Woody Creek – The remains of Hunter S. Thompson have been readied for “cannonizaton” and the guest list finalized for a pyrotechnic send-off Saturday night for the gonzo journalist.
Thompson’s cremated ashes, which arrived at his Woody Creek compound this week in an armored truck, will be sent flying from a symbolic 153-foot cannon topped with a fist, fulfilling a vision that Thompson detailed in a 1978 British Broadcasting Corp. documentary and to his friends and family before his Feb. 20 suicide.
“It wasn’t his last wish, but he had been very specific over the years as to what he wanted. He wanted people to celebrate his life,” said his widow, Anita.
The iconoclastic author of the classic “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” imagined his loved ones celebrating his legacy in high style.
“He wanted to hear ice clinking in whiskey glasses. ‘No tears, no funeral’ is what he said,” Anita Thompson said. “But there will be an element of sorrow because he’s left a huge hole in our hearts. That’s why we need to be together to say a final farewell to his body. His spirit lives on in all of our hearts and in his writings, which seem to have a new sparkle to them now that his body is gone.”
Actor Johnny Depp – who portrayed Thompson in the 1998 film adaptation of “Fear and Loathing” – is funding the event, which organizers estimate will cost about $2.5 million. Luminaries from Hollywood; Washington, D.C.; and the publishing world are expected to attend.
Thompson’s ashes will be blasted out of the top of a double-thumbed clenched fist made of fiberglass perched atop 11 chrome cylinders and a giant dagger. The structure is an enormous replica of the author’s gonzo logo, which is splashed across Thompson’s books, T-shirts, hats and other memorabilia.
The structure is 2 feet taller than the Statue of Liberty and can be seen from a stretch of Colorado 82 and several houses sitting on mountainsides.
To thwart gawkers, the construction crew has draped it in blue and gray tarps. Additionally, paparazzi and fans are discouraged from trying to crash the event.
“We have taken a lot of security measures. We feel pretty confident it will be a secure event,” said Matt Moseley, spokesman for the family.
For those not on the invitation list, a free “Gonzo Blastoff” party will be held beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday at Aspen’s Belly Up nightclub.
The party will include exclusive video footage of the blast about 30 minutes after it happens, as well as readings from Thompson’s books, recollections and live music.
