Alice Brock, the owner of the restaurant featured in Arlo Guthrie's classic antiwar song "Alice's Restaurant," passed away at the age of 83 from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Her eatery, the Back Room, became intertwined with cultural memory, particularly during Thanksgiving when the song is traditionally played. Guthrie's humorous recounting of a Thanksgiving dinner visit has made the song a nostalgic fixture on classic-rock radio every November.
Viki Merrick, Brock's caregiver, shared that she passed away in a hospice, just a week before Thanksgiving. The timing of her death resonates deeply with the themes of the song, which is annually cherished for its humorous yet poignant storytelling about a Thanksgiving experience gone awry.
Since its release in 1967, 'Alice's Restaurant Massacree' has captured the spirit of antiwar sentiment and has been primarily remembered for its unique storytelling and situational comedy, marking an iconic moment in American music history.
In the song, Arlo Guthrie narrates a series of comedic events that lead to his and a friend's run-in with the law, showcasing Alice's role as a warm, nurturing character who ultimately helps bail them out amidst the chaos.
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