I met David in the 90's when NTTW played regularly in OC. A friendship seed was planted. Over the years we chatted occasionally on FB. Our friendship took root and grew right after the 1/4/2020 NTTW reunion. He happened to be the first face I recognized as I walked into Russ and Julie's excitement-filled home. David and I smiled and hugged. (He may or may not have recognized me at first. I never asked him.)

Later that night, he introduced me to a couple of his friends there. He sat on the floor next to me during a Kevin solo. I didn't get to say goodbye that night as I had to leave abruptly, but he PM'd me a couple days later and asked me to call him to hear his art project idea.

David asked me to design a bass drum head for the continued NTTW reunion shows they were planning for 2020. I was flattered and thrilled and accepted immediately even though I had no clue how to do it. It was also the first time anyone has ever offered to pay me for my craft.

We talked many times on the phone as we merged our creative ideas for the drum head into one final draft. David told me that he trusted me and believed in me to get this project done. I was full of doubt but his genuine encouragement filled my motivation tank.

I sketched... then crash-coursed my way through learning PhotoShop... and was determined to bring David's idea to life. He cheered me through the process, and his can-do attitude was contagious. I did it; because of him, and for him.

Our excitement was locked in a holding pattern (along with everything else) during the pandemic shutdown.

The drum head is a tangible expression of David's profound admiration for his band mates whom he loved deeply. And it represents his lifetime of appreciation for friendship, family, music, dedication and special memories. For me, it memorializes a unique friendship that grew around two artist's hearts.

I only got to really know him for a little while, but I am so grateful to have experienced the essence of David Casanova; a very kind, funny, extremely talented man full of love and pride for his daughters, his family, and his many friends.

I'll always remember how he so quickly opened himself up and what an abundance of love he had to give. He was an open book, writing his own story, sharing his highlights, and inviting you to join him in co-writing a chapter or two in the eventful life of beautiful, soulful David Casanova.