Here we are again all- edition #273 of the 311 fan spotlight! I decided I would start numbering all of them from here on out as we head towards the magical number of 311! This week let’s learn all about the story of Amy Tate!
The year was 1995, the blue album had been released and Amy just heard the song “Down” for the first time. All it took was hearing SA say the line, “We be freaky and we wanna stay” and she was hooked! “They just had this funky sound that I had never really heard before.”
First show for Amy was with her brother Eric at the Filmore in San Francisco. She is unsure of the year. Since then she has attended a total of 41 shows, including four 311 Day events, three cruises. “Each concert is always a different and amazing show.”
Of the 41 shows, Amy’s favorite so far was 311 Day in New Orleans in 2008. “They played a 64 song set and it was the best night ever, Later i found out that Chad Sexton was sick but played through like a champ. I was also honored to hang out with Abby (Pnut’s wife) for a while during the show. All the shows I go to are amazing, the friends and relationships that i have made through the 311 community has been the best, Being at a 311 concert is like going to an old friends house with great music and people. I really appreciate all the friends that i have made.”
Song that means the most to Amy is “Beautiful Disaster” and she says it’s her life song. “I’ve been a butterfly in the wind my entire life and it speaks to my heart and soul. So many more mean a lot to me. Strong all along has gotten me through some difficult times in my life reminding me who i am and what i am capable of. Sun come through has always reminded me that whatever is going on there is always something brighter coming.”
One of her favorite lines comes from the song “Prisoner:” “Trapped in a material plane, she wants to fly and they think she’s insane. But she knows what she know, give that girl wings and that’s all that she wrote.”
Amy was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, but then her mom decided it was too cold so they moved to the bay area in Florida. She has lived their most of her life in a few different places including Apollo Beach, Ruskin, Riverview and Brandon. After Amy’s mom passed away she moved out to California to be closer to her brother. She lived in the San Francisco area for 8 years and then moved down to the Los Angeles area and has been there about 4 years. “I really enjoy living in California.”
Something that people may not know about Amy is that about 6 years ago she reconnected with her first boyfriend, her first love from when she was 13. “I was a career women kind party girl, butterfly in the wind if you may. He had lost his wife to cancer leaving him with 5 kids. After connecting with him online after 3 weeks of talking on the phone i packed my stuff and moved from LA back to Tampa to be with him. Well since 5 kids weren’t enough for us I was surprised to find out that I was to have a little one myself. Mind you I was 41 when I got pregnant so yea, it was quite a surprise. We just celebrated her 2nd birthday. So I not only got to fall in love with the same person twice in a lifetime, he gave me the most precious daughter.”
Talent for Amy is that she can tie a cherry stem with her tongue! Guilty pleasure for Amy is that she is a huge “Criminal Minds” fan. “I’ve seen ever episode at least 2-3 times. I have a big crush on Shemar Moore Aka Derrick Morgan.”
Amy says she has a vast music interest. She grew up listening to Depeche Mode and 80’s hair bands. She also loves artists such as Rebelution, Dirty Heads, Badfish, Breaking Benjamin, Disturbed, Stevie B., Candlebox, and Garth Brooks.
Amy’s message to 311 is: “Thank you for giving us the music that has saved lives, made incredible friendships and makes your face melt live. You are all amazing!”
Now her words to all of her fellow 311 fans:
“Enjoy the time you have, life can be taken from you or a loved one in a second. Be more present in your life and the life of others. And of course Stay positive and love your life!”
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Great final message to everyone Amy! Thank you for being a part of this and thanks to all of the people who read each week of course. As 311 says, “This moment is a gift, that’s why it’s called the present.” Until next time, keep being awesome!
Much Love – The Runt