Hello global citizens!
Well, as I posed in H’s guestbook;
Are you a loyal Marillion fan and wish you could see them on the upcoming West Coast tour? If so, read on and you might just get the chance.
If you’re planning to skip the remaining portion of what will most likely be my most lengthy blog entry ever (and hopefully the only), then you’ll be looking for a shortcut, not playing by the rules, and undoubtedly the universe/karma/mana/energy won’t bestow favor.
Like our good friend says, “you get what you deserve.”
So, on that note, please allow me to shed some light on the question I presented.
Most of you reading this don’t know me (and who’s to say you’d want to anyway). However, if you search through H’s guestbook this past May (2005) and last September (2004), then you might stumble upon my entries.
I’m the individual that has offered complimentary tickets and frequent flyer miles to fans in order to assist them in seeing the band.
Why would anybody of right-mind do such a thing? And what the heck is a right-mind anyway?
One person wrote and asked me if I was wealthy and that’s why I was offering it; I replied by stating I have a lovely wife, a beautiful daughter, some very exceptional friends, live in Hawaii (one of the most beautiful places in the world) and so I couldn’t lie – I answered “yes.”
I then asked him if that’s what he meant and sent the email.
The gentleman wrote back and stated that is not what he meant, but realized how unimportant the context of the original question seemed. He simply wrote back and thanked me for helping to shift his view of life.
I couldn’t have asked for a better reply.
In a world where so few people take the time to smile, make another laugh, help other’s feel valued or simply aid someone in achieving their dreams (no matter how small), it’s nice to see there is still hope for such positive affect.
Perhaps that is a common theme for all of us loyal fans. Perhaps we see the love and hope in H’s lyrics, but with just enough of the human stain that we all identify with them deeply.
I [personally] know what touches me about his lyrics, character, soul and persona (but that’s between him and me), but since you’ve read this far, I’ll share a little but.
I consider him a great person and delightfully imperfect (in contrast to myself who is just greatly imperfect ).
I believe that when we understand the things that attract us to friends and significant others, it usually can be narrowed down into a few roles and categories; either we see qualities of ourselves in them (either subtlety or pronounced) and are attracted to the commonality, we feel admiration [for a quality/understanding we do not possess] and desire to learn from them, or in contrast, we see somebody that wants to learn from us and that makes us feel empowered.
In truth, any good friendship should optimally include all parts of this equation.
For the space in H’s heart and life that he and his family have shared [with mine], they have offered more than they realize. Like most generous people, they remain focused on bigger purposes.
I have yet to discover anything that I offer him (and his family) of near equal value. Nonetheless, as long as they’re willing to share their hearts and lives, I feel honored to be considered.
What’s the bloody point of my seeming random thought? Well for one, it’s my blog, but more to the point is this. I raised my daughter with a very simple concept in mind; there is a big difference between a good ruler and a good leader.
In my belief, a ruler dictates and controls his people through fear, where as a leader is one if his people. I won’t trivialize by shedding examples as that could quickly become a blog posting itself!
While both a ruler and a leader must face one common reality – a limited time in control – at the first sign of weakness, people will revolt against a ruler, but protect a leader.
Now, while my thought process might read like a ricocheting bullet, it does eventually land on the target.
A leader is not defined by a decision, but rather by character. It is a passion towards a core principle in the way one leads their life and makes choices accordingly.
For the band to circumvent the record labels, an unrelenting standard for their craft, to connect with their fans… these are all decisions based on their character.
I love H (and yes, I can use that word thank you very much) because he is brash and affectionate, opinionated and humble, brilliant and sensitive… but mostly because does maintain a great loyalty and desire to lead others.
I mean, how many of you have I received emails form with the Make Poverty History signature? Simply because he used his influence to lead his fans.
He’s led me for years, even before we met personally, by whispering in my ear such profound lyrics that at time in my life when I was presented with challenges, I could just recall a relevant song and suddenly I was educated, calmed or assured.
Have you ever struck up a relationship with a friend that you only corresponded or spoke with for years and then finally met years later to put a “face to the voice?” Well, that’s what I equate to my friendship with H; it was just like finally meeting a good friend in-person.
Add to that the distinct pleasure of growing that friendship with our families, and it was even more valuable. His wife and children are upstanding and outstanding.
So again, what is the point? Well, I probably could have scribed it into a paragraph or two, but I wanted you all to work for what I’m offering as nothing worth having comes easily (lol).
In truth, I just wanted to share a little of myself… isn’t that the point of a blog anyway? More importantly, I just wanted to express that we all have the ability to lead and just as I inspired the fan who wrote me or others I’ve touched, H has inspired many of us too.
The entire band (and let’s not forget Lucy, Christine and everybody at the Racket Club) have taken the time to often put our needs ahead of theirs.
“Followers are not always leaders,
but leaders must always be followers.
Followers among their own followers,
but with the strength to create change.”
We owe a lot to H, Steve, Pete, Ian, Mark, Lucy, Christine their families and just about any other name you can rattle off from the staff/crew for leading by example.
We also owe a lot to ourselves.
Find any cause you believe in and stick it! Do anything to move it forward and that’s truly a selfless act. No cause it too small if your consistent and dedicated. A legacy is not left by an action, but rather by a lifetime of actions.
Whenever I’m queried to describe myself, I usually choose my wife’s or friend’s view as I probably possess the least accurate impression of all.
I think the only compliment (or the only one I can remember) that H ever gave to me (other than I have a [soulfully] beautiful wife – which seems to be the majority of my value in most cases), is that he appreciated my
generosity.
I recognize that trait as it’s been pointed out by others as well. It is in fact, part of my character and each day I choose to influence and lead with it.
So, why did I compose all of this in-between rather than just conclude swiftly? Because with the acceptance of generosity should come the balance of appreciation. And with the balance of appreciation, should come the desire for reciprocation.
Take these words, whatever you gain from them, and don’t wait to display the concept by leading another… anybody… friend or foe - towards a better life!
Now, here’s what I’m proposing.
Given my capabilities with the company I own, I am thinking about offering a “live” streaming web cast of either the LA or SF show. I’d love to do this at no-charge to all of the fans who cannot make it, and if that is possible, I will. Otherwise, I may ask that everybody pay a nominal fee of maybe $5.00 USD (which is certainly better than airline/concert tickets and lodging).
Can this work? I don’t know. It depends on several variables such as if the venue has Internet access, will they allow it, are the boys okay with it, etc?
I’m simply offering it and before I approach discussing it with any of the parties involved, I want to know if anybody is interested.
I’m simply doing this as a way to help all of the fans who cannot attend be able to enjoy a group of people and music that mean so much to them.
Perhaps it is too costly [for you] or the boys don’t generally tour in your area. Whatever the reason, this can bring you closer.
I welcome everybody’s input on any level and will consider it all. Perhaps in the future this can become a nice way for all of us to be included during a show. For example, maybe we can pioneer online concerts and sell tickets for $20. We could adopt the pay-per-view model of cable/satellite television.
I’d love to see the Christmas show… or any show where I didn’t have to fly to get there (the only bummer about living in Hawaii). The band could certainly make it profitable and therefore it could be something they consider adopting consistently.
Anyway, starting with just this single show, please let me know you thoughts.
Please consider reviewing this site and I welcome you to join the newsletter and then give the “LIVE” Interactive Jukebox a whirl.
Much Aloha, cheers, shalom, ciao, adios, au revior (and that’s about where I tap out).
Mr. A
