Live From Bloomington original song honors Monroe County man

One week ago, IU senior David James stood on stage at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater about to perform an original song that he had written for the 25th Anniversary of Live From Bloomington.

James’ song, entitled “Firing Range,” described a fictional encounter with Bloomington resident David R. Grubb, a frequent antagonist at Monroe County city council meetings.

Though he had never met him, James became familiar with Grubb’s antics via his YouTube channel. Grubb spoke very openly about the reform of Monroe County land usage, drug use within Bloomington and the sexual orientation of public officials.

“I saw Grubb as a very real person who could be used to inform the character in my song,” James said. “When writing these lyrics, I imagined him and I as just two people within a community and a common ground.”

Much to James’ surprise, smoke inhalation resulting from a house fire took Grubb’s life Sunday night, just two days after the Live From Bloomington concert.

“I didn’t know Grubb had died until the Herald Times contacted me for an interview,” James said. “I have to admit it was pretty spooky.”

James has tried to shake off the coincidence of his song’s title and the circumstances in which Grubb died and says he was impressed with the community’s response to Grubb’s passing.

“No matter our reputation or standing in the community, we are all neighbors,” James said. “That was the real spirit of my song, and the amount of respect for Grubb has really shown through in the community.”

Though Grubb was portrayed as a man full of bigotry and hate, James’ neutrality shines through in his lyrics.

Last Friday, David James stood on the Buskirk-Chumley stage and sang the words, “I may be walking aimless searching for a sign / But I won’t put you in my bullet’s line.”
Little did he know he was offering advice to the residents of Monroe County on how to remember a man who deeply cared about the land Monroe County residents all share.