Katie Mae. Ronald Charles McKernan went famous for his performance in his own country U.S. as well as in other countries. Ron "Pigpen" McKernan (second from left) as part of the Grateful Dead in 1970. He was 27 years old. Unlike the other members of the Grateful Dead, McKernan avoided psychedelics, preferring to drink whiskey and wine. ", The Tragic Death Of Ron 'Pigpen' McKernan. On March 8, 1973, aged 27, he was found dead of a gastrointestinal hemorrhage at his home in . The Grateful Dead. Ron Pigpen McKernan is part of the Baby boomers generation. Showing Editorial results for ron pigpen mckernan. [52] McKernan rejoined the band in December 1971[26] to supplement Godchaux on harmonica, percussion, and organ. There was a chart beside his bed showing what he was eating and the time he was to eat it.. But no matter how he tried, Pig couldn't kick the illness, he couldn't repair the damage that had been done. You make him sound as if he was just a simple boozer.LoveLight8980 (talk) 05:50, 13 April 2011 (UTC)Reply[reply]. Death Don't Have No Mercy: Pigpen, Ten Years Gone (Relix Revisited) Jeff Tamarkin on March 8, 2018 Today in 1973, Ron McKernan, better known as Pigpen, the founding keyboardist and de. The 200 Greatest Singers of All Time Post by EddieCheivz onJul 7, 2020 at 3:40pm. you want your mtv, and paramount+ has it. Voice Type: Baritone. He began socializing around the San Francisco Bay Area, becoming friends with Jerry Garcia. This included two songs recorded in 1964 with future Jefferson Airplane guitarist Jorma Kaukonen. [20] According to Garcia biographer Blair Jackson, McKernan missed three Dead shows before vowing not to "be lazy" any more and rejoining, while Kreutzmann objected to replacing McKernan and said the event never happened. [5] As a youth, he taught himself blues piano, guitar and harmonica[6] and developed a biker culture image. Hart later said "Pigpen was the musician in the Grateful Dead. When Phil Lesh joined, the five-piece solidified as the Grateful Dead. Ronald Charles McKernan (September 8, 1945 March 8, 1973), known as Pigpen, was an American musician. He subsequently broke off all personal relationships with the band, explaining I dont want you around when I die.. he was a famous person on social media i.e. [39], McKernan was close friends with American singer-songwriter Janis Joplin due to common musical influences and lifestyles, particularly a shared love of alcohol over other drugs;[40] a poster from the early 1970s showed them together at 710 Ashbury. Preceding unsigned comment added by 128.231.88.4 (talk) 00:18, 24 April 2006 (UTC)Reply[reply], I don't have the time or the knowledge to give this article the attention it deserves, but I did manage to go through and fix some gramatical errors. Health issues again forced him to leave the band. By the time he plays his last concert (June 17, 1972), he can only get through the first set. The musician is found dead a couple days later, having passed of a gastrointestinal hemorrhage in his home in Corte Madera, California. Search instead in Creative? While in the Grateful Dead, McKernan sang and played blues-influenced organ and harmonica. [62], "He's Gone", originally appearing on the live album Europe '72, subsequently became a eulogy to McKernan by his former bandmates. He built up a substantial collection of old blues 78s from labels such as Kent and Chess. [38], Tony Sclafani has compared McKernan's role in the band, initially strong and pivotal but gradually declining, to that of Brian Jones in the Rolling Stones, particularly since both men were primarily influenced by the blues over rock 'n' roll and died aged 27. g Ronald "Pigpen" McKernan, a founding member of the Grateful Dead from its early incarnations as the Zodiacs and the Warlocks, died on March 8, 1973. Ronald Charles Pigpen McKernan (8 Sep 1945 - certain 8 Mar 1973) 0 references . Map of Alta Mesa Memorial Park in Palo Alto, California, Grateful Dead, Pigpen, Next Time You See Me, Copenhagen 1972, Bob Weir Discusses Ron "Pigpen" McKernan and Janis Joplins Romance, Grateful Dead & Janis Joplin - Lovelight 1970-07-16, Ron McKernan aka Pigpen of the Grateful Dead Interview @ Hollywood Festival, England, May 24th, 1970, Grateful Dead - Smokestack Lightning (2/19/1971), Grateful Dead: The Maze 1967 TV Appearance, Pigpen - Solo Acoustic - Family Dog 4/18/70, Copyright The Original Tombstone Tourist, The tragic death of Ron "Pigpen" McKernan, Ron "Pigpen" McKernan's house, Santa Catalina Street, Palo Alto, CA, Ten Years Gone - Death had no mercy for Pigpen, Ron 'Pigpen' McKernan's 12 greatest Grateful Dead songs, For Sale: Ron Pigpen McKernan | Stage-used Wurlitzer, Grateful Compendium - Ron Pigpen McKernan, Ron "Pigpen" McKernan - The Apartment Demos, Pigpen was Heart and Soul of Grateful Dead, Bob Weir Discusses Ron Pigpen McKernan and Janis Joplins Romance. clpm (talk) 22:16, 23 September 2012 (UTC)Reply[reply], This passage probably needs some elaboration. After the pair had played in various folk and jug bands, McKernan suggested they form an electric group, which became the Grateful Dead. The idea of starting the groupwas his, and soon the Warlocks were playing their first shows. Ronald Charles McKernan was born on September 8, 1945, in San Bruno, California. He was a member of the rock band Grateful Dead, in which he sung and played the keyboard. In the early years of the Grateful Dead, McKernan was easily recognisable by his biker image, making him a minor celebrity. He initially played a Lowrey T1 (often confused for a Farfisa combo organ[27]) before switching to the more elaborate Vox Continental[2] in 1966. He developed a close friendship with fellow keyboardist Tom Constanten based on their mutual aversion to psychedelics and eventually served as best man at Constantens first wedding. The organist and singer, a founding member of the Grateful Dead, was 27. By 1971, his health had been affected by alcoholism and liver damage and doctors advised him to stop touring. "[22] He began to take Hammond organ lessons and learned how to use the various drawbars and controls. In addition to his massive social media following actor. He played blues organ and sang in a number of bands before The Grateful Dead, including Warlocks and Mother McCrees Uptown Jug Champions. Alas he played his last gig with the Dead in June 72 at the Hollywood Bowl. McKernan was buried at the Alta Mesa Memorial Park in Palo Alto, California. McKernan was found dead of a gastrointestinal hemorrhage on March 8, 1973, aged 27 and is buried at Alta Mesa Memorial Park in Palo Alto. Using his trusty Hammond organ, the musician helped the Dead attract mass attention. Some of Pigpen's memorable writing contributions to the band include "Operator," "Easy Wind," and "Mister Charlie." Ron Pigpen McKernan will celebrate 77th birthday on a Thursday 8th of September 2022. 1997 Raymond Edwards of The Silhouettes ("Get A Job") dies at age 72. [1] He came from Irish ancestry, and his father, Phil McKernan, was an R&B and blues disc jockey, who has been reported to have been one of the first white DJs on KDIA (later renamed KMKY), then a black radio station, by several sources. [12][13], The Dead's early sets centered around blues and R&B covers chosen by McKernan. At the time of his death he survived by his large extended friends and family. 2010 After an array of court hearings and postponements (some so he can get dental work), Lil Wayne finally begins serving a one-year sentence on firearms charges stemming from a 2007 incident when police found a gun on his tour bus. Garcia was impressed and McKernan became the blues singer in local jam sessions. They enter the albums chart at #1 and #2, respectively.More. Ron had always had a wild streak, but was also known to be a . After their famed Europe '72 tour, things got worse and he was off the road once again. Sitelinks. At the height of the Grateful Dead's breakout successin the early 1970s, Ron "Pigpen" McKernan served as a driving force behind the jam band's legendary acclaim. Preceding unsigned comment added by 69.141.57.165 (talk) 12:55, 18 May 2008 (UTC)Reply[reply], His nickname came from Jerry Garcia. [15][16] In 1967, drummer Mickey Hart joined the Grateful Dead, followed by classically trained keyboardist Tom Constanten in 1968, further changing the group's style. [50], In the early years of the Grateful Dead, McKernan was easily recognisable by his biker image, making him a minor celebrity. Send us a tip using our anonymous form. Its hard to say, suggests the discoverer of the tape, who the song is addressed to. He had apparently been dead for two days. CORTE MADERA, Calif., March 9 (UPI) Ron McKernan, known as Pig Pen of the Grateful Dead to the nation's rock fans, was found dead in his apartment last night. Pigpen also made a name for himself by speaking directly to the audience during live shows, sizing up to be much more of a traditional frontman than Jerry Garcia. Ron 'Pigpen' McKernan was just 27 when he was found dead on March 8, 1973, of a gastointestinal hemorrhage at his home in Corte Madera, Marin County, California. [53][54] However, his health soon deteriorated again to the point where he could no longer continue to perform. 1995 Ingo Schwichtenberg (drummer for Helloween), suffering from drug addiction and schizophrenia, commits suicide by jumping in front of a train. Alta Mesa Memorial Park. Because neither took illegal drugs, McKernan and Constanten were the only members of the band not arrested on the January 31, 1970, bust that inspired the lyrics of the bands song Truckin'. By the early 1970s, he began to experience symptoms of congenital biliary cirrhosis (which was unrelated to drinking). try paramount+ for free. Date of Death: March 8, 1973. ^ Copyright 2023 Penske Business Media, LLC. Powered by WordPress and the Graphene Theme. He took on early management duties in the band, ensuring they would be paid and promoted properly for gigs. [30][31] Unlike fellow vocalists Garcia and Weir, he sang lead without playing any instrument except harmonica and actively interacted with the audience, occasionally walking out into the crowd. McKernan passed away in 2013. On March 8, 1973, he was found dead of a gastrointestinal hemorrhage at his home in Corte Madera, California. "[3] Kreutzmann said McKernan was "the sweetest guy anybody had ever met. People born under this sign are honest, observant and hardworking. The singer, keyboardist and noted blues enthusiast, who served as the first de facto. A sad addition to the 27 Club. Although manager Rock Scully alleged that McKernan passed out in front of his Hammond organ at one show during this period, Garcia biographer Blair Jackson has lauded the quality and frequency of his instrumental contributions on the Europe '72 tour. Infobox musical artist Name = Ron "Pigpen" McKernan Img_capt = Img_size = Landscape = Background = solo_singer Birth_name = Ronald Charles McKernan The group were keen to involve McKernan in the band, as he was the groups original leader and was considered the best singer and frontman. 2003 British pop star Adam Faith dies at age 62 of a heart attack following heart surgery. Born in San Bruno, California, he was a vocalist, organist and harmonica player best known for being a member of The Grateful Dead. Along with Garcia and second guitarist Bob Weir, McKernan was a participant in the predecessor groups leading to the formation of the Grateful Dead, beginning with the Zodiacs and Mother McCree's Uptown Jug Champions. Soon, he became more successful in his profession within a limited period of time, where he influenced people on the bases of his career and earned a lot of fame. Some of it clearly, maybe all of it on some level, is to everybody. The imagery of the lyrics is of separation and departure: Dont make me live in this pain no longer, You know, Im gettin weaker, not stronger, My poor heart cant stand no more Just cant keep from talkin If you gonna walk out that door, start walkin, Editors picks How Old he was when he started his career? Marriott forms Humble Pie, and the remaining members rechristen themselves The Faces after adding new lead singer Rod Stewart and guitarist Ron Wood. On March 8, 1973, he was found dead of a gastrointestinal hemorrhage at his home in Corte Madera, California by his landlady. In 1969, the bands record company, Warner Bros., ran a Pigpen Look-Alike Contest. Even with their tendency toward wild experimentation, he kept those blues roots strong. As a youth, he taught himself blues piano, guitar and harmonica and developed a biker culture image. McKernan was a participant in the predecessor groups leading to the formation of the Grateful Dead, beginning with the Zodiacs and Mother McCrees Uptown Jug Champions. [28] With the exception of select acoustic sets in 1970 in which he played acoustic upright piano,[29] he used the Hammond exclusively thereafter. They spend the rest of the year singing backup for other acts, including The Supremes. After being hospitalized in August 1971, doctors requested that he stop touring indefinitely. He had played with Dead guitarist, singer and songwriter Jerry Garcia in a number of groups before they became the Warlocks in 1965, and soon after changed their name to Grateful Dead. Ruling Planet: Ron Pigpen McKernan had a ruling planet of Mercury and has a ruling planet of Mercury and by astrological associations Wednesday is ruled by Mercury. [2][3] Other sources place him at Berkeley station, KRE (later renamed KBLX-FM). The Deads early sets centred around blues and R&B covers chosen by McKernan. She had noticed that for a couple of days his car had been in the garage, the lights in the house left burning and the back door open. He started playing blues organ, harmonica, and providing vocals, beginning with the Zodiacs and Mother McCree's Uptown Jug Champions, as Beacham Journal tells us. Ronald grew up with African-American friends and enjoyed black music and culture. Garcia was impressed and McKernan became the blues singer in local jam sessions. Page contents not supported in other languages. 1996 Sting releases his fifth solo album, Mercury Falling. [11] Drummer Bill Kreutzmann was added and the band evolved into the Warlocks. He played music, followed his diet, and hoped against all hope . Some places Im sure are directed to individuals in the Dead family. Founding vocalist and keyboard player Ron 'Pigpen' McKernan, a heavy drinker, died of liver failure in 1973. Legal disputes have dogged Garcia's $9.9 million estate since his death. Although "Pig" did not sing lead or play harmonica during the show, his work on the organ is notable throughout . [48] The event was covered in the first issue of Rolling Stone, where the reporter noted McKernan had a substantial rifle collection[49] and McKernan's picture appeared on a contemporary report in the San Francisco Chronicle. He contributed instrumentation to only two tracks (Hammond organ on "Black Peter" and harmonica on "Easy Wind", the latter as lead vocalist) on Workingman's Dead (1970), the band's breakthrough studio release. Who was Howland Chamberlains girlfriend/Boyfriend. Ronald Charles McKernan was born on September 8, 1945, in San Bruno, California. Posted on June 28, 2011 by Dr. Tom Hoban. McKernan was a great talent and known as a great friend, but he was also troubled. All Rights Reserved. The event was covered in the first issue of Rolling Stone, where the reporter noted McKernan had a substantial rifle collection and McKernans picture appeared on a contemporary report in the San Francisco Chronicle. was Howland Chamberlain having any relationship affair? The 100 Greatest TV Shows of All Time During the bands first year when they played straightforward blues, McKernan performed the majority of lead vocals, attracting an early audience that came specifically to see him sing and play harmonica. Keyboardist, singer and harmonica player Ron "Pigpen" McKernan appeared with the Grateful Dead for the last time on this date, June 17, 1972, at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, Calif. His father had been an R&B disc jockey and introduced the young Ron to a whole other world of "liquor, Lightnin' Hopkins, the harmonica and some barbecue" according to the Dead'swebsite. home [34] Even as his instrumental contributions waned, McKernan's vocal performances remained an integral part of the band's live set; by early 1971, their cover of the Rascals' "Good Lovin'" (initially performed by the group as early as 1966 and featured at shows at the Fillmore East later released as Ladies and Gentlemen the Grateful Dead) began to emerge as a secondary showcase of his improvisatory talents alongside "Love Light. Ron "Pigpen" McKernan was an American, singer, songwriter, and musician. McKernan rejoined the band in December 1971 to supplement Godchaux on harmonica, percussion, and organ, though witnesses found that at some gigs he barely contributed anything. But no matter how he tried, Pig couldn't kick the illness, he couldn't repair the damage that had been done. Ethnicity: Swedish (maternal grandfather), English, Welsh, Irish, Scots-Irish/Northern Irish. Do we have any references? Brianyoumans (talk) 19:56, 10 December 2008 (UTC)Reply[reply], Respect to the player but I thought he was an alcoholic as hinted at in the text. SUMMER Jerry meets David Grisman at a bluegrass show at Sunset Park in West Grove, PA. According to Wikipedia, Google, Forbes, IMDb, and various reliable online sources, Ronald Charles McKernans estimated net worth was as follows. [51] Pianist Keith Godchaux was subsequently hired and remained a regular member of the Grateful Dead until 1979. One night Garcia invited McKernan on stage to play harmonica and sing the blues. Ron Pigpen McKernans birth sign is Virgo and he had a ruling planet of Mercury. The event was covered in the first issue of Rolling Stone, where the reporter noted McKernan had a substantial rifle collection and McKernans picture appeared on a contemporary report in the San Francisco Chronicle. He was initially nicknamed Blue Ron before settling on Pigpen. Around 1965, McKernan urged the rest of the Warlocks to switch to electric instruments. This recording was apparently made by Pigpen himself, taped in his apartment. [30] When the Grateful Dead appeared at Woodstock, the bands set (which was marred by technical problems and general chaos and described as one of their worst ever shows) ended with Turn On Your Love Light. More 1970 Diana Ross performs for the first time as a solo artist, starting an 11-night engagement at the Monticello in Framingham, Massachusetts, where she hones her act for her Las Vegas debut in May. Ron Pigpen McKernan was a late American vocalist and multi-instrumentalist who is best known for being a founding member of the iconic jam band The Grateful Dead. Despite his dedication to getting healthy again and working on a solo album, he lost his battle in March 73 and died alone at the age of 27. Mickey Hart said that if "Pig" had not had the rough exterior, he would have been "stepped on". McKernans alcoholism had begun to affect his health by his mid twenties. Charlie." Below we pour one out for both gents with an oft-traded acoustic recording . Ron 'Pigpen' McKernan performing with American rock group The Grateful Dead, at the Woodstock Music Festival, Bethel, New York, 16th August . [18] Garcia delegated the task of firing them to Rock Scully, who said that McKernan "took it hard. Sure, we have plenty of tapes of his performances, and some photos and video, but Grateful Dead scholars treat him with a reverence that is not accorded to other band members. Ron Pigpen McKernan was born on the 8th of September, 1945. #woodstock #filmore #thegratefuldead #pigpen #crimestory #crime #hollywoodcrime #janisjoplin #mutenews #immortal Discover what happened on this day. Dress & Shoe size Updated below scroll down and check all about height & weight. The American singer was found dead by his common-law-wife Courson, in his Paris apartment inside his bathroom. [59][60] Weir began singing "Good Lovin'" with the Dead in 1974, and the group recorded the song on 1978's Shakedown Street. The Grateful Dead. On March 8, 1973, aged 27 he was found dead of a gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Starr was the last person to see the group's lead singer, Layne Staley, before he died in 2002. He ate, drank, and breathed the Blues. He had been under a doctors care for cirrhosis. He was a founding member of the San Francisco band the Grateful Dead and played in the group from 1965 to 1972. Joplin joined McKernan on stage at the Fillmore West on June 7, 1969, with the Grateful Dead to sing his signature Turn On Your Love Light, reprising this duet on July 16, 1970, at the Euphoria Ballroom in San Rafael, California. When is Ron Pigpen McKernans birthday? Steve Parish claims Pigpen and his brother both died from complications of Crohn's disease. 1970 Diana Ross performs for the first time as a solo artist, starting an 11-night engagement at the Monticello in Framingham, Massachusetts, where she hones her act for her Las Vegas debut in May. Following a hiatus, he resumed touring with the group in December 1971 but was forced to retire from touring altogether in June 1972. The 1971 live album Grateful Dead featured three overdubbed organ parts from Merl Saunders in addition to McKernan's contributions on "Big Railroad Blues", "The Other One", and "Me & Bobby McGee". Bookmark this page and come back often for updates. . "[56], On March 8, 1973, aged 27, he was found dead of a gastrointestinal hemorrhage at his home in Corte Madera, California, by his landlady. The group were keen to involve McKernan in the band, as he was the group's original leader and was considered the best singer and frontman. This is Aalto. Grateful Dead co-founding member Ron "Pigpen" McKernan sadly died on this date in 1973 from complications due to alcohol. (Ron "Pigpen" McKernan, Ronald Charles McKernan, born September 8, 1945 in San Bruno, California; died March 8, 1973 in Corte Madera, California; founding member of the San Francisco band the . The organist and singer, a founding member of the Grateful Dead, was 27. 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[61] Jimmy Reed's "Big Boss Man", covered by the group on Grateful Dead (Skull and Roses) with McKernan singing lead, was revived by Garcia and performed occasionally through the 1980s and 90s. For years, the band turned their back on blues, R&B, and party tunes due in no small part to his notable absence. He was in bad shape in the months leading up to his death, asDead.net reports; health issues forced a leave of absence from the band. [20][21] Following his discharge from the United States Air Force in November 1968, Constanten officially joined the band, having only worked in the studio while on leave up to that point. Pigpen did rejoin the band for their famous Europe '72 tour, but continued health issues forced him to leave the band after returning to the states. Popular Ron "Pigpen" McKernan songs. 1993 Jazz singer Billy Eckstein, whose rendition of "I Apologize" was awarded the Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1999, dies at age 78, a few months after suffering a heart attack. He took on early management duties in the band, ensuring they would be paid and promoted properly for gigs. McKernan began spending time around coffeehouses and music stores, and worked at Dana Morgans Music Store in Palo Alto with Garcia. And after years of hard living and hard drinking, it finally did him in. Following the end of the war, it was the start of the Baby Boomer years and technology advancements such as the jet engine, nuclear fusion, radar, rocket technology and others later became the starting points for Space Exploration and Improved Air Travel. He died at the age of 27. Two seminal albums from the '90s are released. All Rights reserved. McKernan was found dead of a gastrointestinal hemorrhage on March 8, 1973, aged 27 and is buried at Alta Mesa Memorial Park in Palo Alto. He was the band's original frontman as well as playing harmonica and electric organ, but Garcia and bassist Phil Lesh's influences on the band became increasingly stronger as they embraced psychedelic rock. By the end of 1966, Garcia had improved his musical skills and wanted to assert himself more as a leader and musical director, changing the bands direction and reducing McKernans contributions. It could probably use some better references and a little development. McKernan's developing passion for music eventually landed him a job at Dana Morgan's Music Store in Palo Alto, where, age 14, he met Garcia. He continued to perform frontman duties live and suggested new material for the Deads concert repertoire, including songs such as Turn On Your Love Light, Hard to Handle and In the Midnight Hour. McKernan achieved a new prominence in the late 1960s covering Turn On Your Love Light, then the bands show-stopping finale, regularly taking fifteen to twenty minutes to complete. Ron (Pigpen) said so himself. The ironic thing was that he hated it it really meant nothing to him; it wasn't what he liked." Have to Position Among the list of Most Popular Musician, Singer, Song Creater. Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.51.103.153 (talk) 16:30, 4 September 2005 (UTC)Reply[reply], The link to the Warlocks is to a different group and should be removed. The Grateful Dead. Why did the Grateful Dead break up? Cause Of Death: Liver disease. Dark Hollow. He continued to be a frontman in concert for some numbers, including his interpretations of Bobby Bland's "Turn On Your Love Light" and the Rascals' "Good Lovin'". McKernan sang, and played organ and harmonica. Dec 17, 2021; By ; In examples of evidence for teacher evaluation; sprint car racing schedule 2021 . He composed the infrequently performed "Operator" for 1970's American Beauty. God bless him LoveLight8980 (talk) 23:32, 8 April 2011 (UTC)Reply[reply], I added some material on his relationship with Janis Joplin. Ronald Charles McKernan (September 8, 1945 March 8, 1973), known as Pigpen, was an American singer and musician. Eventually, Joplin became close with the Grateful Dead's founding member and keyboardist, Ron "Pigpen" McKernan, and the two began a short romantic relationship. [16][47] Ironically, McKernan was arrested and fined after the cannabis bust on November 9, 1967, at 710 Ashbury Street, the Dead's communal home, even though he did not use the drug. Ron 'Pigpen' McKernan of American rock band The Grateful Dead on April 4th, 1972. This included two songs recorded in 1964 with future Jefferson Airplane guitarist Jorma Kaukonen. Ron "Pigpen" McKernan was the first major draw of the band, adding a unique perspective to their late-60's psychedelic sound. 1973 Grateful Dead keyboard player Ron "Pigpen" McKernan, a founding member of the band, dies at age 27. The vocalist and keyboardist proved responsible for the band's blues-based tone, even taking over singing duties on tunes such as "Turn on Your Lovelight," "Alligator," "Big Boss Man," and "Mr. On this day in 1973, Ron "Pigpen" McKernan, the founding keyboardist/vocalist of the Grateful Dead, was found dead of a gastrointestinal hemorrhage at the age of 27. 2011 Alice in Chains bass player Mike Starr dies of a prescription drug overdose at age 44. Whos the richest Rock Singer in the world. Pigpens grave is in the Hillview Section, Section 16 on the right side of Almond Drive. The 40s also brought us the Slinky, Velcro, Jeep, Tupperware and Frisbee. 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