All of us at FMC were saddened to hear of the passing of Adam “MCA” Yauch of the Beastie Boys. A pioneering musician, rapper, filmmaker, and activist, Yauch was hugely influential in connecting music and social change.  

Our friend and colleague Erin Potts of Air Traffic Control has shared some reflections:

It is an understatement to say that Adam Yauch changed all of our lives because he changed us so completely–through his music, his activism, and his friendship. Because his presence in our lives was so large, so shall be his absence. And also his legacy.

I find myself now remembering above everything else his tireless work for nonviolence & Tibet, of course, but also his amazing sense of humor. Those of us who were fortunate enough to work with him have likely never worked so hard nor laughed so much as we did when we were in his presence.

Yauch also changed what it meant to be an artist-activist. I admit that when I met him, I was skeptical of him and his interest in my work (I was a human rights activist studying & living with Tibetans in Nepal; he was the guy that sang “Fight For Your Right to Party”). But I quickly realized that he was an artist and an activist in the deepest sense of the words.

In the years that followed, he didn’t just produce and perform at our concerts for Tibet. He also went to conferences and organized workshops. He was deeply strategic–most of the time–always passionate, and always welcoming. He believed in our team of inexperienced but determined 20-somethings, and our ability to do the impossible. And with that belief in us and in nonviolence, together we DID do the impossible. Never before has more fun been had while changing the world! (more)

We extend our deepest sympathies to Adam’s family, friends, and fans.