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

Hello again my friends out there in 311 nation! It’s time for the next edition of the fan spotlight. This week we meet Eddie Cross!

As Eddie grew up, he was exposed to wide variety of music such as Gospel, Funk, R&B/Soul, Hip-hop, Grunge, and Country. He also played trombone in the high school band. Then when he was a freshman at the University of Texas in 1996, the local alternative station started playing “All Mixed Up.” “The mix of genres blew my mind. I was like “THERE’S THIS??” I’d heard & liked Rage Against the Machine & the Judgement Night soundtrack, but those were just metal + rap. The addition of reggae, funk, turntables & just the melodies and fun positive vibes of 311 hit completely differently.”

Show count for Eddie is somewhere over 30. He’s seen 311 in Austin every year they’ve played there since 1996 except for the one year his parents payed him a surprise visit. He’s also seen them at a few other Texas shows, Red Rocks in 2021 and was on the last two cruises. “I was actually supposed to see 311 in Washington, DC in March 2002, but it ended up being the first show they ever had to cancel due to illness.”

Favorite event for Eddie was this last cruise in March. “As good as it felt to FINALLY get OTMFB in 2019, it felt even better to get through a 4 year wait & survive 2 bouts of COVID to make it a 2nd time. Knowing what to expect, planning with friends & realizing it wouldn’t be the last one made it much more of a vacation.” Eddie also said the show at The Majestic in San Antonio in 2022 also stands out to him. “The sound, the setlist, & the energy were just off the charts. After seeing so many shows, it was surprising to still be able to be blown away!”

The song that means the most to Eddie is “Don’t Stay Home.” ” I’m still trying to take that to heart! My introvert tendencies and my desire to experience life are constantly at odds.” As for favorite lyrics, he particularly loves the following: “For an infinite minute, let’s stop the clock and be in it. What takes you out just forget it,” and “The first straw, so small it seems impossible. The next straw vanished like shooting stars that fall. The last straw, there’s no reason for getting there at all.”

Eddie was born in Houston and grew up in a small Texas town. He grew up playing football, running track, and playing trombone. He’s been in Austin since 1995 and graduated from the University of Texas in 1999 with a degree in Sports Management. “I got to roam the sidelines and be in the press box for tons of Longhorns games. I also worked dozens of shows & concerts at our arena.”

Currently Eddie works in Security Management for the government and has also worked in radio for 15 years including 2 years producing a morning show and 8 years hosting a weekly combat sports show (covering UFC and boxing). ” I’ve been lucky enough to sit cage side & be in press conferences at probably a dozen UFC events in Texas.”

Something unique about Eddie is that he used to teach two-stepping at UT, which is how he got his Twitter handle – @eddieXperience. “One of MY ballroom dance instructors said one day “Eddie, these girls don’t realize – when they ask you to dance, they’re not just getting a dance… they’re getting an experience!”

Interesting tidbit of info about Eddie – he was actually scheduled to fly to LA on 9/11 to do a photo shoot for Cricket Wireless. “Obviously that got cancelled.” Guilty pleasure for him? “Pro wrestling! 😄 You can sometimes even catch me on my friend’s podcast “Sports Guys Talking Wrestling.”

There are many other musicians that Eddie loves aside from 311. The list includes Little Brother, RDGLDGRN, Rage Against the Machine, The Green, Hirie, Rebelution, Jidenna, Mos Def, Common, The Roots, Bruno Mars, Sublime, Brother Ali, Sarah McLachlan, Counting Crows, Samm Henshaw, Cody ChesnuTT, Black Pumas, Amerigo Gazaway, 80H Project, and Mingo Fishtrap. “I could keep going.”

Eddie would like to say these words to the guys in 311: “Release Forever Now as a single!”

Now here are his words to all the fellow 311 fans out there:

“You guys rule & I’m glad to no longer be the craziest 311 fan I know!”

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Thank you Eddie for sharing your story with us all! Of course, my eternal gratitude to the readers and supporters of this blog each time. Hope you all have an excellent week and just try to keep smiling. You never know who’s life you’ll impact doing it.

Much Love – The Runt

Welcome again friends to another edition of the 311 Fan Spotlight! Let’s get this party started – it’s time to meet Scott Baumgarte!

How Scott discovered the band is by going to see another band that was opening for them and he stuck around to see 311. “A band like no other. Funky, punky,a little rappy and a little thrash mixed all in one with a good vibe.  What really drew me to 311 is the Instagram they brought meaning the crowd that showed up.  Super friendly and always willing to pick you up in the pit or be a shoulder to lean on while you put your heal back into your shoe. Hah.”

For show count, Scott believes he’s at 40 with being on the most recent cruise. His very first show was in Portland, Oregon, which was his home state. “The venue was McMenamins  the crystal ballroom with the suspension floor.  It was amazing!”

As for favorite show or event, Scott said this years cruise was probably his best experience, just because it was a day event. “2023 cruise 7 was my first cruise.  It was life changing for me in all on that high.” He lives close to Red Rocks but has yet to go, and he has yet to experience a 311 Day even though he is also close to that. “It’s all about what I can afford and keep a smile on my wife’s face.” Second favorite show for him was the New Year’s Eve show at the Marquee Theater, with the balloons dropping at midnight.

The song that holds a special place in Scott’s heart is “Purpose.” For lyrics, he loves the line, “69 Lincoln, suicide doors” and also pretty much the whole song of “Hydroponic.”

As mentioned before, Scott was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. He attended high school in Vancouver, Washington. Now he has been in Arizona since 2010. While he can’t attend every 311 show he would like to, he was psyched to have gotten on the cruise this year. “When I got into the boat I didn’t know what really to expect.  I was wife and kid free for a week time to let loose.  I feel like I stand out because I am a shiny ray of sunlight and very inviting to anyone to chat with.  I met so many people took so many pictures.  The overwhelming feeling of love I got almost immediately from everyone was electric. To be honest that is an understatement.  I felt I connected with every person I encountered and it was so neat.  I just wanted to spread a good vibe and send everyone home with a scottie KARATE sticker.  It was my mission!”

Scott has a special talent – he can blow spit bubbles. “Don’t ask me how but I can make them and blow them right off my tongue.  Others can do it but not many.” Something that people may not know about his is that he’s been a professional body piercer since 1995, and also even though he goes by Scottie Karate, he does not actually know Karate. Now for guilty pleasure, he said his it to be free. “Feel good in your own skin. I also love to dress up in any fashion.”

For other bands that Scottie can be found listening to, he said at this moment they include Katastro, Pepper, Dirty Heads, Bumpin Uglies, Bikini Trill, J Boog, Jelly Roll, and Mr. Bungle. One of his other all time favorite bands though is Nine Inch Nails. “Always a winner.”

Scott would like to say these words to every member of 311: “Thank you all so much for so many tours, albums and commitment from all of you.  For you to keep this band together for all these years.  Look what you have accomplished.  My hat is off to you 5. Even if you don’t put any more music out you have surpassed what any other fan would expect or want.  You have lifted me up when I needed it, you hand helped me when I was really down and even when I’m in top of the world you guys still blow my mind.”

Now here is Scottie Karate’s message to all the other 311 fans out in the universe:

“Scottie KARATE will be bringing the vibe in 2025 OTMFB.”

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Thank you so much Scott for sharing your excellent story with us all! Much gratitude to all the readers today and every time I put one of these out into the world. Have the best week you can and keep spreading the good vibes.

Much Love – The Runt

Welcome back my friends out there in 311 nation! A new week is here and that can only mean one thing – it’s time for the next edition of the fan spotlight. Let’s meet Dennis Jewell!

It was the 1992 Lollapalooza that Dennis had his musical awakening. Now flash forward to 1994, where now he felt like he had a good ear for music. He was driving in his car one day when “Homebrew” came on the radio. “I go absolutely nuts I am dying to find out who this band is. Honestly I don’t remember how the knowledge came to me I just know I went home and told my ex-wife who had very similar musical taste all about the song I was like”they were rapping and singing…. I think there were two of them… The music was unreal…”I found out somehow the album had just came out and went out and bought it immediately we listen to it a couple times and I was absolutely blown away… I called a drummer friend of mine and asked him if he had heard of them and he was like bro this band is for Real and told me that Grassroots was their second album…. He told me to go get Music that he thought it was even better.. I went out the very same day bought it…”And I will never be the same…👽”

Exact show count Dennis has yet to really dig in to, but he believes he’s around the 50 mark. First show for him was in 1994 or 1995. “I’m pretty sure it was 94 because we followed them in 95 after The Blue album came out…. It was at what was then called The Roxy in Atlanta. That’s all it took I was a Brodel for life.” As for a favorite show/event, it was hard to pick just one. “311 Day 2020 was magical.. I had always wanted to go to one and for whatever reason just was never able to… I decided on a whim that I was going went by myself didn’t know anybody and became a true part of this wonderful family… That being said what can I say about my first cruise 2023….wow…. With the combination of all the other bands I got to see and meet hang out with and enjoy the cruise might trunk 311 day slightly.”

Some of his top songs include “Flowing” and “Large in the Margin,” as they are both from his favorite album. It’s “Visit” however that takes top billing as Dennis’ favorite song. “Get Down” he said is a close second. “The lyrics just mean so much to me.”

Some lyrics that really resonate with Dennis include: “Music’s what I need to keep my sanity’,” “If you don’t have someone to do it with it’s not worth doing,” “We only enter in one contest that we made up ourselves it’s to be the 311est,” and “It’s alright, wherever you are right now. I tell you it’s alright, that’s where you’re supposed to be now.”

Dennis is a military brat so he’s lived all over the place. Born in Ohio in 1972, he then moved to Colorado, then Georgia, then Germany, Kentucky, Virginia, Texas, and New Mexico. He lived in Germany for 7 years. He lived in Virginia and Georgia twice, and said his heart is really in Atlanta. He has two older brothers and an older sister that all have different musical tastes, so he gathered a little bit from each of them in his quest for what he calls “real music.” “Music that touches my soul music that makes me move in a way I cannot control…. Cuz I do not dance LOL.” Dennis has five daughters….you heard me right – five! He’s a total girl dad. He also has one son that is a musician and huge 311 fan also. “I also have six grandchildren who are the loves of my life. My Kids range from 12 to 36 😲 ,”

Getting back to 311, in the 90’s Dennis actually hung out on the bus with 311 a few times and Tim would put him on their guest list at small venues that he couldn’t get tickets to. “. dude actually gave me the shirt off his back once… I gave him some weed after a show and he like touched his pockets and was like man I don’t have anything to give you he was wearing a hempilation shirt the album had not come out yet and he took his shirt off and handed it to me… We used to be really close his eyes would light up every time he saw me and we had some amazing conversation about other guitar players during that time including my favorite Mike McCready… We actually rode on the bus with them and the Phunk Junkeez to an after show party once and walked right in like we were just part of the crew it was amazing… I could go on for hours with some of my stories but they are real and these dudes were absolutely amazing back in the day I haven’t had a whole lot of interaction with them in the past 20 years but when I got to see Tim on the Cruise he remembered me and it was an amazing moment… Sweet was always one of my favorite songs back in the day cuz I love to hear SA sing…. I used to always ask them to play it…. One of my greatest concert moments ever was in New Mexico when Nick walked up to the microphone and said this one goes out to one of our greatest fans and played Sweet after telling me before the show they probably weren’t going to play it cuz they had played it the night before….YES… What a moment.”

Something that makes Dennis special is he said he’s a true extension of 311. “I truly connect with others during their shows. If you don’t have someone to do it with it’s not worth doing.” Guilty pleasure for him is country music. When not listening to country or 311, he can be found playing tunes from Pearl Jam, Blind Melon, 7 Mary 3, Janes Addiction, Soundgarden, Live, Pink Floyd, and Audic Empire.

Dennis has these words to say to 311 (which he hopes they already know): “Thank you for ALWAYS being there.”

Now his words to the other 311 fans are simply lyrics from 311 themselves:

“Don’t Stay Home.👽👽 🙏”

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Thank you Dennis for sharing your story with the community! Of course, my sincere gratitude to the readers each time. Hope you all have an amazing week, sending you all the positive vibes.

Much Love – The Runt

Hello friends out there in 311 nation! A new week is upon us and that means we have the newest addition to the 311 fan spotlight. Let’s meet another friend from Australia – Mathew Spicer!

1995 was the year that “Down” came on the radio and it traveled to Mathews’s ears. He instantly became a huge fan. The music just connected with him.

First show for Matt was in 1998 at the Warped Tour in Manly Australia and then he watched them the next day in Ulladulla. “23 shows all up with 2 in Australia and the rest in the states.” As for favorite show, Matt chose the first 311 Day he attended in 2010.

For favorite songs. Mathew said his top 3 are “Hive,” “Offbeat Bare Ass,” and “Visit.” As for favorite lyrics, he chose ones from the song “Hive.” “Being an Aussie fan and travelling overseas for them, my favorite line is ‘I represent the traveller, him he’s a shredder.”

As Mathew has mentioned, he’s from Australia! He grew up skateboarding. He spent 18 years on the deck, started when he was just 12 years old and went well into his 30’s. Fun fact about him – his birthday is on 311 Day! He also said that in this stage of his life, in his late 40’s, he needs to see 311 at least once a year. “My outlet in life.”

For other music that Mathew loves, it includes artists such as Unwritten Law, Papa Roach, Opm, Pulley, Bliss N Eso, The Vandals and No Fun At All.

To 311, Mathew has this question: “Why haven’t you returned since 1998 to our beautiful country to tour again?”

Now here is his message to all the other 311 fans out there:

“To my 311 crew I hang with at every show that always organize Airbnbs , tixs and rides to and from airports and shows to make this Aussie have a epic experience ..thank you so much you know who you are … big shout out to my best mate Chris Brauner from St. Louis bloody champion mate ….cheers. Last words See ya OTMFB in March!”

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Thank you so much Mathew for being a part of this and sharing your story with us all. As always, much gratitude to all the readers and support each post. Hope you all have an amazing week. Sending out lots of positive vibes to you all.

Much Love – The Runt

Welcome back 311 nation! I hope you all had an excellent Thanksgiving (those who celebrate it). It’s time for the new fan spotlight – let’s meet Jacob Ruhmann!

311 found their way into Jacob’s world through the song “Beautiful Disaster.” When he heard it on the radio the first time he thought it was the coolest song. “Then at work one day in the kitchen, I heard my friend playing it on the radio. I told him I love that song and found it recently. He told me to go home and listen to the blue album. That changed my life. I had heard Down before but as soon as Random came on, as a drummer for 11 years, I was hooked. Then I get back to work and tell him how awesome that was and I had never heard anything like it, well then he tells me to go listen to Transistor. Keep in mind I’m only 22, so I had all of this music at my disposal. So after these albums I got to listen to all 12 at the time! But going from Blue to Transistor is what really sold it for me, Transistor still is my favorite album and my mind was blown. What really drew me to their music was the mix of different genres, it was something I had never heard before. And I was a fan of the Offspring at the time, so my first show was in 2018 seeing them play with The Offspring and seeing them live, as you all know is what really made me fall in love for life.”

As Jacob mentioned, he’s only 22 and has only been following 311 since 2019. So show count for him is sitting at 15. “I wish I could’ve seen more, but I’m grateful to have even seen them at all. My first show was in St. Louis in 2018, when the played with The Offspring.” As for favorite show or event, Jacob said it’s hard because there are many contenders. He said this years 311 Day, his first Red Rocks show (where he asked them to play ‘Get Down’ and they did), or seeing them a couple of days before his birthday with his twin brother and they met everyone except Chad. However he said his number one show has to be the recent Chicago albu shows. “The Urge is the band I’ve seen live the most after 311, being from St. Louis I go see them every year and love it, so having them open was amazing. And as I stated how I got into 311, blue album and especially Transistor really hold a special place in my heart, I never thought I’d be able to hear it front to back since I was 11 when the pow wow happened haha. And I went with just the greatest group of people, and I actually organized the post show party with some good friends also. We played at the same venue as 311 in the VIP room at the house of blues, and played right after 311 and are actually on the day’s schedule for the venue! It was my first time playing guitar in front of other people, and there was a line to get in and everything, it was just so cool. We were all total strangers and have never played together, and we rocked it for 2 and half hours of 311 covers. It even got promoted by 311 on their social media! So that whole weekend was just unbeatable.”

For songs that mean a lot to Jacob, he had to pick a couple. The first one is “Beautiful Disaster.” “Not only the first song I heard and fell in love with by them, but it was the first song I learned on guitar, and as hopefully most of you know Tim Mahoney is my hero and the reason I picked up a guitar, and I now know 100+ 311 songs on guitar, and it all started with Beautiful Disaster, my 311 journey and guitar journey.” Another song that means a lot to him is “Sever.” “As a young chap trying to figure out life, dating has been such a struggle and I find myself getting heartbroken time after time, and I always lean on Sever to make me feel better. Woah getting personal there haha, although it also helps that Sever is a ton of fun to play on guitar and drums.”

As for favorite lyrics, there are quite a few that strike a chord with Jacob. They include: “Just sever that leash and release, your freedom of speech, you just have to believe, your deed will be received, somehow somewhere, you won’t be repaid with a blank stare, let me know if you dare,” “Not an even field, to be on, feels like standing still, for eons and eons,” “If you don’t have, someone to, do it with it’s not worth doing. To all my friends, it’s not the end, the earth has not swallowed me yet,”
“This moment is a gift, that’s why it’s called the present,” “You can’t be let down if you don’t expect the world,” and “Sometimes the only thing that saves you, think of bad things luck never gave you, and although your true love has just left you, well at least your mother kept you.”

Jacob grew up in St. Louis and has 4 siblings, including a twin. He went to college just south of his hometown and graduated this year. Then he moved to Kansas City, which is still where he currently resides. “I’ve been working in restaurants, primarily front of house for 6 years now, and been bartending since I turned 21. Honestly for part time work getting me through school, it was really good money, and that’s how I was able to afford all my 311 trips, it’s slowed down now a little, and I’m still looking for a career job, but serving and bartending is still great money, my rent is just way more being in a city compared to a college town so I haven’t had as many trips. What fuels me though is my passion for playing music. I’ve been playing drums since I was 11 and picked up guitar during quarantine times and have really really put my all into it, it’s my favorite thing to do and pretty much how I exclusively spend my free time.”

Interesting fact about Jacob is that he has a fraternal twin brother, which he thinks is pretty cool. He’s also been playing drums for 11 years. “It doesn’t show since I don’t play as much as I used to, but I’ll never lose that, just might not be as good as I was. People are always super interested when they find out how young I am too, I think I am definitely the youngest super fan, and that’s awesome to me. Also I have 2 311 tattoos, and love them.”

As for something that makes him unique, Jacob said his musicianship is it because music has been such a huge part of his life as long as he can remember. “

I was raised on it. And I’ve been playing an instrument since I was little too. It’s how I spend all my free time, and there’s just so much more to learn and it really excites me. I think another great quality I have is how much of a people person/extrovert I am. I’ve pretty much been conditioned to it, since I’ve been serving tables for 6 years, but I just can never get enough of meeting interesting people and getting to know them. I see all walks of life when I’m working and I really love it. Hopefully those who have met me can agree, as I always try and put good out into the world and be a listening ear for people. The attention I’ve gotten in the 311 community has seriously changed my life in the best way possible and have made me a better person. I’ve met so many incredible loving people, who approach me as “the guitar guy” for all the 311 covers I put out on Facebook, or after running the event in Chicago, and just being the young super fan, I always have people coming up to me at shows and saying hi and it’s just been such a blessing making all these connections and making great friends, so thank you everyone.”

Guilty pleasure for Jacob is singing in the car. “Even though I can’t sing well at all, and even if people are in the car I just can’t help myself haha. This might be due to my age but I also tend to eat out way too much and sleep in way too much. And you know, now that I think of it, a band I would consider being a guilty pleasure who I follow is Styx. I grew up on classic rock and they’re one of those bands who tour all the time and I just always go see and always have a great time, but their fanbase isn’t really who I want to represent haha. I also got to meet Todd Sucherman, their drummer, at a drum expo, and his style of playing is super cool, so that’s always worth seeing.”

While Jacob said he’s really guilty of pretty much only really listening to 311. “Most of my time listening to music is while I’m playing guitar or in the car, and both of which are usually on 311, my friends and family give me trouble for it but I still just never get sick of it.” With that being said, there are other bands he likes including 311, Green Day, Foo Fighters, Incubus, The Urge, Goldfinger, Turnstile, blink 182, Collective Soul, The Offspring, Pearl Jam, Rage Against the Machine, Primus, Rush, Sublime, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Sublime.

For message to the band or a specific member, Jacob would like to send out these words to Tim since he’s his hero: “Tim, you’re the reason I picked up a guitar. Your blend of styles into your own unique way of playing is truly special, and I look up to you not just as a guitar player, but as a great person to be around with such a warm and welcoming presence.”

Now here are his words to all the other 311 fans out there:

“I just have one thing to say, thank you thank you thank you. To my close 311 friends, you all know who you are. You guys truly mean the world to me and I am forever thankful for our experiences we’ve shared, and for the ones we will share in the future, it isn’t over yet. You guys are some of the nicest people I know and I know you are always there for me, and it truly means the world, I don’t know what I’d do without you. To the rest of the 311 excitable crew all over the world, I want to say thank you for giving me, some lost 22 year old, a place to call home. Even though most of you are old enough to be my parents, no offense haha, you all have been so welcoming and I am seriously so grateful, nothing makes me feel as good as 311 shows, meeting new people, people recognizing me and saying hi. You guys have dug me out of some dark places and I can’t thank you enough. And of course thank you for your support for my guitar endeavors, I never thought I’d get recognized this much, but you all are the reason I keep playing everyday, in hopes that I can play for you live some time, I gotta be prepared haha. This isn’t the end everybody, until next time, looking forward to seeing you all again. In the meantime, keep doing what you do best, stay positive, love your life. Put nothing but good out into the world. It goes on and on.

Shoutout to Zach, Aymee, Ricky, Brian, Tracey, Courtney, Vanessa, Frankie, Chris, DW, Mike, Justin, Heather, Kyle, Tyler, Tim, Brian, Taylor, Tisha, Mike, Jeff, Tember, Adrian, Ben, Sara, Todd, Daniel, Brian, Dakota, Steve, Jared, Brian, Bruce, Breigh, Chris, Kevin, Anita, Patrick, Ryan, and I’m sure I missed plenty more.”

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Thank you so much Jacob for sharing your tale with everyone! Of course, a huge THANK YOU to all the readers and supporters each week. Have the most amazing week my friends. Keep spreading the love & positivity.

Much Love – The Runt

Hello everyone out there in 311 nation! It’s that time again, let’s read the story of another awesome fan. This week we meet Eric Midgett!

Eric went to boarding school during high school and his roommate would occasionally play the albums Grassroots, Music, and the blue album. “Grassroots really resonated with me. I was into grunge at the time, so I think the guitar tone of the dirty stuff pulled me in. I bought Grassroots first that Fall and have been hooked ever since. I’ve always been into guitar and think the different styles and tones drew me to their music. You can listen to a song with 3-4 genres influencing it and it just works!”

Show count for Eric is at 32, he uses Setlist.fm to track them. First show for him was at the 1996 H.O.R.D.E Festival in Virginia Beach, Virginia. “While my first show was a festival set and short, it was memorable because I remember Nick wearing a leg cast.  That said, he was full of energy and still moved around quite well.  My first 311 headliner show was about a month later in Richmond, VA, and had the Urge and Deftones open.”

Picking a favorite show or event was tough for Eric, but he chose the first show he saw with two of his best friends Keith and John (both are pictured above). “On a whim, we decided to drive from Virginia Beach to Charlottesville to see 311 play at a small club called Trax (where Dave Matthews got his start).  While the three of us were friends, this was our first time really all hanging out together and our first road trip. We got there very early and were surprised to see a couple of people already in line. We were maybe the 3rd or 4th group of people in line and had Papa Johns delivered to the curb at one point. 🙂  We were able to get on the rail in front of miT the whole time.  This show was before Soundsystem was released, so we heard “Life’s Not a Race,” “Eons,” and “Freeze Time” before most people. To top off a great day, I got a guitar pick personally handed to me by miT and his setlist after the show (attached). I think Keith ended up catching 2 drumsticks.  Another interesting part of this show was that besides 311 Day, this was the only time I recall seeing 311 without an opener.”

Picking a favorite song was also hard for Eric. He said while it’s not his favorite album, Evolver got him through some tough times in life. ” It kind of came out at a perfect time and really seemed to speak directly to me with “Reconsider Everything,” “Seems Uncertain,” and “Don’t Dwell” specifically.  Without the changes I made at that time of my life listening to that album, I would not be where I am today with the amazing family and friends I am surrounded by.”

For favorite lyrics, Eric said the song “It’s Alright” really resonates strongly with him. “It’s alright, wherever you are right now. I tell you it’s alright, that’s where you’re supposed to be now.”

Virginia Beach is where Eric grew up, and he’s also lived in Central Florida and the Atlanta area. His first concert was Weezer. Then behind 311 the next band he’s seen the most is Dave Matthews Band. After high school he worked retail which is where he met his two best friends, Keith and John. “Kmart funded many of our concert road trips between 1999 and 2003.  I am an Atlanta Braves fan and like a lot of their fans, I started watching them on TBS in the 90’s.  That said, I am a baseball fan first and a Braves fan second.  I just love the game and unlike a lot of fans of specific teams, I do not hate other teams’ players, but rather just focus on my team’s success and great play.”

Fun fact about Eric is that he enjoys woodworking and has built a couple of guitars. He also wants to get into home brewing but needs to find the time. ” If I won the lottery, I think I would want to have a brewery and guitar workshop on a beach somewhere.”

When asked what makes him unique, Eric said that over the years he has become very understanding of different perspectives and really tries to avoid judging people. “Social Media has made that challenging but at the same time has helped me train and grow that ability.  I generally give people the benefit of the doubt until they prove me otherwise.”

Guilty pleasure for Eric is that he loves watching pro wrestling. ” A lot of people “grow” out of it, but I am still intrigued and fascinated by it as an art form. While I do not watch every show, it’s one of those things I can miss for a while and then pick right back into without missing a beat.”

As for other musicians that Eric loves, the list includes The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Miles Davis, The Clash, Metallica, Joe Bonamassa, Dave Matthews Band, Incubus, Muse, Dirty Heads, Nirvana, Foo Fighters, and the Strokes. “I’ve been fortunate to follow some great people on Twitter that have introduced me to other stuff as well like Royal Blood, Mariachi El Brox, Animals As Leaders, Mastadon, Rebelution, Grateful Dead, and many more others.”

To 311, Eric has this message: “I appreciate everything you have given so much to us over the past 30+ years and no matter what the future brings, those memories will remain. Please continue to take care of yourselves. Cheers and I hope I can have a beer (or 3) with Pnut and SA one day!”

Now here are his words to all the other 311 fans out there:

“Thank you for every random chat and conversation over the last 25 years of shows. Continue to stay true to yourself and don’t waste your energy on those that want to bring you down.”

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Many thanks to Eric for sharing his story with us all! Of course, much gratitude to all the readers out there. Thank you for the support. Hope you all have an amazing week!

Much Love – The Runt

Hello again my friends out there in Excitable nation! It’s about time for a new 311 fan spotlight. Let’s read the story of Tim Zinkan!

For Tim, his love started when he was 13 years old and saw the video for “Down” on MTV. “I think what drew me to it the most besides the video itself was the blending of rap and rock sounds which at the time was foreign to me and I was into both of those genres at the time. Once I got my hands on the ‘Blue Album’ the hook was set big time. Their positive messages about persistence and believing in yourself have kept me coming back to their music again and again over the years. I love how they have evolved their sound over the last 30+ years but remain the same at their core. Each of their albums takes me back to memories from my life in the era the album was released.”

Show count, well Tim has lost count at this point, but he estimates it’s somewhere between 40 and 50. First show for him was at The Lawn at White River in Indianapolis, Indiana, back in 2007. As for favorite show, it was the 2017 cruise to Cozumel that takes top prize. “While all of the Cruises and 311 Days I’ve been fortunate enough to attend have all been special in their own right, the 2017 Cruise was when I got to share the experience with my now wife instead of just telling her about all of the great people and stories from the previous ones I attended before I met her. She, without a doubt, completely understood everything I had been trying to tell her since we started dating after living the experience herself. I would like to think we came out of it understanding each other better as well. We got married the following Fall so something must have clicked on that magical ocean faring vessel.”

When asked what song means the most to Tim, he asked, “Is the whole discography an acceptable answer?” Many of us fans feel the same way! He did pick one song that has special meaning, and it’s “Don’t Dwell.” A few of his favorite lines from songs include: “You think they’ll probably find you, well then you’re probably right,” and “The river cuts its way through stone, not through shear force but persistence. At the end of the day the relentless always win.”

Tim grew up in the middle of a cornfield in Washington, Indiana. He studied robotics at Vincennes University and has worked in various fields of manufacturing since he graduated in 2007. Once graduated, he moved to Indianapolis and then 7 years later moved to Louisville, Kentucky for work. “While in Indianapolis I spent a couple years working as a traveling Field Service Engineer and during that time have worked everywhere from a margarine & Redi Whip factory, to bottling water, bottling beer, bottling Coke products, building shocks and struts for cars, and currently work for the Ford Motor Company as an Automation Engineer building the best trucks on the planet!”

Tim met his wife in September 2015. They married in November 2017 and they have 3 children: Emma, Hadley, and Bennett. They also are fur parents to a cat named Luna and a dog named Boomer. “We bought our forever home out in the countryside in the middle of a 86 acre cow farm in April 2020 and enjoy the quietness and slow pace of country living when we aren’t rocking out with 311 and all of our 311 friends we have made from the shows.”

Interesting fact about Tim is that he has built and driven 2 demolition derby cars! As for unique attribute, Tim can talk to robots and they talk back! “In my line of work I get involved with writing code for manufacturing robots and various other types of automated equipment.”

For other musicians Tim can be found listening to, the list includes Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica, Stick Figure, Incubus, Foo Fighters, Led Zeppelin, Rebelution, Alice in Chains, Pink Floyd, and Avenged Sevenfold.

Guilty pleasure for Tim, he said he’s a gear head at heart. “I really enjoy all forms of motorsports, especially NASCAR and dirt track sprint car racing.  I have been to 14 of the NASCAR tracks as well as dozens of NASCAR races from Michigan to Las Vegas to Miami and nearly everywhere in between.  Being born a Hoosier and having lived in Indianapolis there is also a special place in my heart for the Indy 500, Indiana University basketball, and Indianapolis Colts football.  I also enjoy camping and piloting drones when time allows.”

To 311, Tim has these words: “I give you every ounce of my gratitude for playing a major role in helping me keep perspective through all the rough spots in life, celebrating the great times, the abundance of special memories, and for taking me along on so many epic travels with the greatest of people!”

Now Tim’s message to all his fellow fans:

“We have all been through a lot over the last 12+ months.  Use the 311 positive energy to be an ‘Uplifter’ to those around you and enjoy the brighter days ahead.  See you out on the road at shows soon!”

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Thanks Tim for sharing your story and love for 311! Much gratitude to all the readers as usual! I hope you all have an amazing week my friends!

Much Love – The Runt