Rikki Madrigal

1995, Austin. It's my first time at SXSW. I'm sitting in a brightly lit room, early enough so I'm in that drained, pre-hungover state, and the editor of my zine is a speaker on the panel up front. The moderator makes a comment about the group of us there together with dyed hair. It's true: my editor's has a flash of red in front, mine is red, a friend's is purple. But another chick in the audience, with the same color hair as mine, she's not with us. By the time we all leave, tho, she was our friend too. That's how I met Rikki Madrigal.

After SXSW, I saw Rikki from time to time in LA, at rock shows and barbecues and around. She had a broad smile, liked a good party and was smart. Like accountant smart, but with a punk rock plaid skirt. After all these years she was still working in the music industry, which takes determination, a love of music, and heart -- and a crafty protection of that music-loving heart. She'd recently gotten a promotion. She lived with her boyfriend in a restored craftsman bungalow in Silverlake.

Early in the morning hours of July 4th, Rikki's bungalow burned and she was killed in the fire.

Her boyfriend got home late, turning a garden hose, uselessly, against the flames. Investigators are on the case; it looks like the fire was sparked by neighborhood fireworks.

Rikki went to bed on Tuesday night and never woke up. I guess that's what we all would want, really. It's just that we'd all probably want a little more warning. Cheers, Rikki.

Comments

[ed]

Very sorry to hear. Hope you're hanging in there, C.

[Brian Humphrey]

Carolyn:

Please accept our condolences on the loss of Rikki. If there is anything we can do to ease the pain that you and her many other friends are experiencing, you need but ask.

Brian Humphrey
Firefighter/Specialist
Public Service Officer
Los Angeles Fire Department

[Gwenda]

Oh dear. So sorry to hear this. Hugs to you.

[julie barner]

rikki was one of my oldest friends.

we became close at 15 yrs. old because we were both tall
and liked punkrock, and just music in general.

she moved to L.A. at 17 with $30 and never came back to
san diego. (except to visit her mom and friends a couple times
a year)
we remained close all these years. she was a special person.
i just found out today. i missed the service, because no one
could reach me, everything of hers was burned up.

i hope all who new her will remember her spirit, and fun loving
attitude twords life.

ROCK ON RIKKI !!!!!OXOXOXOX

[Bart Cheever]

Dear Rikki ... I'm so glad to have had a chance to know you and be your friend for 20+ years. You were truly one of the coolest people I've ever met and my life was so much richer with you in it.

I used to always tell you to write stuff down - that someday you would look back and have an incredible autobiography. All the great bands you knew and saw come together, the friends you made and lost and remade, all of your own struggles and demons. Even though I'll never read that book, I have at least a books worth of great memories you gave me (I *still* re-tell that crazy story about Atlantic City!)

Anyway, I guess I just wanted to say "Thank You". You were a truly special person and in your short 41 years you never held back and packed in several lifetimes of experiences.

Love always.

BLACKSTONE

[John DiMambro]

I don't know where to begin. I found out about Rikki last night 7/18. I have known Rikki
from around the Music scene for a few years now. When I ever I saw Rikki at a show I knew it was going to be Grade A. Everything from Black Flag at Amoeba,Gang of Four, Inland Invasion, and especially The Flaming Lips.
I introduced Rikki to Wayne.(Even though I didn't know him) and they took a picture together. She will be missed. I am in a state of shock. On Friday night my band Red Lightning will be playing at Safari Sam's. I am
going to dedicate one of our songs "I miss You"
to Rikki. Last Winter I played in Oklahoma City and our promoter worked for The Flaming Lips. As this is being written I'm trying to get in contact with Wayne through my friend who works for them to see if The Flaming Lips can somehow acknowledge Rikki at there Hollywood Bowl show which I'm positive Rikki would have been at. Wish me Luck.
God Bless Rikki

[Ethan]

Well, it's nearing a month since Rikki died. It still hurts so badly to think about. I knew Rikki since I was about 18. We didn't hang out all that much, but everytime we talked at shows it was high energy and *alive*. Rikki was at "ground zero" for the group of friends I grew up with from high school onwards. It's a very tight knit group.

Rikki lived life big. She was such a bright light every time I saw her. It was such an incredible honor to have someone of her character be so into my band. We've all been robbed of someone really special and incredible. *sigh*

[Dave B]

Just found out from my friend Laura.
I worked with Rikki at Capitol Records. Always cool, always. May the four winds blow you safely home.

db