It’s almost been two months since Neal Casal passed. After a pair of amazing performances at LOCKN’ with Circles Around the Sun and Oteil Burbridge and Friends, Neal took his own life at the tragically young age of 50.

While Peter Shapiro and the Capitol Theater hosted a proper tribute to the fallen guitarist, his memory and music lives on. Last night, Circles Around the Sun kicked off their 2019 fall tour at The Crocodile in Seattle, Washington. Standing in for Neal on this CATS tour is long-time friend Eric Krasno.

On filling in for Neal, Eric told Live for Live Music, “This is a tough one. Nobody on earth can replace Neal Casal, he was truly one of a kind. That being said, I do know he really wanted to the band to continue… I was conflicted when the idea was initially discussed but when we all got in a room to play it really felt good. Circles is such a great band with a totally unique sound and approach… I hope I can do justice in paying tribute to my friend Neal while adding my own flavor to it.”

CATS have an improv album with drummer Joe Russo dropping in a couple of days and plenty of dates in October and November to come. By the sound from the tour opener last night with Krasno, Circles Around the Sun will continue their voyage around the sun without Neal and be OK.

Thanks to Justin Hoogerwoof for the recording and photo.