Alright here we go, welcome back my friends in 311 nation to the fan spotlight! Here we are at number 300 – I’m so thankful to have been able to interview so many wonderful souls! Let’s get to it shall we? Meet Rick Louis!
Like many, Rick saw the video for “Down” on MTV and that’s how he first heard of 311. However, it was the album “Transistor” that really made him a fan.
For show count, Rick has attended 27, with his first show being at the TLA in Philadelphia, November 10, 1999. “I won tickets from the ticket fairy (ticket raid from Y100 and the fairy was Casey Boy. Yes he was wearing a pink tutu with wings and a wand) at the old Langhorne ski shop. I also won the top raffle prize from the store, which was a snowboard. I still have it in my closet. Never used.”
As far as favorite show, Rick said it’s a toss up between his first show and his sons first show back in 2017 at Asbury Park, New Jersey. “He was just 3.5 years old at the time.”
Favorite song for Rick, well there are a couple for different reasons. “Tranquility” is one of them, because the song was released almost a year after his father died from cancer. ” I had missed the 2013 Philly show (was also the first show missed dating back to 1999 and was on my birthday). That song helped me heal, but hearing live for the first time and my first show back in 2014 really hit me. I’m not an overly emotional guy, but I was crying during the song.”
The other song he loves is “Creatures (For A While).” When his oldest son was still in the womb, he played that track for him holding headphones over his wife’s belly. “He started moving around in there as if he were going crazy :). The idea of passing the 311 torch to him had me smiling. I couldn’t wait to take him to his first show.” For favorite lyrics, Rick said that pretty much the entire song of “Peaceful Revolution” speak to him. “I’ve always loved this track (my unicorn to hear live one day). Released in 1990, those lyrics still hold true today. “
Rick was born and raised in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, which is a suburb of Philadelphia. He also lived in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, but now calls Mercer County, New Jersey, his home. “Happily married for 11 years with 2 amazing boys (7 y/o and 18 months). I was working in the tech sector for almost 20 years, but due to a layoff and then covid, I’m currently unemployed.”
Growing up Rick was exposed to a variety of music thanks to his dad, aunt, and uncle. “Some of my fondest memories was going with my dad to the tower records once a month to pick up vinyl’s and these new things (at the time) called cd’s. My dad had a system in his old car and we’d just blast music on the way home . We could go from Springsteen to NWA, to The Clash and Yanni in one trip lol. I remember having my mind blown when I first heard NWA and Public Enemy.” Thanks to his diverse musical upbringing, Rick loves a variety of musicians besides 311, including RDGLDGRN, Oxymorrons, Foo Fighters, Nirvana, Bad Religion, Pennywise, Pulley, Bad Brains, Minor Threat, Rancid, 2 Skinnee J’s, Zebrahead, The Urge, Springsteen, Hendrix, and The Doors.
Rick currently loves spending time with his family and friends. His favorite thing is taking his oldest to shows with him. “I love watching him experience all those firsts like I did when I was younger. Although my first show was David Bowie when I was 8. His was RdGldGrn at 3.5.”
Rick said he was a pretty average kid growing up, but at 16 he followed in his dads footsteps and became a volunteer firefighter. “Did that for almost 4.5-5 years and one of my only regrets was not making that a career.” Interesting fact about Rick, his father was the first person in Bucks County to be granted joint custody. “Back in the 80’s it was unheard of that a father would be given joint custody. My dad fought for me and won.”
Something that makes Rick unique is his love for helping others. Back in 2010 he found a way to take his hobby of playing poker and was able to raise money for some charities and foundations. ” I’m proud to say that these efforts have helped raise over $56k in 10 years.” Rick said he also likes to beatbox and has been doing it since he was little. Guilty pleasure for him is Sheryl Crow. “It’s a running joke between my wife and I. During our dating years, she was going through my iPod and saw Sheryl Crow’s “All I wanna do” on there and I “jokingly” said she was my guilty pleasure. Not gonna lie, I have turned it up and belted it out in my car from time to time lol.”
Back in 2012, Rick’s wife bought him meet & greet tickets so he would be able to meet the band. “The morning of the show, I must have rehearsed what I was gonna say to each of the guys . When it was time to “perform” all I was able to muster up was “I like your t-shirt” to P-nut. He told me he had gotten it in Japan. Waited 12 years (up to that point) and I completely blew it. Still was a cool experience and the show was amazing (had front row seats on P-nut’s side).”
We close with Rick’s message to all the other 311 fans out there:
“Can’t wait to see y’all at live shows again. Don’t be shy if you see my fam and I. We love high fives and fist bumps!”
Thank you so much Rick for sharing your story about your love for 311! That wraps up fan spotlight #300. I want to really thank everyone who has participated in this journey and to all the amazing readers of my little project! Sending so much love to you all, stay well, and thanks for being there as we continue on this journey!
Much Love – The Runt