From the moment I saw this thred a few days ago I've been a bit sad when I'd visit the forum. Billy had forgotten more about Sonar than I knew but always treated me with kindness and patience. He was one of the good guys and if these early reports are true, he will be hugely missed.

He helped me out of a few tight situations over the years.  Billy was always one to go out of his way to help people.

Billy helped me too, and was a decent person. 

I found some recent messages from him on an NI forum from Feb. 2012:

http://www.native-instruments.com/forum/showthread.php?t=161950&highlight=ba-midi

His website is still up: http://www.ba-midi.com/

Sorry, but I have no recent news about him.

So sad..

Rain


Well, it does tell us that one Billy Arnell passed away.  But are we sure it's our Billy? 

The man who collaborated w/ Loeb was in his early 20s in the mid-70s.  Meaning he'd be 50 something now. Maybe I have it all wrong, but I imagined Billy a bit younger. I don't know, I'm hesitant to say my goodbyes to our friend before we know for sure.

More like 60. I saw the guy's photo on his website and he doesn't look that old! Plus his music does not sound like that of a 60 year old guy. I wouldn't close the book on this yet, if what you say is true about the deceased man's age. 

I don't think it's an age thing. Billy probably is in his 50s (who knows, maybe even 60), and that photo's been up there for a while. We just don't have any definitive proof yet. Anything's possible.

keith


I did receive a response from Lera Loeb pretty quickly, simply stating:

Fyi
[link=http://www.riversidememorialchapel.com/obituaries/show/785?PHPSESSID=634e516ce22afe04593e5fc6c2d915b7]http://www.riversidememor...2afe04593e5fc6c2d915b7[/link]

Sent via iPhone

So... I think we're arriving at the harsh reality that our internet buddy has unfortunately passed on to a better place. Wish there was more info available.

Hi Keith,


Can you confirm with Loeb that we are talking about the same Billy Arnell? His website info http://www.ba-midi.com 


Thanks for looking further into this!

Who is that Billy???

Sent another note asking to confirm the picture on the site. Will let you know if I hear anything, or not. Hopefully I don't end up in her Internet Wierdo folder...  

sharke


More like 60. I saw the guy's photo on his website and he doesn't look that old! Plus his music does not sound like that of a 60 year old guy. I wouldn't close the book on this yet, if what you say is true about the deceased man's age. 

It's funny how we imagine people... His music is so full of energy and youthful, so I pictured a guy in his late 30s, early, though wise beyond his years. I remember a post last fall where he'd mentioned staying out late, dancing all night. Surely didn't sound like your average 50 years old guy.


However, when I think of his passion and his enthusiasm, I can't imagine Billy growing older to be boring and renouncing to his creativity, not renewing himself. He could have been 70, as far as I'm concerned - his passion would have fooled us all the same. He had that spark, something that just shined through. 
 
When we moved to New York, I thought it'd be nice if I could get to meet him and chat w/ the guy. It just never happened. Not that I knew him that well or exchanged that much w/ him, but he came across as one genuinely nice and interesting fellow. No bs. Just a nice guy.

Looking at the pics on his site - which I hadn't seen - and his 8 years old pic in particular - I'm starting to think that it it may indeed be our good old buddy. I can't help this very sad feeling that our friend may indeed be gone. 

Wherever you are Billy, this one for you, pal.