The steelband fraternity has lost a stalwart. Rudy Commissiong, who led the Esso Steel Band for 35 years , died in January at the age of 94. Under his leadership, the band produced eight albums and was a fixture in Bermuda for many decades. Commissiong began playing at 17 under the tutelage of  TASPO member the late Ormond “Patsy Haynes.” The Royal Gazette of Bermuda has kindly permitted PanTalk to run its obit of February 5.