Mike McGrath, founder of the synth-focused web forum Muff Wiggler, has died.
In a post on the site, admin Stephen Drake (sduck) shared the news:
Mike McGrath, aka Muff Wiggler, has passed away. He was the head admin and founder of this forum.
I don’t know many details, and nothing I want to share. This has been terrible news for me and many others.
Muffwiggler.com was registered as a site in 2006 and has grown into one of the most active synth-related forums in the world. The site has over 45,000 registered users that have made over two million posts.
The forum has been, for many, an import portal into the world of synthesis and an opportunity to connect with other synthesists.
In 2008, McGrath reflected on the site’s 10,000th post:
“Little celebration today, as the forum received it’s 10,000th post. I find this pretty amazing to be honest and I want to sincerely thank all the great people at the forum for making something like this possible.
Far beyond my wildest dreams when I first uploaded the thing, simply to get to play around with phpBB and look under the hood.”
Such sad news. Condolences to his friends and family.
Sad news.
Maybe change the title to ‘Has passed’ instead of ‘has died’ Dying sounds rough.
Dying IS rough.
Seriously? Someone is bound to be offended by everything. He died, it’s sad, it’s rough.
No one said they’re offended, just that it’s a more considerate and even phrasing. It’s like your looking for something to rally against. Gives your post a real pot, kettle, black vibe.
Admin: Synthtopia does not have a policy of using euphemisms for death in obituaries.
https://www.synthtopia.com/?s=Died
Address any additional feedback about this policy directly to us via the feedback form:
https://www.synthtopia.com/feedback/
I like this policy; it adheres to established journalism rules and also literally does not mince words. Kudos. And now, back to the story.
Dying is rough. Let’s keep it real.
When I die, if anyone ever says that I have ‘passed’ or ‘passed-away’ I’m coming back and haunting their ass for the rest of time. “Passed away” is one of the most annoying phrases in the English language. When someone dies, it’s sad, sometimes tragic but nonetheless “death” is a very real and important part of life.
OK, rant is over, we now return you to regular synth geek-speak.
Also, sorry to hear of Mike’s death. I know it must be hard on his family.
Oh wow, very sad to hear this. Tragic and unexpected news.
Rough!
Only met him a couple of times but he was remarkable in his kindness and patience. A true community builder.
Ugh, this is so sad. He started such a great site and I was so excited to see him open his own store (though eventually closed not long after the start). His legacy will live on via Muffwiggler.com. Rest in peace, friend. 🙁
Thanks for muffwiggler Mike McGrath….and may your spirit live on…
I learned so much from muffwiggler…thanks thanks thanks!
And all the best to his family and friends that have lost him.
RIP
Thanks for creating the most warmest and most knowledgeable synth forum to ever exist. I’ve learned so much in all things Eurorack related because of you. ???
Very sad indeed. Condolences to his family & friends.
I wasn’t even a member and I’ve probably read the site a thousand times. Thanks, Mike. Rest in peace
Waveshaper Media has just released an interview of Mike McGrath on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zn7Fl8_V934
Seemed like such a nice and insightful person. R.I.P lad…
Muffwigglers is the least hostile and best informed forum I have used, and it got me started with modulars. RIP.
my dad wasn’t a celebrity.
He’s not a celebrity…he’s a man who did a lot for a community many of us love and value. It’s sad he died and I’m glad I’ve been told.
He was one of the young men, that to me – seemed to promise a bright future for Electronic Music. A guy who got it, lived it, and made it prosper. He will be sadly missed. Even by people who don’t know him and his massive contributions. Rest in peace, Mike McGrath.