Feature: Commonplace

How do you sum up someone’s life? Especially one that was cut so short. For those of you who have not heard, Scott Bringard passed away November 16, 1994. He had just turned 26. 

The lead guitarist and chief song creator for Commonplace, Scott was diagnosed with cancer of the lymph system in mid-October. He wanted to stay, but the cancer was too much for his body, and in the end, he courageously accepted his fate.

Or, perhaps he was mad as hell. I don’t know. Ultimately, death is a private matter. I imagine Scott was brave as much for himself as for those loved ones who surrounded him at the end. Friends and family pulled together to support him and each other throughout the ordeal of the last month. A partial release came in the form of a benefit show November 22, at Club DV8.

Scott would appreciate the irony of the fact that nearly 400 people—more than at any single Commonplace show—attended a concert celebrating his life. Thanks are in order for those who helped organize the show—Karen and Mike at DV8, everyone at X96, especially Jim Facer, Kristen Young and Sean Ziebarth, Patti Stith, John Saltas and Ben Fulton at The Private Eye, James Stewart, Primitive Painters, Stretch Armstrong, the Disco Drippers, soundman Jack Arnott, light guy Nature Boy, and friends and family—all of whom gave of their time and talent without a second thought as to what was in it for them. Most of all, thank you to those in attendance who helped raise approximately $3700, which will be donated to cancer research in Scott’s name. 

If you missed the show, you missed some great talent. James Stewart is new on the Salt Lake scene and opened the benefit show. A self-taught guitarist, James has just released a tape of original compositions, a copy of which I am proud to own. 

The Primitive Painters were up next and overwhelmed the audience with their guitar driven, melodious rock’n’roll. They’re so good. I hesitate to describe them for fear of getting it wrong. This Orange County, California-based band will be back in the spring, and I strongly encourage you to discover them for yourself. The Painters were friends of Scott’s and one of his favorite new bands, so it was a fitting tribute for the night. 

I want to personally thank ska-masters Stretch Armstrong. They never met Scott, or anyone else from Commonplace but were willing to lend a hand. You guys have done your good deed for the next decade. Based in Utah County, make the effort to see these guys live. Yeah, X96 plays them all the time now—that’s because they’re good. So is their CD, so pick it up. 

And last, but not least, the Disco Drippers. I haven’t done the Hustle since sixth grade. Unfortunately, it’s just like riding a bike and I soon found myself up on stage bumpin’ and grindin’ with the best of ‘em. I even saw a few conga lines winding their way through the crowd, too. I wonder how Hooters manages to keep time with crazed shakin’-their-booty-babes standing on his shoulders?

As Jeremy Bringard said, “Scott would have loved this.” 

As for Commonplace, Troy, Colin, Jason, and I plan to finish recording four or five more songs to complete the “Speechless” cassette we released earlier this year. We were planning studio time when Scott fell ill. Hopefully, we’ll have the work completed by early spring. 

If anyone would like Commonplace CDs, tapes, or seven-inches, write to SLUG and they’ll pass on your request. We’ve still got plenty and we’re selling them for donations just to get the music out. Scott would have loved that. —Lara Jones, Commonplace

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