I work “in the music industry”. I’m an account rep at the oldest and most well-established musical instrument manufacturer in North America. My boss has been in the industry for years and commands a lot of respect in manufacturing circles, drives a nice car, and plays free jazz guitar better then anyone I’ve ever seen. He’s the VP of (again) the oldest instrument manufacturer in the States.
The other day I overheard him talking about sitting in the VIP section of a concert for hours, waiting just to get a picture or autograph from “an artist he loves”. Ultimately, he waited for nothing because the artist was tired or whatever and never came out. So, here’s this grown man with all this clout and money, just wanting a brief moment of social interaction with a musician he respects, and ultimately being denied.
Overhearing this puts mt choice to participate in the convoluted and oft misrepresented hardcore scene in perspective. Yesterday, a band blew my mind and I was so stoked to buy their record and wear their shirt. I didn’t have to wait to talk to them. I’ve seen some of them cry, I’ve hugged them, I’ve had deep and personal conversations with them about life and faith and death. I’ve swam in pools with them and driven distances with them.
Even bands on the next level, who’s logos I’ve had tattooed on me and who’s members I don’t know personally, have stood and talked to me, taken pictures on their cell phones of my tattoo memorializing their band, and then remembered me the next time they came through after touring the world.
I feel so lucky sometimes to have found this path for my life. I feel so honored not to wait in VIP rooms for no-shows.
