Welcome friends to the next edition of the 311 Fan Spotlight! This week, let’s hear the story of Greg Greco!
During high school Greg was listening to all sorts of music and was having trouble figuring out exactly what he liked. Then a friend of his threw the “Music” album on to his Napster account. “The first song I listened to was “Unity”. I jammed so hard to that song on repeat over and over again. I think what drew me to the album was not only the tunes themselves but the lyrics showing how positive and how much fun they have being a group of friends. #goals”
Exact number of shows Greg has attended is unknown, but he believes he is around 45. First show was the Sprite Liquid Mix Tour at the Jones Beach Theatre in New York on August 20th, 2002. “A good lineup that show. Nappy Roots, NERD, Hoobastank, 311, Jay-Z all on the main stage.”
As with most fans, picking a favorite show or event is difficult for Greg. He said it’s sort of a toss up between seeing them at Hammerstein Ballroom, when he first got to meet them after the show. Or his first 311 Day or first 311 cruise. “I really don’t know. The anxiety of not knowing what the set will be, because i never looked beforehand, was what made every show somewhat unique.”
Right now the song that is really connecting with Greg is “Dodging Raindrops.” “I have been going through tough times and it really resonates with where I want to be in life right now. I do believe that Beyond The Grey Sky saved my life, it came out at the height of a depressive state of mine and it helped me get my head right.” Some lyrics that really stick with Greg are as follow: “”Stay positive and love your life,” “Life’s a bowl of punch, Go ahead and spike it,” and “You’re all up in my mix like fucking Betty Crocker.”
Greg was born into a large Irish Catholic family – he is one of seven children and has five sisters and one brother. “Growing up, I made a lot of friends and had I guess your stereotypical childhood. Riding bikes, playing sports, going to school etc… I am, however, the black sheep of my family and have become that in my world as well. My parents are good, hardworking people but I don’t conform to what they feel people should be doing. I am distant from my siblings. Don’t get me wrong, I do have a relationship with them but it’s not your leave it to beaver type situation at all. After years of having a lot of friends, I kept a very small group of them in my adult life. Now I am in the process of getting divorced so most of the friends left, have stopped reaching out to me as well. If this were 20 years ago, I’d be in my room crying. I stay positive. I live for the moment and don’t let the small things get to me anymore.”
Greg has two beautiful daughters who he said are a true blessing for him. “They are kind, intelligent, funny and love listening to 311 with me. My oldest is Skylar and my baby is Amber (yes named after the song). Their favorite 311 songs are Don’t Stay Home, Amber, Til the City’s on Fire. I am just your average Blue Collar guy that does the best with the cards he is dealt.” Greg was born and raised on Long Island and is currently trying to become a professional bowler. He likes to play ice hockey as a hobby. “I have a beautiful girlfriend (no I did not leave my wife for her). I just try to keep to myself. Obviously my kids come first but outside of that, for the first time in my life, I am taking care of me and making sure I’m in a good place physically and mentally.”
Interesting fact about Greg is that he’s a good singer. “In high school, I was selected to be in the National Catholic Youth Choir (kinda corny i know). I was one of 50 teenagers selected and we spent a month traveling the Midwest. That’s right. We even got Omaha, Nebraska for a concert.” Something unique about him also is vocal – he likes to impersonate people or make up voices. “I am very critical of myself so wouldn’t say I’m great at it but a lot of people tell me I should be a cartoon voice over. My girlfriend finds a lot of my impressions scary accurate such as Kermit the Frog. I have that down pat.”
Guilty pleasures, Greg said he has a few, but one big one is being a movie buff. “Not just comedy’s or thrillers. I like the “chick flick” movies too. I’m not afraid to cry from a well written, well acted movie. It’s the “chick flick” part that is the guilty pleasure.”
There are many artists that Greg is into aside from 311. Some of them include Linkin Park, Slipknot, Billy Joel, The Beatles, Johnny Cash, Brand New, Taking Back Sunday, Blink 182, Dave Matthews Band, Chevelle, Red Jumpsuit Aparatus, Jimmies Chicken Shack, Metallica, Korn, Dirty Heads, Sublime, Don McLean, NWA, Eminem, Biggie, Bronx Slang, G-Love and Special Sauce, Barenaked Ladies, and Blues Traveler. “The list goes on. My music taste is very versatile.”
As for words Greg would like to say to the band, he said he was lucky enough on the last cruise to say to P-Nut something he had been wanting to relay which was this: “When we took our photo with the band, I put my arm around P-Nut and I said, “I am really glad you’re here and decided to stay.” Relating to his announcement that he was gonna go on a little hiatus. He side eyed me and said “I am too.” That was great to hear and a special moment for me.”
Now here is Greg’s message to all his fellow 311 fans in the universe:
“In the words of Ferris Bueller, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” Spread the joy to others that 311 spreads to us. Don’t let the little things get you down. Live your life the way you see yourself doing it and “fuck the naysayers”. Come find me at a show! Love to all!”
Many thanks to Greg Greco for sharing his story with us all! My eternal gratitude as well to those who keep reading and supporting this little blog. Hope you are all having a great summer and keep on being awesome!
Much Love – The Runt