Guitarist's worst nightmare...

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Grisha

Posts: 1263
Joined: Mar. 17 2005

Guitarist's worst nightmare...

Sorry for the post unrelated to flamenco, but it is important for guitar. I just found out yesterday that Russian classical guitarist Alexei Zimakov, winner of the 1991 GFA competition, had his fingers completely amputated on both hands due to frostbite he received in a -40-something weather in his hometown of Tomsk past December. Only the thumbs remain.

I have heard Alexei in concert twice, and participated in the same competition as him 20-something years ago. He was one of the most incredible guitar virtuosos I have ever heard. Can't imagine what he must be going through. And we thought Gerardo had it bad...

Here is a sample of what his playing was like. There are more videos on YouTube including his winning GFA performance.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 28 2013 17:26:25

Leñador

Posts: 5237
Joined: Jun. 8 2012
From: Los Angeles

RE: Guitarist's worst nightmare... (in reply to Grisha)

Worst nightmare indeed! What a horrible story, my heart goes out to him. I'll thank my lucky stars when I pick my guitar up today. I've actually had nightmares about loosing my fingers while setting steel beams and I'm a total amateur. I can't imagine what he's going through mentally, poor guy...........

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 28 2013 18:15:22

FredGuitarraOle

Posts: 898
Joined: Dec. 6 2012
From: Lisboa, Portugal

RE: Guitarist's worst nightmare... (in reply to Grisha)

Terrible news... that's so sad... I can't even imagine how someone can overcome a misfortune like that... I sincerely hope he still finds some joy in life... if that's even possible in such condition...

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 28 2013 18:22:29

Grisha

Posts: 1263
Joined: Mar. 17 2005

RE: Guitarist's worst nightmare... (in reply to Grisha)

He always had a strong spirit. I believe in him. Even if his performing career is over, he can still be of tremendous help as a teacher, ensemble coach, etc. Not to mention his skills as an arranger, although it is more difficult without the ability to play through stuff.

I hear people are arranging to donate money towards his treatment (possible prosthesis?). I will definitely be among those who donate.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 28 2013 18:31:20

Don Dionisio

Posts: 360
Joined: Feb. 16 2011
From: Durham, NC

RE: Guitarist's worst nightmare... (in reply to Grisha)

Grisha,
What a horror! He played for our guitar society right after winning the GFA competition.
He certainly was a fabulous player.
Let us know how we can support him.
Best,
Dennis

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 28 2013 18:34:47

Leñador

Posts: 5237
Joined: Jun. 8 2012
From: Los Angeles

RE: Guitarist's worst nightmare... (in reply to Grisha)

quote:

he can still be of tremendous help as a teacher, ensemble coach, etc. Not to mention his skills as an arranger

This is true, there is life after playing, you can still be involved with the guitar world.

quote:

I hear people are arranging to donate money towards his treatment (possible prosthesis?).

I don't think there'd be any problems if you posted the info on how to donate here.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 28 2013 18:40:06

Grisha

Posts: 1263
Joined: Mar. 17 2005

RE: Guitarist's worst nightmare... (in reply to Grisha)

Thanks, Dennis! Nobody can establish direct communication with him yet. When it is clear how people can help I will let you know if you are interested. I will be monitoring the Russian classical guitar forum for updates and will talk to my Russian guitarist friends. For now all we can do is give him emotional support.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 28 2013 18:42:03

FredGuitarraOle

Posts: 898
Joined: Dec. 6 2012
From: Lisboa, Portugal

RE: Guitarist's worst nightmare... (in reply to Grisha)

quote:

He always had a strong spirit. I believe in him.

Thank God he has a strong spirit, he will need it. I didn't know him, but after seeing this post I've been listening to some of his recordings on youtube and I'm amazed with his playing. What a great guitarist he was!

Grisha, I have a question. I've heard that some celebrities make an insurance for a body part they depend on. For example, the one I heard was that Tina Turner made an astronomical insurance for her legs. So my question is: do you have an insurance for your hands? Is that common amongst guitarists and other musicians?

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 28 2013 19:17:33

Grisha

Posts: 1263
Joined: Mar. 17 2005

RE: Guitarist's worst nightmare... (in reply to Grisha)

I have not insured my hands. I am just opposed to the idea that money can compensate for things of this sort. But many people have advised me to do so over my life. Let's hope I will not need it...

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 28 2013 19:27:12

Leñador

Posts: 5237
Joined: Jun. 8 2012
From: Los Angeles

RE: Guitarist's worst nightmare... (in reply to Grisha)

quote:

I am just opposed to the idea that money can compensate for things of this sort.

I agree, but it could pay for your living expenses until you figure out what to do with yourself. As you said though, let's hope it's never needed......

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 28 2013 19:37:56

Doitsujin

Posts: 5078
Joined: Apr. 10 2005

RE: Guitarist's worst nightmare... (in reply to Grisha)

Thats horrible... I wish that nobody on earth. I wonder how that happened to him?.... Was he drunk ,.. fell asleep outside?... Car broke down had to run to next town?... how is that possible? Does he do extreme ice sports and failed?

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 28 2013 21:54:09

Guest

[Deleted] (in reply to Grisha)

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 28 2013 23:29:56

xirdneH_imiJ

Posts: 1890
Joined: Dec. 2 2006
From: Budapest, now in Southampton

RE: Guitarist's worst nightmare... (in reply to Grisha)

that's awful...lost for words, i would probably kill myself if this happened to me, let's hope he overcomes this tragedy...

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 28 2013 23:45:01

Ricardo

Posts: 14801
Joined: Dec. 14 2004
From: Washington DC

RE: Guitarist's worst nightmare... (in reply to Grisha)

Fuk, i'ts a horror. I am reminded of this guy that didn't have it as bad, but still it's inspiring:

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 29 2013 4:34:11

machopicasso

Posts: 973
Joined: Nov. 27 2010

RE: Guitarist's worst nightmare... (in reply to Grisha)

That's incredibly sad.

Everyone of us will die. But sometimes death comes early in ways we don't expect.

I hope he's able to live musically beyond this, if he can.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 29 2013 8:29:37

Erik van Goch

Posts: 1787
Joined: Jul. 17 2012
From: Netherlands

RE: Guitarist's worst nightmare... (in reply to Grisha)

That's a horror indeed.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 29 2013 10:18:02

Argaith

Posts: 481
Joined: May 6 2009
From: Iran (living in London)

RE: Guitarist's worst nightmare... (in reply to Grisha)

I can't stop thinking about it; it is indeed a nightmare for any human being let alone a guitarist.

Grisha - I am up for any possible support, please let us know when and how.

A

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 29 2013 10:58:00

Pgh_flamenco

Posts: 1506
Joined: Dec. 5 2007
From: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

RE: Guitarist's worst nightmare... (in reply to Grisha)

I hope he seeks and receives the emotional support and help he will need to deal with this tragedy.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 30 2013 0:03:01

GuitarVlog

Posts: 441
Joined: Mar. 19 2009
From: San Francisco Bay Area

RE: Guitarist's worst nightmare... (in reply to Grisha)

Oh, God! That IS a guitarist's worst nightmare!

My heart goes out to him!

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 30 2013 1:28:38

bernd

Posts: 680
Joined: Feb. 15 2004

RE: Guitarist's worst nightmare... (in reply to Grisha)

Sad to read such an info. I hope he will get and accept all help he needs. Never thought about what a strong weather can cause. Reading this sad news has brought me for some moments to remain silent.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 30 2013 1:29:00

Grisha

Posts: 1263
Joined: Mar. 17 2005

RE: Guitarist's worst nightmare... (in reply to Grisha)

Thank you all for your emotional support! Alexey needs all he can get. And I especially thank those of you who want to donate to him. I don't have the info yet, but apparently a fund is being set up at Tomsk conservatory to help Alexey. This information is courtesy of a Russian news site, "Echo of Moscow". I also spoke to some people here in the States, and we will try to set up a separate fund to facilitate the donations outside of Russia. Hopefully we can do it through GFA - I really hope so. I will keep you posted.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 30 2013 1:57:27

rodrigovalt

Posts: 296
Joined: May 1 2011

RE: Guitarists worst nightmare... (in reply to Grisha)

Horrible story :s... hope he finds the strength to deal with it in the best possible way

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Rodrigo

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 30 2013 1:58:18

Ruphus

Posts: 3782
Joined: Nov. 18 2010

RE: Guitarist's worst nightmare... (in reply to Grisha)

What complete horror.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 30 2013 20:23:26

bernd

Posts: 680
Joined: Feb. 15 2004

RE: Guitarist's worst nightmare... (in reply to Grisha)

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Jan. 30 2013 23:38:36

Turner

Posts: 81
Joined: Nov. 5 2011

RE: Guitarist's worst nightmare... (in reply to Grisha)

Some how the guy above is just not the same.
What a terrible thing to happen to anyone but especially a gifted player.

REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 6 2013 22:29:32

bernd

Posts: 680
Joined: Feb. 15 2004

RE: Guitarist's worst nightmare... (in reply to Grisha)

The GFA has provided a benefit fund to help Alexey Zimakov. So if anyone can donate, please do it!

https://guitarfoundation.site-ym.com/news/116861/GFA-Accepting-Donations-for-Alexey-Zimakov-Benefit-Fund.htm

Saludos
Bernd

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 20 2013 17:34:24

Grisha

Posts: 1263
Joined: Mar. 17 2005

RE: Guitarist's worst nightmare... (in reply to Grisha)

Thanks so much for the info! I was going to post this but got too busy with my thesis. I will be making a post about this on FaceBook.

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 20 2013 21:44:02

Argaith

Posts: 481
Joined: May 6 2009
From: Iran (living in London)

RE: Guitarist's worst nightmare... (in reply to Grisha)

Thanks Grisha & bernd; I will definitely chip in.

A

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Feb. 21 2013 9:03:11

bernd

Posts: 680
Joined: Feb. 15 2004

RE: Guitarist's worst nightmare... (in reply to Grisha)

This sad message was posted one and a half year ago. Does anyone know about Alexey Zimakov? Is he mentally stable?

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 16 2014 22:41:08

Miguel de Maria

Posts: 3532
Joined: Oct. 20 2003
From: Phoenix, AZ

RE: Guitarist's worst nightmare... (in reply to bernd)

Kind of an indelicate question, isn't it?

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REPORT THIS POST AS INAPPROPRIATE | Date Oct. 16 2014 23:24:36