Speaking Gigs Are Weird

I mean, they're cool too but still...weird.

I've had a whole lot of real-life stuff happening this past week so this is my first chance to post something on the live talk Ian and I did together at Brain Dead Studios in L.A. last Tuesday.

Admittedly, I struggled with mixed feelings about doing it mainly because I'm fortunate to have wonderful, insightful and funny personal conversations with Ian and the idea of being on a stage, talking about my involvement in our community/movement in front of passionate punk rock/hardcore aficionados didn't appeal to me much.

I couldn't get it out of my head that Ian has done many of these live discussion gigs and is an absolute master at it. His wisdom and take on this thing of ours never ceases to blow my mind. He's fearless and confident - without being arrogant or annoying - and always inspiring.

Aside from a small handful of times throughout the years, I haven't done this type of thing and certainly wouldn't say that I've done it well when I have. Sure, i'm a thinker and a talker but it takes so much more to do something like this onstage, mic'ed up and under lights and in front of a large crowd. During the show, I kept wishing I had my guitar nearby so I could strum it while Ian spoke.

It would have made so much more sense to me 😂

The other thing is that, these days, getting time off from jobs and being away from home and my animals isn't as easy as it once was.

Having said all this, it's always a great day when I get to hang out with Ian in person, hang out with my homey Chris Shary and catch up with so many longtime friends.

Also, CANTERS!

The crowd was amazing. Brain Dead Studios and its great staff RULES and it seemed like the show was entertaining for all in attendance, so I'm happy I did it.

(thanks to Chris Shary for the pics of Ian and I)