i'm never changing who i am

I've been going to shows at Velour since I was in high school.  I've seen a lot of bands play and I've had some really cool expediences.  Sometimes the bands are just ok, sometimes they're really great.  Sometimes the band just connects so well with the crowd, or everyone around you is super energetic and fun.

Every now and then a show will be different.  Every now and then the band and the fans, they're just in it, every part of them.  The music is moving and inspiring and meaningful.  It's an almost spiritual thing.  I know, what rock concert could be spiritual.  Well, I guess if you've never been a part of one of those shows, you wouldn't really know what I'm talking about.  But maybe I can give you an idea.

In the past two months I've seen two of my favorite bands live.  It's not the first time I've seen them, but these times were different.  Fictionist recently signed with Atlantic Records and at their Signing Show they sang, "Before I'm Old".  Anyone who knows a bit of history behind that song was teary eyed.  Stu, the lead singer cried and the crowd helped him finish.  It was touching to know that so many in that room had been affected by that song and felt that connection with them.

This past Saturday I saw Imagine Dragons.  This band is so genuine, so real and connected to their fans.  They're always eager to talk to them and after the show that night they stayed past midnight talking, taking photos, signing random items and laughing with us all.  But that wasn't what made it almost spiritual.  There was a boy in the crowd named Tyler.  Tyler is battling cancer and after learning of his story the band decided they'd play one of their most famous songs for him specifically.

As Dan began singing, Tyler was lifted up by those around him and brought to the front of the floor; right in front of Dan.  Dan sang that song to Tyler and Tyler sang with him.  After the song ended the crowed parted (something unheard of at a show) and Tyler, exhausted, was lead through to the benches along the wall.  We began chanting his name and people patted him on the back as he walked by, aided by a friend.  A place had been cleared for him (also unheard of).  As he sat to catch his breath strangers approached him to shake his hand and give him words of encouragement.  From my seat you could see the tears falling and the biggest grin I've ever seen was plastered on his face.  In that moment, all 300+ people in that room were family, connected by a song, by a boy who is fighting to live.  Connected by the cards that live deals us and the will that we muster to make it through.  It's something I'll never forget.