Welcome back 311 nation! I hope you all are having a great day so far, and let’s make it better with our next excitable story. It’s time to meet Brian Stazel!
While Brian always enjoyed listening to the blue album and Transistor, he said 311 wasn’t his favorite band during that time. It wasn’t until 2005 when his roommate at the time Seth got him back into the band. They’ve been his favorite band ever since! “The musical diversity this band has is 2nd to none and that combined with their message of unity and positivity got me hooked!”
Show count for Brian – he’s been to 34 regular shows and 5 311 Day shows (2006, 2008, 2012, 2014 & 2018). He’s getting ready to embark on his first cruise coming up very shortly! First show for him was in Hawaii in 1998, when he was there visiting his sister and he attended the VANS Warped Tour. “Unfortunately 311 wasn’t the headliner (Mighty Mighty Bosstones were) but it was still an awesome experience!”
Favorite show for Brian was tough to pick because they are all unique in their own way. He chose 311 Day 2018 as the top for special events and the Sokal show in 2015 was his favorite regular show. “It was beyond epic!”
One of Brians favorite songs is “Boom Shanka.” So naturally one of his favorite lyrics comes from it: “Now I’m ready to turn the page on yesterdays and forgive them. Now I’m willing to disengage , to seize the day and move on.” A song that hits close to home for him lyrically is “Beyond the Grey Sky.” “lost my adopted mom to suicide when I was 21, and the lyrics perfectly captured how I felt during that time.”
Brian is a Colorado native and he’s lived in various parts of the state throughout his life. He was adopted when he was just 8 months old and grew up with his adopted mom, dad, and sister. When he was 7 years old, his parents divorced and his dad ended up remarrying a few years later. Thanks to this Brian gained two stepsisters. He’s a proud uncle of 5 nephews and 1 niece!
Brian adopted a German Shepherd puppy back in November of 2017 and his name is Guinness. Current employment is at a satellite internet company called Viasat. They will be the first global ISP in the near future. “I have been with the company for 13 years and really enjoy working there and don’t see myself leaving anytime soon.” Brian was married previously but is now divorced and has been single since then.
In 2017 his life took a turn for the better because Colorado unsealed adoption records and he was able to get a copy of his original birth certificate. “Within 3 days of submitting my request I had the copy in my hand and was able to find out my birth mom’s name. I looked her up (on FB of course) but wasn’t able to find her, so I had a co-worker help me and we were able to locate an email address. I sent out the email that I’d be wanting to send out for 40 years and anxiously awaited a response. The day before Thanksgiving I received a letter from my birth mom, and the tone was that of surprise as something she never expected to happen had happened. I received another letter before Christmas which had a much more open and inviting tone and we were actually able to meet in January of 2018! Over the past year we’ve been able to connect and establish a relationship which is more than I ever hoped would happen!”
Something most people don’t know about Brian is that he has a fake tooth! Special talent for him is that he can juggle. “Only 3 things at a time but I’ve been able to juggle watermelons before!” Guilty pleasure for Brian, he said he knows he’ll get grief for it, but it’s the band Coldplay. “I saw them the 2nd night of their 2 night stint at Red Rocks in 2003 and they were amazing!”
Aside from 311 and Coldplay, Brian can also be found jamming out to artists like Dave Matthews Band, Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, Metallica, O.A.R., Rebelution, Chevelle, Flogging Molly, Jack Johnson, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Jimmy Buffett, John Butler Trio, Korn, and System Of A Down. “I pretty much enjoy every music genre but these are some of my favorites!”
Brian has this message for 311: “Simply put, THANK YOU guys for sharing your gift of music, positivity and love with all of us. There are so many people that wouldn’t have met, or formed the bonds or relationships that they have if it weren’t for you guys, so thank you for everything that you do!”
Now his message to all his fellow fans:
“I can’t wait to meet anyone and everyone at a future cruise, show, or 311 day! I have been known to give out a high five or 100 post show, so just look for the Broncos, Rockies, Avalanche or Nuggets jersey and get your free high 5!”
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That was the story of Brian Stazel! Thanks to him for sharing and as always, to all who read each week! Now go have an amazing week and spread the positivity to each person you meet.
Much Love – The Runt
