I call this “Four Friends,” which is wholly inadequate. The people in the photo are myself, Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger and Larry Hass. It was taken just over a year ago, and as you can tell from our expressions, we were a happy little family. About 3 weeks ago, Eugene passed away.
Eugene, Jeff and I started The McBride Magic & Mystery School over 26 years ago. Together, we’ve seen it grow and develop from a once-a-year experiential retreat for magicians who wanted to explore what it might be like to have a “real” magical experience – into a school called by the BBC “the most prestigious magic school in the world,” with over a dozen, mostly sold out, classes and events every year. We have Eugene’s vision and guidance to thank for whatever success the school has achieved.
Eugene’s philosophical thought and teachings have influenced a whole generation of magicians and helped make magical performance a more entertaining and meaningful experience for magicians and audiences alike. His many books and videos are more than just teaching tools – they are inspirational. His life was even more so, with its clear dedication to his own unique vision, and his insistence on living the life he chose… not someone else’s vision of what it ought to have been.
We’re now preparing for our fall Master Class session – the first without Eugene. It will be strange for all of us, I’m sure. How to make sure classes continue at the same high level? How to maintain the clear vision of which Eugene’s vision and advice was always such a strong part? The same goes for the upcoming Magic & Meaning Conference, where we’ve been looking forward to Eugene’s help in creating a special “Return to the Mysteries” set of experiences such as the ones which inspired our first Mystery School retreats.
Well… if you’ve been a longtime fan of Eugene Burger, if you’ve been inspired by his magic and his magical life, perhaps you’ll consider joining us for one of these events. I hope you will. While Eugene’s legacy is in no danger, the more of us helping to spread and build upon the great work he began, the better for the world of magic and magicians.
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