So this past weekend I was able to relive some of my younger days. One of my top five favorite bands performed in Chicago Saturday night. JACKOPIERCE took the stage at the House of Blues, playing together in Chicago for the first time in five years. For those of you who don't know, JP is easily one of the biggest influences on my short-lived musical career. Both Jack (O'Neill) and Cary (Pierce) are beyond talented. It was compelling seeing two people whom I admire, retake the stage and play to the crowd.
The show was great. They played so many great songs. Despite both having solo albums out right now, they concentrated only on JP material. The place was sold out and both Cary and Jack were lovin' it. I was fortunate enough to see Jack do a solo show back in the early summer of 2001. At that show, he smiled constantly. His smile returned Saturday night. It was refreshing to see two people who made such great music, so excited about playing together again. There was a time were JP was struggling as a band. Their major label records weren't hitting like they'd hoped. It wore on them both, and they decided to split. Seeing their reactions to the crowd Saturday made me believe there might be a few albums left in the JP discography. At least, I hope so.
So after the extended holiday weekend, I'm back at work trying to get myself motivated for the week, which seems to be increasingly difficult with each holiday break. Although, I don't have much time to mess around ... two hoops games and a wrestling match this week. Of course, there is the Super Bowl on Sunday. Can't the NFL petition the US Government into making the Monday after the Super Bowl a national holiday? Would it be so wrong to have two Mondays off in January? I think not
So my buddy Alan is going into the Air Force in three weeks. He's an old Athens buddy whom I've respected for a long time, and now that respect has turned into admiration. Alan is giving himself to our country at a time when the world is very uneasy. There are three things I never really talk about on "The Lowe Down." The first being women. The minute I mention one, someone else will get pissed off ... not to mention I don't have any to talk about now anyway. Two, religion. There's a time and place for it, and it isn't here. Three, politics. I don't really know as much as I should about the subject. But when I hear about a friend of mine offering up his time and his life for our country, I just hope that our leaders are making the right decisions. I salute everyone that gives their life for this country.
I've removed the soap box from under my feet ... and I fell. Until next time kids.