By Eric Curl
June 22, 2026 – The death of Eric “Big E” Moore over the weekend has shocked the music community, prompting an outpouring of grief from those that knew him, loved him, jammed with him and were simply entertained by his talents. Below I have compiled some of the remembrances and performances shared on social media to help paint a picture of what Savannah lost. This column will be updated with new memories and information regarding any benefits or ceremonies as it is made available.
Update: A community celebration honoring Big E on July 5 begins with a second line march at 3:30 p.m. from Eastern Wharf through River Street to Plant Riverside District. Participants are encouraged to bring instruments, noisemakers, photos or other tributes. The celebration continues with a 5 p.m. all-star jam featuring Individually Twisted and guest local musicians at Congress Street Social Club.
Laiken M. Williams
Still feeling the shock of Big E’s passing. It feels like I’m in a dream and trying to wake up. I met Big E back in the Wild Wings City Market Days. I was a very shy girl signing up to sing at open mic while holding my phone and trembling from stage fright. Week by week I’d tremble a little less and become a little for comfortable. Post show, Big E would tell me all about his days on the road and songs I should learn. Fast forward, I’m cutting my teeth every Sunday at Social Club with Voodoo Soup. I enjoyed watching the band groove more than anything. It was a chemistry, outside of church, that was very foreign to me. Who knew this Sunday Funday would set the course for who I am today? I’ve been honored to meet, and play with so many talented musicians along the way. Big E taught me so much and helped shape who I am today. He always told me how proud he was, and I always thanked him for the chance. I know he’s having a killer jam session with Jimi & Sly! Sending my love out to his family and all of the musicians in the community
Shane Baldwin
I’m still processing this. My heart goes out to E’s family and all the people he brought music and happiness to. I had just text E Happy Father’s Day and then opened up Facebook to see Benjamin Keiser post. I met E in 1992 at Rody’s music. He would come in Saturdays and hang out. He never played bass or talked to me about his playing or gigs. He would ask me about my gigs and the cool new things in the store. In 1999 I decided to go to JJ Cagney’s on Bay Street for open mic. When I saw E there he remembered me and then stepped up with the band and blew my mind. I started going regularly to jam. I met Greg Williams and many others there.
In 2003 I was working at Portmans Music. I had just seen Voodoo Soup play at JJ Cagney’s new location on the west end of River Street. E stopped by Portmans to get some strings and I asked if I could sit in with the band. He didn’t invite me to sit in. He booked me to play the gig. I played 3 gigs and was asked if I wanted to be the regular guitarist. It was an honor learning and performing with E. It wasn’t just a gig, it was family. I just played a fill in gig with E in May. At the end of the night E did as he always did, he gave me big hug and told me he loved me. My heart hurts for his family and all he touched with his infectious groove and larger than life personality. I can only imagine the grove he is laying down in the heavens. Much love to everyone who has shared remembrances and love.
Matt Eckstine
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Sad to hear about the passing of Big E
Such a great guy and amazing musician
He will be very missed and spread so much joy with his music, bass playing, and big smile
I will miss seeing and hearing him.
We shared a special performance of “While my guitar gently weeps” at the Traveling Wilburys Tribute and it was a special moment that I cherish. RIP to a really cool guy who had the magic
Michael Gaster
Rest easy Big E..
It was always a great time chatting about the music, the business, the who’s who and anything else under the stars. as well, it was always a great day at work when we were on opposite sides of the microphone.
This is a performance we did together during the last “end of the world”; listen and the funk will carry the soul home.
Malcolm D. Horne
Very sad day today. The music world lost a local titan 🥺 This pic from 1999 is how I’ll always remember this legend! Always smiling, always joking, and ALWAYS playing his ass off! Watching him play with my dad in the Permanent Tourist Band is why we do what we do today. Most know him as Big E, but he was always Uncle Eric to me. One the baddest bassists to ever grace this planet! Sending all the vibes with you during this soul transition Unc N.E. Moore . Love you man, and see you on the other side
RIP Big E …
In the immortal words of George Clinton – “somebody said is there funk after death, I say is 7 up?”
Thanks for all the funky times.
For those of you who never watched him live, this video doesn’t even scratch the surface of how amazing he was, but it comes close!
Don Coyer
Just heard of the loss of a good friend of mine, Big E, the best bass player in the Savannah area, and probably Georgia. I met Eric through the fact that he had played with Sly Stone, and I was asked to join, but had other plans. Eric used to come to our country gig at the Cavalier on Savannah’s south side. I loved that guy, he was always a blast of sunshine. RIP buddy!
Thomas Claxton
The Savannah music scene lost one of it’s family today. “Big E” was a helluva player, with a great groove. While we didn’t get to chat as much as I’d sometimes like over the past few years, he was a friend and the times that we did get to jam a bit were always fun. Many fun memories I’ll forever appreciate.
Rest well, “Big E” Eric Moore. ‘Til we meet again…
Eric Layden
Big E and I weren’t close but I always looked up to that man both figuratively and literally. He was a titan of the four strings and a true inspiration to all of us lowly mortals. May your bass stay tuned and your audience stay captivated and know that you are one of the best who has ever been.
Brandi Olenyik
It’s been a hell of a rough year for Savannah music.
Rest easy, Big E. You were always so warm and encouraging to me, long before I ever dared to dream of becoming a musician.
From way back in the days of Nickel Bag of Funk rocking at Il Pasticcio, you were a real one. That you remembered me 20 years later when I started music always touched my heart.
Your smile and style and big hugs will be so deeply missed.
Rest in perpetual groove, old friend.
Benjamin Keiser
Still in shock from Eric’s passing and send my deepest condolences to his son and family in Virginia, all of the musicians he inspired and shared the stage with, and all of his friends and fans that spent time with him.
I didn’t expect to be saying goodbye yesterday but would like to think that he would be touched knowing how many people came to visit him in his final moments.
It’s hard to imagine a Savannah without Big E. He was just a force of nature on stage, towering over crowds and creating an almost mythical aura that couldn’t be overlooked. He could play anything and routinely figured out things on the fly that would take most musicians weeks to learn. He knew when to lay back and when to show out. His bass lines were intricate but never to the detriment of the groove. He respected the tune even when he was expanding on it.
He was the guy in Savannah you knew could go anywhere in the world with his bass and voice and people would take notice.
Like many, I learned a great deal about being a musician from Eric and am incredibly grateful for the time I got to spend with him on stage and off.
He was my favorite musician in Savannah, and though I know there will never be another Big E, his legacy will live on through all of the musicians he helped shape and the people he touched.
Terrance Williams
I had to wait for a min to pull it together, but my deepest condolences to Big E family and friends. Big E was the first person to let me get on stage for a real show when I moved to Savannah. Even when I didn’t understand the music, he still gave me a chance because he saw something in me. He taught me a lot of chords and soloing techniques, and would often let me play his bass if I came to one of his shows. 🙏🏾
I have mad respect for this guy! He goes down as a legend and chief musician. The last time we played together, something told me to record and cherish the moment. I did! He was impressed with my progress, and I’m grateful he got a chance to see me use the information he shared with me. It will never be another Big E on bass! Buddy was tough. 💯 Get some rest, fam. We got it from here.
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