Local Music Supporter Bill Gonce (aka Boneman) Dead at 46

Those of you who have been around the local Houston music scene for a while no doubt know him. For those who don't, Bill Gonce was a big supporter of local music working in places like Hole in the Wall Studios, Stinky Studios, Fitzgerald's, Cardi's (the original), Backstage and others while writing columns for Public News and Music News for many years.

Kevin Wildman, the owner of Music News, hadn't heard from Gonce in a few days and was expecting a column. He found him dead in his apartment.

Gonce lived in abject poverty and survived mainly on the goodness of people's hearts because, though not a musician, he gave his entire life to supporting the local Houston music scene.

The first time I met him was in high school. A friend and bandmate of mine and I went to Hole in the Wall Studios over off of Hempstead Highway to inquire about recording a demo. We went to the door where the "studio manager" supposedly was. This was a sort-of rehersal complex and small studio. The name "Hole in the Wall" didn't do the crappiness of the place justice.

Gonce came out of a pitch-black room rubbing his eyes and wearing just his boxers and a wife beater t-shirt.

For all his personal problems, Gonce was a truly sweet guy with a huge heart and a total devotion to Houston music. He will be missed.