Tony Slydini Protege Bill Wisch Tribute at Slydini Dinner 11/9/1998

Today, January 15, 2024 marks the 33rd anniversary of the passing of my friend, teacher and mentor Tony Slydini. I have made it a tradition each year to write a small tribute to him on this day. It always seemed like a very small “thank you” that I could give to him. This year, I thought I would use a video instead and also relay some little known Slydini history.
Very few people know that on November 9, 1998, a dinner meeting was convened between some of Slydini’s students. Attendees of this dinner included: Bill Wisch (Slydini’s only officially sponsored and authorized protege), Artie Miller (Slydini’s Final Student), Gene Matsuura, Palmer Tilden (deceased), Mark Mitton, Meir Yedid, Bill Brunelle, Steve Forster (deceased), Sol Stone (deceased), Paul Rappaport, John Woolley, Bob Yorburg, and Carlo Marucci (Slydini’s Nephew).
During the dinner each student in attendance was asked to speak a bit about what Tony meant to them individually. I brought along my handheld VHS camcorder and taped everyone as they went around the table. The entire tape runs 1hour and 25 minutes long. After the dinner, I sent out a copy of this video to everyone that was in attendance (VHS format) and it has since never been released. I am not sure if I will ever release the entire video, but there are quite a few wonderful stories told by his students during the dinner.
I’ve included video here of a pan of the table showing the attendees and Palmer Tilden asking everyone to speak clearly as the event was being recorded for posterity as they were "compiling some history." Next, I have included my tribute at the dinner. Take note also of what my good friend Artie Miller interjected. “I just want to let everyone know that Bill is the only one that Slydini recommended to lecture his work,” Artie elaborated. Thank you, Artie for mentioning that during my tribute.
As each year goes by, I am reminded that Slydini left us over 3 decades ago. The fact that Slydini’s principles, techniques and spirit are so lauded today in our magic community speaks volumes about how incredibly special he truly was.
Long live Slydini and long live his magic. RIP, my friend.

[@Skeletor611]

Thanks! More please…

[@johnhenderson1671]

Love hearing important history recounted by those who were there! Bill, thanks for sharing and keeping the memory of Slydini alive and well! 💌