How the Music and the Man Behind it Connects to You

I felt a need to create this thread not to necessarily conform to the recent topics posted regarding similar issues, but rather to establish a place to explain why the man and his music connects to you in some way.

 

Which is what brings me to my little soliloquy. Being a 17-year-old senior in high school, music has always been something that's been close to me. I started playing piano around 3 and now I've expanded my abilities by teaching myself to play 10 different instruments. I'd love to do music as a carreer. I really study music and everything behind it, trying to figure out why things sound the way they do. A few years ago I was very into the whole "pop/rock" thing. that is, until 2 instances chanced that; the first being the day I heard "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen, and the next being the day I heard "In the Air Tonight" by Mr. Collins. I was hanging out with a friend when he turned this song on his professional speakers. the volume was full blast, and the whole thing struck me as mellow. I was taking a drink when the gated drums came roaring in, and I was so freaked I flew my beverage all over myself and flew back in my chair. It blew me away. I soon when on to learn about "the Tarzan guy" who I didn't even know could play drums. Over the last couple of years, I have gotten a lot into progressive music and Genesis, past, present, future. The complexity and musicianship behind the music simply amazes me, even after the thousanth listening to the songs themselves. I've learned the parts to many of the sucks on several instruments, and the brilliance behind the tunes have inspired me to create similarly-styled music of my own. Of all of my musical influences, they've all led me to the same point:  be creative, and do your own thing.

One of the biggest things that connects me, though, is the memories that go along with the music. My biggest one being that I have never "fit in" to the whole school popularity thing (oh no, teen drama, click out!). And it's not something I'm necessarily worried about. But a few years back I met this kid that was in the same boat I was, and being in an area that heavily relies on sports, it was nice to find someone to connect with. We both shared a love for what we called the "trifecta of music" (hehe), being Queen, Phil Collins/Genesis, and Elton John. And we would spend so much time pouring over my records record player just taking in the sheer musicianship we were hearing. Well, needless to say, my best friend was killed in a car wreck last February. I had to play two songs at his funeral, one being one I wrote, and the other being "I Wish It Would Rain Down." I had to rework the latter a little bit to better fit the occassion, but now everytime I hear that song in particular, it just takes me back to such wonderful memories.

I could go on and on with marose, dramatic, mushy-gushy stuff, but it all comes down to this:  this man has had an incredible impact on me and my life, and I simply cannot put into words how much those moments mean to me. I sound like every one else's broken record by saying one of my big regrets is never being able to see Mr. Collins/Genesis live here in the states to show them my eternal thanks and support, but crying over it won't change anything, and instead, if there's something I've learned in life, it's to be thankful over what you do have. And that is the music that will always be written in history. Besides, he has legitamite reasoning behind his personal decisions, and I greatly respect that. All in all, thank you very much, sir, for all you have done. With the tears down my face this very moment, I simply cannot put into words as to how much I appreciate the memories your music has helped create from me. Maybe I'm just a weird, freakish crybaby. But I truely mean all of that from the bottom of my heart. Thank you, sir.  

Be blessed,

Chace