Guitar tech and stage manager Brian Farmer, known to Gov’t Mule friends and fans alike as “Farmer,” passed away in his home near Nashville on Sunday. He was 53. Prior to joining lookalike Warren Haynes’ operations, Farmer worked with Johnny Cash until Cash stopped touring.

Dedicated, and with an uncanny eye—and ear—for detail, Farmer’s knowledge of guitars was legendary. To those of us on the sidelines, his patience seemed endless, his kindness enormous, and his cool unflappable. He will be missed.