Welcome back 311 fans! It’s that time, we get to learn the story of another awesome fan. This week let’s learn about Joe Bateman!

What drew Joe in to the sounds of 311 was their melodic nature, their range as musicians and their positive lyrics. “Especially when they first started getting big in the 90’s, all the other music was lyrically depressing they were a ray of sunlight in an otherwise gloomy musical landscape.”

As for the number of times he’s seen 311, Joe is unsure of the exact number. He first saw them perform in the gym at Westside High School when they were The Ed’s. “I saw them in Omaha when they were first starting out and then as they got bigger in Virginia, North Carolina, Illinois and Nevada.”

A special show for him were the 311 Day 2020 shows in Vegas, because it was the last time he saw live music before the world was shut down due to Covid. However the most memorable show for him was at The Boathouse in Norfolk, Virginia back in 1995, just a few short weeks after the blue album was released. ” I saw them perform Down at the sound check. There was no one in the place, it was a big warehouse, no special effects or lighting, just the sunlight coming in from the windows. I was standing next to the Phunk Junkees when the first few notes started playing and their lead singer leaned over and said “This is their best song off the new album”.  AND THEY TORE THE ROOF OFF. Unforgettable.”

Out of the 311 song catalog, Joe says “Beyond the Gray Sky” means a lot to him. ” I knew Dave Barker (who the song was written about) and have personally been affected by suicide, that song really stands out to me.” As for favorite lyrics, Joe said there are just too many to list!

If you haven’t been able to figure it out yet, Joe grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, and graduated with Tim, Nick, and Chad. “Just some background information on them, they didn’t just suddenly get to be nice and positive men, they were always very kind and happy people.”

Joe said that growing up in Nebraska you have to learn how to make your own fun. ” There wasn’t much for teenagers to do in Omaha at that time, so we had to get creative. Since then I have lived in Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, North Carolina then England for 10 years before moving back and settling in the northwest suburbs of Chicago.”

Fun fact about Joe, when he lived in England he worked with the English government to prevent homelessness during the housing crisis in 2008. He was also invited to meet the Prime Minister! “I couldn’t go though because I was getting married!”

Joe has also done a lot of stage acting. “The last one was “The Wizard of Oz” and I played the Wizard. It was really special because my daughter was in the play too. We are also doing another play together in October.”

Other music that Joe loves comes from artists like Green Day, Weezer, and Cake. Guilty pleasure for Joe is acting and coaching his daughters baseball team.

Joe’s message to 311 is this: “Even if I didn’t know you guys, I would still love your music.”

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

“Just enjoy their music and live concerts, don’t complain about their set lists or the length of their shows. You have no idea what goes on behind the scenes and what rules they have to follow. One day they won’t be a touring band any longer and you will miss them so just enjoy them while it lasts.”

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Thanks Joe for sharing your awesome story! And as always, so much gratitude going out to all who support this fun for me by reading each week. Until we meet again, go be super!

Much Love – The Runt

Hello again my friends in the excitable 311 nation! Who wants a new fan spotlight? Ok here we go, read all about Frank Busener!

Like many fans, Frank was really drawn into 311 once he saw them live for the first time. He had listened to their music before this, but seeing them in concert really roped him in. “The energy was intense, the music was that much better, and the fans were happy and some of the nicest people I’ve ever met at a live event. The feeling of togetherness and family were evident immediately.”

Frank never really thought he’d be someone who would keep track of how many times he’s seen a band live, instead he had a big box of ticket stubs in his closet. As he started to go through them though, he realized that most of the stubs were from 311 concerts, so he started to count. “Believe it or not, my first show, ever seeing 311 Live was August 20^th 2005 @ Amsterjam on Randall’s Island. Immediately hooked! 69 shows, 8 311 Days, and 5 Cruises later, you realize how lucky you are to have met so many amazing people along the way. Lifelong friends from every walk of life.”

After reflecting on the shows he’s seen and set lists, Frank chose the beach show at Half Moon Cay on the second cruise as his all time favorite. “Sitting on floats in the crystal clear water in absolutely perfect weather. The highlight of the 2012 Cruise by far.”

As for favorite song, Frank isn’t sure he has one favorite. He chooses albums and songs depending on his mood and the day. “That’s the beauty of music, especially this band. There’s a lyric for everybody, every mind, every moment.  One that strikes you deep, and leaves a lasting impression. One that keeps you coming back every time. Just to get that chill vibe flowing  once again.  And all these years of traveling and smiling. Dancing and singing. I plan to keep coming back, to smile, laugh, and dance with all these absolutely fantastic people.”

Frank was born in New York and lived in Queens until he did something he never thought he would do…move out to Long Island, which is where he still currently is. For his occupation, Frank is a firefighter for the FDNY and has been for 16 years. “So thankfully that has funded my concert habit. My line of work has shown and taught me a lot. Never take a day for granted. A loved ones presence, Your dog’s wagging tail, the sunshine, and the feeling of family. 311 brings all of us together and shows us that every show.”

Other artists that Frank can be found listening to include Pepper, Stick Figure, Big D, Bouncing Souls, Pennywise, Pantera, and many more. He’s usually listening to Ska, Reggae, Punk, or Metal. “There’s a time for everything! Been lucky enough to experience a lot of amazing acts out there.” Growing up in New York, Frank was super lucky, especially back in the 90’s and early 2000’s, for he had the station 92.3 K-Rock to keep him up to date on all the new music.

With all the shows that Frank has seen, he’s had time to perfect one thing…his beer shotguns! “I’ve been holding the record for years. Challenge me I dare you. LOL.”

Living on Long Island, Frank is only a few blocks away from the Paramount Theatre, where 311 played a Halloween show back in 2017. “Hoping 311 comes back to blow our minds once again like Halloween 2017 when I went home with a pumpkin from Nick with what may have had a penis carved into it. Lol.”

To 311, Frank would like to say these words: “Keep writing, keep playing, and keep inspiring so many up and coming artists and bands. It’s an honor to see them play along with you!”

Now to all the other 311 fans out there:

“Live life. Enjoy every day and love each other.”

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Thank you Frank for sharing your 311 story! Gratitude going out to all the readers as well. Have an amazing week my friends! Until next time.

Much Love – The Runt

Welcome Excitables to the latest edition of the 311 Fan Spotlight! Oh and Happy Labor Day 2021! Hope you all are well. Without further ado, let’s read the story of Matt Garibotto!

Matt was home sick from school one day and to kill time was watching the “video jukebox” channel when the video for “Don’t Stay Home” came on. He was hooked ever since. “I’d have to say their originality is what sucked me in.”

As for live show count, Matt believes this summer’s show in Holmdel, New Jersey, put him somewhere in the 55-60 range. His first show was May 31, 1996, at the Asbury Park Convention Hall, which just so happened to be the first show in the building after 25 plus years. As for shows that are his favorite, he said the Stone Pony shows in Asbury Park always kick ass.

From 311’s song catalog, many of the songs mean so much to Matt. “All depends on what’s going on at any given moment of my life. I can tell you my next favorite one will be the next one I get to hear live again.” Like many fans, picking song lyrics that mean the most to him is difficult because there are so many that are very meaningful.

Matt grew up in central New Jersey (which he said yes, there is a central New Jersey) and has lived in the state all of his life. He loves to hike, backpack, and go see live music. “My concert habit is paid for by good old fashioned hard work.”

Matt said something that makes him unique is he doesn’t care about other people’s opinions of him. “I do me as much as I can.” Guilty pleasure for him is that he enjoys the show “The Masked Singer” and the Pitch Perfect movies.

For other musicians, Matt can be found jamming out to tunes from Phish, Moe, Umphreys McGee, Goose, and Dirty Heads.

To 311, Matt would like to relay this message: “Thanks for being there to get me through those rough times in my life.”

Now his message to all the fellow 311 fans:

“Rock on. Unity. Love your life. This too shall pass.”

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Thank you Matt for sharing your story to the 311 community! As always, so much gratitude going out to the readers of this little blog. Have an amazing week my friends!

Much Love – The Runt