EJ Live It

“This is not about who’s conservative and who is liberal, what race you are, this is not about what religion you are or if you’re an atheist. This is about being together, everybody here tonight. We’re gonna leave all that shit behind us now, it’s out the door. Tonight we’re gonna rub up against each other, we’re gonna look each other in the eyes, we’re gonna sing together, we’re gonna dance together, we’re gonna fucking cry together. But god dammit, this is an experience and it’s all about unity!” 

This is a good Green Day story.

Short version: I got knocked out by this stage diver in Longview and Mike gave me his jacket.

Long version: Pittsburgh 2013, I was just to the right of whoever took this video. I could see when Billie was telling this girl to jump that she was going to land on me. He noticed too and gestured to me to cover my head, but security told me to hold my arms up to catch her. Should have listened to Billie because she jumped awkwardly, her boots hit me in the face and then my head took her body weight. There was blood everywhere, my glasses had broken and torn a cut down my nose, security were fussing around me with ice and water and Billie was asking if I was alright. Initially I thought I was and we exchanged thumbs up before they started Basket Case, but soon everything went black and I found myself being carried off. When the paramedic asked how I felt, I told her I was disappointed I’d lost my spot and she laughed and said that was what the last person said. I watched the rest of the show from the first aid box in a daze.

Once the show had ended, Eddie (the band’s head of security) walked up to me with something and said “Mike wanted me to give you this”. I responded “really?!” and he laughed and said “yes, really!”. It was the jacket he’d been wearing for the last few shows.

When I found my friends after the show they told me how worried the band were, which I never got to see in person but I believe them because these guys are so sweet. I wore the jacket to the next show and Mike put his hand on his heart and pointed at me. My favourite band is cooler than yours.

Side note: everyone always says they’re sad I got knocked out, but don’t be, I’m apparently made of steel. I probably had a concussion but I just got on the bus to Philly and lined up for the next show. I also bent my glasses back into shape and wore them for another year. Will get knocked out 4 Mike Dirnt.