Rest In Peace My Friend

February 2007

I remember the first time I met Erik...

It was opening night of Club Fetish at the Masquerade,  Feb 1993.  No one had even opened a fetish dance club in Atlanta prior to this. I was apprehensive.  I recall a phone conversation with someone who asked me "to be careful tonight, you know we are still in the bible belt".  The Masquerade night club was putting a lot of trust in me to get this new concept off of the ground.  

The crowds were gathering at the door, but first in line was what was to be called Erik Hayes and his Black Cloud.  The Original - Mon Cherie's Club Fetish catered to every one.  As host I never wanted a patron to feel like an outcast.  Mainly, because I knew that if one was coming out in his sexuality he didn't want to feel ridiculed. So yes, Club Fetish was for everyone.  And in the early days you would see peer groups separate themselves from each other. And always always - Erik Hayes and the Men from the eagle were the first to arrive. They moved about the room or dance floor in one big black leather swarm.

Erik reached out to me first.  I was invited (yes invited!) to come to the Eagle and meet the rest of the guys. 

Erik became a closer and closer friend over the next several years.  He came to spin for me at the Chamber.  He introduced me to Atlanta's Leather Community,

He gave me my first Leather title - Ms. Southeast Leather which was the predecessor to me winning the international title of the American Leather Woman.

We hung out at each others homes as well as supported each other when either had a show to do. We laughed - Oh how Erik can laugh.

When the road got rough, Erik would carry me.  I will miss my special friend.  I will always love you.

Prayers be with you my angel,

Mon Cherie