The Rock that shinned like a brilliant Star!
It wasn’t until these past few days that I realized we are living proof that dreams really do come true. Cheesy? Yes. Yes my friends, I am being as cheesy as fucking possible because being cheesy is surreal, and what both Maia and I have been though is simply, surreal.
It’s funny, but going on a mini tour with Bad Religion, Anti-Flag, and Gogol Bordello seemed transcendent. It was beyond the limits of experience and comprehension. It was life altering and earth shattering all at the same time.
We were you’re typical amateur musicians. We arrived at the venues without a clue what to do, got our equipment together, struggle over sound check, stumble over tangled cords, not know a damn thing about the fancy equipment, and try to keep it cool when the other bands arrive. But it was more than trying to find a way to fit in; it was an experience that was ever so beautiful.
We met with some of the most legendary artist of our time. Bad Religion and Anti-Flag were the most genuine and real musicians I have ever seen. Granted I haven’t come across a huge amount of musicians in my time, but the ones that I have come across, they rank as the most genuine and sincere people alive. Bad Religion always stuns me with their casual mannerisms, and cool aura they exert. And you don’t get that pretentious ‘I’m a rock star’ bullshit you would expect from legendary icons, but you get the feeling they’re simply doing what they love to do. Play music.
The music scene is a brotherhood. Everyone takes care of each other. From borrowing picks to being the opening band for Bad Religion. Musicians care for each other and that’s what makes music such a uniting force. Everyone was incredibly helpful and patient. Could Kievan Rus ask for anything more? No, and yet, people like Greg Graffin still go that extra mile to help those having a harder time.
It’s seriously all about loving what you do and sticking to it. That is the ultimate key to success. Justin from Anti-Flag, had some words of wisdom to be shared, and he basically said the reason they are where they are today is solely because they’re passionate. That passion alone can drive you to places you had no idea were available. Be opportunistic! Be patient! Be passionate! And that’s why, in the spirit of Thanksgiving and the Holidays, I’m grateful Maia and I have found our passion! Our passion took us on a tour and opened our eyes to the real world of punk rock.
But all of this couldn’t have happened without our own savior Greg Graffin. This guy has shelled out so many opportunities for us, that it reassures my belief that there are good people in this world. The guy’s a saint. There’s no getting around it. He has helped us get to places we never thought were imaginable. It still stuns Maia and I till this day. We always ask ‘Why on earth does this infamous punk rock God waste his time with a couple of kids?’ But I guess it’s the philanthropic philosophy we all must understand to keep that musician camaraderie alive.
And this isn’t even touching up on the hoards of other people that have consistently help us. MIKE PARKER! Or as I prefer to call him ‘Brother Mike,’ who kindly drummed with us for every show, and who still astounds me with his patience and big O’l heart. I mean, if it isn’t hard enough to deal with two teenage girls, and still drum like a mofo… he’s insane. And not to mention UNCLE ALEX, or Alex from Pyramid sound who entrusted us will thousands of dollars of his equipment, just so we could sound prettier. And we mustn’t forget the adorably awesome merch guys, Alex and Drew, who always seem to find a size small in every Anti-flag and Bad Religion shirt, sweatshirt and track jacket! And the ladies and gentlemen of Gogol Bordello, who always have a kind thing to say after a good show. And Ted, now our designated roadie, who is always helping load our shit in and out of cars. The guy’s got strong guns! And my honey Steve, who was always that reassuring, grounding force I needed before every show. And to all the parents who don’t get enough recognition for their humanitarian work. Noni and Franck, Maia’s parents, have taped just about every show I can remember and always know exactly where to be at what time. Without them, we would probably get lost in some backstage venue and never return. And my own Mom and Dad, who I can’t thank enough for being patient with my last minute load in times, and shenanigans.
AND to the open-minded audience, who didn’t throw bottles of booze at our heads, and instead welcomed us with open arms and rowdy cheers. It was insane how nice Bad Religion and Anti-Flag audiences are! And Johnny X, who is this awesomely enthusiastic fan that made my night. And the kid who threw their leopard tie on stage at the House of Blues…its people like that who we never forget.
Speaking of recollection and forgetfulness, I wonder if I forgot anyone. I probably did. But considering I wrote nearly a billion words on this blog alone makes me think I’ve done a pretty stellar job completely spilling my thoughts.
I have a ton of backstage footage and silliness someplace on my camera, but can’t find the damn thing. (I swear, technology is making everything miniature as a joke. I mean, come on, do we really need a .055785g camera that is thinner than Kate Moss? No, we don’t.) But I loaded some photos on my computer which I’m going to shell out right now. Maybe at some point we can stream a couple live videos?! I’ll consult our web-master. (A.K.A Maia’s mom)
Well, I can’t think of anything else to say. Kievan Rus just keeps getting hit with bigger and better things. From Warped tour two years ago, to the Knitting Factory, to the commercial, to Warped tour part deux, to touring with Bad Religion and Anti-Flag, to God only knows where else. It seems like a complete fantasy. Well, my mind is dead from all this blogging and I yearn for a diet coke. So I say thank you and so-long to the few people who reads this. Take care of yourselves and find your passion pronto!
