Welcome back excitable friends! It’s time for edition 275 of the 311 fan spotlight. This week let’s all read the story of Mike Tomlin! 

It was the fall of 1995 when Mike first heard the melody of “Down” and he was hooked immediately. “I remember jamming out to it. I was big into rap at the time and was drawn to the music by some cosmic force.” Then a friend let him borrow the Grassroots CD. “I never returned the CD and still have it. I went out a couple weeks later and picked up Music and the Blue album.” 

While Mike didn’t keep accurate track of his show count, he went back and looked to tally it up and he’s currently at 21. His first show was supposed to be at the 9:30 Club in D.C. back in 1996 but he ended up having to work that night. So his first show was delayed until September 1999 when he finally saw them at the HFStival in D.C. He then saw them again that same year in Virginia Beach while he was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, serving in the U.S. Navy. 

Favorite show or event for him is a tie between 311 Day 2016 in New Orleans and the 2019 cruise. “Both were unique experiences in the own way. 311 day ’16 we sat in front of Scott Homebrew and we found out we only lived 30 minutes from each other. Yet we met each other in NOLA. Scott introduced us to all the social media groups and a lot of hard core fans. We finally found our home with the Excitable ones.” 

The song that means the most to him is “Love Song.” “I know cheesy, but this was me and my wife Leann’s first dance at our wedding, which was 4/12/08 (Nick Hexum’s birthday).” One of his favorite lines comes from a current favorite, “Too Late” – “At the end of the day the relentless always win.” 

Mike grew up on a farm in Frederick County, Maryland. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1997 until 2001 and did two tours to the Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf. He still currently lives in Frederick and is going into his 18th year working as a Quality Analyst with Wells Fargo. “I had a five year streak when I would win tickets from DC101 for shows because I was poor, but now I can save like an adult for shows.”

Interesting fact about Mike is that he cooked in restaurants for about 15 years and was an Executive Chef at his cousins restaurant. “I really didn’t think I was qualified for that title but my cousin gave me the title for a TV spot we did.” 

Guilty pleasure for Mike is classical music. “Often when needing to meet deadlines at work I will blast it to concentrate.” Aside from classical and 311, other music that Mike enjoys includes Pearl Jam, Dave Matthews Band, Nick Hexum Quintet, Motley Crue, Twiztid, Tech Nine, and Jewel.

Mike was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis back in 2007 and he has spent the last 13 years volunteering with with National Multiple Sclerosis Society. “I have cycled my first bike MS century (100 miles, yes on a bicycle) in 2011, and have completed at least one century per year since. I have a FB page dedicated to tracking my history and spreading awareness. www.Facebook.com/MikeBikesforMS”

On the cruise Mike was lucky enough to have the opportunity to do the beer tasting with SA and Pnut. “I told SA that I was thankful that they focused on positiveness in their music and I asked P nut when they are going to release a CBD beer. This was because when I was 19 a local brewery in Frederick had a beer called Hempin Ale brewed with Hemp seeds.”

Mike has these words to all his fellow 311 fans:

“I am thankful for the fans for keeping the positivity going for all these years. Continue to love one another. The world needs it more than ever.”

——————

Thanks for sharing your story Mike! A great story it was. Everyone go check out his Facebook page when you have a chance. Much gratitude as always to all the readers each time. Have an amazing week & keep on smiling! 

Much Love – The Runt

Here we are again folks, it’s time for edition #274 of the 311 fan spotlight! So without further ado, let’s meet Alisha Oliver!

The year was 2012 and Alisha was contemplating ending her relationship with her fiancé at the time, plus she was very busy at work and it was all exhausting her. Her best friend at the time was ending his relationship with his girlfriend and asked Alisha if she wanted to go on a cruise that he had planned to go on. “It didn’t feel right to go with the status of their relationship.  Knowing I need a vacation and a chance to escape from reality for a little bit, I took him up on his offer and invited a girlfriend of mine.  Little did I know then that this trip would change my life forever.  From chaos comes clarity, right?”

Alisha remembers vividly the anticipation she felt boarding the ship. It was her first cruise and she didn’t know anything about the bands but didn’t care…she just couldn’t wait to be out on the ocean and out of reach from reality so she could finally relax. “The sail away show on the Lido deck was the first experience I’d had with 311.  The energy, smiles, and atmosphere was one I’ll never forget.  Even though the show was cut short due to lightning… it was an incredibly electrifying experience and immediately set my soul on fire.  I was instantly hooked.  You could say it’s all about the music, but it’s about the people too.  That energy they’ve built with the fans is unlike anything else you’ll find and I can’t get enough of it.”

Alisha has always been amazed by the people who know their exact show count…that isn’t her! She’s been on every cruise since that fateful one in 2012. She also has traveled to New Orleans for 311 Day and to Omaha for the anniversary show and secret show that happened afterwards. Favorite show so far has been the beach show on that first cruise for her. “I have goosebumps right now just thinking about it as I type.  That.  Was.  INCREDIBLE.  Take me back?!”

Picking a song that means the most to her is difficult because there are many that mean so much to her for a variety of reasons. The one that really connects to her every time is “Beyond the Grey Sky.” “In 2012 I met Nick Stup.  His giant teddy bear self with that infectious smile sitting in the narrow hallway greeting people as they came down the hallway.  He was in the room directly across from us and seeing his friendly face consistently put a smile on mine.  We became great friends even after we went home, like family… often talking on the phone, exchanging texts about life and our kids.  It was just another thing I loved about this band… they brought so many wonderful people into my life.  When the band played Beyond the Gray Sky at 311 day in 2014, I cried.  Seeing Phil flying through the crowd, I smiled.  Throughout the years since, we’ve lost some really great familia, but when this song comes on…. we all come together and remember and that brings me peace.”

One of her favorite lines comes from “Creatures (For A While)” – “I’d surely like to rest but the energy gets the best of me. It’s been a wild ride, I wouldn’t change a minute. I can’t slow down inside, guess that’s why I live it.”

Alisha was born in Oklahoma. Her mother unfortunately had some struggles with alcohol so she ended up living and being raised by her grandparents from 7th grade through high school. “I had to grow up early and take care of my brother at the age of 7, so I didn’t really have a childhood of sorts.  The struggles of an abusive parent though is what made me fall in love with music.  It was my escape.  I could put my headphones on, close my eyes and escape to any other place I wanted.  It was all I had, even into my early 20’s.”

At the age of 22-23 Alisha was traveling around the U.S. and modeling to pay the bills while running from anything that would take her away from that free feeling she was craving. Then at the age of 23 she found herself pregnant with her son and decided she needed to plant herself back in reality to build a stable life for him. “Ever since I’ve been a workaholic so I could provide a safe space for him and fund special little adventures for the two of us.  Music was my first love, but being a mother has been my greatest love.  I can’t wait to share the cruise experience with him one day…. 2021, Jaythan and I are coming for you!”

Another artist that has meant so much to Alisha is Stick Figure. When she is at work and just tired and stressed out, she can put their music on and drown out the rest of the world. “His voice just does something I can’t effectively express with words.  It’s a feeling you just can’t describe, but I know many people reading this will know just what I’m talking about.”

Guilty pleasure comes in many forms for Alisha. First one is sushi! “I’ll eat the hell out of some sushi and won’t feel guilty at all.” Second guilty pleasure for her is garbage T.V. “My mind goes a million miles an hour, so watching garbage TV at night before bed is the only way I’m able to silence my brain.”

Alisha’s words to the members of 311 are: “Thank you for creating music that provides me a safe place to escape to and for bringing such wonderful people into my life.  I never knew what kind of an impact you would have on my life when I stepped onto the boat, but I’m thankful for it every day.”

Now here are her words to all the other fans out there:

“One of the things that made me fall in love with this group and its fans is the unity and positivity we experience when attending these concerts or events.  We live in a world that’s very much divided right now and it pains me to see.  Imagine how wonderful the world would be if we could come together as one, not necessarily with the same beliefs on everything, but a mutual respect for one another.  When you see something you don’t like, you have a choice on whether you respond with love and compassion, or hate.  Is it always easy to choose the right response?  No,  but we can always try to be better than we were yesterday.  Thank you to all of you I’ve had the pleasure of meeting over the years.  My life is more full with you in it.”

———————

Great story Alisha and thank you for sharing it with everyone! Much appreciation to all of you who read these posts each week. You are all amazing! Until we meet again…cheers all and have a fantastic week!

Much Love – The Runt

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!”

————————

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

Welcome once again my friends out there in 311 nation! It’s time again that we meet a new fan spotlight. This week we feature the other half of our fan spotlight from last week. Let’s all read the story of Cody Robinson!

First listen to the music of 311 was after work during a smoke session and his friend put on the Grassroots album. “I thought it was catchy and liked the vibe but I wasn’t hooked until I saw them in concert many years later.”

Show count for Cody he guessed is around 100. He’s been on five of the cruises and is getting ready for his second 311 Day, plus he’s seen many shows around the country. “My first show was in SLC in 2004 after my brother won tickets off the radio. I loved the energy and was hooked! I took my wife the following years and we’ve never stopped since.”

Favorite event for Cody was the first cruise. “No one knew what to expect. We spent the days just following the music. I met so many great people and signed Rody311 on just about anything I could.”

Songs that are Cody’s core favorites are “Sometimes Jacks Rule The Realm” and “Creature Feature.” “They just evolve with me to mean something different as I age.” One of his favorite lyrics is as follows: “Be positive with love, just see the good in everybody.” He said that is his goal. “I’m not the best at it but I’m trying.”

Cody was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, with 2 older sisters and a younger brother. He said he lived a crazy life, one that is hard to put into words. “I took to the skater/stoner in high school. I got into the rave scene around the turn of the century and life got even more crazy. This lead me to join the army and move to Virginia with my family for a few years.”

Now Cody makes his concert money by building robots that make the material world work. “When the robots take over, you’ll want to know me, lol. I get to travel for work a lot and like to use it to meet familia across the country. I’m an introvert so this is all outside my comfort zone but it’s worth it when I’m surrounded by such amazing people.”

Secret talent for Cody is that he says he has a vast knowledge of weird topics plus he can fix just about anything worth fixing. Something you may not know about him is that he is a narcoleptic. “I’ve always had sleep issues but was finally diagnosed in 2007. I’m use to people misunderstanding how it works but it is also the basis of my insomnia bouts where I have probably met so many of you. #sunrisecrew”

As far as other music Cody loves, he said he is into just about all music, from Ruth Etting to Die Antwoord. “Right now I’m digging on Billie Eilish, Tropidelic, Jasmine Thompson, Deftones and Tool.” Guilty pleasure for Cody? “I love Billie, Gaga, Miley, and any girl that shines through the hate they get.” He said he also watches Harry Potter way too much.

Cody would like to say these words to 311: “Thank you for making my chaos manageable.”

Now his message to all the other fans out there:

“To my friends, my Fam Bam, my haters and all who I have yet to meet, I love you! Seriously, let’s talk! Life is much too short to waste being anything less than full of love.”

————

Awesome story Cody! Thanks for sharing it with everyone. That’s all for now folks, thanks for being here and being the awesome creatures that you are. Keep on shining!

Much Love – The Runt

Hello my friends out there in 311 nation! Are we ready for a new edition of the 311 fan spotlight? This week, let’s meet Cori Robinson!

In 2005 Cori won tickets to see 311. Up until then she had only heard a few songs here and there on the radio and it didn’t really strike her fancy. She decided to go to the show anyway. “From the moment they started with Omaha Stylee, I was in love. The energy drew me in and from that moment on, 311 was in my blood.”

That first show for Cori was August 6, 2005, at Usana in Salt Lake City, Utah. Show count she believes is somewhere around 65. “I lost count when flash seats and digital tickets became a thing.” Favorite show for her is the 2016 Red, White & Boom.

The song “Sunset in July” is one that means a lot to Cori. “It makes me think of all the friends I’ve made along the way and the happiness radiates from the notes.” As far as lyrics that she loves, it changes as she said the seasons of her life change. “I tend to grasp onto lyrics that fit what I’m going through in life. I have teenagers, so lately the lyric that’s been stuck in my head is “always an excuse when you need one.”

Utah is where Cori grew up. She absolutely loves music and started playing the piano when she was just 5 years old. She was also a dancer until her senior year of high school. “I wanted to be a Rockette, but I tore my hamstring and wasn’t able to follow that dream. Instead, I met my husband, Cody, at a rave January, 1999. We went on some crazy adventures that included an impromptu road trip to Canada to see Paul Oakenfold.”

Cori and her husband married a short 11 months and 7 days after they met, on November 24, 1999. “The first year we were married we welcomed our daughter to our family, Cody joined the Army, and we moved to Fort Eustis, Virginia. Our son was born there. We grew up a lot in the four years that Cody served. We experienced 9/11 as a very young family. Once Cody finished his enlistment, we moved back to Utah.”

Cori has worked for JetBlue for several years. She has also been a substitute teacher. “I like teaching high school. That’s a fun job. I’ve been a bar tender and a barista. I’ve done a lot of different things. Mostly part time and whatever works with my kids’ schedules. For the last two years I’ve been a captioning agent for CaptionCall and I love the work I do. I help the hard of hearing communicate in real time. It’s a feel good job. 😁”

An interesting fact about Cori that most don’t know is that she once had surgery, got HA-MRSA in her abdomen and almost died. “Instead the infection and the antibiotics caused my genes to mutate. I’m technically an X-men. Haha.” Talent for Cori is that she makes amazing soup. “Pickle, bacon, potato soup. If you know, you know.”

Aside from 311, there are many other artists that Cori loves. “I used to be able to play every song on the Little Earthquakes album by Tori Amos. She’s amazing!” She said that Les Claypool and Tom Petty have a special place in her heart. Some other faves are Depeche Mode, The Offspring, Keoki, Robert Miles, and Fiona Apple. She also said that last year she got to see Anti Flag, AFI, and Rise Against. “That was fabulous!” Guilty pleasure for Cori she says is mid 2000’s emo.

Cori’s words for 311: “Love you guys, so much!”

Her message to all the other 311 fans:

“High five, bro! (Wink wink)”

——————

Thanks Cori for sharing your story! Another great fan spotlight in the books. As always, so much gratitude for all the readers out there. I hope you all have a rockin’ week! Until next time, go be awesome!

Much Love – The Runt

Welcome back friends out there in 311 nation! It’s a new year and time we kick it off with the next edition of the fan spotlight. Let’s meet Deanna Dorcak!

It was the first time that Deanna heard 311 on the radio that she became a fan. She was 12 years old, sleeping over at a friends house, when the song “Down” came on. “Listening to that song did something to me that no ever song has done. The sound of it, the intensity, the guitars, the lyrics. Ive been intrigued ever since.”

Show count for Deanna, well she has no clue on the exact number, especially with all of the traveling she has being doing the past 5 years. She believes it’s over 50 at this point though. “2 years ago I saw them at least 10 times in that year alone. Ive attended 311 Pow Wow, been on 4 cruises, 4 311 days and a few other festivals including Langarado and Riptide. My 1st 311 show was at Hard Rock Live in Orlando’s Universal Citywalk when I acquired free tickets and went with a girl I met at a bar downtown. This was in 2004 and we are still friends today!”

Favorite show for her is a tie between her first cruise (which was cruise 3) and 311 Day 2018. “Not only was it my 1st 311 cruise, but my 1st cruise in general. It blew me away in every aspect, and I made so many long-lasting friendships that trip. 311 Day in Vegas 2018 was the ultimate set list with the basement segment. The venue itself was intimate and perfect with the background screen and lasers. The tribute to those we have lost including Meredith Hight and Renee O’Neal was emotional, and just trouncing around the Strip at night was an adventure in its own lol.”

There are many songs that mean a lot to Deanna, but if she could only choose one it would be “Let the Cards Fall.” “Not only the lyrics but how it starts off slow and whimsical then turns into a powerhouse. Always loved the playing cards being thrown up into the air. Gives me goosebumps just thinking about it now. And I always forget to bring my deck! They always seem to play that song when people least expect it.” Her favorite lyric is also the title to that song. “So simple yet profound. You cant plan or change everything in life. Things will work out or land how they are intended to. Just let it be and roll with the punches.”

Born and raised in a suburb of Pittsburgh, Deanna then moved to a small town called Spring Hill, Florida, at the age of 10. At 18 she then moved to Orlando to attend UCF. Then 11 years ago she moved to Tampa and hasn’t left because she loves it there so much! “30 mins from beaches and amusement parks. 10 mins from the airport and cruise port.” She has been a restaurant server for 18 years, making a career out of it. “The flexibility of my schedule and untaxed cash tips make traveling around to see 311 quite easy and always possible. I am blessed. You can always find me in my LED headbands and accessories on the floor at every show. I may also be carrying a blow up alien or some other trinket along with my plastic cup full of chardonnay lol. Come say hello!”

Interesting fact about Deanna is that she is always looking for the next adventure and will try anything once. “I love to travel and would love to take an Alaskan cruise or go abroad. Specifically to Greece.” What makes her unique? Her laugh! “It’s a head-turner and comes out in full force when I am having the time of my life!”

Guilty pleasure for Deanna is watching reality television. “I find it so fascinating to watch the lives of others and how ridiculous some individuals can be. I believe it’s real. Don’t judge me lol.”

When not jamming the sounds of 311, Deanna can be found listening to artists like Dirty Heads, Soja, Less Than Jake, Slightly Stoopid, Stick Figure, Tool, Matisyahu, Rebelution, The Doors and The Beatles. “I also love 80s music and classic rock. I still listen to the radio in my car.”

Deanna’s words to 311 are as follows: “Thank you. Thank you for staying true and continuing this journey together. Thank you for uniting us fans to enjoy each other and many adventures together in the future. Thank you for the places I’ve been and the memories I will cherish. Thank you for allowing your music to reach our souls and make our hearts sing.”

This is her message to all the other fans out there:

“Enjoy the good times, forget the bad times, and find something to look forward to and be grateful for every day. Life is short. Buy the concert tickets. Book the flight. Take the leap. Stoke the fire. 🤗”

————

There you have the tale of Deanna Dorcak! A big thank you to her for sharing her story and of course to all of you for reading! Happy 2020 all – may this be an amazing year for everyone! Cheers!

Much Love – The Runt

Hey all – happy New Year week! 2020 is about to descend upon us and what better way to wrap up this year than to read the last 311 fan spotlight of 2019. It’s time to meet Zachary Gibson!

The age of 12 was when Zachary found 311. He loved the vibes of the punk rock and reggae feel! First time he saw 311 was in Mesa, Arizona, August 28, 2012. It was with the band Slightly Stoopid. “Wish i would have went to one sooner! After that my excitement for more 311 shows was kicking in!  So far I think I have been to 12 shows which isn’t much at all, I want to at least get to 40 very soon!”

As far as favorite show, Zachary chose seeing them at the Roxy. “That was so up close and intimate.”

One of his favorite songs he says is 311’s cover of “Love Song.” “Just been going through some rough times lately and it keeps my head up.”

One of his favorite lyrics comes from the song “I Told Myself.” “Burn me once shame on thee but burn me again shame on me. I’m chasing and facing the point misplacing.”

Zachary was born in Downey, California, but has been all over the U.S. He moved to North Carolina when he was about 6 years old, then Arizona until the age of 15, and now he is in Arkansas. He is moving back to AZ in April though. To fund his love for 311 he is a magician and hypnotist. “I try to do as many shows as I can so I’m able to go have a great time! Plus during sets at 311 day 2018 I was vibing with some people showing them magic and so I hope I can goto 311 day 2020 now that every weekend I will be doing my own hypnosis shows there. Thank God for sticking to my dream.”

One thing you may not know about Zachary is that he can be a sarcastic person. Talent of his is obviously magic and hypnosis, but he’s also a great cook.

When not listening to 311 he can be found jamming to tunes from Rebelution and Fortunate Youth. Guilty pleasure for him? He said it’s just listening to 311 on repeat!

To 311, Zachary has these words: “Your music has really helped me out a lot!”

To all his fellow 311 fans:

“I wanted to say that all 311 fans are pretty much family! Almost all 311 shows I’ve been to all the fans treat each other with respect, and also FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS ! ;)”

——————

Thanks to Zachary for sharing his story! As we wind this year and decade down, a HUGE thank you to all the participants and supporters of this venture. I love writing your stories and sharing them with the world. Thanks for being awesome people! See you in 2020!

Much Love – The Runt

Happy Holidays excitable nation! Hoping you all have a peaceful and joyous holiday week. Let’s get it started with this edition of the 311 fan spotlight – meet Rich Williams!

It was Rich’s high school girlfriend who introduced him to 311. She had a bootleg tape from Nebraska and told him he needed to listen to this song, “My Stoney Baby.” “I listened to song and then the album Music and I was like this rock/rap band is amazing. I couldn’t believe how different and tight the band sounded at that time.”

While Rich doesn’t count the exact number of shows he’s attended, he believes the count is somewhere in the 40’s. First show he went to was in 1996 at Red Rocks Amphitheater. “They played an amazing 27 song set list that blew my mind (check the set list on the 311 site).”

Rich lives in Colorado, so he’s lucky enough to have Red Rocks right in his backyard to see amazing shows! However his favorite 311 show so far was the Sokol 25th anniversary show in Nebraska. “It was my first “special show” and the set list was amazing. I couldn’t believe a big band would come back and give back to their old school fans like that. There’s nothing  those small venues where you and 600 of your friends jam with a band and become one that night.”

There are many songs that mean a lot to Rich, as he feels he has evolved with the band over the last 30 years. However he chose “Little Brother” as a song that really stands out to him. “The reason I like it is I really identify with it. I’m a little brother and my big brother always looked out for me when I started going down the wrong paths in life, kinda like what Nick did for his brother. Plus it could be the most punk rock song they have, it’s so heavy! I believe they have only played it once in 3/11/14. I need to hear this at 311 day.”

One of his current favorite lyrics is from the song “Stainless” – Not for the faint of heart, It will not be painless. You’ll take your licks and you’ll never come out stainless whoa oh, oh. Outlandish dreams can come to pass, it happens so fast. There’s no end to what you can achieve, but first you gotta believe.”

Rich’s family is from the San Francisco Bay Area and he said his parents were hippies in the 60’s in San Francisco. “I mean my Dad saw Jimmy Hendrix c’mon man that is everyone’s bucket list. I would say I got my love of music from my dad initially then my older brother and sister.” Rich moved to Colorado his freshman year of high school and has been there ever since. “I absolutely love it here. I have raised 3 kids here and they are all grown up and out of the house. So once they kids left I went on tour with 311 every year starting in 2017. I was just over 40 years old and saying to myself what should I do with my life? So I went road tripping and found myself and 311 and it really rejuvenated my life, It reminded me of my youth when I would travel to see the Dead or Phish.”

Interesting fact about Rich is that he has a ton of phobias including clowns, balloons, spiders, and snakes. Something that makes him unique is that he’s a very outgoing and social person most of the time. “I can go anywhere and meet somebody and have a good time. I started traveling around following 311 and I would just introduce myself as Rich from Denver and it has just stuck, it like I have this alter ego when I go on tour.”

Some other bands that Rich loves include System of a Down, Alice in Chains, Rage Against the Machine and Iron Maiden. He also really enjoys Rebelution and RDGLDGRN. Guilty pleasure for Rich is The GAP band. “I freakin love them, I mean who doesn’t right?”

Rich’s message to 311 is: “I appreciate every band members attitude, humbleness and dedication to their ever evolving music and fans.”

Now his words to all the fellow 311 fans:

“I have met hundreds of people on my travels and I will say overall we are the best fans ever and friends for life all over the country. Stay Positive and Love your life. Much Love, Rich From Denver!”

———————

There you have the story of Rich Williams! Much gratitude to Rich for sharing his tale and to all those out there who keep on reading. You are all amazing and I wish you the happiest holiday season!

Much Love,

The Runt

Hey hey friends in 311 nation! Another week has arrived and that means it’s time for the next fan spotlight. Let’s meet Jessica Sullivan!

It was a time in Jessica’s life when she needed clarity on things she had been through and where she wanted to be that she found the music of 311. “I was introduced to 311 from my cousins boyfriend in 1994.  He came from a party and was pumped up on 311 and shared it with us.  As soon as he hit play I was hooked.  I never looked back.  I became consumed by 311 immediately.  I played Off Beat Bare Ass for about 8 hrs straight just to be able to sing along every word.  I can honestly say I have studied 311 for many hours.”

Jessica’s show count number is at 64. She’s been to see 311 at Red Rocks 3 times, attended 311 Day three times, and has been on the last 3 cruises. First show for her was in 2000 in Boise at the Double Tree Hotel. “It was maybe 800 people in a little area.  I held a sign that said “Show me your Omaha Stylee” for about 45 min.  They came out on stage and rocked it the first song!  I was beyond excited!  That was the first of many memories I have made because of this band.” As for her favorite event, it’s a tie between 311 Day 2018 and the cruise to Jamaica. “Epic moments and memories! The basement stage at 311 day was alllll the feels! Epic moment on the 311 Cruise when Vanessa Holliday Girard took the mic from SA – HA HA HA THE BESTTTTT!!!!!!”

Trying to decide on a favorite song seemed impossible to Jessica. She did name a few of her favorites, including “Do You Right,” “Face in the Wind,” and “Too Late.” As for a favorite line from a song, she chose this one from “Evolution” – “Evolution is exponential timing, it’ll be half as long until the next breakthrough that blows our mind. It’s up to the people to be brave on with experimentation move forth the species by using our imagination.”

Jessica grew up in Idaho and is the oldest of 6 children who ALL love 311! “My co brodel and little brother Johnathon Sullivan has been with me every step of the way! Bail bonds for funds, whatcha gonna do? Hold my beer and watch me run like its my wedding day to the pit when the music starts. Actually I have been waiting at the rail for 7 hours ha ha !  (I have to pee).”

Something people may not know is that Jessica grew up in a very strict & religious home. . “One of the saving graces was 311.” Some fun facts about her: She’s not articulate but has beautiful handwriting and she can shred a mountain like a block of cheese. “Snowboarding is my passion!” Also she’s really into Crossfit. “And just so everyone knows, my autocorrect tried to write crossfire LOL.”

Guilty pleasure for Jessica? “ Smoke weed everrryyyydaaayyyy! Space cruises &  KCR.” Other musicians she loves include Coheed and Cambria, The Avett Brothers, Most Def, KO-S, and so many more. 

To 311, Jessica has these words: “Thank you for changing my life in the most positive way, I have felt every emotion through your music; we are all together as one organism in celebration!”

Finally, her words to all her fellow fans:

“I fucking love every single person I have ever met, whether this side of the moon or not! Love you Clont! Our Familia runs thick…every inch of the planet!! To all my friends it’s not the end, the Earth hasn’t swallowed me yet, See you at 311 day 2020. See you in 100 DAYS!!!!!!!!!!!”

———

Thank you Jessica Sullivan for sharing your story! Much love to you and to all the readers as well. Have an amazing week!

Much Love – The Runt