Two days ago I lost someone who meant the world to me, even though I didn't know him "personally".

Manos Xydous was a singer, musician and lyricist / composer for Pix Lax, who used to be the most successful rock band in Greece until they quit in 2004 (and a band with many Stones fans among its members, mind you). He was a real, honest, hands-down rocker, wrote some of the finest lyrics I've ever read / heard, and he had a bluesy voice that could sing the greatest ballads and the wildest rocking tunes.

And he had a big heart - down to earth, always helping younger, unknown artists make records and get their music heard, never wanting to take the credit for it. Unfortunately that same heart failed him on Tuesday, while he was doing rehearsals for a gig. He was only 57.

I have seen Manos in so many concerts over the years I have lost count, and it is absolutely impossible for me to realize he's dead. I thought I'd share some of his live performances with you as something I could do in his memory.

This is "

Horis Ntropi

" which means "Without shame". It's the first ever song he sang with Pix Lax and the lyrics go something like this:

"It didn't happen tonight
I gaze at people passing by - maybe I'll find you
The night embraced me, sent a wild rain
You're here
Inside pink bars and melted music
It's you
Just like that, I had fallen in love with the words you said
Without shame"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEjbeKm8fU4

Here's "

All along the watchtower

" (in Greek cover version and with an almost literal translation, the lyrics matched so well):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFPr8z8Hz5M

"

Knocking on heaven's door

" (in English)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4z6nzMVSu70

And this, this is what showcases what Manos was all about live. "

Esy ekei

" (You There) was always

THE

highlight of Pix Lax gigs and always got the crowd wild. It starts as a low, quiet song and then it just erupts - wait out for it. He always gave it all he had, 100%. Always to the limit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLcuuSfkDDs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4x9T_KOoc4

Godspeed to Manos  

Thanks so much FG, I really appreciate it.