Always

I must have seen Matt at 10 DMB shows before I even knew his name. He always stood out to me because of the LOVE sign he used to hold. And it wasn't even just that it said LOVE, although it is an awesome message, but it was more the way he held the sign. Not to really make himself stick out amongst all the thousands of people there. It was just a straightforward and simple message he wanted to deliver: LOVE.

Luckily, our paths crossed and I finally went over and said hi to him after a show at Chula Vista a few years ago. From there began a deep friendship that was pretty much based all on the music of Dave Matthews Band. We both felt the same passion for the band, the music, and the live concert experience. We both understood each other's desire to sit way up front in order to be enveloped by the beautiful energy and music - to have twenty thousand people screaming behind us and 5+ guys up on stage playing their hearts out in front of us. That was our "place", where true happiness entered. Matt and I were able to share that experience together, and for that, I will always be thankful to DMB.

To Matt - I will alwaye be thankful for you reading (and replying to) all my long-winded emails, talking about the shows and tickets, sending emails and calls after shows with reviews, and just like the last time we communicated, sending a text from a show with that one word: LOVE.

You'll always be there with me, my friend. Dancing and smiling. Can you believe Dave dedicated LIOG to you last night?? I know you'd get such a kick out of that. I love you buddy, and keep smiling down on us all.