Man, it always amazes me how bands of musicians, crew, drivers, production people come together from all of our separate lives and connect like there’s nothing to it when the time comes. We love to put on a show, to give people what they came for plus a few surprises.
When I’m out here on the road, life happens in my home town, and sometimes tragedies occur. I’m really feeling the loss of my friend Evan Kimble, who died this week. He was as sweet and loving a man as I’ve ever known. Our friends live and die, and so do we.
I’ve received notice of many other musicians who lost their lives as I’m out here touring around, and I’m grateful every day that I get to sit behind some drums or percussion or keyboards and fill out an idea, create a rhythm track or color a song with some thought or feeling. I will never know where the thought might come from, but like everyone else, I’m a product of my environment and experiences. Just being able to fill out that idea is a miracle, and I’m grateful for it every day.
The whole reason I get to do what I do is that people need music. They love bands and musical artists, and come out to hear us play. I can’t express clearly enough the love I have for playing and hearing music, for music lovers, musicians, and the people we work with who make it all come together.
I guess I’m really expressing thanks for being on the planet another day to do what I love, and thanks for the friends and loved ones who passed from this world, and for those of us who remain. I feel so much better when I can remember that every day is a gift, and so are our friends, family, fans and the people we see and hear around us every day. The carnival lives, and I’m just glad to be around it.
My friend Evan is on the top of my list today. I’m so sad he had to go, but will remember his laugh and soulful, forward-looking approach to life.
