Worcester Music Legend Steve Going Dies at 66

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester music legend Steve "Wilbur" Going passed away on Monday, May 13 from complications of a previous open heart surgery. He was 66-years-old. Going was a rock 'n' roll legend in the Worcester music scene and best known for his talent as Wilbur in the group he formed, Wilbur and the Dukes.

Going formed Wilbur and the Dukes in 1985 with guitarist Doug Moore and drummer Craig MacIntyre. Going had previously toured with Bo Diddley and played locally with the Bobby Mason Band and High Street.

Going left the band in 1991 to focus on another band, Big Dawg but also served as a judge or the $1,000 Singer-Songwriter Competition at Padavano’s Place. As a judge and staple in Worcester's music community, Going became a mentor for many local musicians.

In 2008, Going was in a near fatal motorcycle accident that could've shut him away from music forever, but he persevered. In 2015 he started performing at Halligan’s Bar in Auburn with Wilbur & the Dukes and Band of Brothers.

Social media burst with condolences and residents reminiscing on the smiles Going brought to them. "Thank you for being a bright light in a dark room," one post reads, "Thanks for the fun times we had playing and for your ears to listen when I really needed a voice to hear," another reads.

Calling hours are set for 4-7 p.m. May 18 at Miles-Sterling Funeral Home and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road, Sterling. No service date has been announced.