Matthew Mckallips, affectionately referred to as “Marty” by all his closet friends; will always be a person who is impossible to forget. Truly larger than life, Marty had a knack for cooking Michelin star meals and a zest for living that can only be rivaled by his favorite band, “Slayer”…..I mean Phish. As sick at the guitar as he was with a witty joke or a helpful piece of advice. Marty will forever be remembered and still constantly sought after for approval at the back of East Coast lawns during epic shows. Affirming the tastiest instrument licks & grooves that happen to transpire, letting us all know, “ya man that hot”………the best are never forgotten.
Love You Forever Marty,
All your Phriends
–Written by Bertie
Marty spoke with freedom and from a light heart, always had something to say you could bring with you to grow and always had a good joke. He taught me to be more forgiving with myself and towards others by his actions, words, and way of being. He taught me there is no limit to how much you can express and even when he was critical it was because he knew there could be growth. Marty wanted to see us all at our best, even the people he didn’t know. If somebody needed help and Marty noticed, Marty would be the first one there because it never even crossed his mind whether he should or shouldn’t help. It wasn’t a question to him. It was as though he never thought twice, I like to think he acted like that because he had love for all of humanity and thinking twice would only limit him. Because of Marty I strive to live authentically, to let the words flow from my lips uninhibited by the socially constructed stones in the rivers of the mind, and to take action with certainty in times of trouble. Marty welcomed me with open arms and I will always hold him in reverence and bolster within myself what he taught me in the short time that I knew him. You will always be alive in our hearts Marty ❤️
-Written by Dan Kermidas
As we celebrate the 4th, I can’t think of any one more American than Matt “Marty” McKalips, so I am remembering him today. I have tried to post this many times since our friend passed, but the words never seemed right, but here goes. Marty might be the most unique person l’ve ever met. His knowledge and interests spanned genres, cultures, and decades. From all types of music (300+ Phish shows plus hundreds other shows/festivals, Pantera, Pearl Jam, Shania Twain, rap, classic country, Britney, and everything in between), to being a master chef, incredible guitarist, collecting and selling vintage toys and records, golf, pickle making, Tour and Lot Legend, to being able to speak intelligently about world history and current events, a true Great American PA Redneck, and a million other things that I’m forgetting. But what l’Il remember most is that incredible Marty smile, laugh, and hug. Marty had this calmness and joy that made it so easy to be around him. From the very first time I met him in the Star Lake parking lot before a 2009 Phish show, Marty always made me feel at ease. 14 years and many Phish shows later, that would also be the last place I saw him….at his favorite place with his favorite people…a Phish show. Rest easy my phriend…we all miss you….the shows will never be the same.
-Written by Corey
Help Keep Marty Close
The people we miss stay with us in memory, music, and the stories we keep telling. If you have a story, memory, or photo of Marty you’d like to share, we’d be honored to receive it.
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