that time in reno

That time in Reno...

Now people who know my story, know my love for music, they also know one of my all time favorite alternative bands out there is bush, these guys are from over the pond as they say. now when they announced this show months before, they haven't released any back stage passes. now i was fine with just tickets to the show, be the 3rd time seeing them in my life. but once they announced the back stage passes, i jumped on that quickly. basically a blissful night. my brother got to go to the same concert as well, but he was further back. i had me a "hot" date that night, so it was a great night that i won't forget.

so they had us get to our vip seats an hour before the opening act, thats when we got to our seats then we were escorted to the stage. they led us backstage and it was truly unforgettable experience, when you get back there they give you drinks or snacks while we waiting for our meet and greet. just being back stage was awesome, me being a musician and knowing what it feels like to perform on a stage. it was just one of those surreal type of things. i had not been on a stage since high school when i had the metal band. so a dream come true in a sense.

so the line kept getting shorter and shorter, there they were, just standing there in all their glory, fucking rock stars!! my inspiration in music and hero. the dude himself, gavin rossdale. i was nervous as all hell. then i walked up to him shook the bands hands and gave gavin a hug. i go and say nervously " you are an inspiration to me, your music got me through some tough times in my life, i don't think i can put into words how your lyrics and melodies saved me. my song writing style and guitar playing style are all mimics of your style. Thank you for your music!" I was surprised i was able to get those words out, but i did. meeting a hero, then that dude had to come back and say " thank you for being a fan and without you we are nothing, so thank you, and please keep playing and writing, one day someone might hear your songs and they will need it for that moment." my heart sank, and i was on cloud 9 for that moment. when i got a chance to look at those photos later on, i still feel like it was a dream to me. most unbelievable thing. surreal to say the least.

so when i was in reno it was concerts and shows, thats where all my money went, especially right before covid hit, i was able to see tons of great shows in reno. so the money i spent on the meet and greet was very well worth it. i will never forget this moment. i wouldn't change a thing. there are people that live in the past because things were better, things will always get better. at times we get so caught up in the bad moments for too long that we start to feel like we will never get out. but if you keep going you will never know where you will end up.

so just to backtrack a bit, i had just basically dealt with the separation from my kids mom, and it was tough for me. the transition from a husband, partner, dad, to single father sucked. i was not happy and it felt like i was never going to leave that place in my head. but i kept going, i ended up traveling this here united states, east coast, west coast, and just overall enjoying my life. it is something that i had to get through to show me and teach me what i needed to be for me. my love and striving in this life is meant to set an example for my kids. i would just like them to know and understand that "it can't rain all the time". there will be dark times, but those good times are going to be the things you will always remember. i love my life, i love me. and as i was watching old videos of me in reno with my bros, and homies. the shows, the events.. it was fun. this is only a small bucket list that i checked off.

so what i am trying to say is, its a bit dark with what is going on lately, don't give up. if i gave up i probably would have never met gavin, so i still write tunes and i still play guitar. hopefully one of these days i will get the courage to share them songs with you all. but just keep on keeping on.

so again thank you for checking out my blog, checking out my websites, engaging with me, means alot. i think i have a hard time with these blogs on here because it is more personal compared to my other websites because its basically research and information that i am sharing. if i were to go back in time and see my 16 year old self and tell myself that i would meet gavin, definitely a trip. keep your head up people, and as always. cheers!!