Music Community Mourns Mullets’ Loss | Music Notes

For more than 30 years educator, soundman and part-time vocalist, John “Jack” Willits rarely missed a night where his band, The Mullets, would have a gig. His sudden passing on July 7 came as a shock to his many friends who are still processing the sad news.

“I found out that night from a phone call in the middle of a gig (with a side project),” said Mullets’ bassist Tom Smith. “It was a horrible night.”

Each of the surviving members of The Mullets, the longest-running band along the Grand Strand, had similar thoughts about hearing the news. Smith, Bob O’Connor, Terry Amaker, Casey O’Connor, and Russ Flack, will continue to perform without their dear friend, but say it won’t be the same.

Willits, 64 at the time of his death, had also worked for many years as a behavioral counselor at Myrtle Beach Middle School and at the Myrtle Beach High School.

An outpouring of sympathies have been expressed on a number of Facebook pages, and several videos of Willits performing his favorite Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan tunes have surfaced. Several hundred came to his memorial service at Southern Palms Memorial Gardens in North Myrtle Beach on July 7.

A former Davidson College baseball player, Willits was a supporter of the Grand Strand Miracle Leagues, a non-profit that received donations in his name, including a corporate gift from The Mullets’ home away from home, the Dead Dog Saloon, in Murrells Inlet.

The Mullets performed at the Dead Dog Saloon last Saturday evening; the first show since Willits’ passing. “They could have played Madison Square Garden last night,” said Jay Hodge, the venue’s soundman and longtime Mullets friend. “I’ve never seen them play like that before. Jeff Watson sat in and it was amazing; so many Mullets’ supporters…”

A Facebook post from the band summed up their feelings.

“…our good friend, band member, and brother in music has passed away. Through the years we have had the best fans any band could ask for and we cherish all of you. Thanks very much for the condolences, kind comments and tributes.” – The Mullets.

This story was originally published July 18, 2016 at 12:46 PM with the headline "Music Community Mourns Mullets’ Loss | Music Notes."