Peter Dames Obituary

I first met Peter in 1988 at Dicks Last Resort and instantly took to his personality and his music! It was years since I saw him before running into him at Hugo's and surprisingly he remembered me, which was a testament to our friendship. I insisted on purchasing one of his CD's and upon learning of his passing, we played it on a loop at our wedding during dinner. It couldn't have been more perfect! Something You Got Peter!!

I am a drummer The Legendary Merle Perkins. I used to play gigs with him back in the day. Had not seen him in a long time. I found out he passed away a few yrs. ago. He gave me his cd Live On Rush ST. A very good musician & a nice person. He will be missed R.I.H Merle Perkins The Perkolator

Peter Dames was one of the world's all-time great blues piano players. Like his model and mentor Otis Spann, Pete could make that piano rock, and rock the whole room with it. It's sad that someone with his gifts had play in near obscurity, but I'm glad that I had some opportunities to drop a tip in his jar.

I went to high school with Pete. We were on the Lab School baseball team together, went on Herr Hegan's first trip to Germany together and became friends. One day a few years after high school, I was living on Telegraph Avenue in Berkekley and ran into Pete at a pool hall across the street. We hung out together in the Bay Area and I was able to watch a great pool player take on all comers and win. Pete, I'll miss you.

Peter was a kind & gentle person but more importantly a wonderful grandfather(papou)to Baby Jimmy & Antigone. He loved his grandchildren & they loved him. Antigone is very sad and misses him so much.She will always have warm memories and remember his love. What a great gift.

Peter was a great piano player and singer and even a better friend. I'll miss him.
My sympathies to the family.

took this last november @ hugo's frog bar.

From the Chicago Sun Times columnist Michael Sneed on Friday March 2, "Sneedlings . . . Condolences to friends and family of pianist Peter Dames, who died Saturday. Dames had been tickling the ivories at Hugo's Frog Bar since it opened . ."

Oh Peter, it's really time to sing the blues. I'll miss you brother. You were a great musical stylist, and a good musical friend. You made some damn good ribs too! I'll miss listening, and sittin' in with you. We go back to the early Dick's Last resort days, when you would come up to Baja Piano Bar to see me play, and I would go down to Dick's to see you play. Those were the days. Adios my old friend. Love always, Dave "Rockin" Roberts.

Peter, was a wonderful friend, a good soul, who loved his family. He touched many people with his generous heart and music.I would take my nightime walks past Hugo's and if Peter was playing I'd stop and chat. I'll really miss him.

There was a special camraderie and Peter helped make it special. May G-d comfort his family & us, his friends.

Peter: It's been a long stange trip since we started 3rd grade together. I'll miss you.

Being best friends with Peter in the 6th grade was like being friends with his whole family. I miss those times of long ago but in my heart he will always remain. God bless you Peter.

Peter told his high school classmates that his name (Petros, I believe) meant "rock" in Greek. He was that to all of us.

Pete:
If there's a decent piano bar up there, you'll find it; if not, you'll start one. All your friends and classmates will stop in to hear you and give you a hug.
Rest in peace, Piano Man.

Pete:
If there's a decent piano bar up there, you'll find it; it not, you'll start one. Your friends and classmates will all come by to hear you and give you a hug. Rest in peace, Piano Man.

0n a September morning in 1958 I nervously walked up to the Lab School entrance for the first time, having traveled across the city & not knowing a single soul. Peter was on the steps, (probably smoking), greeted me with a warm handshake & a big smile, made me feel welcome, & we immediately established a connection that has lasted for almost 50 years. Rest in peace, my friend, & deepest sympathy to your family.

Bon voyage, buddy. I was honored to be your friend. My sympathies to your family.

Peter and I went to Lab school together where we played ball, fought, laughed, and fooled around. I mainly saw him at our reunions and a few times where he played his ever-lovin', passionate heart out. I miss you, Peter.

Please accept our deepest condolences. Ellen & I are Lab School classmates and friends of Peter's. We wish him Peace.