My friend Matt and i have been going to shows together for roughly 25 years.
Some of the most meaningful times of our friendship have consisted of small clubs, loud music, a few beers and kids, just like us, who found hope and unity through screaming lyrics to songs that have meant a tremendous amount through the years.
Back in November, Matt told me that he had a small present that he wanted to give me. He didn’t want to oversell it, but he had a hunch that I’d dig it.
I got that present today.
A framed photo of Strike Anywhere playing one of our favorite Punk Rock Bowling sets of all time. Matt stumbled across the photo online, and it just so happened that both he and I were captured in the shot amongst a sea of other kids.
They say a picture is worth a 1,000 words.
To me, this picture feels like it’s worth a million.
Because if you were to ask me what I love about small punk rock shows, or if you asked me about a friendship that spans a few decades, I can now simply point to this picture and smile.
This year fucking sucks.
But this picture reminds me of the good things in life and the good things to come.