Dave Franklin

Vision posts statement on Dave Franklin; campaign launched for memorial service

Last week brought us the sad news that Dave Franklin, frontman of NJHC band Vision, had passed away at age 47. Tons of bands — like Sick Of It All, Agnostic Front, H2O, Shai Hulud, The Bouncing Souls, The Gaslight Anthem, Dave Hause, Boysetsfire, and more — posted tributes and you can read those here.

Now Vision posted a statement (with the above picture), which mentions that plans for a memorial “will be further explored soon,” and gave details of funeral arrangements:

Friends of Vision….

By now, many of you have heard that Dave Franklin, our charismatic singer and the driving force behind Vision over the last 30 years, has passed away. I just wanted to take a moment to thank those among you who have been in touch via text, phone, email and all the inspiring posts, stories and memories. Dave was truly one-of-a-kind, with a magnetic personality like no other, and the outpouring of love that I have seen, heard and felt first hand is not only emblematic of the immense impact he had on others, but is also a great comfort to all of us.

Out of respect for Dave’s family, plans for a memorial, whether inclusive of music from our contemporaries/friends or otherwise, will be further explored soon…Right now, we are grieving with them and are giving them an opportunity to plan initial, appropriate arrangements for those who knew and loved Dave the most. Please keep your eyes and ears open for possible memorial plans in the near future, as we may make an opportunity for all who wish to get together, eulogize and celebrate Dave in a fashion he would want and love.

On behalf of all band members past and present, thank you again for the love and support, and for recognizing what a shining, fun and charismatic person Dave truly was. He will be missed beyond words and loved by the countless people he has touched with his larger than life personality and music.

With love, Peter

To those friends of Vision who have expressed interest in arrangements for Dave Franklin….

Funeral arrangements have just been finalized:
Branchburg Funeral Home, 910 Route 202 South, Branchburg, NJ
The viewing will be on Thursday, January 12th from 2-4 and from 7-9. There will be a service at the funeral home on Friday, January 13th at 11:00am.

In addition, discussion and plans are underway regarding a significant memorial/tribute to Dave in the coming weeks. I expect I will see some of you soon, unfortunately not under better circumstances…… xo

Peter [Tabbot] also told App.com, “There’s been a tremendous outpouring of sympathy from people Dave has met over the last three decades. He left a significant impression. Dave left his imprint on everything and everyone, he was that outgoing and friendly.” Pete added to NJ.com, “He was kind of the larger than life. He was the presence and soul of the band.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BO8KSn0gfFi/?taken-at=206750

Jersey venue The Stone Pony also paid tribute to Dave Franklin on their marquee, as you can see (via Dave Hause’s Instagram) above. Jason Dermer, head of Asbury Audio (which provides sound for The Stone Pony and other venues), wrote the following to App.com:

Dave (Franklin) was a brother for over 30 years. We met at a Neurotic Impulse show. As they morphed into Vision, we (Dermer’s Hate Squad) latched onto them as their ‘crew,’ roadies, or whatever you want to call it. Pit crew roadies? Without those early years of (Ken) Salerno and me driving them around, helping set up, and hanging around backstage, I wouldn’t be where I am today, running large scale concert production. Thank you Dave, for the open arms and open heart in letting a bunch of maniacs tag along for the ride. See you on the next tour.

There has also been a Dave Franklin Memorial Fund launched via GoFundMe to raise money for his memorial service. You can donate and read more here.