Hey there 311 nation! We are back with the next edition of the 311 fan spotlight. Let’s meet Mallory Kohler!

Mallory’s older brothers graduated high school in the early 2000’s, so she grew up listening to 311 thanks to them. Her oldest brother had a rock band in high school with his best friends and they were highly influenced by 311, Incubus, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. “Also, my cousin is from Omaha and a girl we went to college with is friends with the band. so he used to hang with them back in the day haha.”

Show count for Mallory is at 16 she believes. First show for her was in 2007 at DTE (now Pine Knob) near Detroit, Michigan. ” I had just turned 16 and had been begging both of my brothers for years to take me. My 21 year old brother agreed, and I was the youngest out of the group lol. I had the time of my life though and have been obsessed ever since.”

For a fave show, Mallory said every show is a new memory so she loves them all for different reasons. “2022 in Vegas was my first 311 day, so that was like bucket list for me. Chicago blue album and Transistor shows are definitely up there as well. 2023 was my first time in Colorado and first ever red rocks experience, and that was bucket list for me as well lol.”

For a favorite song, Mallory said the beauty of 311 is that they’re a band that has a song that will fit every mood/emotion. “So it just depends on what mood I’m in. Anything from Music makes me think of my oldest brother, as he used to play covers in his high school band. He passed away back in 2012, so any early 311 makes me think of him.” For favorite lyrics, Mallory loves the following: “Fuck the bullshit, it’s time to throw down,” “The deepest dream we have could be tomorrows son,” “Inspiration, I’ve been waiting all my life,” “You’re all up in my mix like fuckin’ Betty Crocker,” and “Music’s what I need to keep my sanity.”

Mallory is from Michigan, born and raised and still residing there. “I would love to live somewhere in the mountains like Colorado, Nevada, out west somewhere I suppose.” She loves traveling and she started her 311 habit after the first pandemic lockdown. “My first concert in 2021 was actually 311 when them came to Detroit lol. I talked amongst fans before the show and mentioned 311 day and cruises. I said “man, I want to attend both of those some day.” and by March of 2022, I was booked for a week in Vegas for 311 day! I also attended the Chicago album shows that year as well. I had never been to so many concerts in one year! haha. After 2022, i just realized that life is too short to not take risks, so I decided to travel solo all over the US. I was nervous, as solo traveling was new to me and totally out of my comfort zone, but I have met soooo many amazing people throughout my journey.”

Interesting fact about Mallory is that she took hip hop dance classes 6th through 8th grade. “I love me some hip hop!” She also really enjoys arts and crafts projects. “Often my ADHD gets in the way of completing most projects, but I still enjoy it. I have also started getting into reading recently, and I’m amazed at how much I enjoy it as an adult lol.”

Guilty pleasure? Mallory is a sucker for boy bands! “Been listening to a lot of One Direction lately. RIP Liam Payne aka my British boyfriend.” As for other musicians she likes, the list includes Ween, Tool, Incubus, Sublime, Paramore, Deftones, Teenage Wrist, Turnstile, Primus, The Eagles, The Beatles, The Doors, and Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Mallory has this message to the guys in 311: “I love you and appreciate all you have done for this community, you have no idea how much of an impact you have on all of us fans.”

Now here is her message to all the other fans out there!

“You guys are awesome! Thank you for letting me embrace my awkwardness, and I am so thankful to have met you. and to those who I have not met yet, cant wait to meet you someday! (OTMFB, perhaps?) 😁”

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Thank you Mallory for sharing your story with us all! And of course, my love & thanks to all the readers each post. Hope you all have an amazing week!!

Much Love – The Runt

Oh hey there 311 nation! What is up? Are we ready for the next fan spotlight? Let’s meet Steve Kostecki!

For Steve, he remembers the day very clearly when he became a 311 fan. Or when they blew his mind – it was July 30, 1997, “I was driving westbound on McLeod Road in Niagara Falls Canada. I was in my 1987 Ford Ranger XLT pick up truck with a brand new candy apple red paint job. I was listening to 103.3 the edge out of Buffalo. They declared a new 311 song titled Transistor, and from the third or second note I was instantly hooked, the tone and the changes of the song blew my mind. The sound of Chad’s snare was epic, and unlike anything I’ve ever heard and then the melodies and harmonies of SA together truly beautiful. I’ve never heard anything like that like that. And, to this day, I’ve not heard anyone else in any musical group who can harmonize as good as them. The song blew my mind. It sounded completely different than anything I’ve ever heard and the constant changes were exactly what I needed.”

For show count, Steve stopped counting at 20 but he believes the most recent show in Niagara Falls was number 25. As for a favorite, he finally made it to a 311 Day back in 2022. “It blew my mind and was so much fun. I have to do another one sometime soon.”

While Steve didn’t want to pick just one song that means the most to him, he landed on “Stealing Happy Hours.” “The song just hits me differently and has such a real good tone. Brings back many great memories for me.” For lyrics, Steve chose ones from “Space & Time” – “I think you’re more damned if you don’t, I figured that out long ago, truly. But I’m on a one way highway out of town, I got to get away or I might have a breakdown. So break it down, so long to this kind of worry and the doubt. I roll the window down and give myself a way out, a way out.” Steve said this part of that song is almost biblical to him. “It’s a constant reminder for me to take breaks. I’m busy .. a teacher, business owner and I have 6 children. If I overload my plate … I pretty much fuck myself and my family, still crash n burn. This song is special that way for me. I also use this with my wife to make an excuse why I need another 311 show! 😆”

Steve grew up in Niagara Falls, Canada and he has several college and university diplomas. He’s lived in London, Ontario Canada, Ridgeway Ontario Canada, and Boston, Massachusetts for about 3 years. He funds his 311 habit by working his ass off and never stopping. “Except of course when I need some Space & Time, wink wink, nudge nudge.”

Steve has had a lot of run in’s with celebrities over his lifetime. “I’ve met Britney Spears. I played pool with Jessica Beal and I even met Julia Roberts. All of these meetings with celebrities have all just been chance, kind of strange. Most people never meet anyone famous.” Steve also has a cousin who won the Stanley Cup playing with the Montreal Canadiens in 1993. He loves to work out, doing Crossfit, running and lifting weights. He also loves skiing but says his true love in life is golf. “I have a plan to golf in Scotland in about 2 years for 2 weeks. I’m going to travel to Scotland and meet some cousins I’ve never met and golf at some of the best courses.”

As for something that makes him unique, Steve said that it’s a really tough question to answer. However, he said if his wife answered the question, she would say that he has tremendous ideas and business ideas. “I have a great way of creating these ideas from my mind to reality.”

Guilty pleasure for Steve, he said isn’t really a guilty one at all, maybe just a little nerdy – he enjoys collecting coins, American and Canadien. “My other guilty pleasure is probably that I review restaurants online. I’m super critical and professional and take it super seriously.”

For other music Steve loves, he has a wide range of musical interests. He also plays bass. “And I like to play jazz and really old jazz, like the 30’s and 40’s kind of stuff. I really love Oasis, The Beastie Boys, reggae and Christian worship music.”

For his message to 311, Steve has these words: “Thank you so much for creating the music that you continuously do. Please, don’t ever stop but if you ever do, I understand. Your music has helped me more than I ever thought and I just recently came upon this discovery. It’s so important to me and thousands of people we are eternally thankful.”

Now here’s his message to all the other fans out there:

“Thank you for being like me. It’s been a pleasure doing business with you. “

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Many thanks to Steve for sharing his story with us all! And as always, my eternal gratitude to the readers each week. Hope you all have an awesome week! Go be amazing!

Much Love – The Runt

Welcome back my friends in 311 Nation! It’s that time again, let’s get the story of another fan! This week we meet the one & only Ricky Rappa!

It was thanks to MTV that Ricky first found 311, when the video for “Down” debuted. There was also a local alternative rock station called “The Buzz” that played their music a lot. “Having an older brother that typically influenced my musical interest, this was one of the first bands I remember discovering on my own. The space theme and alien stuff drew me to them even more, besides the catchy riffs and dope lyrics!”

Show count for Ricky is 62. He’s been to five 311 Day events (2006,2016,2018, 2022, 2024) and one cruise in 2017. His very first concert ever, of any musician, was 311 during the Transistor Tour back in 1997. “My brother got me the new Transistor CD (my all time favorite album) and a pair of tickets to take me to see them the following month!”

As for which show of the 62 means the most to him, he said it’s hard to pinpoint. “The cruise is obviously special, but that seems like a cop out answer. It’s definitely something you have to experience at least once! I’ve been to Red Rocks to see them 4 times now, and each one is better than the last. That place is heaven on Earth and my absolute favorite venue I’ve ever been to. 311 day is always a good time, seeing lots of old friends and making tons of new ones! The Chicago double album show stands out tho, two of my favorite albums in their entirety, with some of my favorite people and friends I’ve made in this community, in the awesome city of Chicago! I always regretted missing the Pow Wow, so this was my redemption! We had a huge airbnb with like 14 of us in this crazy dope maze of a house, it was a good/memorable weekend.”

For song that means the most to him, Ricky chose “Love Song” because it’s he and his wife’s wedding song. As for a favorite lyric, one of his faves is, “I cannot handle all the negative vibe merchants.”

Ricky was born and raised in South Florida.He’s lived there his whole life and has never had the chance to live anywhere else. He works for himself as a box truck driver and delivers freight in the South Florida area. “I’m married to my beautiful wife Brooke and we have 2 kids, Lilliana (11) and Roman (5) and we have a yorkie named Geno! I help run the 311 Merch Xchange Facebook group and I like to host “waffles”, I enjoy connecting people in search of/selling/trading/buying 311 merch.”

Ricky has a talent – he’s good at helping people find the 311 merch they are searching for! “I’m known for hosting waffles in the 311 Merch Xchange group, it’s a labor of love, but I really enjoy it! When I go to shows, people recognize me now, it’s still weird to me, bc I’m just another fan!” Guilty pleasure for him, he is a Marvel nerd! “The comics, the movies, all of it! I Always have been! I Collected comic cards more than baseball or football cards as a kid, long before I collected 311 posters and merch!”

Other musicians that Ricky likes he said are mostly a byproduct of going to 311 shows. The list includes Sublime, Slightly Stoopid, Dirty Heads and The Movement are probably my favorites besides 311. I also like Stick Figure, Little Stranger, and Pepper. He’s also into some local bands such as Artikal Sound System, Seranation and Cloud 9 Vibes.

For his message to 311, Ricky has these words: “Thank you for being the soundtrack to my life!”

Now here is his message to all of the other fans out there:

“I appreciate all the friends and family I’ve made in this community! There are way too many to thank personally, but the memories I’ve made with yall are some I will cherish forever!”

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Thank you Ricky for sharing your story with all of us! As always, my gratitude to all that read these. Hope you all have an amazing week and keep spreading the positivity!

Much Love – The Runt

Hello again my friends out in Excitable nation! A new week is upon us and that means it’s time to meet the next fan spotlight. Let’s get the story of Colin Kelly! (Just a little side note, Colin’s wife Senecah was going to do the spotlight, but she gave it up and went through these questions with Colin – super cool of her to do and thanks Senecah for doing this interview!)

Colin said that knowing about 311 was inevitable being a kid in the 90’s. It was at his buddys house that he really became a fan. “I was learning guitar and sleeping over at a friend’s house and he was playing enlarged to show detail video on VHS and I fell in love immediately!”

As for live shows, Colin has been to 7. His first show was at the Orlando House of Blues with his older brother. He’s also been on 2 cruises (the second one he was with his love Senecah), attended one UCF concert and an Earth Day one in Orlando, which also was with Senecah. “We are looking forward to our next 311 cruise together in 2025!”

As for Colin’s favorite, he said it would have to be the first cruise. ” I remember Dirty Heads were there and the wind was blowing dude’s hair and that was just a MOMENT in time for me. Sen calls it reggae magic. It’s like a force of down to earth vibes- an ability to truly kick back and exhale and enjoy the humans around knowing there’s a oneness.”

Song that means the most to Colin is “Home Brew.” Yet it’s “Come Original” that he said house his favorite lyrics from 311. “I used to be so depressed but that spoke to me and I needed it! Be yourself. Just be you! The rest falls into place when you’re being true.”

Colin was raised by a family that was very supportive of his interest in 311. “My parents loved music festivals and camping trips and so I found myself in that type of community easily and doing things that vibe with my love for nature.” Colin’s trade is he’s an arborist, meaning he takes care of trees and he said is somewhat successful at it. He and Senecah also do a lot of side work cutting trees to get their cruise money. “That’s one of our favorite past times together actually- slaying treework and then going to our wing stop together and reliving old memories at our favorite table, hitting that jukebox with 311 and talking and laughing into the night. 311 made me feel good about myself when I felt really bad about myself. (This topic brings unexpected tears!)”

Something people may not know about Colin is that when his life isn’t going exactly right, and when he’s been listening to podcasts for too long, he goes and puts on 311. Then he slips back into feeling alright. “Something interesting Senecah is so good at reminding me is- what you focus on elaborates. So when you’re feeling not so much yourself, or like life has a hold on you, don’t give into those feelings. Try to change the thought process to what you’re happy with and those thoughts will take you to your next level up even through your circumstances. That’s an interesting perspective about me that can give you value. Choose your thoughts.”

Something unique about Colin is that he’s really good at making a tree fall down exactly where it should and needs to fall when he has to cut them. ” And honestly- I apologize to every single tree that I cut down.” Guilty pleasure for him is having his moments to himself and time on his own, which he said can sometimes span an entire day or weekend. ” I love that Senecah supports this and is so giving of my me time. I’ll spend it sitting out back by the woodline, or out on my kayak, or out on an early morning shoreline fishing. Just me and my thoughts. Time alone to reset may be a guilty pleasure but it’s a great reset.”

When not listening to the tunes of 311, other artist Colin loves include Oliver Anthony, Sevendust, Incubus, Trivium, and Iya Terra, just to name a few. “There’s so much good music!!!”

For his message to 311, Colin has these words: “You guys helped develop my love for the world. Even as a growing boy and still now as a 40 year old man. I see through a lense of beautiful music and lyrics and have a sense of peace running though me.”

Now his words to all the other 311 fans out in the universe:

“To the fans who find this story, my only hope is that you have found 311 early enough in your development.”

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Thank you Colin, and Senecah, for helping share this tale with all the other fans out there. My gratitude, as always, goes out to those who read these posts each time. Hope you all have an amazing week!

Much Love – The Runt

Welcome back my friends out there in 311 nation! It’s time for the new edition of the 311 fan spotlight. Let’s meet Matthew Lucido!

The year 2000 is when Matthew became a 311 fan and he said he became a fan for life. First show for him was at the age of 16, at the Electric Factory in Pennsylvania. “They were touring with Hoobastank! From that day on I was beyond hooked!”

Since becoming a fan, Matthew has been to over 50 shows in many places like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Florida & Texas. He’s also seen them on the cruise in 2017 and then his very first 311 Day on the cruise in 2023. “Being my first ever 311 Day having been the first ever one at Sea there really is no other amazing moment then that right there!” The song that means the most to Matthew is “Don’t Dwell” and he’s hoping to one day hear it live.

Hamilton, New Jersey, is where Matthew grew up. He graduated from Johnson & Wales University, with a degree in Hospitality/Entertainment Management plus a culinary degree.

In 2003, Matthew was diagnosed with kidney failure and cancer. “Evolver had just released that album has gotten me through most of my surgeries with the lyrics and songs, guiding me through some of the most darkest times of my life.”

Matthew is now 8 years cancer free and counting! “I have had over 32 operations under GA and have beat throat and kidney cancer. I thank my family Mother, Father, Brother, friends, my familia, and 311 for keeping me going when I wanted to give up and I stayed positive and love my life and never have and never will give up! It is not a sob story it is my success story! After having my little man Zachary age 10 who went to his first 311 show on the rail in 2022! He loves 312 just as much as I do of not more! This is to let people know no matter how bad it gets you can make it and you can fight and you stay strong all along you will come out beyond that grey sky!!”

For work, Matthew is a Bar & Banquet Supervisor for McKibbion Hospitality Group in Tampa, Florida, and he loves what he is doing. Guilty pleasure for him would be skiing on big mountains and fresh snow. “Living in Florida we don’t have that luxury but when I was a kid it was my Zen place cranking up some 311 and skiing down the mountain fast as I could just jamming out.”

Other bands Matthew loves include Reel Big Fish, RHCP, Tropidelic, Dirty Heads, Eminem, AC/DC, and Metallica just to name a few!

To the band, Matthew chose these words from the heart: “Thank you for putting out music that keep me alive and help me fight through all I’ve been through when I was fighting for my life. My father is my Hero and so are you guys!”

Now here is his personal message to all the other fans out there:

“Thank you for all the amazing shows, memories, and joy we have shared together.  I can’t wait to see what adventures we get to have in the future. Remember that Everything is a choice, go  ahead raise your voice, and don’t forget to stay positive and love your life to its fullest you only get one Don’t Dwell! I Love You All♥️😎🎸🎤🎶

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Super thanks to Matthew for sharing his story with all of us! And as always, my love & gratitude to the readers each post. Now go have an amazing week! Sending you all good vibes.

Much Love – The Runt

Hello again Excitable nation! Are we ready for the new edition of the 311 fan spotlight? Let’s learn the story of Kristen Misner!

In 7th grade a friend of Kristen’s brought over the Blue album. “I’m sure I had to have heard them before that, but my first memory was that day. He skipped right to #5 and Hive has been my favorite song since. It was also the first 311 song I heard live.”

For show count, Kristen has been to 142 total. This includes 28 different states, cruises, and Half Moon Cay. “7 cruises, 7 311 days, a couple of Halloween shows, Pow Wow. My first show was August 26, 1997 at Jones Beach Amphitheater. ”

As for favorites, there are a few that stand out for Kristen. “The first 3 cruises for the experience, 3/10/12 for the setlist, and Red Rocks shows, because it’s Red Rocks! If I had to pick one as the best, I’d say Red Rocks in 2010, because it was my first time at that venue and I also met my husband, Josh Callan, for the first time while waiting in line to get in.”

The song “Jupiter” is one that Kristen really loves for a specific reason. “In 2009 I had a seizure that caused me to crash my car. I found out I was born with a seizure disorder that just hadn’t presented itself until then. I felt like my life was turned upside down and was just a ticking time bomb for it to happen again. I basically listened to that song on repeat to get over the fear of living with it for the rest of my life.”

Some lyrics that really resonate with Kristen are as follows: “Do as you will, do as you wish, follow your bliss on every day. Never ask for an advantage, let the cards fall where they may,” “Run up the hill, do as you do, I’m gonna chill, you know you really oughta do the same,” “Changin all the time, we changin all the same, changin this life and this eternal frame. Warm in the sun refresh in the breeze, glow in the stars, blossom in the trees. Livin through life in infinite extent, spread undivided, operate unspent,” and “No high, no low, no great and no small, build and bound connect and equal all.”

Long Island, New York, is where Kristen has lived her entire life. “I love being right by the beach, a train ride from the city and I can be in the mountains within a couple of hours.” While she may not have lived anywhere else, she has traveled a lot. “I’m trying to make it to all 50 states (I’m at 42) and I’ve been to 20 countries so far.”

Craziest trip she has ever taken was making the trek to Los Angeles in 2012 to see Ghostwolf. “Because I flew across the country and back home in less than 24 hours. I basically got there in time for the show and flew out super early to get back to work in NY the next morning. I’ve also made some crazy driving trips, like from LI to Myrtle Beach and back in a weekend for Passafire & 311. It was like 15 hours driving each way, driving through the night on a Friday after work, slept on the lawn inside the venue between Passafire and 311’s sets and back home on Sunday. Or deciding to see 311 on our anniversary in Pittsburgh the day of the show, then driving back, past our house and out to the Hamptons to see Passafire the next day. I think we were in the car driving, for 2 days, longer than we were out of it.”

Kristen loves animals and if she could have one super power, she would want to be like Dr. Doolittle. “I haven’t eaten meat in 15 years. When I was in JrH/HS, we had a barn in our yard and had horses, goats, chickens, turkeys, ducks, cats, dogs, bunnies, lizards… I used to walk my goat on a leash and it was fun to see people get really confused and try and figure out what kind of dog she was. She’d also ride around in my Bronco with me. Now I just have 2 indoor cats, DD & Feeny, and a feral-ish outdoor baby, Pat.”

Interesting fact about Kristen – despite loving to go to concerts, she hates being in crowds of people. She also said she has a very odd sense of humor and she makes herself laugh…a lot! Guilty pleasure for her? “None that I’d consider guilty pleasures, if I like it, it’s just pleasure! If you mean my all time favorites, TV show is Buffy the Vampire Slayer, movie is The Little Mermaid and hobbies are painting, photography and gardening. I start my garden from seed every year and squeeze a pretty wild variety of plants, both ornamental and edible, into our small suburban yard.”

For music, Kristen listens to a wide variety, depending on her mood. “I don’t really discriminate based on genre, with the exception of country music. I grew up listening to a lot of classic rock and 80’s pop. I’m pretty sure my aunt introduced me to The Beatles music while I was still inside my mom and my first concert I was in the 2nd row for Michael Jackson when I was 5. Then in my teens I also got into alternative rock/punk. The bands I’ve seen most live, after 311 are Phish (60+ times), Ballyhoo! And Passafire, both in the 50ish show range.”

To 311, Kristen would like to say: “Thanks for being the reason I found the love of my life and the best friends anyone could ask for.”

Now here is her shoutout to all the other fans out there:

“It’s “3-11, 3-3-11!” Not “threeee-eeee-leee-ven”. Oh and Ron… always remember, we can show up 10 minutes before they hit the stage and be right behind you. You know you love it.  And finally, Josh. Thanks for finding me. End the quest, you’re beyond compare. I love you.”

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Big thank you to Kristen for sharing your story with all of us! Of course, always a big thank you to the readers each post. Hope you all have a wonderful week. Sending you all good vibes.

Much Love – The Runt

Welcome again my Excitable friends! It’s time for another 311 Fan Spotlight. This week let’s meet Noel Morris!

It was the late 90’s/early 2000’s when Noel was finishing up high school and heading off to college that he first heard of 311. ” I listened to a wide variety of music. I liked 311, but I would not have said they were anywhere near my favorite. I did enjoy there music because it was some solid rock and was fun to listen to while partying.”

Noel has been to 19 shows in 8 states. He keeps track of them and the songs that he has seen live, as well as how many times for each song. First show was in Pensacola, Florida, in July of 2007. “I had been drinking pretty heavily all day, and my friend and I who had traveled down from Tennessee ended up getting thrown out some time during 311’s set after being searched and interrogated by some cops for partaking in some herb. I fell off when Uplifter came out. I didn’t see them again or lose g to anything new until October 2017 in Nashville. That was the first full set that I saw and the moment I was all in on 311!”

As for favorite show or event, Noel said the cruises are definitely what he loves the most. “I went on the 2019 cruise by myself and knew no one on the boat. By the time I left, I had made so many incredible friends from all over the country. This past cruise was just as amazing since I knew so many people and couldn’t walk 15 feet without having to stop and hug everyone. Vegas is also incredible because you get so many deep cuts, but the cruise is the only thing that beats 311 Day!”

As for a song that means the most to him, Noel said the last couple of years it’s been “Dodging Raindrops.” “That is definitely a hot take, but the meaning and feelings behind that one has really gotten me through some times. Being at the world premiere in Vegas was phenomenal!” Some lyrics that he loves include: “From chaos comes clarity,” and “I’m a perfect example of not giving a fuck, about the catty rude people that just suck.”

Noel grew up in White House, Tennessee, which is about 30 minutes north of Nashville. ” I spent my “college” years up in Bowling Green, KY. I was enrolled at WKU for a couple years, but I took a semester off to work to help pay for a new car and never went back. I was too proud to let me parents pay for it. I lived there about 5 years before heading back home.”

Noel started working in steel fabrication when he was 16, during the summer when he didn’t have band stuff going on. Then he worked in fast food, managing a Sonic when he was in Kentucky. Then he moved back home at 24 and got back working into steel. “

After the recession hit and was pretty much done, I went back to school to be a medical assistant. I worked in Pain Management a few years running a fluoroscope and assisting with epidurals, ablations, spinal cord stimulator implants, and other procedures. I kind of fell into the business side of medical by accident, but I’ve been doing it 8 years now. I travel to different hospitals around the nation to assist and manage different aspects of their business offices and AR services. I specialize more in the billing, claims/denial follow-up, and back end services, but in the last few years based on client needs, I’ve been managing a lot of the Patient Access (registration and scheduling) services. I really love what I do. It allows me to travel around and see different parts of the county. My favorite was a year I spent working in Juneau, Alaska for a Native Health organization. I spent a couple years on the Canadian border about 2 hours outside of Syracuse. Lately I’ve been working in El Dorado, Arkansas. My company specializes in working with small independent hospitals in the middle of nowhere to give them the knowledge and expertise that larger chain hospitals can attract easily. I’ve always considered myself a bit of a Renaissance man. No matter what I’ve done for work, I always try to go in and be the best at whatever it is I am doing.”

Fun fact about Noel is that he’s always down to try something new and is really adventurous. “I’m a certified scuba diver. I’ve been skydiving, but one of my favorite things to do is dance! I started when I was around 18. I’ve forgotten more ballroom stuff than I still remember but LOVE to dance! I’m still pretty decent at swing dancing. That seems to be one of the things that surprise people the most once they get to know me. I actually almost took a job as a dance instructor years ago.”

Something that makes Noel unique is that at a young age he really stopped caring what people thought about him. “I was extremely introverted when I was in high school. Dancing is where I first started gaining some confidence and becoming more extroverted. Most people find it hard to believe that I was ever introverted. It still comes out from time to time. I’ve always split any personality test straight down the middle of being the quiet homebody that likes to work alone and the life of the party that wants to be out and never meets a stranger. It’s definitely an odd combination, but I’m always 100% authentic me lol.”

As mentioned earlier, Noel really likes a wide variety of music. “I could go straight from attending a symphony performance to then heading across town to a metal show and feel just as comfortable and entertained at either. Since this last cruise, I’ve been on a big Ballyhoo! kick. It was the same with Tropidelic and RDGLDGRN after the 2019 cruise. Aside from that type of music, I really love country, especially 90s country and the classics. My favorite country acts would be Chris Young, Lady Antebellum, Bryan White, and Blackhawk. I love Led Zeppelin! In my younger days, they were by far my favorite band! Some other randoms would be Foo Fighters, RHCP, The Highwaymen, DMB, Michael Buble, Frank Sinatra, Fred Astaire, OAR, Glenn Miller, Miles Davis, Metallica, All That Remains, and Earth, Wind, and Fire…. to name a few lol.” Guilty pleasure for him is music from Limp Bizkit and “Supernatural.”

To 311, Noel would like to say, “Thanks for all the positivity and love that you and your music has put into the world because it truly changed my outlook on life!”

Now here are his words to the other fans out there:

“Stay positive and love your life! To all my excitable friend I’ve meet and still have yet to meet, I truly love you all! Looking forward to all the love at 311 Day!

Also to all the Slinkies, if we are at a show, the silent disco on the cruise, or anywhere with some good tunes and you want to do some real dancing, don’t be afraid to let me know because I’ll definitely be down to give you a twirl!”

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Thank you Noel for sharing your story with us all! My eternal gratitude also to the readers each post. I hope you all have an amazing week, sending you all good vibes.

Much Love – The Runt

Welcome back Excitable nation! Shall we get to the newest edition of the 311 Fan Spotlight? This week we. meet the other half of last week’s spotlight – David Tucker!

When David first started dating his wife Ammi in 2000, she was always listening to 311. “I think she was probably the biggest fan in our area. I was more into hip hop / rock / rap music. She introduced me to 311 music. I didn’t get into them at first. But the more I listened to them, the more I realized they were mixing in some of my favorite music genres. I then became a fan. After my first show, I was hooked.”

Show count for David is at 18, that includes four 311 Day events and the last cruise. First show for him was June 24, 2000, at the Mud island Amphitheatre in Memphis, Tennessee. “It was the Summer Tour that had Incubus as their opening act. Side note: I was really looking forward to the 20-year reunion tour in 2020. Stupid Covid got in the way. I’m hoping that reunion still happens.”

Picking a favorite show was tough for David as he said every show is electric. “311 Day and the Cruise are both experiences that every fan must have at some point. But, I would say that my favorite show has to be the Transistor Album show in Chicago on October 23, 2022. When Omaha Stylee was played, everyone in the place rocked in unison. I will forever remember that moment. It was amazing.”

Picking a song that means the most to him was also difficult for David. “I think every 311 fan has been attached to a different song at different moments of their lives. I have several that have gotten me through good and bad times. I think lately I can relate to “Don’t Stay Home” the most. Growing up, I chose to stay home many times. It was my comfort zone. Looking back, I realize that I missed a lot of things going on around me. Then, during my early career and when my first 2 boys were little, we had no choice but to stay home. Now, in this season of my life, I want to experience everything that I can experience. Life is too short to miss the little things. I would tell anyone that is in that situation, go enjoy life. You have your entire life to make money. Trust me, I get it. I rode the struggle bus for many years. I know budgets are tight. But, 5 years from now, which is more important, $50 or a night of memories that you will have forever.”

A lyric that has stuck with David since this last cruise is from the song “My Stoney Baby” – “I want your fish right by me, that’s how it has to be.” “My wife made a pretty cool sticker and shirt with that lyric on it. But I also have so many other ones that I love as well.”

Northeast Arkansas, in a small town, is where David grew up. He’s been there his entire life. “We didn’t have a lot growing up, but our needs were met. We had a close knit family. As a kid, I always loved art and music. My tastes changed many times, but those two things remained. I was a band kid. I played the alto saxophone and was the drum major in my senior year of high school. I played in a local college band before deciding that path wasn’t for me at that time.”

A few years later David found his calling as a funeral director and he’s been in that profession since 2004. “It feels good to help people make their final decisions to respectfully honor their loved ones. I decided a couple years ago to continue my education by graduating with my bachelor’s degree in December and entering the MBA program in January. My wife and I have four boys. They are 16, 14, and two are 6-year-old twins. The oldest two are band kids that both play saxophone. They are way better than I have ever thought about being. All four have been exposed to 311 and other bands that we like. We are hoping to one day take them to a 311 concert. We are trying to open every door possible for our children to experience things that we didn’t and give them options for their own lives. I am happy to be where I am today in my life.”

Interesting fact about David is that he didn’t learn how to swim until he was 16 years old. “I always had a fear of water. I still have a healthy fear. I still remember the day I decided that I was going to either learn how to swim or die trying. We had a local hotel with a pool. During the summer, for $5, they would let you swim all day. Living in Northeast Arkansas, there wasn’t much else to do. So, one thing that I always noticed while being in the shallow end of the pool was that I was always surrounded by little kids. The deep end was where my friends and the pretty girls were. One summer day at that hotel pool, I told my brothers that I was jumping in the deep end and to come get me if I don’t come up. Before they realized what I just told them, I jumped into the deep end. As expected, I went to the bottom but then came up out of the water. I was swimming. It was doggy pedaling, but it was still swimming. I didn’t drown. When I opened my eyes, I realized that my brothers were on each side of me. They were ready to save me. I got better at swimming that summer. I got to talk to more of my friends and the pretty girls instead of the little kids too.”

Something that David has always loved to do is make parody music. “I’ve never recorded anything or even have any written down. But it’s just one of those things that got me through boredom while growing up. Sometimes I’ll make up goofy songs as jingles for local companies. I don’t know if that’s a talent, but it is usually a fun time with my wife and kids.” Guilty pleasure for him is playing video games. “Mainly MLB the Show while watching The Office at night after everyone goes to bed. It seems to remove a lot of stress from the day.”

Other bands that David loves, he says they change all the time. Or more so that he adds to the list as the years go on. “Now I mainly listen to bands I’ve heard on tour with 311 or one of the many Spotify playlists that includes them mixed with some of my old favorites.” Some of the bands he can be found listening to include Ballyhoo!, Little Stranger, Ries Brothers, Bumpin Uglies, Dirty Heads, Incubus, Weezer, Green Day, Cake, The Offspring, Tropidelic, Sublime, and Iya Terra.

To 311, David would like to say these words: “Thank you for continuing to make and perform music that gets me through life daily.”

Now here is his message to all the other fans out there:

“I have a career that experiences a lot of sadness. But in that sadness, there is often joy as well. Whatever you are going through, remember that there are better days ahead. It’s easy to consume ourselves with sadness and negativity, but I also believe it’s just as easy to consume ourselves with joy and positivity. You matter to someone. Always remember that. And it’s been fun celebrating 311 music with everyone. This community had brought me many friends that I would otherwise never have had the pleasure to meet. Keep rocking on! I’ll see you in Vegas!”

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Many thanks to David for sharing his story with us all! As always, my eternal gratitude to all the readers each post. Have an amazing week and Happy Thanksgiving to all my USA friends!

Much Love,

The Runt