Greg Elmore, the drummer of Quicksilver Messenger Service, passed away late last month. He was 79 years old.
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According to a social media post, the musician died on March 29.
“Today we lost a long time dear friend, an awesome drummer, and a wonderful human being,” Elmore’s friend Steve Kayer wrote. “May your eternal rest keep the beat of peace……Thank you for sharing your gift, Greg Elmore.”
Born in 1946, Elmore entered the music industry in 1964 when he joined The Brogues. The group dissolved after a year.
Elmore was an original member of Quicksilver Messenger Service, formed in 1965. His The Brogues bandmate, Gary Duncan, also joined the new group.
His bandmate, John Cipolina, previously spoke about his involvement in naming Quicksilver Messenger Service.
“Jim Murray and David Freiberg came up with the name. Me and Freiberg were born on the same day, and Gary and Greg were born on the same day,” Cipolina explained. “We were all Virgos, and Murray was a Gemini. And Virgos and Geminis are all ruled by the planet Mercury. Another name for Mercury is Quicksilver. And then, Quicksilver is the messenger of the Gods, and Virgo is the servant, so Freiberg says, ‘Oh, Quicksilver Messenger Service.'”
Elmore stayed with the group until its original dissolution in 1979. After he departed from Quicksilver Messenger Service, he regularly played with Terry and the Pirates from 1981 to 1989.
Details about Elmore’s death, including the cause, have not been revealed.
Fellow Musician Mourns the Passing of Greg Elmore
In social media posts, Bernie Chiaravalle mourned the passing of Greg Elmore.
“I just learned from a friend that Greg Elmore has passed away. He was the drummer for the San Francisco band Quicksilver Messenger Service,” Chiaravalle wrote. “I grew up idolizing that band. They were my favorite SF band.”
Chiaravalle further shared that Elmore joined his group, the Marin County band Logos, which was later renamed Allies.
“I was so honored to play with him and become a friend,” the musician continued. “I hadn’t been in touch for many years, but he made a lasting impression on me.”
He then added, “Quicksilver inspired me to want play improv jam rock. They had a slight hint of jazz, which set them apart from other bands to me. It’s tough losing our heroes but I’m so thankful to have know him. RIP Greg.”