Renaissance man and legendary South Philly punk Mikey Wild (born Michael DeLuca) passed away yesterday morning after battling lung cancer for years. The former frontman of the Magic Lanterns and the Hard Ons spent his final days in hospice care at Penn Medicine fittingly on South Street, where he was anointed the “Mayor of” by Philly’s Alan Mann who presented him with a sash and crown back in the day at JC Dobbs. Mikey had opened for greats in the 70s like Lou Reed and GG Allin (who he shockingly upstaged by exposing himself while performing his punk classic "Chicks With Dicks"). In his later years, he became better known for his magic-marker artwork. He was obsessed with Vincent Price, and happily performed dual roles as Price and his twin brother Brandon in the short film Paying the Price. Mikey was also the subject of the documentary I Was Punk Rock Before You Were, which was filmed by Magic Lantern bandmates Ed Wilcox and Dave Kuffa and can be viewed HERE. There will be a celebration of his music and art held at Pageant: Soloveev Gallery (617 Bainbridge St.) on June 18 so come out and join in what we are sure to be unforgettable memories. Also please check out and share some of yours on Mikey Wild Mural on South Street Facebook page. We hope that it’ll bring a little warmth to your heart and a smile on your face. We know that he’s in heaven right now playing guitar and singing with his favorites “John Lennon, Allen, Jimi, Janis”. We sincerely wish Mikey’s family and friends all the best in this difficult time. – The Deli Staff