Welcome one and all to the next edition of the 311 fan spotlight! Let’s kick off February 2019 properly and read all about Mike Maurice!
The time was the mid 1990’s and Mike’s ex-wife took him to his first 311 show, she was already a huge fan. “311’s sound & vibe was so infectious, I could just not turn back and have never stopped grooving and following them since.” He said he’s now a much bigger fan than she ever was and he doesn’t see that ending any time soon. “311 Life!”
Show count for Mike he isn’t quite sure on, but it’s somewhere above 100. His very first show was in Long Beach, California at The Long Beach Arena. He’s been to every 311 Day since 2010, as well as all of the cruises. He’s about to embark on his 6th cruise in less than a month! Mike said that by far his favorite events have been the cruises.
The song “Creatures (For A While)” is one that connects with Mike on many levels. As far as lyrics, he said there are many that he loves. However, one in particular that stands out to him is, “Emotions are elastic, they stretch out and back. Sometimes, they just snap.”
It was the Lakewood/Long Beach area of California that Mike grew up in. He lived in a middle income home that his almost 91 year old father still lives in. He was fortunate enough to go to school with Snoop Dogg and Bradley Nowell, way before they became famous. “I attended many backyard kegger parties as Sublime jammed…nobody had any idea how epic they would become! We just wanted to party and enjoy the music!”
After school, Mike went through the pipe fitters apprenticeship and he is now a construction project manager for an energy company. “I get to travel around a lot with a lot of flexibility. Love my job!” Aside from working, Mike was blessed with four children-a 25 year old daughter, a 14 year old daughter, and twin sons that are 13. He said they all LOVE 311!
Mike loves to travel. He has a second home on the Colorado River, south of Las Vegas. He also loves to go to concerts for various types of music. He’s a big hockey and football fan, loves the Rams and the Kings. He also enjoys boating and off-roading. “My river house is by far my happy place. Everybody that knows me, knows this!” Guilty pleasure for Mike is the movie The Sound of Music. “It’s the only movie I can watch time & time again.”
311 is by far Mike’s favorite band and he has one arm that is sleeved with all 311 ink. Some other artists Mike enjoys include The Dirty Heads, Rebelution, Stick Figure, and Iration. He said in high school he jammed out to The Who.
Mike’s message to 311 is this: “You have brought so, so, so much joy/emotions/good times/incredible & amazing people into my life! You have no idea! To this day they are my real/true friends! They get me!”
Now his message to all fellow fans:
“I just want to say that I’ve been blessed in my life to do many things, go to many places and have many experiences but have never met so many positive and amazing people in so many places as I have since following 311. It’s more than a clique, it’s a Familia! Time of my life! Long time friends! Never too old to stay positive & love your life.”
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Well friends, now you know the story of Mike Maurice! Thanks for sharing Mike and much gratitude to all continuing to read each week. Love all of your beautiful souls!
Much Love – The Runt