Sad news from The Mahones‘ camp this weekend. Paul Mancuso, better known to Mahones fans as Cuzo, their bass player for the last few years has passed away. Cuzo had been with the band off and on since 2012, but had been friends with Katie “Kaboom” McConnell and her husband, frontman Finny McConnell, since the three were teenagers. Today, Katie released a lengthy statement about Cuzo’s passing on the band’s Facebook page. Here’s an excerpt:
This has been, without a doubt, the worst week of my life. I feel like a part of me has been torn out, and the person I like to call to joke about life’s cruel twists and turns, is gone. The guy who always answered his phone “oui bonjour” when I called, who texted me no less than 10 times a day, who held nearly 15 years of inside jokes, family jokes and wonderful memories in the palm of his gentle hand, has left us. I am heartbroken, but I am also grateful. I loved Paul so much. He was my brother’s best friend, and mine as well.
Many, many years ago, as a teenager, I came home to my parents’ house to find my brother and a guy with a Layne Staly haircut playing music in the living room. He was a sweetheart, which was good, because he quickly became a regular fixture at the house. That first night, we ordered chinese food, and talked about music, and I liked him right away. He was so funny. The first time he was invited to Sunday dinner (a weekly open house in my family home, as per the Irish tradition), he showed up in a suit. My brother and I teased him, but he shrugged it off, saying “Hey man, I wore my Sunday best.” He quickly became part of our family.
…
I was in bed when my brother called the other night. I thought he was phoning to relay an idiotic joke, as per usual. When I heard his voice, I knew something was terribly wrong. I couldn’t believe the news. In that minute, my world was viciously torn apart. It will never be the same.
Cuzo played on The Mahones “Angels and Demons” and “The Hunger and The Fight” albums. Part one of the latter was released in October on Whiskey Devil Records. Part Two follows next year.
Rest easy, Cuzo.