Hey there my friends in the 311 nation! Here we have the latest edition of the 311 fan spotlight! Let’s meet Patrick Meade!
There was a MTV buzz clip for the song “Down” and that’s how Pat first heard of 311. “Was hooked from then on (‘96). That got me to grab the blue album and then grassroots and music. Just never heard a band with that kind of mixed style and creative flow. I just fell in love.”
Show count for Patrick is sitting at 137. First show ever was at Great Woods in Mansfield, Massachusetts during the Transistor Tour when they played with Jurassic 5.
As for a favorite show, Pat said 311 Day 2004 takes the top spot. “It was my first 311 Day show and I was already down in New Orleans going to UNO for my junior year. Seeing 68 songs and the energy they displayed throughout the entire show and the encode of “Paradise”….It truly was paradise.”
For a song that really means a lot to him, Patrick chose “Sun Come Through.” “Whenever I’m down or confused that song would lift me up and resonate with me!”
As for lyrics, well Pat has quite a few that he said resonate with him:
- “It’s all right to feel good It’s all right for nothing to be wrong The deepest dream that we have could be tomorrow’s song”
- “I go a yard and a mile to make you smileBut then I’m happy see I got so many ways to make your gaze elliptical”
- “Everything I eat is from the Earth, right?I am what I eat, straight up Earth, right? Nothing but a walking sack of Earth Nice to meet you, how do ya do? Guess what, ya, you’re one too”
- “I choose a rocky ass path but that’s how I like it Life’s a bowl of punch, go ahead and spike”
- “’Cause I’m water and carbon and not much else. I felt compunction. Conjunction junction what’s your function”
- “So you try to act tough and hide what’s inside Hold your head high, gettin fucked up and throwin’ dice As bad as yours–and and bad enough I’m sure My heart wants to love but must navigate through war”
- “Massive laminate fortress Hazy cannabis porches Saying no to the bores It’s not mine nor yours then I said The wait it sucks, I don’t mind waiting Once you get here, there’s no more gates and I gotta say”
- “I can’t free myself of the suspicion for your motives on your mission some people live for the rules I live for exceptions can’t take part in the deception but I know just how it feels to wanna blow the world awayjust to get to what is real”
- “Serendipitous, my travels throughout time I grab a moment like a thief And then I make it mine”
- “In life there are times when nothing will rhyme there are days I slip when I know I should climb breakin’ the vows I swore I’d never breaka harsh word, a white lie easy to mistake where have you been? haven’t you noticed? there’s no map that exists to point us out of this“
- “Some days it seems it’s not worth it The fight in me is all gone And I’m not trying to be perfect But just get one damn thing done Before I lose control I pick myself up off the floor“
- “I’ve come to say, we’re here to stay Utopian way we’ll play today We’ve got the drive, we are so live Won’t take a dive, we’re gonna thrive We got a condition called ambition.”
Norwood, Massachusetts, is where Patrick grew up and he’s pretty much been there his whole life, minus the year in New Orleans. He’s traveled all over the country, visiting 43 out of the 50 states. ” North Dakota, Hawaii, Alaska, South Dakota, Iowa and Kansas are still on the list for me! Can’t wait to make it to all soon! I have driven cross country from Ma to San Diego, Ma to Utah and Ma. to New Orleans and enjoyed every minute of those travels! Of course they were all for 311 and college football games 😉. ”
Pat is a passionate college football fan and loves all different teams and conferences. “I especially love rooting for one of the worst in the country: our Minutemen of Umass! Lol. Planning on making a Hawaii trip in 2026 if Umass still keeps that independent game on their schedule! Fingers 🤞. Besides traveling I love being active outdoors hiking and enjoy playing basketball. Craft “beering” when traveling is also a must for me! Nothing like the endless creations and options all states have to offer. Other than that I’m a simple dude.”
Fun fact about Pat, he once ran onto the outfield at a Pawtucket Red Sox game and was tackled by the left fielder because it was taking security too long to catch him. “Ahh the good old Drunkin stupid stuff days.” Another thing about him is he can name on spot every single Division 1 College teams nicknames, 362 total. ” Lol I really don’t know how much of a talent that is but that’s all I got.”
For a guilty pleasure, Patrick loves watching “Seinfeld.” “I can watch it everyday all day! Also a Very underrated and Hilarious show I can watch just as much is Frasier (seriously it’s awesome!).”
As for other music that Patrick can be found listening to, the list includes Primus, Rob Zombie, Breaking Benjamin, Chevelle, 3 Days Grace, Seether, Weezer, System of a Down, Papa Roach, and Incubus.
For his message to 311, Patrick chose these words: “Thanks for all the amazing memories and for all the effort you guys have put in to the shows and albums! Definitely a part of my life that’s for sure! Oh and Nick, bring back the duo guitar on “Transistor”!!!! I miss that.”
Now here are his words to all his fellow 311 fans:
“To all the fans out there, keep doing you! I Have met so many of you and can’t say one bad thing! Have had so many great and interesting conversations and can’t wait to continue many more for years to come :)”
Big thanks to Patrick for sharing his story with the world! Of course, my eternal thanks to everyone who reads this little blog. Hope you all have the best week! Sending you all some happiness and sunshine.
Much Love – The Runt