January 4th 2010 was the day my entire life took a tailspin. This band who had that guy in Twilight was here in my hometown and I had to get a glimspe of him, if only for a moment. I took my younger brother with me and I recall him saying, “look at that old man in that pimp suit.” I remember nodding and saying, “That’s Uncle Larry.” From the second Jackson, Jerad, Ben Graupner, Ben Johnson and Marty aka The Bananager stepped into the room, I was hooked.
Their charisma, enthusiasm and energy was captivating and magnetic. I fell in love with this band of musicians and I found this whole other world that I couldn’t even imagine being a part of.
I remember planning my trip to see them in Dallas, Texas for thr Spencer Bell Legacy Show; getting pumped up to have a chance at hearing Ben Johnson sing ‘The Monkey Song’ again, and when that happened at Poor David’s Pub, the moment he took stage and the room packed full of women and a few men sang along to catchy tune and seeing Ben J step back from the mic; a beaming smile of joy crossing his features, allowing this group of people that, no matter what differences they had outside of that very moment, sing the song to him and his band mates. /That/ was the moment I knew that this world, this ‘monkeyverse’, so to speak, was something bigger than I had even dreamt of imagining. The love that poured from these guys hearts for their friend, Spencer and the amount of love the crowd gave back, made this all the more worth it.
I remember SBL in Michigan, getting off stage after singing a Spencer song, nerves wracked so badly, I went to smoke a cigarette; and I dont smoke. Seeing the Ben’s that night and feeling stoked that they had remembered me from Dallas. Out of how many shows they played from January to Augist and they remembered me. It made me feel important and it made me feel welcome.
Winter tour 2010, the best eight days of my life. Finally meeting Jackson on my 7th show, following them on the road. I gave up Christmas day with my family to go chase these boys on tour like I was in a Cameron Crow film. It was the greatest experience of my life, thus far. And what did I get? I was welcomed with open arms into this group where we all followed them and we all stood in the crowds and lines and starved ourselves until late hours of the night just to stand in front of this amazing band and sing our hearts out with them. To know that they see you enjoying what they are giving out to the crowd and that you truly appreciate their music, it’s an undescribable feeling.
I had a chance of a lifetime, getting to interview the boys for mine and my site partner’s fansite for them and that is something that I will never forget. Being able to sit down and talk about goals, dreams, aspirations, projects, music and of course, Spencer Bell, it’s something I will forever keep in my heart.
You really understand the sense of thanks that Jackson, Jerad, Ben K, Ben G and Uncle Larry had for each and every single one of theor fans during ‘The Thank You Song’.
January 2nd 2011, the last day of tour. My heart was heavy, knowing I wouldn’t wake up the next day to see them. ‘It’s not goodbye, it’s until I see you again.’ Jackson said. I could never truly say goodbye to any of them. We were pulled backstage, Lani came and got me saying the boys wanted to see me. I walk into this room to be greeted by Jackson with open arms, finding myself on the verge of tears as we said our thank you’s against each other’s ears in this heart-felt hug. Getting a moment with Ben Johnson to get a hug, take a photo and just say, thank you. The humorus tear-filled convo with Jerad as we laughed over his ‘stupid face’ that he made in our phot together. Bear hugs from Ben Graupner. And lastly, the amazing words given by Uncle Larry, ‘Until next time, babygirl’.
I decided to go on a whim and drive to Vegas to see them. With a paycheck, 5 hour energy drinks and my ipod to keep me company, I took this journey alone. Meeting up with amazing friends to go support our boys in the Vegas heat and feeling so damn proud of them as they play to this HUGE crowd, knowing they were excited to see us standing there, their fans, their support. Family.
With all my experiences and moments I’ve shared with each individual member, I find myself, sad but I totally understand the change. I will miss Jackson and Jerad in the band, there will always be a peice missing without them. However, as much as I am sad, I am so damn proud of each and a every one of them. I am proud of the progress they’ve made as musicians. I am proud of them stepping up in their lives and doing courageous and life changing things. I am proud of Ben Johnson, Ben Graupner and Uncle Larry in continuing this band. And I’m proud of the true 100 Monkeys fans who will forever continue to support this band and all their future projects and endeavors. I will forever carry J.Action, JRad, Ben J, Ben G and Uncle Larry in my heart. This is a forever thing for me. Their music is eternal.
As Jackson Rathbone once said,
‘I just wanna thank you for existing.’
This isn’t goodbye, it’s until I see you again. I love you boys.
