Back again my friends in 311 nation for another week and another fan spotlight! Take a moment to meet Mr. Michael Frye!
Michael was just a regular fan of 311’s hits from the 90’s until he met his now wife Tonya, who was a HUGE fan. He said it was a slow progression of his appreciation for their music and live performances. “But now I’m all in. So many songs have such positive and deep meanings for me.”
Show count is at 25 for him which includes four 311 Day events and one cruise. “My first show was in 2003 at the Boathouse in Norfolk, Virginia.” Of those 25 he said that the 2017 cruise takes the cake for favorite event so far, with 311 Day 2008 coming in as a close second. “Hearing ‘Too Late’ for the first time on last years cruise, what an epic moment out on the ocean. Its not too often that the first time you hear a song it blows you away. Every time I hear it live now it takes me back to that moment with Tonya and our friends Dave and Brooke.”
“Creatures (For A While)” is a song that Michael absolutely loves and he doesn’t think he’ll ever get tired of hearing Nick say, “Let’s just be creatures for a while” live in concert. Song that is most meaningful for him though is “Beyond the Grey Sky” and he can directly relate to the lyrics. “It hits home. Nick put words to emotions and thoughts in a way I never could. When they play it live its bittersweet for me, its always an emotional experience and sometimes I don’t wanna feel that way and somewhat hope it doesn’t get played.” Lyrics that he says continue to describe his life are, “It’s been a wild ride, I wouldn’t change a minute.”
Maryland is where Michael grew up and he joined the Marine Corps at the age of 18. He spent 22 years in the Marines and retired in 2011 after serving in Desert Storm and in Iraq from 2004-2005. North Carolina, California, and Japan are some of the places he’s called home. “I traveled all over the world during that time, and saw some amazing places, Australia, Hawaii, Singapore, Hong Kong are on the top of my list.” Michael has a total of 6 kids and his two oldest daughters have given he and Tonya 3 grandchildren so far. “Yup, 311 has grandparents as fans.”
Posters have become something Michael and Tonya have started to collect and they have at least one poster in every room of the house. “We didn’t always collect but the artwork and memories are amazing, its hard to imagine not having them now.” The love he has for 311 has also brought him something he never really thought it would. “Sometimes its hard to believe the friends and relationships I’ve built because of this band. I have met some amazing people through this community, and hope to continue to do so.”
Something you may not know about Michael is that he leads a sober life and is part of a group for fellow 311 fans like him. He said many people are surprised that a 311 fan can be sober which is why they have the group. “It’s a Facebook group, 311 Sobrodels, and we are just a group of sober fans or fans that want to support those of us that choose to be sober, we don’t push any agenda we are just there for anyone that wants some support from like minded excitables.” – https://www.facebook.com/groups/thesober311community/
Something Michael has a talent for is solving Rubik’s cube puzzles. “I know that sounds strange but I’ve been doing it since I was a kid in the 80’s. I have dozens of different size cubes and similar puzzles lying around.” Guilty pleasure for him is 80’s hair bands. “I love that stuff I did back then and I still do now. I have a playlist for when I’m alone in the car and feel the need to rock out to a power ballad. Lol.” Aside from that, Michael also loves artists like Dropkick Murphys, RDGLDGRN, Stone Sour, Ballyhoo, Alice in Chains, Nirvana, Guns n Roses, Led Zeppelin, and BB King. “I am literally all over the place and really depends on my mood.”
To 311 Michael would like to say, “Just keep writing songs that mean something and I’m sure we will all still be here listening.”
To all the fellow 311 fans his message is this:
“We are what makes this community great and I hope to meet even more of all the amazing fans out there.”
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That was the story of Michael Frye! Thank you Michael for being part of the fan spotlight and sharing your story. As usual, thanks to all the readers! This community is such a wonderful entity to be a part of. Stay awesome my friends!
Much love – The Runt