R.I.P.: Missoula Remembers Local Icon, Aaron Bolton

Flickr c/o amandacorvellos

Aaron Bolton, the manager of live entertainment at The Badlander in Missoula and a huge influence on the local music scene, was found dead in Seattle yesterday. The news – one of the most shocking local deaths in recent memory – has absolutely floored the Missoula nightlife scene.

“There wasn’t a single bad bone in this man’s body”, said Kris Moon, an employee at Ear Candy records who has confirmed that his co-worker Aaron Bolton was found dead in the water near Seattle last night.

Bolton is also best known for his countless contributions in the local music scene, including helping operate and manage the entertainment for one of Missoula’s most popular music venues, The Badlander.

According to Badlander event coordinator Colin Hickey, the venue is currently open for anyone who wants to honor Bolton or seek out mutual family and friends.

The story is still developing.

UPDATE 10:05pm: According to KPAX, Seattle police pulled Aaron’s body from Elliot Bay. Police got the call early this morning and believe the death was an accident. Bolton was 36.

According to Colin Hickey, The Badlander is open all night and DJs are spinning records from Bolton’s crate.

UPDATE 2/29/2011: Colin has informed us that there will be a memorial for Aaron Bolton at the Badlander at 3pm on Saturday, March 3rd. His family will be present until 5pm, and the establishment will remain open for as long as people want to stay. Colin is also looking for pictures of Aaron they can use them in a slide show. Please send them to badlander.booking@gmail.com.