F the word Fan.
Why you will never hear me say the word “fan” pertaining to people
whom I meet along life’s entertainment journey.
So many entertainers today use the word “fan.” I hate it. I
always have. To each their own, but I’ve never liked or used it. I find it presumptuous
and almost condescending. Look it up. It means “fanatic.” That’s reserved for
people screaming for The Beatles, Elvis or Justin Beiber. People coming to our
shows aren’t screaming and trying to rip off my panties… well sometimes. J.
These days you should be grateful and blessed anyone comes
out to any show you have. Have you noticed how many musicians there are these
days? Through a rock, you’ll hit one right now. They are a dime a dozen, and
maybe my humble little attitude hasn’t gotten me as far and as quickly ahead as
the other assholes, but I’m going to keep this demineur. It’s more me.
Success comes and goes. And you should be appreciative of
every little bit of it you receive. I’ve
seen it. It’s my life and my story and I’ll be damned if I ever forget being
nothing, “making it” on a decent scale, loosing it all, falling flat on my
face, being completely humbled, and now starting an upward climb. Only this
time around I’m a little, well, a lot wiser. And kinder.
I wish everyone could have complete destruction and failure
in their live. It taught me the biggest lesson I ever learned. Humility. And
therefore I can’t even fathom using the word “fan.” I say supporter or even
friend.
Friend is a pretty big word for me. Because someone has to
“earn” my friendship. I just don’t give that one away. And you have to keep or
maintain it too, or you fall from grace quickly. I don’t have time for any bull
shit in any area of my life. I’m too driven and too focused. And that crap
slows me down. So I take friendship very seriously and also the people I meet
along the way. Especially the ones who are good to me.
There is just this beautiful couple who comes to are shows.
One day I heard they were getting married, so we pulled them up on stage and
sang the Goldy lockS Pepsi Jingle to them and gave them both a pop. J. These folks played
right along with it all. They hammed it up all the way. They contacted me after that, and asked if
the band would come play “It’s A Sure Great Day For A Wedding” and pay their
reception. I couldn’t have been more thrilled or honored.
Every time I see these people, they brighten up my night.
They have no idea I’m usually feeling drained, maybe down, tired, exhausted or
like the weight of the world is on my shoulders trying to keep all this “fun”
going. But when I see them, it all changes. I remember why I chose being a
musician and an entertainer. Because I get to see those smiles. They actually
make me believe I make a difference in their lives and cheer “them “ up. So as
you can see, I could never call them “fans.” That would be rude. They are way
to special for that.
I received an email a few days ago. It was horrible. This
woman’s fiancé was killed in a motorcycle crash. In all that pain and
heartache, she took time to email me that there would now be no wedding and she
hoped that wouldn’t ”screw up” our plans. Wow. Talk about selfless and
considerate. These are the types of people who come to our shows. And their
constant love and kindness is the reason I keep going in the industry I work
in. She blew me away.
This woman also is the silent contributor to the 2nd
prizewinner for our Pepsi Jingle Contest. She wanted to offer the runner up
$200 cash as well. She sent that money so some kid could go on a trip for
school or whatever, and conquer the world. Talk about an all around tremendous
human being. If anything, I am “her” "fan", or better said, "admirer."
She told me that the Pepsi video of her and her late fiancé is
the only video they had together. Again, I am truly honored that the night I
brought them up on stage, I forgot about my own crap and decided just to
entertain. I’m glad I could contribute in someone else’s memory. So happy for
that.
I’m asking the same of everyone reading this. Please go to
this YouTube link,
and leave a kind message for this woman. This one really
matters. So if you have just a moment, offer it up as a prayer. She is about as
real as it gets. Just say something positive and make her feel surrounded by
love as all of you always do for me.
You're as
beautiful and real as they get Miss Josie. What a better person I am for having
me you. My condolences. And may your incredible fiancé forever rest in
peace.
Screw the fans; I’d rather have friends. Goldy
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