INDIAN LARRY, R.I.P.

Shit.

Indian Larry -- biker, actor, stuntman, provocateur, proprieter of Brooklyn's legendary Gasoline Alley -- dead, after a failed stunt at a North Carolina chopper show.

I had a chance encounter with Indian last year, at the Rumblers car show in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. I guess when a guy has "VENGEANCE IS MINE SAYETH THE LORD" tattooed on his adam's apple, backwards, he isn't generally sending out a Howdy Neighbor! vibe. Still, I got over the initial hesitation, introduced myself, and tossed him a few bike questions. Despite the outward appearance, he was gracious, friendly, a bit zen-like.

No arrogance, but he certain earned the right to it. It's hard to overstate what a rock star he was among chopperheads; if there is a Mt. Olympus of Grease, he was its Hephaestus. While others might be content to churn out bolt-together shlock, Indian insisted that his bikes remain pure, down to their hand-laced spokes. He wrestled raw steel with the most ancient of techniques -- gas torches and shot bags and hammer welds -- creating machines that were simple, fast and dumbfoundingly beautiful. And he rode them with all the panache that he used in their creation, literally surfing the bikes at highway speed, standing atop their hand-formed solo seats. Look Ma, no hands.

Yes, it was that trademark stunt that killed him. And yes, I know, it was stupid. Especially without a helmet. But spare the safety lectures; the next time you buckle yourself into your 5-star safety rated, side-curtain-airbag transpo-appliance, think about Indian Larry and remember those glorious and stupid stunts you did on your Sting Ray, and how great it felt to risk it all.

Ride on, Indian.

********************************

[Brief update on 12/7/2004: I'd like to thank all of you for your nice remembrances of Indian Larry, which I will forward to his Gasoline Alley family. Unfortunately, with several thousand views a day and nearly 200 comments, this thread was starting to exhaust my TypePad bandwidth limit. As a result, I have cleared all the comments older than 2 weeks and saved them in a separate Microsoft Word file. If you'd like to view them, click here. ]

PS - If the 'Cole' who posted on this thread on 11/25 is Cole Foster from  Salinas Boys, please drop me an email dude...

Comments

[cole]

your cool

[chris]

Do you know FREEDOM? Larry did. He was doing what he loved, he was free, he is free. Larry like many bikers, looked scary, but was as kind a man as you could ever find. So many judgements from those ignorant enough to make them. If there were more people like Indian Larry the world would be a better place. Larry came to do a job, set an example, now he is gone. Look closely, learn from his example, he was showing you how to live. Larry Desmedt was bigger than life. Ride free Larry.

[Dave]

yeah well Larry knows bikes and he knows class. He builds them to ride and he ain't gonna puss out when he gets caught in a rainstorm.. This is American made machinery that'll go on forever

[Patrick Labay]

I was so sad to hear Indian Larry had died. I was not sad to hear he died while riding. AMEN LARRY, you are regarded as highly as they come and go. May the world be better by your being here and better by your passing. My Life is better, funner and far more bitchin cause you were here. Thanks Bro..... :)

[rance snodgrass]

i love you, you are the greatest bike builder..

[slick]

RIP Indian Larry, glad we had you with us.

Your work will live on forever, and your
presence will be felt even though youre gone.

Slick

p.s. Ive met the guys at OCC at least 8 times,
and never had to pay for an autograph or a picture.
Matter of fact, they stayed over their time
by an hour at the last show, and never charged
anyone a dime..

[Judith]

I just got through watching American Chopper with my husband and learned of Larry's death. Paul Sr. had just given David Mann's widow a bike in his memory. It was a beautiful bike. Paul Sr. made the comment that the bike world had lost two remarkable people this year - David Mann & Indian Larry. To bad some people on site to remember Larry are saying such hateful things about other people. This is suppose to be about an amazing man who built amazing bikes and offered his services to anyone who asked. Just ask Billy Lane. Larry your genius will be missed. Love always, Judith & Daniel

[George]

A true biker all the way,so long Larry.

[Lou]

I am stunned and so deeply saddened at the news I've learned about Indian Larry! I only found out last night after watching American Chopper, three months after the fact. I had no clue whatsoever.He will be sorely missed. From what I had seen of him watching Discovery channel, he seemed like a wonderful, compassionate and kind fellow. I pray for Gasoline Alley, and his family. This is a tragic loss. You left this world too soon Larry. God Bless You in heaven. Your fan Louie from Brooklyn, NY

[mike]

I too only heard about his death on the American Chopper Episode, it is a real shame he was one of the greats.
the biker world will truly miss him

[Chris H.]

I loved watching him on Discovery Channel.I really loved his work.I sure he is missed dearly.

[rockenrod]

Indian Larry knew what the true meaning of FREEDOM was. Ride on bro.

[Joe]

I also last nite watching the american chopper show on discovery that i learned Larry and David Mann have passed. I am sitting in front of the tv now watching the american build off with Larry and Paul Yaffe Larry still kicks ass.
R.I.P

[c-dub haney]

just got thru watching t v and at the end of the show the bottom fell out. to me he was the greatest bike builder ever.after a few min. i said to myself,,,what a hell of a way to go. R.I.P. LARRY....................................

[Tom]

I was wacting American Chopper when I heard about Indian Larry Death. I was saddened to here about him. I had meet him early in 2004. He was real nice and let me sit on his bike and get a picture with him. He will be miss by all the bikers. Your fan Capt Hook

R.I.P Larry

[TOM]

I was wacting American Chopper when I heard about Indian Larry Death. I was saddened to here about him. I had meet him early in 2004. He was real nice and let me sit on his bike and get a picture with him. He will be miss by all the bikers. Your fan Capt Hook

R.I.P Larry

[Jeremy]

I was watching American Chopper on Monday and was sadden to hear that we have lost Indian Larry and the great David Mann they were and still are a great inspirations to us all. R.I.P

[Andy Hoffman]

I have been into design and motoring be it 4 wheels or 2 wheels for many years now. I would like to have sat down with larry and had a talk with him about different technologies and new building techniques. I had a lot of ideas that i wanted to ask him about and share with him. One of my goals in life as a lover of motor vehicles was to meet jesse james and indian larry. Part of that goal is now impossible. If i ever do get to build a bike the first one i make will be a tribute to all the great heros that have passed on in the world of 2 wheels. Two wheels, horsepower, the road, freedom. Larry understood this on a profound and deep level. I will not forget those that we owe so much to both in technological/atshetic legacy and in spirit. I hope that he knew or saw just how many people he touched and just how many he inspired before he left us.

"On the east coast we ride untill the day we die."

Safety FIRST.

- Andy H.

[Chief]

It's a great loss. He was one of the best.He is lost but not forgotton. Ride on Brother see you on the other side. when we all ride together??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????.

[Ray bates]

The world just got smaller. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. What a bummer.

[edge]

Ride on, Indian Larry.....you will be missed,...your talents will never be met!

[edge]

what the hell happened?....my post laned in Ray bates post!

[Tbog]

And if I'm called away and it's my turn to go,
Should the blood run cold in my veins,
Just one favor I'll be asking you,
Don't bury me here it's too cold,
Take me back,
Carry me back,
Down to Gasoline Alley where I started from.

[keg]

I have always been a big fan of indian larry and gasoline alley. When i heard the news i started to cry. You will be gone from the earth but not from our hearts. See you when i get there larry.keep on riding.

R.I.P

[craig]

I am stunned by the news i recieved a while back.i was gone at a race and when i came back my dad told me. I first thought that he was lying until i saw it on T.v. Ihope to see you when i'm there larry.
Rest in peace

[Mark]

I too, was shocked,to learn of Indian Larry's passing, just saw it on the Discovery bike build off. Larry was a true original,one of a kind , he took life by the horns, and never let go!! Long may you ride, BRO !!!!!!

[weskimore]

I am deeply saddened by the lose to, not only the biker world, but the world at large, due to cable TV. Indian Larry, I know that you now know too, that there are motorcycles in heaven. There is a verse in the bible that tell us this too... "And the sound of David's triumph, was heard through out the land."... So now all can rest assured that there are bikes in heaven. Rest In Peace brother. My prayers go out to you and yours Bambi. God Bless Us All

[newfydogs2]

just listen to the words of tim magraws song, live like you were dying. thats how larry lived every day. to its fulliest. he wore his heart on his sleeve to everyone. what a wonderful person. surely he rests with the lord.No better man, no better life, no better freedom.

[RickO]

There are some people few as they are as soon as you meet them you know they are for real, and can't help but like them. I was fortunate to have met two of them in my life,both have gone the same way, Larry being the latest. He left his mark, and will forever be larger than life. R.I.P Brother...

[tyler ulmer]

Indian larry was an awesome bike-builder!!!being a young thirteen and i want to persue a career in bike building,i miss him alot. iloved his Rat Fink bike. I am also a huge american chopper fan and i saw the david mann bike and i appreciate their recognition to larry. his tattoos were so cool! i know what it's like to lose someone i lost my great aunt carol in november and miss her alot. RIP indian larry, we will all miss you

[LarryL]

Having typed and erased a few times, I'll just say I am extremely saddened on learning the news of Larry's death. It is a shock.

(Genius combined with humility make for quite an artist)

[greg]

larry,
may your roads be long and your ride be bitchen'........

[Marcus]

Sorry to hear about larry, i Just watched american chopper
a few weeks back and learned
about his passing during the david mann bike episode so sad!

"Long may you run"

R.I.P.

Marcus, Porum Oklahoma

[Marcus]

Sorry to hear about larry, i Just watched american chopper
a few weeks back and learned
about his passing during the david mann bike episode so sad!

"Long may you run"

R.I.P.

Marcus, Porum Oklahoma

[Cindy]

What an awesome tribute to Indian Larry. My husband, children, and I have spent many hours watching his work on the discovery channel and was just in awe, in seeing the transformation of steel into a beautiful chopper. I knew of his passing at the time, however didn't know this place existed. You are greatly missed but know you are in a much better place.

We are missing you
The Garcia Family

[emma harrison]

Just cant understand, hear *I am reading about indian larry and this week was DImebag Darrell OF Pantera /Damagplan. OH IF I could only FIND A NATIVE AMERICAN BIKER ! emmsxx

[black magig (RUSSELL)]

LARRY U R THE GREATEST BIKE BUILDER OF ALL TIME I U WILL GREATLY B MISSED RIDE TO LIVE LIVE TO RIDE THAT IS INDIAN LARRY SEE-YA

[Shawn]

I was at a wedding a couple of days after Indian Larry's death, and a cousin of mine from a different state, that i have not seen in a very long time came up to me and the first thing he said was did you hear about Indian Larry? I said yeah. And shook his hand.
He will be missed!!

[Kolbi and my dad Jack]

Larry we miss you. MY dad loves choppers and he loves your work. We just got done watching the discovery channel and saw he died and we will truly miss him!

[Maureen]

Hi there, My husband and I love watching Indian Larry building his bikes. But for some reason had not heard he died until tonight. We were watching OCC's show with the bike for Dave Mann and Paul Senior was saying how they lost 2 important people in the bike world. Well when he said Indian Larry my husband and I yelled.. rewound the show and played it again to be sure we heard it right. Then I came right on line to see what I could find out. Omg this is an incredible shame. He was such an amazing guy. The world certainly is a lesser place without him in it. So sad.

[Marius]

Few fully imbrace the true spirit of the biker culture as Larry did every day of his life. Some say his death was tragic and a stupid way to go but I say THEY miss the point. Larry passed doing what he loved more than anything else. We should all be so lucky! Better to go in a blaze of glory than to wither on the vine....

[Tony]

I looked up to Larry alot and I am deeply saddened that the world has lost such a great man. I never had the priveledge to meet him but I had hoped to. I guess now I cant. at least he died riding, the thing he loved most. You will ride on forever Larry. in the hearts of millions. Forever.

[Blair]

"The Legend Of The Raindrop"

The legend of the raindrop
Has a lesson for us all
As it trembled in the heavens...
Questioning whether it should fall-
For the glistening raindrop argued
To the genie of the sky
"I am beautiful and lovely
As I sparkle here on high,
And hanging here I will become
Part of the rainbow's hue
And I'll shimmer like a diamond
For all the world to view"...
But the genie told the raindrop,
"Do not hesitate to go,
For you will be more beautiful
If you fall to earth below,
For you will sink into the soil
And be lost a while from sight,
But when you reappear on earth,,
You'll be looked on with delight;
For you will be the raindrop
That quenched the thirsty ground
And helped the lovely flowers
To blossom all around,
And in your resurrection
You'll appear in queenly clothes
With the beauty of the lily
And the fragrance of the rose;
Then, when you wilt and wither,
You'll become part of the earth
And make the soil more fertile
And give new flowers birth"...
For there is nothing ever lost
Or eternally neglected,
For everything God ever made
Is always resurrected;
So trust God's all-wise wisdom
And doubt the Father never,
For in His Heavenly Kingdom
There is nothing lost forever.

'Anonymous'

Especially to Larry's family, and also his friends and aquaintences; Although Indian's earthly vessel has been broken, you will surely sense his spirit as he soars among you. He is never far from you just as my brother Dirck accompanies and comforts me throughout the journey.
Trust and in time you will see his signs and know.
God Blessed you INDIAN LARRY. Rest in Peace.

[michele]

.....I HAVE ONLY GOTTEN TO KNOW OF INDIAN LARRY OVER THE 'AMERICAN CHOPPER' SERIES.
HE SEEMED LIKE SUCH A PURE & HUMBLE MAN...
HE HAD A WEATHERED LOOK OF WISDOM, AND MAYBE PAIN...ETCHED INTO HIS FACE.
HE WAS A TRUE ARTIST, THATS WHAT WAS ATTRACTIVE TO ME /ABOUT HIM.
YOU COULD FEEL HIS PASSION, THRU THE TV SCREEN~!
I AM SORRY FOR THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF THIS UNIQUE MAN...PLEASE ACCEPT MY CONDOLENCES.

(REVELATION 21:4)

[glenn]

really sad about Larry.he was the real deal.he will be missed so much.ride on larry!

[Powip]

I just heard of Indian Larry's passing. I would normally rush online to the news I want and skip everything else... but grew convicted and read this entire page... it is the least I could do. Like many, I only knew Larry via TV... but I felt as though I knew him, and I'm sure the man on TV was the man himself-- you can just tell it was so. Larry Blessed me... He lived as more of a Christian than most religious people! I bet Jesus would have hung out with Indian Larry had they been contemporaries! ... well, now they're hangin'... and I, for one, am jealous. God Bless those who mourn-- Larry's family, the Gang at Gasoline Alley, his other close friends, the viewers sharing this moment to read and learn about Larry's Legacy... may you be comforted. THE GLORY OF GOD IS MAN FULLY ALIVE.... that's what I saw in Indian Larry... May we ALL LIVE MORE... Thank you, Larry. Ride on, man.

[BigJim69]

Indian Larry you crazy son-of-a-bitch... I hope you never rest. You are building choppers with Hells Angel Denver Mullins, ED (BIG DADDY ROTH) and you are hanging with Sam Pierce that bought every Indian part he could get his hands on....I bet you still say, FUCK HELMETS! I do but I saw a helmet save a kids life once.....Good riding Larry you wild ass son-of-a-bitch. FEAR NOTHING!

[JULIAN]

WE`LL MISS YOU INDIAN LARRY.
YOU WERE THE GREATEST BIKE BUILDER IN THE WORDL
I GUESS THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER INDIAN LARRY I JUST HOPE SOME DAY I GET ENOGH MONEY TO BUY ONE OF INDIAN LARRY`S BIKE SOME DAY

[JD]

Hi;
I have a question? Why was Indian Larry called Indian Larry? Was he native American, or did he get started riding the famous Indian motorcycles?
I would like to know where to send my regards to his family as to my sorrow, over his death! I am disabled and miss riding more than anything that one might miss. Let me know where I can send my regards to such an artist and human beings family and friends!

RIP Indian Larry (ride them clouds brother)
I wish I could have met you!!!!

JD Portenier (The Professor)

PS: I have been to the Gasoline Alley Web site, but there is no real contact information there! Killer song though that was written as to Indian Larry's achievements (Chopper Royalty)!

[Rob Smitley]

i think indian larry was awesome but crazy in a good way becaus he would lay down on his bike and godown the road he trusted his bikes

R.I.P INDIAN LARRY we love ya