I also met Torsten for the first time in 2001, I think, unless I met him already in Köln or Darmstadt in 2000.
I still remember that stay at his place in 2002. We warmed up to the gig listening to among other things the Kassel 1997 recording, which was news to these ears. I was amazed it existed, and in pretty decent quality too, which is rare for the 90's audience recordings. It's still to this day the best recording from the 1997 fall tour. I don't know/remember who he got it from, but Torsten was a well-connected collecter who unearthed many recordings back in the day and put them into circulation. I think it also was Torsten who told us about this guy he knew about in nearby city Darmstad who has recorded every MP concert there to DAT for his own private use only. Darmstadt is one of the magic MP cities, for those who are not aware, and it's a must to attend alongside the likes of Bremen, Bielefeld and Leipzig. I am still hoping for those recordings to be shared with The Family one beautiful day.
Later we went to the venue and got inside for the soundcheck. The band had had two off-days, of which the first had been spent traveling from the cancelled Bilbao gig to Mannheim, while the second had been spent partying. A night of heavy drinking on top of two weeks on the road had taken its toll. Bent was so hung over that he laid down on his back playing his bass during the whole soundcheck, complaining he was so sick that he might have to puke.
In the hours between soundcheck and doors Torsten took us for dinner at a local place. When we returned, Bent was back on his feet, and the band delivered one of their more jammed out mellow evenings, starting out with Torsten's favorite, On My Pillow. I still remember the broad, characteristic smile on his face when he turned to me in recognition.
That is how I will remember Torsten Walker. A good man.
Rest in peace.
)
