I am not afraid to say that I am glad this election stuff is over.  I don’t get political as people don’t come to my places for that.  It’s only about music and meatballs for me!  Of course, I realize the importance of all of it, but now we must all come together for the sake of our children.  But although the process can be complicated at times, I still love the fact that America still lives in a democracy and the red-white and blue prevails no matter who wins.

As I am getting on in my years, I appreciate the simpler and meaningful things in life more and more.  Time with family and friends, the fruits of my labor, a beautiful, sunny day.  Pretty cliché, but still, a great golf shot, a nice vacation, cooking on a Sunday…you get what I mean.

Then the pandemic hit.  Simple pleasures, basic freedoms, warm hugs all became out of reach.  Add to that the political strife, the resurgence of crime in the streets, masked smiles and economic downfall and the world became a much different place. 

As we believed and hoped it would, slowly versions of normality re-set.  Masks, social distancing, excessive sanitizing was prevalent, but ultimately became close to the way it used to be.  There is still plenty to be concerned about but at least we can come together and enjoy live music again!

It was July of 2021 that we re-opened The Arcada Theatre.  As I prepared to welcome the crowd as I had been doing for decades before, something was different.  There was an American flag backstage that I used for events almost staring at me right in the eye.  It was a bit beat up, the pole was an old metal shaft from some festival and the base was a worn microphone stand.  I have had that thing for years.

As I walked out on stage, I grabbed this somewhat tattered symbol of freedom and brought it on stage with me.  I wanted to pay tribute to the medical professionals, teachers, first responders and the countless others who gave so much of themselves to help save our country during the turmoil.  Then, I gave special acknowledgement to our blessed Veterans in the audience.  The roar of applause was as loud as any act that had appeared on the stage before.

Then it came to me to honor that same symbol of freedom that was consistent during every challenge our country has faced since 1776.  I held up that flag and invited the crowd to join me in the singing of our National Anthem.  People stood with great pride, welcoming this old friend back.  Many eyes were tear-filled.  Out-of-tune folks who had no business singing anything gave the best performances of their lives.  America survived; our pride never waned.

Subsequently, I received a video of a couple guys from the legendary rock band “Metallica” doing an electric-guitar version of the “Star Spangled Banner.”  It was perfect.

Now, before every show, I pay tribute to those heroes and all those who, “Wake up every day and make the world a better place.”  Folks sing nice and loud.  Hats are removed, Vets stand at attention and salute.  I suggest to them to make it sound like the old Chicago Stadium during Chicago Blackhawks days.  Thunderous!

As I thrust the flag into the air at the lyric, “…that our flag was still there,” I look at the old relic and think of my WWII hero father who fought for the right for me to do just that.  I look into the audience, into the faces of young and young at heart, all races and religions, all joining together, bound by live music.

And yes, there are a few individuals who prefer to sit during the anthem. I have had a few complaints that the individual was there for music and not political statements.  To which I reply that I never make any form of political statements.  But I do not consider the National Anthem a political statement.  I really don’t.  The flag stands for freedom and is a reminder of those who fought for it, my dad being one of those heroes.

And if they choose to sit, I let them know they are exhibiting the very freedom the flag allows.  Try and show any national disrespect in another country and see what happens.  That’s even if you see it coming.

Another bonus I get from this small pre-show presentation is the thanks from the bands waiting backstage about to come on.  They all say that is the way every show should start and gives them proud chills in a way that translates into a truly rockin’ show!

So here’s to the Red, White and Blue, and thank God for the music that is the thread that keeps us all together.  I am the luckiest guy on the planet to have great people from all over the world come to our shows.  The flag is there to welcome all.  If you come to any of our places, you can be guaranteed there will be great music and a Grand Old Flag on stage.  Sing loud, sing proud and keep on rocking!