Eric Stevenson Remembered For Influence On and Off the Stage

A Tewksbury musical icon has passed away. Eric Stevenson died on August 9, at age 43, after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Stevenson was the drummer and songwriter for Only Living Witness, a hardcore/metal band.

Stevenson started his musical career with Formicide, a Tewksbury metal band that released several demos before splitting. He later formed Only Living Witness.

Only Living Witness produced two albums in the early 1990’s, their debut album “Prone Mortal Form,” and their sophomore release “Innocent."

The band eventually split in 1995, according to the band’s Myspace page. They reunited in 2008 briefly for three summer concerts in Massachusetts. Despite their relatively brief run, OLW influenced many Massachusetts bands that followed, including Shadows Fall and Killswitch Engage, according to an article in the Boston Phoenix by Daniel Brockman.

The fact that Stevenson grew up in Tewksbury is not lost on many fans that reside in the area. Eric Morris, a Tewksbury resident in the 1980’s, said that Stevenson’s work made him “proud” to be a native of Tewksbury.

“I grew up in Tewksbury and never really had anybody or (anything) to look up to, but then Eric and OLW came along,” he said. “It was really cool to think that these guys were just like me...They were some guys from Tewksbury and they were up on stage making something that mattered.”

Morris described Stevenson’s music as an “inspiration.” He is not the only one who feels this way.

Kevin Maher was a teenager growing up in Tewksbury in the late 1980’s. He met Stevenson on several occasions and had the chance to see the band in concert many times. Maher said that he deeply respected Stevenson, and Only Living Witness furthered his musical growth.

“The genesis and growth of Only Living Witness became inspiration for us as we started our own bands,” he said. “Not only did we look up to them for being a talented and respected band, but also as people they were great mentors to the younger guys—always encouraging and supportive.”

Over the years, Only Living Witness has left its mark on generations of listeners and hardcore fans. Maher said that he learned many life lessons from Stevenson and owes much to him.

“I feel this deep appreciation for how much he impacted my life,” said Maher.

Morris said that Stevenson’s passing has helped him to reevaluate his life.

“I want to affect people's lives in a positive way like Eric's music did,” he said. “He didn't know, but his music shaped me and made me the person I am today.”