Welcome back my friends out there in 311 nation! It’s time for the new edition of the 311 fan spotlight. Let’s meet Matthew Lucido!
The year 2000 is when Matthew became a 311 fan and he said he became a fan for life. First show for him was at the age of 16, at the Electric Factory in Pennsylvania. “They were touring with Hoobastank! From that day on I was beyond hooked!”
Since becoming a fan, Matthew has been to over 50 shows in many places like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida & Texas. He’s also seen them on the cruise in 2017 and then his very first 311 Day on the cruise in 2023. “Being my first ever 311 Day having been the first ever one at Sea there really is no other amazing moment then that right there!” The song that means the most to Matthew is “Don’t Dwell” and he’s hoping to one day hear it live.
Hamilton, New Jersey, is where Matthew grew up. He graduated from Johnson & Wales University, with a degree in Hospitality/Entertainment Management plus a culinary degree.
In 2003, Matthew was diagnosed with kidney failure and cancer. “Evolver had just released that album has gotten me through most of my surgeries with the lyrics and songs, guiding me through some of the most darkest times of my life.”
Matthew is now 8 years cancer free and counting! “I have had over 32 operations under GA and have beat throat and kidney cancer. I thank my family Mother, Father, Brother, friends, my familia, and 311 for keeping me going when I wanted to give up and I stayed positive and love my life and never have and never will give up! It is not a sob story it is my success story! After having my little man Zachary age 10 who went to his first 311 show on the rail in 2022! He loves 312 just as much as I do of not more! This is to let people know no matter how bad it gets you can make it and you can fight and you stay strong all along you will come out beyond that grey sky!!”
For work, Matthew is a Bar & Banquet Supervisor for McKibbion Hospitality Group in Tampa, Florida, and he loves what he is doing. Guilty pleasure for him would be skiing on big mountains and fresh snow. “Living in Florida we don’t have that luxury but when I was a kid it was my Zen place cranking up some 311 and skiing down the mountain fast as I could just jamming out.”
Other bands Matthew loves include Reel Big Fish, RHCP, Tropidelic, Dirty Heads, Eminem, AC/DC, and Metallica just to name a few!
To the band, Matthew chose these words from the heart: “Thank you for putting out music that keep me alive and help me fight through all I’ve been through when I was fighting for my life. My father is my Hero and so are you guys!”
Now here is his personal message to all the other fans out there:
“Thank you for all the amazing shows, memories, and joy we have shared together. I can’t wait to see what adventures we get to have in the future. Remember that Everything is a choice, go ahead raise your voice, and don’t forget to stay positive and love your life to its fullest you only get one Don’t Dwell! I Love You All♥️😎🎸🎤🎶
Super thanks to Matthew for sharing his story with all of us! And as always, my love & gratitude to the readers each post. Now go have an amazing week! Sending you all good vibes.
Much Love – The Runt