This one is for all the EXCITEABLE ones!

Time to get back to my ROOTS. 311, they are the best five guys I have ever had the pleasure to know! You guys have given SO much to me, that today it is a pleasure to share you with everyone! Happy 311 day all!

It was a warm September 8th 1996 when I unwrapped my present to see the Blue album staring back at me. It was exactally what I wanted thanks to my mom and the clerk at Media Play. I was mezmorized by the song Down, as my sister and I watch the music video OVER and OVER and OVER again. In fact we recorded it on VHS so we could watch it on comand (this is pre YouTube). This one album was just the begining. I memorized all the lyrics, and listen to the cd over and over. Later I purchased Transistor, and my amazing sister bought be Grassroots when she saw it at a used cd store. Grassroots took my by storm until that Christmas when the same amazing sister bought me Music. I listen to it 100 times before I did anything else.

The music was me, it ran in my bones. It took a while for the follow up, Soundsytem, to come out but that didn't stop my stalking googling them! This is where most of my current 311 knowledge comes from. Like Nick's middle name is Lofton. The album came out and so did my FIRST concert.

April 1, 2000 3pm, I could hear the sound check. Unusually cold as my sister and I was the 7th person in line. I snuck in a 35mm camera through my baggy sweatshirt and chose to take the balcony view. Through osmosis we ended up back stage but were so freaked and worried about getting kicked out (this is after the show) that we didn't even notice Chad Sexton standing right next to me. I did notice the elusive Yanni (please watch ETSD to know who I am talking about)tour manager and was so start struck. That show was amazing!

They returned shortly after, June 2, 2000 and rocked my socks. They came again in Nov but due to college and living on my own I couldn't afford it. I was practically in tears thinking of every song I missed. Later when I read that at that show the band attack Zebra Head with Silly String I vowed NEVER to miss a show again. (I've come close...)

You need to understand when I hated life, when I was fired from my job, when NOBODY understood me, 311 did, and they were there for me. No matter what condition I was in, they were there for me. When I couldn't trust anyone, I trusted them. Partly because they couldn't let me down. When I'm hurting, they healed me, this is why you see I'm such a FANATIC. They were the best gift to me. All I want to do is share it.

Since 2000 I have seen them 21....times live, including the goal to see them 3 times in a row (Vegas, SLC, Red Rocks) two 311 day shows (Memphis 06, NO 08) and 5 surrounding states. My only other goals to complete would be a halloween show, a cali show and an Omaha show. You might have heard that at 311 day 2008 I cried during the concert. It is true. I agreed with myself that the only feeling that would surpass the feelings at the show would be the birth of my first child (possibly marriage but I'm not sure). I was emotionally touched that after 2 decades of them giving their all to their fans, and the fans giving everything back, that this was the moment, the moment the two meet! So selfless, so positive so unconditional.

I have made some random 311 friends and will continue to make more. This is my legacy to give to you and may you fullfill other people's life as 311 has done for me!

Regards,

Dre