medicinal music.

originally written on september 6, 2013

i've been awful about keeping up with this blog.  sorry about that.  *insert awkward smiley face here*

but today, i felt compelled to write.  to you guys.  about a couple of things. 

last night, my husband and i went to see our favorite artist in concert - butch walker.  and let me just say...... if you don't know him, you're missing out.  

this guy represents everything i love about music - melody, lyrical genius, emotion, fun, rock, roll, gumption, passion and inspiration.

last night's concert was his first since losing his father - 'big' butch.  it was so raw, emotional and real.  he opened with an a cappella version of amazing grace - no doubt an homage to his old man whom he loved, adored and respected so much. 

he followed with a tear-filled version of 'atlanta' - his tribute to the city that gave him roots and wings.  

he spoke of his dad, showed everyone that his sweet Mom was in the crowd - his parents never, ever missed his shows "at home" in atlanta.  

and then he did what he always did.  he played with his whole heart.  but this time, while still being a mesmerizing and awe inspiring performance, it was different.  

he was vulnerable.  he was raw.  and he let us all inside his head and his heart.  he used music to heal his hurt, just like the rest of us do.  he used us, the audience, to comfort the void left by his dad's empty seat.  

thru his songs we saw his love for his father.  his love for his son.  his love for his family.  and his love for music.

it brought me back to a different time in my life.  music was my therapy, my solace, my comfort.  songs were my stories and bands were my friends.  i lived for music.  as a teenager, i couldn't walk into my room without flipping my radio on, no matter how quickly i left again.  

it felt good to be back in that place.  to allow myself to be vulnerable to memories and sentiment.  i kinda liked it.

the show closed with a marvelous 3 reunion to pay tribute to their fathers - all who have passed away in the last 5 years.  seeing jayce and slug return to perform with him at this show particularly signified so many things.  unconditional love.  everlasting friendship.  but mostly how life comes full circle.  

butch said that he pictured 'big butch' looking down on the show..... and that if he shed one tear, it would probably look like gold confetti.  so they shot gold confetti into the crowd and had gold balloons drop as one last big bang to celebrate the life of his father and best friend. 

it was an honor to be there.

i encourage you to check out his music if you're unfamiliar.  and either way - order this EP.  he played all of the new songs last night and they are hands down some of my most favorites of his songs.  of all time.  

go here for all the links to order and more info PLUS you can stream my new favorite "i've been waiting for this" and also "coming home" which needs to be on every radio station ever.  like, now.  

What artist or songs really speak to you? Is there a song or band that has helped you get through a big moment in your life?  

Share them in the comments section below.