On Monday, February 19th of this year 2024, as I lay in a feverish state from Covid, and I received news that plunged me into sorrow.

Robby Cosenza, my old bandmate, roommate, and cherished friend, had succumbed to cancer over the weekend. Robby was a spirited soul, a nomadic troubadour who danced to the beat of his own drum. A true musician in every sense, he played in bands like Pontius Copilot, Vandaveer, These United States, The Scourge of the Sea, and of course under his own moniker, The Fanged Robot, which boasted a revolving roster of musicians over two decades. I had the privilege of sharing stages, studios, and highways with him during our time together in the original lineup of TFR from 2002 to 2004.

As I lay in my sickbed, memories of Robby flooded my mind, and I found solace in the strumming of my guitar, playing the melodies he had crafted before me years ago. In the haze of my fevered state, I felt compelled to capture these emotions, to immortalize the essence of a brother lost. Thus, amidst the delirium of my fever, I began to record a song – "The Shape I'm In" – that Robby had penned as a nod to and a semi-biographical tale of The Band which also had a song of this title.
I am no Robby, but I hope that this recording serves as a fitting homage to his indomitable spirit and enduring influence.
Robby, you impacted me and everyone you touched in your 50 years on this blue sphere. Your compassion, wit, and character will be remembered as your sounds echo through the universe for eternity on decades of recorded music.

Any proceeds from this song will go to Sweet Relief to help musicians in need.
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Available on most streaming platforms, just search for artist: W.W. song: The Shape I’m In.

The Shape Im In (a cover of The Fanged Robot)

W.W. is Kentucky musician/filmmaker William H. Wallace II.