Joe Shikany, who was killed Monday by a falling tree near Spokane, was one of Seattle's most experienced and respected guitarists and bassists. He played in a number of Seattle rock bands for more than 35 years, and recently toured internationally as lead guitarist for singer Paul Rodgers, formerly of Free and Bad Company, [The Firm, and Queen].

Mr. Shikany was booked this week for performances in Seattle, Bothell and Shoreline, with three different bands, N'SANE, Davanos and Magic Bus. He was to have played Tuesday night at the Rimrock on Lake City Way with N'SANE. Instead, friends and fellow musicians gathered there that night for an impromptu memorial.

"There were a lot of tears and a lot of hugs," said guitarist Roger Fisher, formerly of Heart. Mr Shikany was a member of the Roger Fisher Band in the early '80's.

"A lot of people dearly loved Joe," Fisher said, "and it was heartwarming to see much of the Seattle music scene show up in honor of one fine man."