GLENN SMITH - IN MEMORIUM
We are saddened and heartbroken to report the passing of our dear friend and the original founder of Magnatar, Glenn Smith. Glenn passed away on October 18, 2019. He leaves behind an indelible mark on all of us who were fortunate enough to know him and call him friend, and especially for those few of us that got to share in making music together. His talents were many from his school days where he excelled as a talented athlete ranging from basketball to baseball to football. Later in life after the glory days of his accomplishments in sports, his interests turned to the arts and the artistic. His passions shifted to his love of wildlife, sunset and sunrise photography, and to his unique style of abstract mixed media art, but none so deep, personal and lasting as his love for music. It was always the music that gave Glenn the most satisfaction, and Magnatar was the pinnacle of that passion. He was the driving force from the early days of the band along with bassist Joey Costa, when the practice studio was just a small tent at the spot where Studio 44 now stands as the central core of Magnatar World. Glenn had a vision those many years ago, and together with Joey, they worked together over almost 15 years, and many different band members, to ultimately not just achieve, but exceed more than even Glenn thought possible. Our album, "Parallel Worlds" , and its surprising success, was Glenn's most gratifying accomplishment. Glenn left us with a wealth of music to continue to develop and record, as there is nothing that he would want more than for the band than to continue what he started all those years ago. These wishes are strongly supported by his family, and for that, we are deeply grateful. The music of Magnatar will continue, and we hope will serve as Glenns' legacy for many years to come. Glenn is survived by his daughter Jessie, son-in-law Patton, and twin sisters, Linda and Brenda.
A tribute to Glenn by Dan Friend is posted below, but to actually view the video, click on the “Video on Facebook” link in the Unavailable black box below.
GLENN PAUL SMITH
January 9, 1951 - October 18, 2019
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JOEY COSTA - IN MEMORIUM
Once again, the Magnatar family are deeply saddened to report the loss of our dear friend and bass player, Joey Costa. Joey passed away on September 13, 2023. Joey and Glenn were the original founding members of the band over 20 years ago that began as “Buckets & Strings”. After several personnel changes they were then known as “Jebra's Paradise”, which over time evolved into the current lineup of “Magnatar”. Joey's first musical influence, like as so many of us of that time period, was The Beatles, and Paul McCartney and his Hofner bass. However, it would be several years later when Joey's musical style and bass playing would be changed forever by another band from England. That band was YES, and Chris Squire and his Rickenbacker bass guitar. This new progressive style and sound of music shaped Joey's approach to bass playing for the rest of his life, and those of us fortunate enough to play with Joey in various bands over the decades were the beneficiaries of his talent. Joey indeed played with many, many musicians and bands, but it was Magnatar that served to be the pinnacle. Joey was truly an amazing bass player, and his energetic, driving bass guitar is a central componet of our album, "Parallel Worlds". While the music was always Joey's number one endearing passion, he was also a talented artist from pencil sketching to oil painting. He was also a master craftsman and could design and build almost anything. His “day job” was building and remodeling rooms and homes all over DeLand. His handiwork is spread throughout the area, and serves as yet another enduring legacy of his skills, in addition to his music to the many that he worked for. Joey was truly one of a kind, and all that he brought and gave to so many will be deeply missed by all of us that knew him. Joey is survived by his beautiful wife Celia, his son Zack and daughter Leigh.
JOSEPH COSTA
November 26, 1951 - September 13, 2023
