New week and it’s time for a new 311 fan spotlight! So without further ado, it is my pleasure to introduce you all to the one and only John Dawkins!

I’m sure many of you know John – he is a prominent member of the 311 community and you may have rocked out with him at one of the shows! John hails from Denver, Colorado where he has lived his entire life.  Like so many of us, he was introduced to 311 when he heard “Down” and “Don’t Stay Home” on the radio back in the 90’s. The blue album was one of the first CD’s that he ever owned. John went to visit his brother in college one time and put the CD in after his brother left for class. He had the music blasting when suddenly his brothers roommate, Rusty Lyon, threw open the door. John at first thought he was mad that he was playing the music so loud, until Rusty looked at him and said, “You’re listening to 311?! That’s my favorite band!”  Rusty then ran back to his room to grab the Grassroots album to play it for John. From that moment John was absolutely hooked on 311! He says they call Rusty “The Godfather” because he is the oldest 311 fan that he knows!

John is lucky to have seen 311 live 48 times over his years of being a fan. He’s been on all three cruises, Pow Wow, the 2010 Halloween Show in Atlanta, plus the 2010 and 2012 311 Day shows. Next up will be show number 49 for John when he makes the pilgrimage to New Orleans for this years 311 Day festivities! Out of all the events that John has been to he said that the cruises were some of his favorite memories. “It’s hard to pick which one was the best, because they were all so special in different ways.”   However, John said that his favorite show is definitely the second indoor show on the very first cruise. “There was soooo much energy there…insane show!”

I was at that indoor show, and I can attest to the amazing energy that was in that room as the boat swayed side to side. I’m sure it was even more special for John as they played what he told me is his all time favorite song, Strong All Along. He said that song means the most to him because, “It embodies the band and all their talents. It’s also kind of like a theme song to me. It says just do what you feel, just get out there and enjoy life! It really makes my soul happy!”  John also said it reminds him of one of his most favorite people ever – Gustavo Chavez Jr.! Shout out to Guslifter!

One of John’s other favorite bands is Passafire and he credits 311 for introducing him to them since he learned about them on the cruise. His love for music doesn’t stop at 311. Some of his other favorite bands are Tool, Rebelution, Incubus, Beastie Boys, The Beatles, Johnny Cash, and the Deftones! He listed more, but I figured with these few examples you get the point that he loves music and a wide variety of it!

John grew up in Denver surrounded by a lot of supportive family. He mentioned the importance of family to him and that it transferred to his second family, The Excitable Ones. John started working at a hospital over ten years ago and when he was promoted five years ago, he really was able to take the time to attend more 311 shows. He knows that if it wasn’t for his company, he wouldn’t have been able to take the time off that he has to “visit the world” and meet so many great 311 fans! Even if you’ve never been to Denver, you know it’s surrounded by mountains and John is completely in love with them! He adores spending time in the hills. “I go backpacking and camping as much as possible. Give me a cold beer, a nice mountain view, and I’m set!!”

311 has the power to impact each and every one of us in a different way. If John could say just one thing to the Nick, SA, Pnut, Tim and Chad, he would say, “Thank you for exposing me to outstanding music and amazing people! You have truly changed my life for the better!”  One of John’s favorite lyrics is, “It’s alright to feel good, It’s alright for nothing to be wrong. The deepest dream that we have could be tomorrow’s song.” I love this lyric and think it really represents the positive vibe that John exudes. He loves 311, loves the community of fans, and knows that, “The only thing true, we gotta love each other. Try to keep a positive vibe!” (Another favorite lyric of Johns!)

Here is John’s message to all of the excitables in the land:

“I just want to say to all the other fans – “It’s been a wild ride, I wouldn’t change a minute” Thank you all for being such amazing friends. I’ve never met such a dedicated, passionate, fun loving group of people! My life is soo much better with all of you in it. Don’t stop rockin’, because I sure won’t. See you out on the Road! ONE LOVE!!”

Thank you John for taking the time to let us learn more about you and your love for 311! Until next time people, stay positive and love your life as always! 🙂