yard immaculate with flowers, ponds, and decor.
“Hundreds of thousands of people from all over the world became aware of his talent over the last few years, and to this day, he still receives messages and handwritten notes from people worldwide who were touched by his art and moved by his passion. He was a rare gem that the music world was lucky to behold, and impossible to replicate.”
Back in 2014, Giardina spoke to Volume One as part of video project about the Valley’s music scene:
Read Giardina’s full obituary at hulkefamilyfh.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Eric’s name to Bob’s House for Dogs, E3015 County Rd HH, Eleva. A celebration of life gathering will take place on Friday, Jan. 7, at Hulke Family Funeral Home from 2-5pm.
