Paul Engebretson: Front Row Paul gave us all a reason to move closer to the stage

Not two weeks ago, I ran into Paul Engebretson at the Ike Reilly show at the Turf Club. Ike’s family and band gave a cheer for Paul as they ran to the stage and gave him an extended shout out mid-show. Ike was one of his favorites; he had a long line of favorites. (He made us all feel like favorites!) He was out several nights a week and traveled to different towns to see local favorites. You could always find him in the front row. That’s why the Shackelton’s dubbed him Front Row Paul in their song of the same name. What an honor! He always seemed pleased to sing along.

Front Row Paul died this week from pancreatic cancer. One of the cruelest and quickest cancers. Months from now we may be glad he didn’t suffer for long but right now, it feels too quick.

Paul was a proud dad and grandpa. He was smitten with his partner, Sheila Knight. He beamed when he spoke of any of them. When he told me he was sick, he said he was mostly sad at leaving them behind.

I got to know Paul through music. We both like to stand in front. We both like to dance. We both live in St Paul. He’d often check in with me at shows to see if I needed a ride home. Few things made me happier than running into Paul at a show. Sometimes, I’d see his livestream and head out to the show because I knew I had a friend there.

As we talked, we realized our politics aligned. I remember seeing him at a rally for the nurses, supporting union rights and his amazing partner, Sheila. Soon after the 2024 election, he asked if I wanted to help with a Minnesota Music Resistance group to bring music to the table of civic action. It’s in its infancy but it’s just one lasting way that Paul will make us better and lift us up as we work toward better things for tomorrow because as he said, he does not want his last chapter to be clouded by the current administration. (He may have used sharper language.)

Paul cohosted a fantastic music vlog called Some Kind Fun with Claire Luger, Mark Engebretson, Pete Nikolai, and Keely Lane. They chat with musicians and folks around the music scene; it’s been a great way to get to learn more about different folks. I was honored to be a guest, and I’m pleased to share a video the collection of well wishes they collected from some of Paul’s many friends a few weeks ago.

I come from a family that says “love ya” all the time. On the phone, leaving the house, even when we’re annoyed. I noticed that Paul started doing that a few weeks ago. I’m going to try carrying that on – saying “love ya” to the people that fill my heart with friendship and support. Not just the inner circle but the people who make my life better when I see them, share a laugh or a dance. The people who bring the light even in the dark days of shady politics and losing awesome people.

Love ya, Paul!