Hello again excitables! Welcome back, it’s time for a new fan spotlight! Let me introduce you to Mr. Darien Saiidifar!
The young age of 5 is when Darien first heard 311. His brother was 12 at the time and he remembers his mother taking them to Best Buy to pick up the album Soundsystem the day it was released.
First time seeing 311 live was at the University of Lockhaven on March 24, 2002. He was only 8 years old at the time! Since then he has been to 10 shows total. Favorite so far was on July 28, 2012. “I had just graduated from high school and as a gift my mom and I split the VIP Platinum ticket cost, and I finally got to meet 311 after 13 years of growing up with their music. My life changed forever that day.”
Trying to pick a favorite song for Darien proved difficult as it does for most, he said it’s nearly impossible. If forced to pick just one he would choose “I Told Myself.” “Reason being I have lots of summer memories riding in the car with it playing.” Quote from a song that is a favorite is, “If there’s a shadow in your life, then there’s sunshine.”
Darien was born in Houston, Texas but only lived there for about 5 months. He then moved to northern Virginia and has lived there ever since. Darien just turned 23 and has only had one job so far, which is working at the grocery store Wegmans. He is working there until he completes his college degree from George Mason University.
It was thanks to 311 that Darien decided to pick up a musical instrument. It was their influence that encouraged him to play drums, guitar, and also some bass. “I absolutely could not be musically inclined if they never came along. I play in 2 bands, one original band (which still needs a name) and a Sublime cover band called Garden Grove, and I play drums in both of them. My ultimate dream is to become a touring musician.” Darien said in case the touring thing doesn’t happen, he is getting his undergrad degree in Tourism and Events Management, preferably to work in a music related job following graduation. He also mentioned that he loves to play gigs with his band and loves his cat Velcro!
Interesting fact about Darien? He is absolutely disgusted by pineapples on a pizza. Talent comes in musical form. “Somehow I’ve been blessed with the ability to play drums and guitar. I don’t know how, but I wouldn’t change a thing about it!” Guilty pleasure he said is that he watches Spongebob Squarepants on a regular basis. When not listening to 311 he can be found listening to Ballyhoo!, System of a Down, Twenty One Pilots, or Sublime.
Darien’s message to 311 is: “I would not be living the life I had imagined if you guys never came along and I can’t thank you enough for helping me pick up music and for spreading positivity.”
His message to all the other fans:
“It’s a pleasure to feel like a family in this fan base, and I’m proud to be part of it.”
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That’s Darien’s story my friends! Thanks to him for sharing his tale of his love for 311. Such a great family of fans we have thanks to this amazing band! Thanks for reading, see you all next week!
Much love – The Runt