After a three-year battle with cancer, Adam “MCA” Yauch passed away at 9am on Friday, March 4. The timing of his passing was confirmed by his mother, Frances Yauch, in the New York Times, where she stated, “He was a very courageous person. He was hopeful to the very end. It all just seemed to happen overnight. He was a terrific guy and had a brief but really wonderful life. We are really proud of him.”
Mike D posted his reaction to MCA’s passing on Facebook. “I know, we should have tweeted and instagrammed every sad, happy and inspired thought, smile or tear by now. But honestly the last few days have just been a blur of deep emotions for our closest friend, band mate and really brother. I miss Adam so much. He really served as a great example for myself and so many of what determination, faith, focus, and humility coupled with a sense of humor can accomplish. The world is in need of many more like him. We love you Adam.”
Taking to the band’s website, Adam “Ad-Rock” Horovitz honored his fallen bandmate with a message on his fist (pictured at right) and the following words, “as you can imagine, shit is just fkd up right now. but i wanna say thank you to all our
friends and family (which are kinda one in the same) for all the love and support.
i’m glad to know that all the love that Yauch has put out into the world is coming right back at him.
thank you.”
The world did come out in honor of MCA and it was sadly interesting to watch how the news played out. Via Twitter, KROQ‘s Kat Corbett (@KatCorbett) was the first media person that mentioned the rumor of Adam’s passing, stating, “No, no, no. Word is leaking that MCA Beastie Boy Adam Yauch has passed. Hoping this is not true and just some bs internet rumor.”
It wasn’t much longer after her tweet that Global Grind confirmed the world had lost a Beastie Boy and the reactions started flowing. On-air tributes spread across the radio dial and social media sites were filled with remembrances. KROQ‘s Stryker (@TedStryker) took to Twitter and was tweeting all he could find of MCA in his personal memorabilia collection, including this one from the 2004 Weenie Roast.
On stage, Coldplay provided a touching rendition of “Fight For Your Right (To Party).” At the Prudential Center in New Jersey, the Red Hot Chili Peppers honored MCA when Flea played a bit of “Gratitude” and then the band (minus Anthony) played “So What’cha Want.” fun. also joined in by busting out “Sabotage” during their Friday night performance. Jimmy Fallon and The Roots paid homage by performing covers of “Sure Shot,” “Remote Control,” and “Sabotage” in between segments. You can watch the episode here. The Roots’ cover of “Sure Shot” can be seen at 4:15 and a montage from Fallon is at 11:40. The other covers take place before and after each break.
Tributes from other artists continued all weekend with Kid Rock, ?uestlove, Madonna, Thom Yorke, and Perry Farrell among the notables weighing in with written pieces.
Perhaps one of the coolest tributes of the weekend came from the New York Mets, who took the plate to Beastie Boys songs throughout Friday night’s game. The suggestion came from Justin Turner and Scott Hairston. Here’s a list of what each player used: Ruben Tejada: “Intergalactic” Daniel Murphy: “No Sleep Till Brooklyn” David Wright: “Brass Monkey” Lucas Duda: “The New Style” Scott Hairston: “Root Down” Ike Davis: “Fight For Your Right (To Party)” Andres Torres: “So What’cha Want” Josh Thole: “Make Some Noise” Dillon Gee: “Body Movin’.”
On Sunday, Yauch’s image was projected on the jumbotron at Madison Square Garden in memoriam during the Knicks victory over the Miami Heat. Even a Star Wars burlesque show got in on the act, by ending with “Intergalactic.”
The outpouring was touching to watch and proof that the Beastie Boys transcended boundaries and their music connected so many people.
R.I.P MCA
