Hey there Excitable nation! Time for the next 311 fan spotlight and we are on #420. Woo hoo! This week, let’s meet Patrick Hodge!
Summer of 1995, right after Patricks freshman year of high school, was when he found 311. His girlfriends older brother had cassette tape, bootleg copies of “Downstairs” and “Unity.” “Growing up in Providence, RI, I was exposed to a lot of Rap and Hip Hop, their sound was a fantastic blend of that foundation along with P-Nuts bass that really stood out.”
Show count for Patrick is at 131 and he’s been to many of those shows across the states and in different countries. First show for him was June 3rd, 1996, in Providence. As for favorite one of the 131 shows? “Cruise 1 Sail Away show! Also got to play on P-Nuts Basketball Team on C1.”
The song “Plain” is one that Patrick really loves. His favorite lyric also comes from that song: “I tell you what ‘s wrong to me the industry’s ability to manufacture stars. They churn them out like Iwojema makes cars. But the blame lies not with those suits for trying. It’s the sheep that keep on buying that soulless crap. Whatever they put in front of ya. The hysteria of America.”
As mentioned previously, Patrick grew up in Providence, Rhode Island, and most of his summers were spent in South Boston, MA. He’s also lived in Middleboro, MA, and Cape Coral, FL. He’s now back in his home state. “To fund my 311 habit, I run a Mobile Wood Fired Pizza Oven, specializing in Catered Events but also with brewery pop-ups and farmers markets. Additionally, when inspiration hits I make unofficial 311 merch including foil posters, pins and tshirts! #fanmade #hodgepodge”
Fun fact about Patrick is that he’s been a freelance photographer for the band since 1997. He’s also ambidextrous! Patrick is also a really great cook. “Breakfast is one of my favorite meals to cook especially the homefries which I feel is the foundation to a great breakfast.”
Guilty pleasure for Patrick he said is buying RSVLTS shirts. “If you don’t know who they are, look them up but beware of the rabbit hole 😂.” As for other musicians he can be found listening to, the list includes Tropidelic, Little Stranger, Bumpin Uglies, Stick Figure, Jarv, The Elovaters, Rebelution, Cloud9Vibes, and Ballyhoo!
To 311, Patrick has this message: “Thank you for giving me an opportunity to begin a career in photography all those years ago, for the music you create and for the family I’ve met along the way.”
Now here is his message to all his fellow 311 fans:
“311 means something different to everyone, so don’t feel like you always have to be the 311est! Come for the good vibes and check your egos at the door. One thing remains true, at least for me, is that it doesn’t matter if it’s your 100th Show or 1st, all are welcome at a 311 concert. Now bring on some new music in 2024!”
Thank you Patrick for sharing your 311 story with us all! Much gratitude to the supporters of this blog each time as well. Hope you have an amazing week friends. If any of you will be in Atlantic City this Friday, I’ll see you there!
Much Love – The Runt