We mourn the extremely sad news that brilliant Chicago blues guitarist Kevin Shanahan has passed away in his sleep from a heart attack. Kevin was a very sweet and gentle soul, who played ferocious & wild lead and slide guitar behind Tail Dragger for decades. His Delmark recording legacy included Jimmy Burns‘ Back To The Delta from 2003, and the 3 famed Tail Dragger live recordings on CD and DVD, My Head Is Bald – Live at Vern’s Friendly Lounge from 2005, Tail Dragger‘s Live at Rooster’s Lounge from 2009, and Tail Dragger’s songs “My Woman is Gone” and “Tend To Your Business” from It Ain’t Over – Delmark Celebrates 55 Years of Blues – Live at Buddy Guy’s Legends from 2008. In addition to playing with Tail Dragger, he also contributed killer guitar work to many bands, including Johnny Burgin, A.C. Reed, Brenda Taylor, Eddie Burks, and much more.
Here are some heartfelt messages and memories of Kevin from friends and fans and some videos for you to remember him by. There will be a jam session in celebration of Kevin’s life at Lizard’s Liquid Lounge on Aug 13. All are invited. Begins at 8 goes until.
This is the amazing footage from Delmark’s first ever DVD, and best-selling from 2005- TAIL DRAGGER – MY HEAD IS BALD – LIVE AT VERN’S FRIENDLY LOUNGE! Look at this band! Tail Dragger – vocals, crawlin’ & prowlin’ & growlin’ & preachin’, Kevin Shanahan, guitar, Lurrie Bell, guitar, Bob Stroger, bass, Kenny Smith on drums with special guests Billy Branch on harp and Jimmy Dawkins on guitar!
“Prison Blues” from Tail Dragger’s Live at Vern’s Friendly Lounge, Chicago, on July 16th, 2005
And here is the trailer Tail Dragger‘s second live DVD/CD on Delmark- Live at Rooster’s Lounge from 2009 with Kevin Shanahan on guitar, and the return of guitarist Rockin’ Johnny Burgin after a long absence from the scene, Martin Lang on harp, Todd Fackler on bass, Rob Lorenz on drums, and Jimmy Dawkins special guest guitar!
And here is Tail Dragger‘s “My Woman Is Gone” from Delmark’s DVD, IT AIN’T OVER! Delmark Celebrates 55 years of Blues – Live at Buddy Guy’s Legends from 2008!
Delmark’s 55th anniversary blues bash at Buddy Guy’s Legends on March 7, 2008 Tail Dragger (vocals); Kevin Shanahan, Lurrie Bell (guitar); Billy Branch (harmonica); Bob Stroger (Bass); Kenny Smith (drums)
Kevin Shanahan 7.10.18 @ Water Hole, Chicago
June 2, 2019 Chicago blues legend TAIL DRAGGER performing “Long Distance Call” with Kevin Shanahan on lead and slide guitar with Frank Falduto & His Patio Daddi-os at Fusion in Kenosha, Wisconsin USA at Fusion. The band includes drummer Merle Perkins and bassist Heather Falduto and Mojo Mark Cihlar on harp.
Tail Dragger – vocals / Phil Bava – harp / Kevin Shanahan – guitar / Tim Taylor – drums / Tim Hickey – guitar / Tall Todd Fackler – Bass (Jimmy Burns in view but not playing) Bertha’s birthday party July 17, 2010
“I’ll miss you Kevin Shanahan. Longtime friend and fellow guitarist with Tail Dragger. A fine player and a shy, sweet guy gone way too soon. ” Dammit. I’m gonna miss you Kevin Shanahan. Kevin was a gentle soul and a fine gut-bucket blues guitarist who played many years with Tail Dragger (this pic is from the 2017 Tail Dragger show at The Chicago Blues Festival). He’s featured in the Tail Dragger DVD “Live at Rooster’s” where he plays some great stuff. He played with Tail Dragger for many years, and he also played with AC Reed, Eddie Burks, Brenda Taylor, and many others. He played rhythm guitar in my band every once in a while. He was a shy, highly intelligent, talented, sweet person.” Johnny Burgin
Jul 27, 2010 Tail Dragger – vocals / MojoMarkC – harp / Kevin Shanahan – guitar / Rob Lorenz – drums / Rockin’ Johnny – guitar / Tall Todd Fackler — Bass
“Our worldwide Blues community is a tight knit community…so many of you already know, but it is with deep sadness and immense heartbreak that I share the passing of Chicago blues guitar extraordinaire, Kevin Shanahan. Anyone who knew Kevin, knew what a special person he was. He had a heart of gold, a tender soul & the ability to transport you back to the golden age of blues music when he played his guitar. He was my favorite hands down & I was his biggest fan! Kevin was my best friend, he was my soulmate, and we were very important to each other in our lives. I met Kevin through Taildragger and over the years we became the closest of friends and really helped each other grieve the loss of our dear friend, Tail. Kevin was always down to go with me on some random photography trip, to run around a cemetery chasing old bluesmen, to catch a gig or just to do about anything I wanted. We gave each other peace. I am so grateful and blessed to have had him in my life. I consider myself lucky. I will love & honor you forever Kevin Shanahan, my guardian angel. May you live on forever in the beautiful music you made. Rest easy & peacefully- I’ll catch you on the other side, Sugar” – Tamara Irena, Tail Dragger booking agent/manager.
“I can only repeat what others have said – Kevin was gentle, sweet natured guy. And a real bluesman. I think when we met he was playing with Jimmy Burns’ band, before he joined Tail Dragger. Rest in peace, “Calvin”. – Scott Dirks, producer, Chicago blues harmonica player/singer, author of definitive bio on Little Walter
“This guy was a world of talent. He could play every instrument he touched well, and the first time he picked it up. I know I’ve got some killer photos of him playing at Legends with a whole bunch of people. RIP Kevin” – Chuck Winans, Chicago Blues photographer and journalist
“I’ve known Kevin since high school. So many fond memories. We used to sneak into blues clubs before we were of age. Such a beautiful soul and the most decent person I’ve had the privilege of calling a friend. I’m a better man for just knowing him. Rest easy brother.” – Dave Gonzalez, Blues singer/harmonica, producer
“Such incredibly sad news, my deepest condolences. He was such a kind and sensitive person… a brilliant guitarist. He had a rare genuine way about him; my heart is heavy with the news.” Ayme Frye, guitarist and CHIRP DJ
“He was a great guy. Sweet personality. Refreshing to have him on the scene when he first came out in the 90s. Probably the first white guy to whip out a vintage Fender jaguar in Chicago. Rest in peace my friend.” – Cadillac Zack Slovinsky, blues guitarist, producer
“So sorry for your loss, Tamara. In addition to being a great guitarist, he was one of the nicest and most humble guys that I ever met. May he rest in Heavenly peace.” Billy Branch, Chicago blues man, harp legend
“One of the boys, gone too soon. RIH Kevin, you will be missed by all you touched.” Rick Kreher, guitarist Muddy Waters, Johnny Burgin, Tail Dragger, Little Arthur Duncan, Mud Morganfield, Studebaker John
“In almost 30 years playing with Taildragger, Kevin was there also – we went through a lot together, and in all that time Kevin never ever disrespected anybody. He was truly a gentle soul. I guess Taildragger wanted his guitar player back. Taildragger and Kevin, both being gone my blues heart is also gone.” Rob Lorenz, drummer for Tail Dragger
“Like icicles on your back, the stinging slide guitar of Kevin Shanahan cuts through the mix like a sharp serrated knife. It is that stinging old school vibe pioneered by the likes of Robert Nighthawk, Elmore James and the great Muddy Waters. YOU FEEL IT IN YOUR BONES !!!” Bob O Walesa, harmonica player
“Kevin Shanahan‘s stinging slide was a perfect complement to Tail Dragger‘ s smokey gut bucket vocals !!!” – Bob O Walesa, 2017
Long time Tail Dragger guitarists, Johnny Burgin and Kevin Shanahan!
Kevin Shanahan, Tail Dragger hawkin’ his Delmark recordings, and Frank Falduto.
