River's 50th Birthday Fundraiser
for Rainforest Trust UK
Via JustGiving
£250.00 raised in River's memory
£250.00 raised in River's memory
REMEMBER RIVER
23 August 1970 - 31 October 1993
27 Years Without River
31st October 2020
Always Loved.... Always Missed.... Always Remembered
Jump to 50th Birthday Jump to Remembering River Jump to 25 Years Without River (2018) Jump to 20 Years Without River (2013) Jump to 40th Birthday Fan Wall (2010) Jump to Messages for River Jump to Memorial Bridge Jump to Memorial Garden
HAPPY HEAVENLY 50TH BIRTHDAY RIVER JUDE PHOENIX
23rd August 2020
Jump to MovieWeb Jump to Rain's Instagram Post Jump to Remembering River Phoenix On His 50th Birthday (Camila Henriques) Jump to Flood Magazine A Letter To River Phoenix On His 50th Birthday (Gina Clingan) Go to LaunchLeft/Rain Phoenix TikTok Videos
Lovely article ❤️❤️❤️❤️
— ❤️Celebrating River Phoenix Website (since 2006)❤️ (@RiverSites) August 24, 2020
River Phoenix Remembered by Fans on What Would've Been His 50th Birthday https://t.co/JcPpe1VjFI
Remembering River Phoenix On His 50th Birthday
By Camila Henriques - 23rd August 2020
This Sunday marks what would have been River Phoenix’s 50th birthday. A talent taken away from us much too soon, he went from adorable teenage prodigy to Oscar nominated scene stealer to Volpi Cup winner in less than five years. Seeing the work that other actors of his generation, who also started young, like Leonardo DiCaprio and Christian Bale, have delivered from the mid 90s until now can be heartwrenching. They make it impossible not to wonder what could have been if that fatidic night in 1993 had not happened...
As magnetic as he was mysterious, River had an unique onscreen presence. One of his earliest roles was alongside then newcomer Ethan Hawke in Joe Dante’s Explorers which presented him at his geekiest. He went from that to Chris Chambers in Stand By Me (which I'd argue is his third most defining role). Adapted from Stephen King’s “The Body” and directed by Rob Reiner, River gave such a mature performance that one could wonder (at the time) if it was a product of the editing/directing. Such questioning often happens with child stars, but, following Stand By Me, River gave a string of performances that left no room for doubt in that department.
While he excelled in that one-two punch of boy group adventures, he showed very early on that he could hold his own against Hollywood heavy hitters like Harrison Ford in The Mosquito Coast and Sidney Poitier in Little Nikita. His range proved remarkable. He could segueway easily from blockbusters like Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade, playing Indy himself as a young man, to indie dramas like Dogfight, or ensemble comedies like Sneakers and I Love You To Death.
While he excelled in that one-two punch of boy group adventures, he showed very early on that he could hold his own against Hollywood heavy hitters like Harrison Ford in The Mosquito Coast and Sidney Poitier in Little Nikita. His range proved remarkable. He could segueway easily from blockbusters like Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade, playing Indy himself as a young man, to indie dramas like Dogfight, or ensemble comedies like Sneakers and I Love You To Death.
He did all of that in his short filmography and still had reserves left for his two most important performances. The first, 1988’s Running On Empty had him at his moodiest, playing a kid who was paying for his parents’ mistakes with a life on the run. It was his second movie with co-star and then girlfriend Martha Plimpton and features some his sweetest moments captured on film.
This family drama is often forgotten when people talk about Sidney Lumet’s filmography --masterpieces like Network, 12 Angry Men and Dog Day Afternoon naturally lead the discussion. But Running on Empty is filled with the honesty of River’s work in a tale of constant new beginnings. The film garnered what was sadly his only Oscar nomination, along with a nomination for Naomi Foner (Maggie and Jake Gyllenhaal’s mama) in the Best Original Screenplay category.
This family drama is often forgotten when people talk about Sidney Lumet’s filmography --masterpieces like Network, 12 Angry Men and Dog Day Afternoon naturally lead the discussion. But Running on Empty is filled with the honesty of River’s work in a tale of constant new beginnings. The film garnered what was sadly his only Oscar nomination, along with a nomination for Naomi Foner (Maggie and Jake Gyllenhaal’s mama) in the Best Original Screenplay category.
I could love someone, even if I, you know, wasn’t paid for it. I love you and… you don’t pay me.”
Only three years after Running on Empty, he gave an iconic performance in Gus Van Sant’s My Own Private Idaho which Claudio recently discussed. Playing a hustler in search of his mother, River navigated the Shakesperian swerves of the story, surreal Van Sant touches, and gritty naturalism in the same performance. The much talked about campfire scene should have netted him another Academy Award nomination, but it would take a few years for AMPAS to warm up to Van Sant (and he would have to go mainstream for that to happen, as we all remember).
Sadly, it wasn’t long after that when River left us. It’s inevitable that we're still left wondering about what could have been, especially in light of the brilliant career of Joaquin Phoenix and his recent Oscar win. But, as with James Dean and Monty Clift and Heath Ledger, the body work he gave us in such a short amount of time should be appreciated and remembered as one of the greatest that any young actor has ever delivered.
Sadly, it wasn’t long after that when River left us. It’s inevitable that we're still left wondering about what could have been, especially in light of the brilliant career of Joaquin Phoenix and his recent Oscar win. But, as with James Dean and Monty Clift and Heath Ledger, the body work he gave us in such a short amount of time should be appreciated and remembered as one of the greatest that any young actor has ever delivered.
Many thanks to Camila Henriques (original)
Michael Stipe, Flea, and Rain Phoenix Remember River Phoenix on What Would Be His 50th Birthday
21st August 2020 - By Tina Benitez-Eves
21st August 2020 - By Tina Benitez-Eves
In honor of River’s birthday, his sister Rain reveals two new Aleka’s Attic tracks with the vinyl release of Alone U Elope.
In 1991, Aleka’s Attic—the band that included River Phoenix and his little sister Rain—hit the road in an RV for what would be the last tour since forming a few years earlier in the siblings’ hometown of Gainesville, FL, and it was a special moment in time. “There was this camaraderie of all being together and traveling, then getting to play music every night and noticing how much tighter we would get as a band by the end of the tour,” remembers Rain. “I was a teenager, so just having that experience of what would become my entire life—music—was an eye-opener.”
Barely nineteen, the experience was life changing for Rain. Just two years later, she would lose her brother River, who died on October 31, 1993 at the age of twenty-three—but the music of Aleka’s Attic was still there. A few years after River’s death, Rain revisited the band’s music—at least an album’s worth of tracks—before filing them away and revisiting it twenty-five years later.
To commemorate what would have been River’s fiftieth birthday on August 23, Rain is sharing two previously unreleased Aleka’s Attic tracks, “Alone U Elope” and “2×4,” via LaunchLeft, a label and podcast she started in 2018. Pre-sale on the limited edition vinyl and official merch begins the same day. The two song single entitled Alone U Elope features two of River’s close friends—Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flea on bass and Dermot Mulroney on cello. Earlier this year, RainLaunchLeft kicked off River’s birthday celebration with the Launched Artist Digital Singles Series, featuring new artists’ (with a six-degree connection to River) singles every two weeks. The project kicked off on Mother’s Day with his sister Liberty Phoenix’s band Capes’ “Looking Out for Me,” and finished the week before his birthday with his sister Summer’s debut single, “Tiempo.”
Barely nineteen, the experience was life changing for Rain. Just two years later, she would lose her brother River, who died on October 31, 1993 at the age of twenty-three—but the music of Aleka’s Attic was still there. A few years after River’s death, Rain revisited the band’s music—at least an album’s worth of tracks—before filing them away and revisiting it twenty-five years later.
To commemorate what would have been River’s fiftieth birthday on August 23, Rain is sharing two previously unreleased Aleka’s Attic tracks, “Alone U Elope” and “2×4,” via LaunchLeft, a label and podcast she started in 2018. Pre-sale on the limited edition vinyl and official merch begins the same day. The two song single entitled Alone U Elope features two of River’s close friends—Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Flea on bass and Dermot Mulroney on cello. Earlier this year, RainLaunchLeft kicked off River’s birthday celebration with the Launched Artist Digital Singles Series, featuring new artists’ (with a six-degree connection to River) singles every two weeks. The project kicked off on Mother’s Day with his sister Liberty Phoenix’s band Capes’ “Looking Out for Me,” and finished the week before his birthday with his sister Summer’s debut single, “Tiempo.”
Formed in 1987, Aleka’s Attic was a fictional tale based around a character dreamed up by River—a poet and a philosopher of sorts. Aleka had a secret society of artists that met in his attic, and after he passes away, some kids find his writings and continue to keep his spirit alive by sharing his work. “In a way, that’s how I see the release,” says Rain. “A new generation of kids can find his writings in Aleka’s Attic.”
Both Alone U Elope tracks were originally recorded in Florida in early 1993. “Alone U Elope” was written later than most of the other tracks and is described by Rain as more of a pop ballad. “The lyrics are really poetic, and there’s something about it that feels like it’s kind of duet-y with he and I, more gentle and melancholy,” she says. “2×4” is the more uptempo side of the single: “River’s vocal is just amazing on it, especially at the end,” says Rain. “And I love Flea’s bass on it. It’s so groovy. It makes me dance every time I hear it.”
Both Alone U Elope tracks were originally recorded in Florida in early 1993. “Alone U Elope” was written later than most of the other tracks and is described by Rain as more of a pop ballad. “The lyrics are really poetic, and there’s something about it that feels like it’s kind of duet-y with he and I, more gentle and melancholy,” she says. “2×4” is the more uptempo side of the single: “River’s vocal is just amazing on it, especially at the end,” says Rain. “And I love Flea’s bass on it. It’s so groovy. It makes me dance every time I hear it.”
Adding bass to both tracks felt organic for Flea, who was grateful to honor River, Rain, and their music. “I didn’t even question it,” he says. “All the time me and River jammed and spent time sitting and talking about stuff, it just felt natural. What was really a trip for me was when I was putting my bass on the recordings inside my garage. Hearing him play and singing in the quiet, alone in the dark, really affected me. It was just this flood of emotion, and all those memories coming back in such a visceral way, so it was really nice to open that back up.”
Flea, who initially met River in the late ’80s, admits his first impression of Phoenix was completely off. “When I met River, I was like ‘OK, here’s this hippie kid’—and I’m a rocker, I didn’t like hippies. It was silly, but when I became close to River, and we ended up really bonding and spending all this time together, it went on to become this beautiful relationship.”
Flea, who initially met River in the late ’80s, admits his first impression of Phoenix was completely off. “When I met River, I was like ‘OK, here’s this hippie kid’—and I’m a rocker, I didn’t like hippies. It was silly, but when I became close to River, and we ended up really bonding and spending all this time together, it went on to become this beautiful relationship.”
Photo by Gus Van Sant
The two later connected when they both starred in Gus Van Sant’s esoteric drifter drama My Own Private Idaho in 1991. Flea remembers being the inexperienced actor on set and not knowing anyone, which River immediately sensed and was sympathetic to. “River was the kind of person that whenever he saw someone who he thought might be feeling a little uncomfortable and out of sorts, he went to make sure they were doing good,” says Flea.
From that point on, the two had bonded, and Flea says River changed his life. “I didn’t know that people who were that kind and generous in spirit and thoughtful existed,” says Flea. “I’d never met anyone like that before who was close to me that didn’t, at one point, try to exploit me or use my vulnerabilities against me, or tease the fucked up parts of me and judge me. He changed my life forever in that way.”
Following Phoenix’s death in 1993, the RHCPs dedicated “Transcending,” the final track from their 1995 release One Hot Minute, to those they lost, namely River. Flea later laid down bass on the Aleka’s Attic’s track “Note to a Friend” off a 1996 benefit compilation called In Defense of Animals, Vol. 2.
River’s art was merely an extension of his core beliefs and principles he lived by. Deeper down, Phoenix was wholeheartedly empathetic—he cared about people, animals, and the earth. “He was the kind of person that really got a big picture in a deeply spiritual way, which I was incapable of getting at the time,” says Flea. “If there was someone acting like a real asshole, or being insensitive, I’d be like, ‘Fuck that,’ and River would be like, ‘Well, hold on a second, that person is in a lot of pain, let’s look at why they’re acting this way.’ That kind of thinking really affected me, and I got a much bigger picture than I was accustomed to getting.”
From that point on, the two had bonded, and Flea says River changed his life. “I didn’t know that people who were that kind and generous in spirit and thoughtful existed,” says Flea. “I’d never met anyone like that before who was close to me that didn’t, at one point, try to exploit me or use my vulnerabilities against me, or tease the fucked up parts of me and judge me. He changed my life forever in that way.”
Following Phoenix’s death in 1993, the RHCPs dedicated “Transcending,” the final track from their 1995 release One Hot Minute, to those they lost, namely River. Flea later laid down bass on the Aleka’s Attic’s track “Note to a Friend” off a 1996 benefit compilation called In Defense of Animals, Vol. 2.
River’s art was merely an extension of his core beliefs and principles he lived by. Deeper down, Phoenix was wholeheartedly empathetic—he cared about people, animals, and the earth. “He was the kind of person that really got a big picture in a deeply spiritual way, which I was incapable of getting at the time,” says Flea. “If there was someone acting like a real asshole, or being insensitive, I’d be like, ‘Fuck that,’ and River would be like, ‘Well, hold on a second, that person is in a lot of pain, let’s look at why they’re acting this way.’ That kind of thinking really affected me, and I got a much bigger picture than I was accustomed to getting.”
This sensitivity is something Rain believes is attracting a younger generation of fans to her brother today. “His fans are some of the most gentle, loving people,” she says. “If you look at their [social media] posts and read what they have to say, they’ve followed his ethos. They care about the environment, the animals, humanity. They’re all like little love bugs. It’s so sweet. It’s wild to think that River and Earth Day turn fifty in 2020 because he has so many new fans that are in the Stand By Me age group! I feel an extra sense of responsibility to these kids. I can’t imagine being a younger person these days, I know they must be struggling with so much anxiety and fear. I hope his memory and what he stood for can be a source of inspiration and motivate them into action.”
Releasing Alone U Elope was not easy for Rain. It’s taken her twenty-five years to feel comfortable sharing the music she made with her brother, finally dropping “In the Corner Dunce” in 2018, followed by the 2019 double single Time Gone, which includes the tracks “Where I’d Gone” and “Scales & Fishtails.” Although there’s technically an album’s worth of songs, Rain says River was reluctant to release anything until he felt good about it, which is why she’s erring on the side of caution in releasing tracks—much less an entire album—at this time. Since River was in the process of creating something that was never completed, Rain says she wants to do what would most honor him and what he was doing musically.
Releasing Alone U Elope was not easy for Rain. It’s taken her twenty-five years to feel comfortable sharing the music she made with her brother, finally dropping “In the Corner Dunce” in 2018, followed by the 2019 double single Time Gone, which includes the tracks “Where I’d Gone” and “Scales & Fishtails.” Although there’s technically an album’s worth of songs, Rain says River was reluctant to release anything until he felt good about it, which is why she’s erring on the side of caution in releasing tracks—much less an entire album—at this time. Since River was in the process of creating something that was never completed, Rain says she wants to do what would most honor him and what he was doing musically.
“Of course everybody wants to hear everything, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that he would’ve wanted that,” says Rain. “For all I know, there were going to be ten more songs. To assume that this was an album is in itself a pretty huge assumption. I want what does get out to be something that we both would be proud of and would match his sensibility. The fact that he’s no longer here means I have to be doubly sure. Even when I do it in micro doses, I have to honor his particularness.”
Released along with the vinyl will be a sprawling collection of new Aleka’s Attic merchandise, including a “lost in motion” poster by Irish abstract artist Jack Coulter, a vintage t-shirt designs by the Aleka’s former bassist Josh McKay, and striking new merch designed by LaunchLeft’s own animator/graphic designer Chris Tucci, who also created the lyric video for “Alone U Elope.” Rain will repurpose her “River” tees to include her brother’s handwritten quote “Run to the Rescue with Love and Peace Will Follow”—the same words brother Joaquin quoted during his Oscar acceptance speech earlier this year—on the back. Further reinforcing Phoenix’s environmentalism, the shirts are also made from recycled materials. The Aleka’s Attic store opens at 8:23 a.m. PST on 8/23.
The vinyl’s cover features an image of Phoenix and his messily braided hair, a photograph taken by River’s close friend Michael Stipe, the result of a road trip they took to Georgia. Driving from Nashville to Athens along with Rain and friends to see Natalie Merchant play, Stipe remembers that it was hot, and River’s long hair was hanging all around his face, so they braided it using pieces of masking tape. When they finally reached Athens, Stipe called artist Jeremey Ayers over to his house to give River a haircut in the backyard. The end result was a bowl cut.
Released along with the vinyl will be a sprawling collection of new Aleka’s Attic merchandise, including a “lost in motion” poster by Irish abstract artist Jack Coulter, a vintage t-shirt designs by the Aleka’s former bassist Josh McKay, and striking new merch designed by LaunchLeft’s own animator/graphic designer Chris Tucci, who also created the lyric video for “Alone U Elope.” Rain will repurpose her “River” tees to include her brother’s handwritten quote “Run to the Rescue with Love and Peace Will Follow”—the same words brother Joaquin quoted during his Oscar acceptance speech earlier this year—on the back. Further reinforcing Phoenix’s environmentalism, the shirts are also made from recycled materials. The Aleka’s Attic store opens at 8:23 a.m. PST on 8/23.
The vinyl’s cover features an image of Phoenix and his messily braided hair, a photograph taken by River’s close friend Michael Stipe, the result of a road trip they took to Georgia. Driving from Nashville to Athens along with Rain and friends to see Natalie Merchant play, Stipe remembers that it was hot, and River’s long hair was hanging all around his face, so they braided it using pieces of masking tape. When they finally reached Athens, Stipe called artist Jeremey Ayers over to his house to give River a haircut in the backyard. The end result was a bowl cut.
Photo by Michael Stipe
“It was super sweet and not at all an expected look, but it worked,” says Stipe, who photographed River’s hair transformation. “When Jeremy was done, River looked like Dorothy Hamill or one of the kids from The Little Rascals,” shares Stipe. “The next day we drove to Atlanta to see Natalie perform again, and River and Jeremy had these crazy Joan Didion sunglasses—and that bowl cut and an enormous torn up t-shirt. We looked like quite a gang.”
Stipe says his friendship with Phoenix still feels unique to this day. “There’s a handful of people I’ve met in my life who I instantly felt, ‘Ahh, this is gonna be a lifetime friendship, OK, done,’” says Stipe. “Meeting River was like that. There was definitely mutual admiration for what we had each done creatively, but beyond that was an instant spark, a warmth, a kinship. We had so much in common in terms of activism and beliefs about the environment and vegetarianism, but also how to utilize fame and a public platform to encourage progressive ideas.”
Stipe says his friendship with Phoenix still feels unique to this day. “There’s a handful of people I’ve met in my life who I instantly felt, ‘Ahh, this is gonna be a lifetime friendship, OK, done,’” says Stipe. “Meeting River was like that. There was definitely mutual admiration for what we had each done creatively, but beyond that was an instant spark, a warmth, a kinship. We had so much in common in terms of activism and beliefs about the environment and vegetarianism, but also how to utilize fame and a public platform to encourage progressive ideas.”
In many ways, River’s spirit is still wrapped around Stipe’s work, as it is Rain’s. Her debut solo album, 2019’s River, is dedicated to her brother and also features a duet with Stipe on “Time Is the Killer.” When she started LaunchLeft it was to honor River’s life and work. The platform gives left-of-center artists who might not otherwise get exposure an outlet.
For River, what was more important than being a star was finding that true part of himself and amplifying it through the fame that he garnered, says Rain. If River were alive today, she can’t say what he would be doing, but she does know what he stood for in his activism and in his art. “I think he’d make a great poster child for 2020,” Rain continues. “If fame lands you on the cover of magazines, why not use it to start conversations about the issues we all face—despair, the climate emergency, racial justice, animal rights, all these issues that need solutions. He was doing that when it was a totally foreign thing back in the ’80s. My mom always says that River was a ‘solutionary,’ he didn’t like to dwell on what was wrong with the world, but instead enjoyed searching for solutions.”
Rain believes one of her brother’s greatest qualities was reminding kids in his generation—and now a newer generation—of the spark in their truth. “We all have so much inside us that’s worth living for and worth growing,” says Rain. “For him, it wasn’t the most important thing to have a hit record or be in a hit movie. The most important thing was to honor the truth in his own soul and in our country and in our world, and to think about how we are all able to step into our own truth, and face whatever adversity, knowing we have magic inside us.”
COPYRIGHT - FLOOD MAGAZINE (original article)
For River, what was more important than being a star was finding that true part of himself and amplifying it through the fame that he garnered, says Rain. If River were alive today, she can’t say what he would be doing, but she does know what he stood for in his activism and in his art. “I think he’d make a great poster child for 2020,” Rain continues. “If fame lands you on the cover of magazines, why not use it to start conversations about the issues we all face—despair, the climate emergency, racial justice, animal rights, all these issues that need solutions. He was doing that when it was a totally foreign thing back in the ’80s. My mom always says that River was a ‘solutionary,’ he didn’t like to dwell on what was wrong with the world, but instead enjoyed searching for solutions.”
Rain believes one of her brother’s greatest qualities was reminding kids in his generation—and now a newer generation—of the spark in their truth. “We all have so much inside us that’s worth living for and worth growing,” says Rain. “For him, it wasn’t the most important thing to have a hit record or be in a hit movie. The most important thing was to honor the truth in his own soul and in our country and in our world, and to think about how we are all able to step into our own truth, and face whatever adversity, knowing we have magic inside us.”
COPYRIGHT - FLOOD MAGAZINE (original article)
A Letter To River Phoenix On His 50th Birthday
By Gina Clingan - 14th August 2020
You would have been 50 years old today.
I can only imagine what kind of man you would have grown to be or what a different world we would be living in right now if it was still graced by your presence. I truly believe the planet would be healthier if only you had stayed. Your children would be beautiful weirdos, positively influencing everything they touched. If you were here, perhaps more people would still have something to believe in. River, we all miss you so much.
Part of me is thankful you are no longer here, never having to witness the darkness that has consumed the world over the last two and a half decades since your departure. Due to global warming, and perhaps some other peculiar circumstances, tragic portions of the rain forests have burned down. I could feel your heart breaking in unison with the snap of every limb of every tree that fell to the ground, victim to the flames of humanity’s negligence and greed.
I’m also thankful you are not here to witness all of the paedophilia allegations happening all over the world. I know fragments of your childhood were also tainted by similar practices and beliefs within the Children of God cult that your family accidentally stumbled into. I’m glad you all made a successful escape from that nightmare. I can’t help but wonder what your stance would be on modern issues revolving around the very thing that once plagued your past. I’d like to believe that if you were still here, you would play an active role in the decomposition of such evil. You always had a way of standing up for the innocent, always raising awareness about animal cruelty and promoting the Vegan lifestyle. I’d like to believe that your passion and efforts would have eventually expanded to standing up for victimized children as well.
I just wanted you to know that, even 27 years later, people all over the world are still grieving what they lost that Halloween night in front of The Viper Room. However, we also know all is not lost. The way that a person dies does not define them, and we can feel fragments of your continued existence all around us. You are in every molecule of running water and every carnation blooming in pink. You are in every lyric that has ever been written for you, and every guitar string pulled by musicians on the street. You are in every protest for animal rights and every child who puts down a fork full of meat for the last time. You are in every set of blue-green eyes and every passing Halloween night.
The world may be absent of your heartbeat, but it isn’t absent of your memory, your influence, or your inspiration.
You are still touching the lives of people born long after you were gone. I was born a month and a half after you took your final leave. I never physically existed for a single moment in the world that you did, but I promise I have carried you with me every single day of my life, from the moment I was introduced to your memory.
So happy birthday, baby. Here’s to all 50 candles, because no matter where you are, you still burn so bright. I promise to never set you down. I will never let this world extinguish the memory of your life.
I can only imagine what kind of man you would have grown to be or what a different world we would be living in right now if it was still graced by your presence. I truly believe the planet would be healthier if only you had stayed. Your children would be beautiful weirdos, positively influencing everything they touched. If you were here, perhaps more people would still have something to believe in. River, we all miss you so much.
Part of me is thankful you are no longer here, never having to witness the darkness that has consumed the world over the last two and a half decades since your departure. Due to global warming, and perhaps some other peculiar circumstances, tragic portions of the rain forests have burned down. I could feel your heart breaking in unison with the snap of every limb of every tree that fell to the ground, victim to the flames of humanity’s negligence and greed.
I’m also thankful you are not here to witness all of the paedophilia allegations happening all over the world. I know fragments of your childhood were also tainted by similar practices and beliefs within the Children of God cult that your family accidentally stumbled into. I’m glad you all made a successful escape from that nightmare. I can’t help but wonder what your stance would be on modern issues revolving around the very thing that once plagued your past. I’d like to believe that if you were still here, you would play an active role in the decomposition of such evil. You always had a way of standing up for the innocent, always raising awareness about animal cruelty and promoting the Vegan lifestyle. I’d like to believe that your passion and efforts would have eventually expanded to standing up for victimized children as well.
I just wanted you to know that, even 27 years later, people all over the world are still grieving what they lost that Halloween night in front of The Viper Room. However, we also know all is not lost. The way that a person dies does not define them, and we can feel fragments of your continued existence all around us. You are in every molecule of running water and every carnation blooming in pink. You are in every lyric that has ever been written for you, and every guitar string pulled by musicians on the street. You are in every protest for animal rights and every child who puts down a fork full of meat for the last time. You are in every set of blue-green eyes and every passing Halloween night.
The world may be absent of your heartbeat, but it isn’t absent of your memory, your influence, or your inspiration.
You are still touching the lives of people born long after you were gone. I was born a month and a half after you took your final leave. I never physically existed for a single moment in the world that you did, but I promise I have carried you with me every single day of my life, from the moment I was introduced to your memory.
So happy birthday, baby. Here’s to all 50 candles, because no matter where you are, you still burn so bright. I promise to never set you down. I will never let this world extinguish the memory of your life.
Many thanks to Gina Clingan (original @ Thought Catalog)
Felix And The Hurricanes - Rise River Rise
Click the above link for more information
26 Years Without You, River
31st October 2019
Loved & missed.... Always & forever!!
Always Loved.....
Always Missed.....
Never Forgotten
25 YEARS WITHOUT RIVER
31 October 2018
To commemorate the sad occasion of the 25th anniversary of River's untimely passing, Celebrating River Phoenix has made a donation to The River Phoenix Center For Peacebuilding.
If you would also like to make a donation, please click on the logo below. Thank you - Webby.
If you would also like to make a donation, please click on the logo below. Thank you - Webby.
The River Phoenix Center For Peacebuilding
Click here to donate
Messages From River Fans/Friends
This world was more beautiful,
When River ran thru it
If I could turn back time 2 that fateful night,
I'd ask God if he could un-do it
Wish River was still here on Earth with us,
I just know he'd be beautiful still
So many have come after him
But none could compare & they never WILL
No they could never even come close
To his blessedly beautiful eyes
What I would give to see them again,
If only this Phoenix could rise....
His beautiful presence,
His angel-like face....
His million-watt smile,
Shining all over the place....
His amazing talent
That lit up the screen
That crazy hotness
That made all the girls scream
Most beautiful hair
I've ever seen
Yeah River was
Every girl's dream....
When River ran thru it
If I could turn back time 2 that fateful night,
I'd ask God if he could un-do it
Wish River was still here on Earth with us,
I just know he'd be beautiful still
So many have come after him
But none could compare & they never WILL
No they could never even come close
To his blessedly beautiful eyes
What I would give to see them again,
If only this Phoenix could rise....
His beautiful presence,
His angel-like face....
His million-watt smile,
Shining all over the place....
His amazing talent
That lit up the screen
That crazy hotness
That made all the girls scream
Most beautiful hair
I've ever seen
Yeah River was
Every girl's dream....
This world would be more beautiful
If River was still running thru it
Guess he was WAY too beautiful
And God knew it
So he took River as one of his angels,
Must be lighting up the skies
Blinding everyone he comes across in Heaven
With those mesmerizing eyes
And capturing EVERYONE
With that wondrous glow
The one this world fell in luv with
Long ago
I'll always wish
That in this lifetime I could've met him
He's been gone for a very long time
But my heart will never forget him
And this world is now more beautiful
Because River ran thru it
But if I could
I still would
Ask God if he could un-do it
If River was still running thru it
Guess he was WAY too beautiful
And God knew it
So he took River as one of his angels,
Must be lighting up the skies
Blinding everyone he comes across in Heaven
With those mesmerizing eyes
And capturing EVERYONE
With that wondrous glow
The one this world fell in luv with
Long ago
I'll always wish
That in this lifetime I could've met him
He's been gone for a very long time
But my heart will never forget him
And this world is now more beautiful
Because River ran thru it
But if I could
I still would
Ask God if he could un-do it
From the1wreckingball via Instagram
25 years without you Rio, I love and miss with everything I have. Thank you for inspiring me, like you have done with many others. You'll always have my heart. You were an angel sent from Heaven.
From janet.mate via Instagram
From janet.mate via Instagram
River was such an amazing person. I miss him like crazy even though I didn't know him. I wasn't even alive. But he will always be remembered. I miss him dearly and he will forever be missed.
From river_phoenix_ via Instagram
From river_phoenix_ via Instagram
If you would like to add a message to this page, you can either use the contact form or you can email me directly at arcrpwebmistress@aol.com
31 OCTOBER 2013
20 Years Without River
"There's a river, born to be a giver,
Keep you warm, won't let you shiver,
His heart is never going to wither,
Come on everybody, time to deliver."
River's verse in 'GIVE IT AWAY' by THE RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS
Keep you warm, won't let you shiver,
His heart is never going to wither,
Come on everybody, time to deliver."
River's verse in 'GIVE IT AWAY' by THE RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS
"All I can say is that, I’ve never felt a thing like that before in my life, I was very sad. Something beyond sad - I don’t know what it is, you just sob and sob for hours. River was a remarkable artist and a rare human being. I miss him every day."
Keanu Reeves
"River was one of the kindest people I have ever met in my life. When I think about River, I don't think about his death. I don't get sad about it, I think about how incredibly fortunate I was to be friends with a person who looked inside me and saw things that no-one else ever saw before."
Flea
"River was good, and he had so much talent within him to share with the world, so many characters to play, songs to sing, and stories to tell … and we’ll never get to experience any of them - that makes me sad. When I think of him, I remember the 16 year-old who I looked up to, who taught me chords on his guitar and played video games with me while we listened to music on a tiny mid-80s boom box in Oregon. I miss him, or at least the memory I have of him. He was good people, and he left us far too soon."
Wil Wheaton
"I liked River Phoenix so much, and he passed at such an early age - he was one of those wonderful young actors. He couldn't have been more than 13 or 14 at the time (we made Stand By Me) and he was the one that would call you in your room every night and go, 'Do you mind running over lines with me for this scene?' He loved it so much and you could just see that he was going to be a really special actor. Every time I think about the film, I get very sad about not having him around."
Kiefer Sutherland
Keanu Reeves
"River was one of the kindest people I have ever met in my life. When I think about River, I don't think about his death. I don't get sad about it, I think about how incredibly fortunate I was to be friends with a person who looked inside me and saw things that no-one else ever saw before."
Flea
"River was good, and he had so much talent within him to share with the world, so many characters to play, songs to sing, and stories to tell … and we’ll never get to experience any of them - that makes me sad. When I think of him, I remember the 16 year-old who I looked up to, who taught me chords on his guitar and played video games with me while we listened to music on a tiny mid-80s boom box in Oregon. I miss him, or at least the memory I have of him. He was good people, and he left us far too soon."
Wil Wheaton
"I liked River Phoenix so much, and he passed at such an early age - he was one of those wonderful young actors. He couldn't have been more than 13 or 14 at the time (we made Stand By Me) and he was the one that would call you in your room every night and go, 'Do you mind running over lines with me for this scene?' He loved it so much and you could just see that he was going to be a really special actor. Every time I think about the film, I get very sad about not having him around."
Kiefer Sutherland
FAN MESSAGES
LUISINA, BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
River siempre en nuestro corazones !!!!!! es la forma de que siempre esté con nosotros, con nuestro recuerdo siempre va a perdurar.
Translation: River always in our hearts!! You are always with us, our memories will last forever.
MARINA, UKRAINE
Miss you River.
LINDSEY, UK
I miss you, everyday. River - You are continually missed, always loved, and forever in our thoughts and hearts.
LESLEY, NORTH CAROLINA, USA
You are missed so very much. Wish you were still here with us.
LUISINA, BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
River siempre en nuestro corazones !!!!!! es la forma de que siempre esté con nosotros, con nuestro recuerdo siempre va a perdurar.
Translation: River always in our hearts!! You are always with us, our memories will last forever.
MARINA, UKRAINE
Miss you River.
LINDSEY, UK
I miss you, everyday. River - You are continually missed, always loved, and forever in our thoughts and hearts.
LESLEY, NORTH CAROLINA, USA
You are missed so very much. Wish you were still here with us.
INGRID, PUERTO MONTT, CHILE
River siempre te recordare.
Translation: River always remember you.
WENDY, PARIS
Dearly missed.
NUTDORA, THAILAND
I miss you.
RUSLAN, RUSSIA
Thank you River. We remember you.
ROCIO PHOENIX, MADRID, SPAIN
I can´t explain how I feel, but I can say that becoming a fan of him was the most magical thing I've ever lived in my life. I think he is still here with all of us trying to help people every single day. RIVER FOREVER.
River siempre te recordare.
Translation: River always remember you.
WENDY, PARIS
Dearly missed.
NUTDORA, THAILAND
I miss you.
RUSLAN, RUSSIA
Thank you River. We remember you.
ROCIO PHOENIX, MADRID, SPAIN
I can´t explain how I feel, but I can say that becoming a fan of him was the most magical thing I've ever lived in my life. I think he is still here with all of us trying to help people every single day. RIVER FOREVER.
HAPPY 40th BIRTHDAY RIVER JUDE PHOENIX
23rd August 2010
Fan Wall - Click image for full view
Happy Birthday River! You truly are inspirational. You were a musical genius aswell as a brilliant actor. I will always remember you. R.I.P <3 xxx
LAUREN GRAHAM, UNITED KINGDOM - PHOTO 1
Happy Birthday River. I love you, and I miss you. I hope you are having a great time in Heaven. I really miss you. Happy Birthday beautiful! :( R.I.P. <3
ALISON TROWBRIDGE, UNITED STATES (Aged 19) - PHOTO 2
I wish the two of us could have shared the weight of the world. I wish our thoughts, hopes, dreams and fears could have melted together . I miss your being.
JULIE KRISTENSEN, DENMARK (Aged 29) - PHOTO 3
Wish you were still here to celebrate with us!
DIANA, THE NETHERLANDS (Aged 30) - PHOTO 4
An artistic relic and a beautiful creation. Forty years old already! I don't want to mingle on the subject of death on such an occasion, but I was born seven months after River's death, and so he's always been but a 'memory' to me, and always twenty-three: Forty is a fabulous age, but it's nice to think that River shall be forever young as a fantastic, inspiring memory; and his life has been such a strong inspiration to my own.
I can't thank him enough for being who he was and doing what he did. He deserves the best ever birthday and I think it's great that fans like us are celebrating like this and keeping him in people's minds.... 40 years - I can't believe it!
LIAM R. FINDLAY, UNITED KINGDOM (Aged 16) - PHOTO 5
I want to say that I want to be with you in changing the world to make it a better place, you are there and will always stay in my heart. Happy Birthday, good things will never end.
MABEL GREEN, CHINA (Aged 18) - PHOTO 6
River - Happy 40th Birthday! I miss you and I love you. Because of you I changed my way of life and got more carefulness of all living beings, I love hugging trees now.
So I hope your soul rest in peace forever, and have a great Birthday, however that might looks in heaven. :D Kisses, Mel ;)
MELANIE SCHMIDT, GERMANY (Aged 19) - PHOTO 7
Happy Birthday beautiful River wherever you may be!! Age is just a detail, but this day marks the day you were born, you were a special soul, charismatic and talented. I wish you had not gone, but I keep you alive with your movies, music and message. I wish I had met you, maybe someday.
So all my love and best wishes to you Riv, Stand By Me forever!! God Bless You!!!
FABIOLA G. SANTIAGO, CHILE (Aged 22) - PHOTO 8
Happy Birthday River! Another 23rd August without you... I wish you were here to celebrate it with us, but I know you're fine wherever you are, because you really deserve it. Have a wonderful day. I love you so much.
CARLA, SPAIN (Aged 18) - PHOTO 9
River, Happy birthday love. Wish you were still in here.
I cant describe how much I love you and I cant define how much I care about you. You've changed me, changed my soul. Thank you for everything. You'll never be forgotten, ever.
I'll love you forever. Happy birthday again.
NIL ENKAVI, TURKEY (Aged 18) - PHOTO 10
Happy 40th Rio! We Love and miss you. *Rest In Peace*
DEANNA, UNITED STATES (Aged 14)
I remember the first time I saw you. The first scene of My Own Private Idaho. You appeared. I was just amazed by you. I couldn't understand how someone could be this beautiful. That moment, my life changed. I also remember searching you up on the internet after the movie finished and I learned that you were not in this world anymore.
It was such a big disappointment for me because I hadn't felt this way about someone ever. It was not because of your looks, at first it was but that started to change as I was watching My Own Private Idaho. I fell in love with your acting abilities as well. I couldn't stop thinking about you. I bought all your movies, listened to every song you made, looked at all your pictures. I cried for hours. Sometimes I even talked with you.
I tried to change my lifestyle, you opened up my eyes to so many things. You made me realize that we can do something to change this world. You were only one person and you inspired so many people and you affected them all in a good way.
You were so kind, gentle. It hurts a lot to think that somebody like you had been taken away from this world. You had so much love to give, so many things to do. You made a difference.
Every day I try to be worthy of you. Sometimes I feel like you are next to me. I feel your presence. You made my life better, I cannot thank you enough for that.
You are very special to me. I'm just glad that someone like you ever existed. And I also know that there won't be anyone like you. I cannot compare you to anyone. You were unique in every way. I just wish that there is an afterworld so I can be with you there or just talk with you. Seeing you would be enough also.
Happy birthday River. You will always be my favourite person. I love you.
IRMAK BUYUKUTKU, ANKARA, TURKEY (Aged 19)
Happy Birthday River Phoenix, I wish you were here with us today, you had so much to live for. I'll never forget you, and thank you for being who you are even till today. Through you I have learned about the world, environment, vegetarianism, which I have given a try and I'll tell you, I have never felt better.
Thank you River, may you rest in peace and I hope we meet one of these days.
SONIA AMMAR, CANADA (Aged 17)
Happy 40th birthday to a beautiful human being who was taken away to soon.
CARISA, UNITED STATES (Aged 22)
Que você esteja finalmente em paz e feliz. Deus te abençoe!
Translation: You are finally at peace and happy. God bless!
GUANUMBI, BRAZIL (Aged 23)
The truth is River touched so many people through his art and by just being the soul that he was. If I had the chance to tell River anything, I think it would simply be thank you. Thank you for help me to me for whatever that's worth and thank you for being such a great teacher throughout my life. I am never alone when I feel your presence on screen.
Compassion flows throughout your body of work and it lives on in everyone you touched on and off screen. It is obvious you were here to teach us all something. For me, it was that we are all connected in a massive way.
For that, you are and always will be my brother and I love you. That is why I named my son after you. As for you, the other fans who may read this comment know that what River Phoenix really left to us all was a responsibility to treat each other like the human family we are and to be compassionate towards other living things.
That's the message he believed in, that is also the message of Sidhartha (the river of life) from which he was named. Now, It is our turn to water the seeds of compassion with love, and place that love in the hearts of others. Like he has done for us. I know he was just normal human being who screwed up in the end. But maybe, just maybe, we can take what he taught us and do better.
I didn't know River personally, but my guess is that's what he would want.
We all know he hated being idolized in the physical material world. So, if we must idolize him at all, let his soul work be our example.
Peace and love to all who come here to the River wall ~ Mel.
MELISSA, UNITED STATES (Aged 31)
LAUREN GRAHAM, UNITED KINGDOM - PHOTO 1
Happy Birthday River. I love you, and I miss you. I hope you are having a great time in Heaven. I really miss you. Happy Birthday beautiful! :( R.I.P. <3
ALISON TROWBRIDGE, UNITED STATES (Aged 19) - PHOTO 2
I wish the two of us could have shared the weight of the world. I wish our thoughts, hopes, dreams and fears could have melted together . I miss your being.
JULIE KRISTENSEN, DENMARK (Aged 29) - PHOTO 3
Wish you were still here to celebrate with us!
DIANA, THE NETHERLANDS (Aged 30) - PHOTO 4
An artistic relic and a beautiful creation. Forty years old already! I don't want to mingle on the subject of death on such an occasion, but I was born seven months after River's death, and so he's always been but a 'memory' to me, and always twenty-three: Forty is a fabulous age, but it's nice to think that River shall be forever young as a fantastic, inspiring memory; and his life has been such a strong inspiration to my own.
I can't thank him enough for being who he was and doing what he did. He deserves the best ever birthday and I think it's great that fans like us are celebrating like this and keeping him in people's minds.... 40 years - I can't believe it!
LIAM R. FINDLAY, UNITED KINGDOM (Aged 16) - PHOTO 5
I want to say that I want to be with you in changing the world to make it a better place, you are there and will always stay in my heart. Happy Birthday, good things will never end.
MABEL GREEN, CHINA (Aged 18) - PHOTO 6
River - Happy 40th Birthday! I miss you and I love you. Because of you I changed my way of life and got more carefulness of all living beings, I love hugging trees now.
So I hope your soul rest in peace forever, and have a great Birthday, however that might looks in heaven. :D Kisses, Mel ;)
MELANIE SCHMIDT, GERMANY (Aged 19) - PHOTO 7
Happy Birthday beautiful River wherever you may be!! Age is just a detail, but this day marks the day you were born, you were a special soul, charismatic and talented. I wish you had not gone, but I keep you alive with your movies, music and message. I wish I had met you, maybe someday.
So all my love and best wishes to you Riv, Stand By Me forever!! God Bless You!!!
FABIOLA G. SANTIAGO, CHILE (Aged 22) - PHOTO 8
Happy Birthday River! Another 23rd August without you... I wish you were here to celebrate it with us, but I know you're fine wherever you are, because you really deserve it. Have a wonderful day. I love you so much.
CARLA, SPAIN (Aged 18) - PHOTO 9
River, Happy birthday love. Wish you were still in here.
I cant describe how much I love you and I cant define how much I care about you. You've changed me, changed my soul. Thank you for everything. You'll never be forgotten, ever.
I'll love you forever. Happy birthday again.
NIL ENKAVI, TURKEY (Aged 18) - PHOTO 10
Happy 40th Rio! We Love and miss you. *Rest In Peace*
DEANNA, UNITED STATES (Aged 14)
I remember the first time I saw you. The first scene of My Own Private Idaho. You appeared. I was just amazed by you. I couldn't understand how someone could be this beautiful. That moment, my life changed. I also remember searching you up on the internet after the movie finished and I learned that you were not in this world anymore.
It was such a big disappointment for me because I hadn't felt this way about someone ever. It was not because of your looks, at first it was but that started to change as I was watching My Own Private Idaho. I fell in love with your acting abilities as well. I couldn't stop thinking about you. I bought all your movies, listened to every song you made, looked at all your pictures. I cried for hours. Sometimes I even talked with you.
I tried to change my lifestyle, you opened up my eyes to so many things. You made me realize that we can do something to change this world. You were only one person and you inspired so many people and you affected them all in a good way.
You were so kind, gentle. It hurts a lot to think that somebody like you had been taken away from this world. You had so much love to give, so many things to do. You made a difference.
Every day I try to be worthy of you. Sometimes I feel like you are next to me. I feel your presence. You made my life better, I cannot thank you enough for that.
You are very special to me. I'm just glad that someone like you ever existed. And I also know that there won't be anyone like you. I cannot compare you to anyone. You were unique in every way. I just wish that there is an afterworld so I can be with you there or just talk with you. Seeing you would be enough also.
Happy birthday River. You will always be my favourite person. I love you.
IRMAK BUYUKUTKU, ANKARA, TURKEY (Aged 19)
Happy Birthday River Phoenix, I wish you were here with us today, you had so much to live for. I'll never forget you, and thank you for being who you are even till today. Through you I have learned about the world, environment, vegetarianism, which I have given a try and I'll tell you, I have never felt better.
Thank you River, may you rest in peace and I hope we meet one of these days.
SONIA AMMAR, CANADA (Aged 17)
Happy 40th birthday to a beautiful human being who was taken away to soon.
CARISA, UNITED STATES (Aged 22)
Que você esteja finalmente em paz e feliz. Deus te abençoe!
Translation: You are finally at peace and happy. God bless!
GUANUMBI, BRAZIL (Aged 23)
The truth is River touched so many people through his art and by just being the soul that he was. If I had the chance to tell River anything, I think it would simply be thank you. Thank you for help me to me for whatever that's worth and thank you for being such a great teacher throughout my life. I am never alone when I feel your presence on screen.
Compassion flows throughout your body of work and it lives on in everyone you touched on and off screen. It is obvious you were here to teach us all something. For me, it was that we are all connected in a massive way.
For that, you are and always will be my brother and I love you. That is why I named my son after you. As for you, the other fans who may read this comment know that what River Phoenix really left to us all was a responsibility to treat each other like the human family we are and to be compassionate towards other living things.
That's the message he believed in, that is also the message of Sidhartha (the river of life) from which he was named. Now, It is our turn to water the seeds of compassion with love, and place that love in the hearts of others. Like he has done for us. I know he was just normal human being who screwed up in the end. But maybe, just maybe, we can take what he taught us and do better.
I didn't know River personally, but my guess is that's what he would want.
We all know he hated being idolized in the physical material world. So, if we must idolize him at all, let his soul work be our example.
Peace and love to all who come here to the River wall ~ Mel.
MELISSA, UNITED STATES (Aged 31)
MESSAGES FOR RIVER
If you would like to add a message to this page, use the contact form or email me @ arcrpwebmistress@aol.com
THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KOI
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens - Gainesville, Florida
Kanapaha Botanical Gardens is a facility of 62 acres maintained and operated by the North Florida Botanical Society, a private nonprofit educational organisation. Located in River's home town of Gainesville, Florida, the gardens include a self-guided walking tour that takes visitors to rock and humingbird gardens, through a medicinal herb garden and a Florida sinkhole.
Joe Saccocci, a Gainesville musician and friend of River's is the head gardener there. The year after River died, Joe received permission from the Board of Directors to build a wooden bridge in his honour. The bridge, which is situated in the arboretum was called "The Bridge On The River Koi" and it has a plaque that read's - "Built In Loving Memory Of River Phoenix By Joe Saccocci." (photo below)
The wooden bridge lasted about five years before it had to be replaced with a metal one.
Joe Saccocci, a Gainesville musician and friend of River's is the head gardener there. The year after River died, Joe received permission from the Board of Directors to build a wooden bridge in his honour. The bridge, which is situated in the arboretum was called "The Bridge On The River Koi" and it has a plaque that read's - "Built In Loving Memory Of River Phoenix By Joe Saccocci." (photo below)
The wooden bridge lasted about five years before it had to be replaced with a metal one.
THE RIVER PHOENIX MEMORIAL GARDEN
The Methodist Hospital - Arcadia, California
Iris Burton - 4 September 1930 - 5 April 2008
Iris Burton was an agent and was well known for discovering River and his siblings. She worked with River throughout his career.
Iris Burton was an agent and was well known for discovering River and his siblings. She worked with River throughout his career.
Not much is known about this, but what we do know is:
It is situated at the Methodist Hospital in Arcadia, California in a small park area next to the hospital tower, and it's
called The River Phoenix Memorial Garden. Also, that there was a private dedication ceremony held after it was put there.
If anyone has any additional information - please let me know via the contact form, or email me @ arcrpwebmistress@aol.com
It is situated at the Methodist Hospital in Arcadia, California in a small park area next to the hospital tower, and it's
called The River Phoenix Memorial Garden. Also, that there was a private dedication ceremony held after it was put there.
If anyone has any additional information - please let me know via the contact form, or email me @ arcrpwebmistress@aol.com
New April 2021 - I've just found this on YouTube. Many thanks to Steve @ Memory Lane Trips With Steve
