When I first decided that I wanted to play punk rock way back in the late 70’s I had no thoughts about any kind of longevity.  Punk seemed like a “live fast, die young” sort of game, and though I wasn’t bitten by the same self-destructive drugs/booze bug that took too many musicians from us far too early I never expected to be closing out 2012 with two of the most incredible shows I’ve ever played.  I never really thought that far ahead, to be honest.  And I’m pretty sure that there’s not a single first wave punk musician out there that gave a moment’s thought to growing old, much less with a guitar or a pair of sticks or a mic in their hand.  But here it is.

Both the Island Reunion & the Axiom Reunion shows have pretty much proven to me that I am not the only one that still has fire in my heart that won’t be extinguished (not just when we eat spicy food) or denied.  That even the very first songs that we all wrote still have presence, meaning, and can still move people.  That when we are bathed in hot stage lights in bright colors and the first notes ring out we are transported back in time to when we were young and strong and fierce and everyone who’s not with us should just get the hell out of our way.  Just thinking about it makes my heart beat faster and my blood sing.

And it doesn’t really feel like next year will be 35 years since I first started on this journey.  Not even close. 

I’m really looking forward to seeing what the next year will bring.

Hold your loved ones close, especially at this time of year.  Count your blessings.  Be inspired.  And keep doing what you want to do.  It keeps you young.  At least in your heart.

Cheers,

Christian