In memoriam: We lost Adam Morehead of The Cavalier so we’re having a block party

The lights in The Cavalier are a little dimmer. The whiskey might burn a little extra for some folks and that’s okay.

I think when a person passes, how those in their wake tell their stories is an important, but telling is way to show how much that person impacted their lives. Recently, Adam Morehead, one of the owners of The Cavalier, moved onto the next dimension and that’s one that stings. The Cavalier has served as the unofficial headquarters of The Cosmic Clash and anyone who’s snapped a photo, written a word, or had a quick meeting likely did so sitting out on the Webberville bar’s patio.

Rachelle Fox and Chadwick Leger, with Morehead, opened the spot in 2018 in the former Dog & Duck Pub space on Webberville Road in East Austin. Together, they built The Cavalier into one of the city’s quintessential late-night hangs, the kind of place where bartenders, musicians, and industry lifers end up when their own shifts are done. 

When asking around for stories about Morehead, what I got was… a lot. Sometimes there are those people like the Tim Burton movie Big Fish, where the legend outsizes the man and those left to tell his stories are in awe of the life left in their wake.

A friend of Morehead’s, Adams Kirkpatrick, once summed him up perfectly: “You can use my old joke that I told Adam way too often, and it worked on many levels. He really was a legend. Adam was a singular man.

There was a lot about Adam that most of us probably didn’t know, and plenty I’m sure I’m forgetting. What I do know is that he was a smart motherfucker who helped register countless people to vote. He also owned a company that manufactured one of the most trusted firearms used by U.S. Special Forces. When the Saudi defense department once approached him about buying a large order, Adam heard them out and then told them they could go fuck themselves. Morals over profit.

Before that, he ran a company in New York that was ahead of its time customizing cars. He loved Formula 1, lived and died with the Knicks, and had a razor-sharp, often dark sense of humor that could catch you off guard. Some of those jokes are probably best left unprinted.

The last time I saw Adam was a few weeks ago, sitting with our friends Jim and Ryan. Jim gave him one last haircut, and the moment made everyone smile.

I also worked with Adam and his team designing the landscaping at their new place, High Road. But most of our real conversations happened out on the patio at the Cav, where we shared a lot of ideas and stories.

And for what it’s worth, his chihuahua Griselda liked me.”

Phil Gardner had this to say: “Adam lived. Like actually lived — was an arms dealer, opened up multiple restaurants. The man always had something going on. I remember his early NY punk stories; I didn’t know all the bands but apparently everyone around me did. He was a good dude, a dear friend, always quick with a pun.”

I’ve heard about him being an old hardcore kid, about being the coolest, nicest dude in the room, about how he always had time for everyone and how you always had a new friend once the conversation got whipped up. I think when people struggle to find the words to celebrate someone, that speaks volumes — they’re processing the loss of an anchor in their life.

Every time I ever encountered Adam, he was lovely. We would share a quick joke or talk shop about Austin music. Exactly my speed.

Gardner put it exactly how it should be: “And probably the greatest conversationalist I ever knew. He’d talk to anyone. I’ll miss him. I have more hilarious stories but I’m not sure they’re fit to print.”

Finally, The Cavalier co-owners, Chadwick Leger and Rachelle Fox had these things to say about the man:
“Adam was a great and close friend to me and many others and he… never met a stranger. One of my favorite things I loved about Adam was his love for pups and music. We would hang out and just chat about our love for RUSH and his love for the early NY hardcore scene. I’ll miss his laughter and playful sense of humor forever.” -Chadwick

“Adam never met a stranger, and his ability to adapt to any room made him the hub of every party. His entrepreneurial acumen helped get small business off the ground, and without him Austin’s bar landscape would be vastly different. Adam’s wit and humor kept us laughing and his goofy grin will always be remembered.” -Rachelle

Editor: From my point of view, Adam Morehead was one of those modest and successful people who quietly go about their lives investing in people. People like Chadwick Leger and Rachelle Fox. People who are salt of the Earth humans just like he was. People who care more about their fellow mankind than profits. People who love their community. People who got to realize their dream, in part because a man like Adam Morehead existed.

Adams Kirkpatrick who is also a close friend of mine, told me the last time he got to visit with Morehead, Adam told him he still had things to do in his life. It’s unfair for good humans to be taken from us prematurely. And it’s unfair he’s gone before he’d gotten to check things off his list. But at least he got to leave this planet knowing he left a lasting legacy the community around The Cavalier will never forget. Never mind his laundry list of business achievements earlier in life. He was able to help folks who deserved it on his way out the door and see their success happen in real time. It’s of considerable consolation to me that he realized that opportunity. 

Adam Morehead did indeed love music. He also loved the Webberville Block Party we launched with Play to the Plants at The Cavalier and the Fading Yellow (RIP) band house next door four years ago. Who better to partner with than a former drummer (Leger), a rabid music fan (Morehead) and a gem of human (Fox)? Working with the folks who kept Webberville feeling like the real, old Austin while Instagram influencers buy tacos across the street felt right. Continuing that Sx tradition is a no-brainer. Honoring Adam Morehead’s memory with the event is just the right thing to do.

The last three years have been glorious celebrations of live music, art, plants, neighbors, music fans, service industry workers, friends, curiosity seekers and SXSW attendees. This year is dedicated to the memory of Adam Morehead. It is also a celebration of Fleet Coffee’s 10th Anniversary. There will be nine acts and two stages. SIMS Foundation will be there taking donations. They’ll be giveaways and surprises. Please join us. Click the poster below to RSVP.

See you at the Block Party where we’ll pour one out for Adam Morehead. He’d have it no other way. -Greg Ackerman

All photos courtesy of  The Cavalier

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