a night to remember
So Brett and I went to the benefit/memorial show for my friend Pat Beck.
I can hardly put it into words. I was stunned and thrilled at how many people showed up, considering how fast it was thrown together, and the fact it was held on a Wedneday night. I would guess at least 300 people showed up to celebrate the life of Pat, and help his family with his medical bills. I was seriously impressed- they raffled off tons of stuff- concert tix, cds, shirts, etc......People gave tons of money. It was a freakin love fest. But more than that, it was a night to remember someone who meant a lot to those of us in the local punk community.
I ran into people I haven't seen in years, and caught up on old times. All the old punks from "back in the day" were there. I have to laugh at this- people who know me from a certain time period only know me by my nickname- Pezboy- I can't recall so many people coming up to me and and shouting OMG PEZ!
It felt good. It took me back, to a time and place when I was a goofy punk dude trawling the streets of Akron and Kent, hanging out with bands and just enjoying life. And there was definately a bittersweet element to the whole event- that a good friends death has brought us together once again. Coming out of the mens room, I ran into Dan, a former bandmate of Pats. We hugged, lamented that one of our friends had passed away at way too young an age. He told me " You know, Pat loved you to death. He never stopped talking about you" and I think thats when it really hit me. He's gone. He figures into a HUGE part of my youth. From roughly 1982 to 1995 he was my best friend. I was on the "brew crew" for his band, responsible for making sure we had an adequate supply of brewskis on hand for shows and rehearsals. The person I am now, was formed in part, by the time I spent with him.
Several members of his two bands, D.I.M. , and the Nimrods, did a raucous, sweaty run thru of the songs that are ingrained in my memory. I heard those songs, as amateurish as they are, and a flood of memories came back to me. Its almost comical to think that when Shane, who was a local punk dude back in the day, who filled in for Pat on vocals, sang "Drink , Fight, and Fuck", , I got seriously choked up. I was fighting back tears.. Cuz I remember hanging out when they tried to figure out how to play it, and me and Pat sat and wrote out the words. I remember all the good times. And the best part was, during their brief set, the crowd got a serious mosh pit going, bottles were broken, and Shane extended the mike into the crowd, who sang every word.
All I can say is, Pat, you are remembered and celebrated. It was a cathartic night for me. Life goes on, but I look back and think "damn dude, you meant a lot to me, and to a lot of us"
I dont know how Brett thought of all of it, but he was the best boyfriend ever, and let me go back in time, and kissed me afterwards. He has no idea what that night meant to me.
I'll post the pix he took soon.
Until then, tell the people you care about that you love them, and don't forget- the life you live today, will become the memories you recall tomorrow.
Peace