Welcome Excitables to the latest edition of the 311 Fan Spotlight! Oh and Happy Labor Day 2021! Hope you all are well. Without further ado, let’s read the story of Matt Garibotto!
Matt was home sick from school one day and to kill time was watching the “video jukebox” channel when the video for “Don’t Stay Home” came on. He was hooked ever since. “I’d have to say their originality is what sucked me in.”
As for live show count, Matt believes this summer’s show in Holmdel, New Jersey, put him somewhere in the 55-60 range. His first show was May 31, 1996, at the Asbury Park Convention Hall, which just so happened to be the first show in the building after 25 plus years. As for shows that are his favorite, he said the Stone Pony shows in Asbury Park always kick ass.
From 311’s song catalog, many of the songs mean so much to Matt. “All depends on what’s going on at any given moment of my life. I can tell you my next favorite one will be the next one I get to hear live again.” Like many fans, picking song lyrics that mean the most to him is difficult because there are so many that are very meaningful.
Matt grew up in central New Jersey (which he said yes, there is a central New Jersey) and has lived in the state all of his life. He loves to hike, backpack, and go see live music. “My concert habit is paid for by good old fashioned hard work.”
Matt said something that makes him unique is he doesn’t care about other people’s opinions of him. “I do me as much as I can.” Guilty pleasure for him is that he enjoys the show “The Masked Singer” and the Pitch Perfect movies.
For other musicians, Matt can be found jamming out to tunes from Phish, Moe, Umphreys McGee, Goose, and Dirty Heads.
To 311, Matt would like to relay this message: “Thanks for being there to get me through those rough times in my life.”
Now his message to all the fellow 311 fans:
“Rock on. Unity. Love your life. This too shall pass.”
Thank you Matt for sharing your story to the 311 community! As always, so much gratitude going out to the readers of this little blog. Have an amazing week my friends!
Much Love – The Runt