So right now I would like to talk about by far the largest influence on my music. The soul band behind me wanting to play music and to do it as a career. They have helped me through out my life ever since I first heard their single on 'Now 3' in which I would burn a hole through the cd due to listening to that song so much. I have been in love with them for 10 years now. They have been with me through every point of my life that I can truly say made me who I am. These three band members and friends have helped me form so many friendships. Most of my best friends relationships are based off this band. Without them I infact would probably be dead. They have saved my life with their whimsical, childish and oh so deep lyrics countless times. They can bring me to tears with every lyric that I hear. I am talking about a band consisting of Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge and Travis Barker known simply to their fans as Blink.
I can recall perfectly the first time I listened to them while sitting in my father's blue pick up truck in 1999 after purchasing 'Now 3'. As I heard the first lyrics of the song come blasting through the passenger side speakers I fell in love. "All the small thing, True care, truth brings." I would not understand the deeper meaning behind that song till I was older. I was 7 at the time, the same age as the band in fact. They had formed in my birth year. This song was stuck in my head every second of every day for the next 3 years, not being able to get a hold of any other music by them.
Then came 2003 when I was able to get their self titled album 'Blink 182' for christmas. This would become the most inspiring, important and listened to album of my life. As I heard the first song from the album, ' Feeling This', the lyrics "Fate fell short this time" stuck in my mind and I hold these lyrics to this day very very very close to my heart.
When I had collected all 6 of their albums, I met Carlos in my match class in 7th grade. I had been playing drums for almost a year at that time and he played guitar. Our common connection, Blink 182 as our favourite band. My friend Zach, who did not play an instrument at the time, I met in my PE and English class. Our common connection, Blink 182. Zach has remained my friend since then and our love for Blink has grown since that first meeting.
When Carlos and I started a band, we met up with another friend. His name was Quest and he loved Blink 182 with a passion. We started a band originally named Reckless Abandon, after one of our favourite songs by Blink 182. We decided to get another gutiarist. His name was Billy. I remember playing with him for the first time and jamming on 'Easy Target' and having a great time doing so.
As we grew older and the band broke up, it seemed like they would never come back together. Then Travis Barker got in a plane crash and everything seemed to come right back together. Blink is back. Blink will live on forever. This is a commemoration to the single greatest band on earth. These three musicians have influenced me so much and I can't get enough of their music. I will never forget that first time listening to them in the car or all the friends who I've made based on our love of them. I will always hold them high in my respect and hold every one of their songs close to my heart. One day I may be able to wear one of their lyrics on my heart, quite preferably "Fate fell short this time". The one lyric that has countlessly saved my life and is always fresh in my mind when ever something goes wrong. I love them and I hope you hold them in a high respect for all they have done for music and every one in my life. There will never be another band that can take that spot that Blink 182 has tattooed on my bruised heart.
