When I found out the news that Prince had passed away I was crushed. Even though I didn’t know him personally he was a huge part of my life. I have so many memories that have Prince involved from booking Purple Rain at my college for movie night and everyone dancing and acting crazy in the aisles to wild half naked dance parties to Erotic City on repeat in my college dorm to the numerous amounts of bands that I love covering his songs to actually getting to see him in concert in the front row. At that concert when he took the stage I started to cry. I was so overwhelmed by his powerful, sexy, beautiful, gentle and wildly talented presence. I was memorized by every note and every hip shake. I’d never seen a performer command an audience like that before and I was soooooo inspired by his genius.
It was a moment I’ll never forget. It was a moment that was worth every cent and every ounce of energy it took me to find a ticket to the sold-out show the day of. Live music isn’t something frivolous to spend money on. It’s important to my health and wellness. It’s where most of my most genius business ideas are birthed. It’s everything.
My friend Jacqueline Kirkpatrick put this into some beautiful words and I would like to share them with you.
Over the years my family, and even my friends, have asked why I spend all my time, money and motivation following around live music. I give up fancy vacations (or vacations at all), I don’t buy new clothes, drive a shitty car, and sometimes have worked 2 to 3 jobs to save money so that I could go to more shows. Live music is my life. I am the happiest standing in a room hearing every single note – experiencing every pause, every jump, every jam, smiling at my neighbor and sharing the joy of being alive in a room with thousands who love the same thing. I have a list of the musicians who have literally, without question, have saved me.
Prince dying yesterday broke my heart in more ways than I’ll be able to understand and communicate because in just months he was the 2nd musician I lost, Bowie being the first, that I never saw live. Both men were my favorites. My family. My best friends. My lovers. My voice. Two of the countless freaks that have made me not feel alone in this huge weird space.
I never got the chance, the money, the time – whatever the excuse. But with his death I realize I better get on with the rest of my list…. one life… find what you love and do that til your cheeks hurt from smiling, your heart aches from loving, and your feet don’t think they can dance another step….. and then – do it some more.
My life was saved by rock and roll – and it’s all right. I love you all. All the time. Lets get together soon and dance our hearts off.
…and so it is!!!!
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The awesome in me sees and bows to the awesome in you,
Shivers up my spine and tears in my eyes. Get busy living.