R.I.P. Kind Soul
March 5th, 2008 by Leilani in News
Musician, promoter, local music supporter, real estate entrepreneur and overall kind soul Ted Freed passed away last night after losing his third bout with lymphoma. He was 51.Â
Ted was always looking for the next new band – new local bands to manage, new national bands to bring to town – and he provided great managerial and promotional support to the bands he already represented. In fact, I met Ted back in May of ’05 when I was writing a story about his Clearwater-based music promotions company, Rising Jupiter, and Uphonia, the festival he was pretty much funding all on his own. We became fast friends after that, finding common ground in our mutual love of music and the desire to spread it ‘round. Â
He conquered cancer twice and was good-humored throughout, confident that his positive attitude would help his health as much as the chemo treatments he was receiving at Moffit Cancer Center. Last November, Ted discovered that the cancer had returned in full force. In order to prepare for a stem cell transplant, Ted underwent an aggressive series of chemo treatments. Unfortunately, the tumors that riddled his body didn’t shrink enough and he was too weak to endure a transplant, anyway. He was brought home and spent the majority of his last few weeks visiting with family and friends.
I’m sorry I didn’t get to say goodbye, but I keep telling myself that he would’ve wanted me to remember him as I last saw him, smiling and happy and enjoying good vibrations at Skipper’s Smokehouse.Â
He is survived by his wife Laura and his sons, Jared and Alec.Â
The funeral will be held graveside this Friday, March 7, at Chapel Hill Memorial Park, 12905 Wild Acres Road, Largo. A benefit for Freed’s family to help them pay for his outstanding medical expenses will take place at Skipper’s Friday, March 21. Uncle John’s Band, COPE, Rob Pieniak (formerly of Buffalo Strange), and Christee Lennee perform; admission is $10.
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March 5th, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Ted will be missed by all.
March 5th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
Sad news indeed…He was a good person and the music he did gave a chance for other friendships to start…we got to experience new things and the countless good times we had with his productions…thank you Ted for all that you have done.
Condolences surround the family and lots of love will be in the air this weekend.
March 5th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Ted was a great guy, I met him immediately after moving here 3 years ago and we became instant friends. He has benefited me with alot of music from local bands, and others he has promoted or booked at one of the many venues he associated with that you may hear on http://www.haveyouherdradio.com, such as New Monsoon, Code Talkers, Ralph Roddenbery, David Gans, Cope, Buffalo Strange and way too many more to list. His association with music wasnt to benifit himself but just for the love of it.
I will always remember Ted with that smile of Joy on his face, may he rest in peace knowing that his existance made the world a better place.
March 5th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
Ted was a beautiful cat. Always smiling. Always loving the music. I want to thank him for the things he did with and for Uncle John’s Band and Earth Bombs Mars. It was an honor to know him.
March 6th, 2008 at 3:03 am
Ted’s life is an inspiration. He was able to live his dream of being a band and concert promoter. By doing so, he gave life and promise to the dreams of many others. My thoughts and prayers are with Laura, Jared and Alec.
March 6th, 2008 at 1:21 pm
Ted Freed is indeed a fine musician, promoter/supporter and friend to many of us in the bay area… He has been a beacon of light to so many us for helping us expand our wonderful magical musical family by not only promoting our local musicians/bands, but also bringing in major talent as well… I feel both honored and graced to not only to have gotten known him over the years, but also to have shared the stage with him on several occasions… He is one of our finest brothers in our community and his spirit will carry on in our true LOVE of music, friendship and fellowship… Many prayers of love and support to Laura and family… and THANK-YOU TED FREED for all you have done for all us, thank you for making our dance party so much more jammin\\\’ and groovin\\\’!!!… we are all truely, very grateful…
March 6th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Didn’t really know Ted Freed in person but I know the kind of person he is. Peace Ted & to all his friends and family.
March 6th, 2008 at 3:38 pm
I first met Ted when he ran a bagel and sandwich shop next door to The State Theatre. He worked hard and, I think, did pretty good there. The office complex across the street closed and business slowed down. He moved on and started pushing bands our way and around to other venues.
As time went on I’d see him passing out fliers for his shows at the old Greenbench location in Clearwater when he ran that, again more hard work and effort.
He continued through all the medical problems giving a full effort for his heartfelt love of the music.
For all he did for all of us , I hope that when he’s looking down on me something I’m doing will make him smile.
March 6th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
We have lost a beautiful person in Ted Freed.I have so much gratitude for this guy.He was one of the hardest working guys that’s ever been on the seen around here.I’ve seen promoters come and go around here and there has never been a more genuine person than Ted Freed.That toothy grin and hug will be missed.My sincerest condolences to Laura and children.
March 6th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Ted was indeed a true Brother. A man with a smile on his face and always in his heart, he shared in the mission of keeping “OUR” music alive and well. He was always in tune and there was never a time that he wasn’t willing to share a song or a story. We laughed together many times about music and baseball and how we both had travelled down that same path….. and how we were still… Fare you well, my Brother. May the four winds blow you safely home.
March 9th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
I only got to play one gig for Ted, in Clearwater a couple of years ago, but it was a really fun show and Ted made sure the vibes were good every step of the way.
I’ll miss him.
March 10th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Ted was a great person and I will miss him. We got lucky in Tampa to have Ted move here and spread his love of music. Randy Clunn
March 13th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Ted was my best friend since 1962. Despite the fact that I moved to Israel in 1981 we kept in contact often and he was always sending me music of some of the great local bands.
I got to see him play this summer, opening for Colonel Bruce Hampton this summer. Ted was in his element and at his best.
The loved flowed from Ted to the crowd and back. He will be missed.
March 17th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Very sorry to hear this sad news. I do know Ted will love Rock & Roll heaven. My condolences, Ted, to your family and loved ones~
March 18th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
When the things that are said by the kind souls that knew and associated with Ted are so universally appreciative of his goodness and lovingness, it says alot about the kind of example that he set for us all. We should all strive to be as genuine and to positively touch as many lives as this man did. Thanks for shining your light in this world Ted. A part of your radiance lives in all who knew you and you will be thought of often by many. Prayers are with your family who grieve the most at your passing.