Hello 311 nation! It’s time for the newest edition of the fan spotlight. Let’s meet Johnathon Sullivan!
1996 was the year and Johnathon’s homie Jarom had the herb. This is when he first heard the tunes of 311. “We were space cruising and he popped in the fire album. The 2nd track Random just hit different. I asked him what we were listening to. He said “311”. From that point on I went and found everything they had done.”
Show count for Johnathon is over 100, but he doesn’t know the exact number anymore. First show for him was in 1997 with Incubus and Sugar Ray in Boise. “It was amazing.” As for a favorite event or show, he’s been to quite a few like Red, White & Boom and many 311 Day’s. His fave though? “You can’t top the 311 cruise. So many life long friends and epic moments on that boat! Incredible!!”
Johnathon said he doesn’t know if he could just pick one song that’s his favorite. “They are so consistent with the messaging, energy, and live show. So my favorites come and go. Right now Wildfire and most of Stereolithic.” As for a favorite lyric: “My drama unfolds behind closed doors.”
Johnathon grew up in Idaho, in a pretty big family. He has 4 sisters and a brother, a couple of his sisters are also huge 311 fans and go to many shows and events with him (Jenise and Jessica). As a kid, he pretty much grew up on the basketball court. “Music and hoop were my 1st 2 loves in life. When I was 19 I joined my 1st band and recorded my 1st album. This was before the internet lol. There are still copys floating around somewhere. I have been a part of various project since then. My last band was called Finding Keys. We did release a short EP on the streaming formats.”
At the age of 27, Johnathon moved to Hawaii with his girlfriend at the time. “We were there for about 7 years. I loved it and miss the ocean. While I was living there, my now 12 year old son Evan John L Sullivan was born. We did move back when he was about 2 so he could be raised around the rest of his mom and my families. I’m a Painter by trait and most of my disposable income is used on live music and travel. I love the people I’ve met through 311, many that are a huge part of my life. Talking to you Brooke, Ashley, and speed limit guy!”
Interesting fact about Johnathon is that he was raised in a cult. “I grew up in a church that didn’t allow doctor visits or modern medicine. I never joined the church but I learned a lot from it and wouldn’t change a thing about my childhood. It was full of love and compassion. Mixed in with a lot of crazy.”
Johnathon mentioned he grew up on the basketball court and said he was an excellent player growing up. “I can still shoot the shit out of a basketball.” Guilty pleasure for him is Stephen King. He’s a huge fan. “The Dark Tower series is an incredible read.”
As for other music Johnathon loves, he said My Morning Jacket has very much changed his life over the last 4-5 years. “They are tapped in. IYKYK. I love the new OK-Go album, never was a huge fan but the new music is fire! Aesop is amazing. I love music that is edifying. If you want people to listen, tell a story from your eyes. Don’t repeat someone else’s.”
To 311, Johnathon has an easy message for them: “Thank you!!” “The band has changed my life on many different levels like im sure they have many of the people reading this.”
Now to all the other fans reading this:
“Give yourself some grace. Try to avoid comparing yourself to others. Everything in moderation including moderation.”
Thank you to Johnathon for sharing his story with us all! My thanks always also to all who read these posts. Hope you are all well and living your best life!
Much Love – The Runt