Read this: Power Trip's Riley Gale: Hype equals unnecessary pressure
"I became friends with Riley in the most unlikely realm: Twitter," said Greg (transcribed via Blabbermouth). "I played two of his songs right here on The Five from his amazing record Nightmare Logic [released in 2017]. If you love metal, you'll dig that. And you should get it and make that album go Number One.
"The band's Twitter reaction after I played their songs? 'Cease and desist.' But Riley wanted to talk about it, so I called him up. The phone call lasted two and a half hours. We laughed at how some people think it's wrong for people who disagree to be friends. From that moment on, that's what we became: friends. Good friends. He gave me this damn shirt.
"We met in Texas at a bar with his great dad, and both came with me to my book signing, where Riley actually helped unpack my books and hand them out. It was priceless. It was a blast."
Greg continued of their relationship throughout the COVID-19 crisis: "During this pandemic, we talked often and a lot about everything under the sun. It was clear this period was hitting him pretty hard, so we helped each other out. I wish I had done more, frankly. I'm going to miss him.
"Riley Gale – rest in rock, in peace. If you wanna make a donation in his name, check out Dallas Hope Charities."