Well hey there 311 nation! It’s been a few, but who is ready for a new fan spotlight? Let’s check out the story of Tom Gaasbeck!
When Tom was a kid, he worked at a skate shop and there was an older guy there who gave him a copy of the blue album in 1995. “Man I wore that thing out! It wasn’t until 1999-2000 when I met a new friend group that I even heard Music or Grassroots. This small click were huge 311 fans. I never really looked back after that haha.”
Show count for Tom is sitting at 66. His first show wasn’t until 2003 in Philadelphia at the Festival Pier. “I think I was completely immersed in the late 90s rave scene to go to a rock show back then lol.” As for picking a favorite show, Tom said it’s a toss up between Pow Wow and 311 Day 2020.
Song that means the most to Tom is “This Too Shall Pass.” “Great meaning/message, plus it’s a total jam.” For lyrics that he loves, he chose: “We’re just a speck of dirt on this golfball called Earth” and “I’m a perfect example of not givin’ a fuck…” “Kinda love that…why waste your energy on people who “just suck!”
New Jersey is where Tom grew up and he moved to Delaware in high school. Then he went back to Jersey in his early 20’s and then spent a few years living in Philly. “Spent a TON of time in Philly no matter where I was living actually. Love it there. My sister and her family live there (she’s also a big 311 fan) it’s My home away from home.”
Tom has been working in restaurants since 2011, which is when he moved to the beach in Delaware. “I’ve worked every position imaginable in a restaurant. I have settled into a chef role for last 6 years.” Tom said he also plays a lot of poker to fund his 311 habit. “Speaking of both restaurants and poker, I met one of my best buds Ben Witsen down here in Rehoboth. He also works in restaurants, plays poker and loves 311. A random meeting that I am forever grateful for. He was pouring margaritas in an old ratty Unity tour t shirt. I said I liked the shirt and boom, friends for almost 8 years now!! Love how this band does that for so many.”
Fun fact about Tom – he was a competitive figure skater and coach for the whole first act of his life! “Not many people know that! I’m also a cat dad. Huge cat guy.” Going back to the figure skating for what Tom believes makes him unique. “I think the sport of figure skating makes me very unique. I know so much classical music, ballet, broadway, show tunes, different languages, different countries all because of skating. I also speak Spanish…..And I can drive a Zamboni 😂” As for a guilty pleasure, Tom loves coloring books & Taylor Swift.
When not listening to 311, Tom loves artists such as Bumpin Uglies, Tropidelic, Joey Harkum, and Little Stranger. “Actually, they’ve been my top artist on Spotify the last two years!! Ever since the 23 cruise. I listen to a lot of older house and techno too…reliving those rave years 😃”
For a message to 311, Tom has these words: “Thank you, thank you, thank you for being the soundtrack to my life because I consistently and whole-heartedly lean on your music to get by.”
Now here are his words to every other fan out there:
“See you at the next show!”
Thanks Tom for sharing you tale with us all! Per the usual, my eternal gratitude for all those who read each post. Hope you all have the best week you can and sending out positivity to all.
Much Love – The Runt