"Well there is nothing to replace one don much less two vibrant, energetic children who lived life to the fullest during their way to short lives. It in d most interesting that they both appeared quite and shy during or short visits many years ago. Brian Burns just made us aware of Stefan?s passing this week. Love to you both."
In loving memory of
Stefan Bennett Pruett
March 8, 1985 - June 14, 2020
Stefan Bennett Pruett, (a.k.a. The Guidance) 35, of Los Angeles, CA and Carefree, AZ, passed away on June 14, 2020. He was born in Evanston, IL, on March 8, 1985, son of Paula (Squeteri) Pruett and Steven J. Pruett. He was preceded in death by his brother Alex Pruett in 2007, Grandfather Luigi Squeteri, Grandparents Pansy and Pat Pruett, and Aunt Sandra and Uncle Mike Gewerth. Stefan is greatly loved by his Aunt Louisa Alten and husband Mike Jones, his Grandmother Vera Squeteri, his Uncle Ron Pruett and wife Lisa, and cousins Christin Whitt, Angie Pruett, Brandt Pruett, his girlfriend Jessica Biatte and his Aunt Ann Ellis and so many other family and friends. Stefan graduated from Cactus Shadows High School in Cave Creek, AZ and attended Scottsdale Community College, studying the business of music. He started playing bass guitar at age 14 and took 13 years of vocal lessons from Anita Bakey of Fountain Hills, AZ. At age 15, Stefan, using his music business interests, started a band promotion company called Caustic Summer Productions. He booked bands in local venues in the Phoenix area throughout high school. Stefan formed and performed in several bands as guitarist and lead singer. He created "Peachcake" in 2003 with Johnny O'Keefe, whom he knew since fourth grade. "Peachcake," an electronic pop band, toured in the U.S. and Canada and released many songs. Stefan wrote and collaborated on most of the music they performed. In 2009, Stefan created a television show called "Planet Awesome" that aired in multiple markets. Moving to Los Angeles in 2013, he released music under his own name including the song, "Carefree," which was written about his brother Alex. In 2016, touring with "Crystal Castles," "The Guidance" was created. As "The Guidance," Stefan performed and toured the United States, Canada and Europe, opening for "MXMS" and "She Wants Revenge" as well as a host of other bands. In 2019, he signed with Tommie Sunshine of Brooklyn Fire, a dance label, and released "She Likes the Dance Music," which has been streamed worldwide. In 2020, Stefan just signed with Handwritten Records. Stefan put on vibrant, energetic shows and never met a stranger. He was born with a congenital heart condition, and he often wrote songs from the heart like "Next Time" and "Hearts Can't Lie." His songwriting frequently focused on relevant social issues and causes about which he was passionate. His fans and friends often referred to his joy in his performances and his authenticity in his life. Stefan's favorite things included anything to do with music, in particular new music and new genres of music, basketball, hot sauce, pasta, vegan cheese, beenie hats and costumes. From his Italian family roots, he became a real foodie. In lieu of flowers, for those who would like to make a contribution, the family has chosen the following important causes on behalf of Stefan Pruett:
American Heart Association: https://www.heart.org/
Lurie's Children's Hospital in Chicago: At Lurie Children's, a top-ranked children's hospital, we put children and their families at the center of all we do -- from before birth, through childhood and adolescence, and beyond. Because we're passionate about helping children become happy, healthy adults. https://www.luriechildrens.org/en/ways-to-help/
Musicares: MusiCares provides a safety net of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares' services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies, and each case is treated with integrity and confidentiality. MusiCares also focuses the resources and attention of the music industry on human service issues that directly influence the health and welfare of the music community. https://www.grammy.com/musicares
Covenant House: Covenant House provides housing and supportive services to youth facing homelessness. We help young people transform their lives and put them on a path to independence. https://www.covenanthouse.org/
Memorial of his life to be announced.
Tributes
"Well there is nothing to replace one don much less two vibrant, energetic children who lived life to the fullest during their way to short lives. It in d most interesting that they both appeared quite and shy during or short visits many years ago. Brian Burns just made us aware of Stefan?s passing this week. Love to you both."
"I learned about peachcake and met Stefan when I was still in high school. I saw him perform at warp tour. I remember thinking at the time that it was so different from everything else at the festival, and it different from everything else that I had ever heard. Years later, after I moved back from living in LA, I reached out to him on a whim. Without hesitation, he was very receptive. He and I became close friends. In that time he would, without any prompting, reach out to me to ask how I was doing. Some of the deepest, most profound conversations I've ever had were with Stefan. He helped me through some very dark times. He challenged me as well during those times. I feel as though he saw something in me that I didn't believe personally. I am a better person because of the interaction that I've had with him. He was a very genuine and sincere soul. I love you Stefan... And I miss you"
"I love your beautiful Stefan. He exudes love, kindness and positivity. An incredible and talented creation...Gods masterpiece at its finest. Jessica and Stefan referred to each other as their ?person? and were the love of their lives. Just like his song...I am perfect, I am kind...may he Rest In Peace. He will live on in us and through us...let?s all remember his childlike ways and zest for life. He?s one thought away forever. We can all learn by his example of loving life. His legacy will live on for eternity...
I love you Stefan Pruett ?????"
"Stefan lived more in his 35 years than many do in 70 years! Our heartfelt sympathies to his family, friends, and fans of his music. Godspeed!"
"My deepest sympathy to you Paula, Steven, Louisa, Vera, Mike and all of your family, friends & fans. I feel So blessed that I met you on the phone for the first time Stefan on June 4. Then I got to not only meet you in Person but attend & celebrate your performance in Washington DC. & then I spoke to you again on Thanksgiving 2019. Stefan.... you were a kind, loving soul, phenomenal singer, songwriter & magnetic performer.The night I saw you truly was magical.,Paula & Steven.... you are amazing parents & friends. What a gift you gave Stefan & Alex.... to live their dreams. I knew Stefan was going to hit it big. As You said Paula ? He did... he went to heaven.? His music & singing is heavenly. There was never a conversation that We didn?t talk about Stefan. I wish I could do something to Help you. Mega prayers continue. Thank you for watching over us Stefan & Alex. I love you all!!!"
"Paula and Steven, It's very clear the incredible impact Stefan had on the world. Please know you both are in our thoughts during this difficult time. With Love, Kori and Staff of Kori Moeller Insurance Agency. "
"Paula and Steven, I have been reading the beautiful tributes to Stefan from his friends and family. I didn't know him, but I wish I did. He was a wonderful person. You were blessed with 2 beautiful sons, but they were taken away much too soon. So sorry for this terrible loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you always. Love, Rosane & Rich"
"Dear Stefan, I wish I had known you, wish I had met you. I only spoke to you for a few moments several weeks ago when you were on the phone with Jess. Your tributes paint a beautifulpicture of a wonderful person - - I only hope you knew how you touched so many people. I know you stole the heart of my niece. Jess has told me so much about your relationship and that you were her center and I'm guessing she was your center too. She loves you so much and is going to have a long road ahead. Please watch over her and let her know you will always be with her, just as she will always be with you. Love is that way. Rock the heavens. Love, Aunt Chris"
"In 2007 I was getting ready to go to a concert in Seattle, Washington. Before heading out to the show, I looked at the opening acts and tried to listen to them to see if I was interested in any of the bands. One of the opening acts was "Peachcake" and once I found them on MySpace I saw they were from Cave Creek! I realized "oh, I know these guys, what a small world". When I got to the show I saw Stefan and we caught up. I remember how warm and welcoming Stefan was, even for someone who he hadn't seen in maybe 15+ years. We talked about life and music and I ended up attending a few more shows of theirs. Stefan even let me do audio recording of one of the concerts and let me listen to some demos from their first full length album they were working on. He always wanted to share his joy and love with everyone around them. I listened to that show I recorded again last night, while looking at some photos I had taken, and even in sorrow, I couldn't help but be drawn in Stefan's infectious energy and warmth. He was a wonderful soul and will be missed. The world is a little less bright without him. Rest in peace, Stefan."
"As a fan and friend I will cherish the moments we had together I just found out yesterday that he passed I will remember the band coming to San Diego and how much I enjoyed having the time of my life and that he will be in my heart and memories as well I will miss him in my life and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family in this time "
"He was a true friend to me for the last 8 years. Beyond kind and loving. I will hold my memories and conversations close to my heart. He gave me something I was missing in my life. You are in my heart always, my friend. "
"I saw The Guidance during the tour with MXMS and She Wants Revenge. I was impressed with his talent and his infectious enthusiasm during his performance. I spoke with him for a while after the show and bought one of his pink "What have you been listening to lately" hoodies. The only XL he had left was the one he was wearing which he took off for me. I will remember him fondly even though I only met him that one night. The world is less without him."
"I feared that this day would come as a fan and a friend. Thank you for performing so many shows that I?ll never forget. And thank you for letting my friend and I join you for breakfast at Denny?s during Coachella. I will forever play your music for the world to hear. Thank you thank you thank you with all the love that I could give for my heart. Thank you. "
"I saw you perform with Peach Cake opening for the Meat Puppets on New Year?s Eve as while back. After your performance I went outside to smoke a cigarette and ran into you while talking to the bassist. I mentioned how your energetic performance and on stage persona were reminiscent of the late Andrew Wood of Mother Love Bone and you told me that I wasn?t the first one to say that. You were a genuine guy and made some great music. Miss ya man. "
"Remembering the life of Stefan Pruett. The tragedy of passing at such a young age will always be an indelible stain on his family, friends, and all those who knew and loved Stephan. In celebrating Stephan?s life, he was blessed by parents, Steve and Paula, who nourished him with love and unconditional acceptance. As a consequence, Stephan was able to pursue and fulfill his dreams as a well-rounded talented, inspirational artist. Steve and Paula, and the entire close-knit family always supported and encouraged Stephan to excel in his musical and artistical quest. The Baer family extends our prayers to Stephan, Steve and Paula and family, including all the others who were blessed to be touched by Stephan?s generosity, kindness, and exceptional talents. "
"I only just learned of this amazing artist in today's paper, 6-21-2020. i have been listening to his music and interviews for hours! I wish I could have known him. The great thing about all art is that the person who created it lives on in it. My condolences to the family. Stefan was an amazing, brave, inspiring soul! Thank you for sharing your light! -Kevin Bertoni "