Atlanta blues guitarist Sean Costello found dead
By RICHARD L. ELDREDGE
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 04/16/2008
News of Atlanta blues artist Sean Costello's death shocked fans and friends of his Wednesday, many of whom had been preparing to help the musician celebrate his 29th birthday Wednesday night.
Costello's unexpected passing Tuesday on the eve of his birthday party was just the sort of ironic bluesy twist the prolific songwriter routinely worked into the songs on his critically acclaimed albums.
Motor Inn where he was staying as a guest. When the singer didn't respond, a call to 911 was placed.
An immediate cause of death was not known.
According to Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office investigator B. Honey, there were no signs of foul play in the singer's motel room. A toxicology report is pending.
Cheshire Motor Inn general manager Lorraine Williams was on duty when Costello, an occasional guest there, checked in Tuesday.
"I knew he was a well-known entertainer," Williams said. "We would talk when he would come in. He was probably just celebrating his birthday. When they found him, I just had to walk away. ... It hit me hard."
Costello's Myspace page page posted a blog entry under the heading: "Sean Costello, April 16, 1979 to April 15, 2008: With a heavy heart we have to announce that Sean Costello passed away early this morning, Tuesday April 15."
Below it, dozens of grieving fans have begun posting messages.
When fans accessed the social networking Internet page, Costello's trademark guitar licks and growling vocals greeted them, performing "Going Home," a track from his latest album, "We Can Get Together" that was released Feb. 19.
"I'm stunned," said Bryan Cole, an Atlanta blues record producer and musician. Cole got word of the singer's death via e-mails circulating in Atlanta's music community. "Sean was an immense talent. He had the fire of Buddy Guy. He had his whole career way in front of him. He'll be missed."
Delta Groove, the baby-faced musician's recording label, issued this statement: "As blues music fans, we unfortunately grow somewhat accustomed to the sadness of the inevitable passing of musical elders. Losing someone as young, vibrant and talented as Sean is a terribly difficult blow."
Wednesday night, the owners of Northside Tavern, Costello's longtime Atlanta musical home, planned to pay tribute to the singer with an informal gathering of friends and fellow musicians starting at 10 p.m.
A public viewing for Costello will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at the Mayes Ward Dobbins Funeral Home, 180 Church Street, Marietta. The singer's funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Shrine of Immaculate Conception, 48 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. SW, Atlanta. In lieu of flowers, donations to the singer's non-profit, The Sean Costello Foundation for Bi-Polar Research, are requested. To donate, call 678-384-0063 or e-mail
tray@bbandt.com.
