Spenser Spirit Hogans (Three Man Cannon, Cherry, Cave People), RIP

Spenser Spirit Hogans, a Philly DIY music scene staple who played in Three Man Cannon, Cherry, and the live lineup of Cave People, sadly passed away on July 4. The Key published a tribute to him and here’s an excerpt:

An upbeat and outgoing person with a radiant smile, Hogans most notably brought his talents to Three Man Cannon, the atmospheric indie rock outfit founded with his friends (and co-songwriters) Matt Schimelfenig, Pat Brier, and Dennis Mishko. Their collective roots trace back to the Northeastern Pennsylvania scene of the late-00s, and Hogans (often credited as Spenser Colmbs) wrote and sang the dreamlike “Moving Onto Martha Street” from their 2014 album Pretty Many People, as well as “How A Mouse Could” from last year’s self-titled LP.

“This is probably Spens’ least favorite social media,” Three Man Cannon wrote Friday on Facebook (he was much more of a Twitter guy, hysterically so). “And this message is something that we would all usually discuss for days before posting. However, our witty, loving, extraordinary best friend, bandmate, and brother passed away yesterday.”

Hogans also played in Cherry, as well as the live configuration of singer-songwriter Dave Tomaine’s project Cave People. “I’m so grateful for every second I got to spend with you, Spens,” Tomaine Tweeted. “I love you so much.”

As news got out on July 5th, remembrances and appreciations of Hogans made their way out onto social media. Cayetana said he was “a beautiful soul and friend. … Anybody who knew Spenser loves him so much.” Spirit of the Beehive called him “a truly unique artist and human being. he was hilarious, warm and inviting and we’ll love you forever.”

Timeshares Tweeted that he was “the type of guy you go over to say hi to at a show and end up never walking away.” And Maxwell Stern of Signals Midwest wrote in an emotional Instagram post that Hogans “made a practice of expressing himself in so many beautiful ways, and I was astounded by his writing and musical ability.”

You can read more here and see some of the tributes below. Rest in peace, Spenser.

Friends and family are also raising money to help with funeral costs. Donations can be made via Venmo to @for-spenser-spirit.