the wind blows over the wall tonight, my love

I went to the show Saturday night, at the Grill. The opening band, The Distraction, was pretty cool. Reminded me of sitting in a 1970-s style basement, you know, the kind with the carpet and the cooler full of coke and shasta...sitting there with your father's turntable, up against the wall in your frayed jeans and canvas sneakers. I don't know if anyone knows what I'm talking about. Maybe I don't know what I'm talking about.
Then Joey went on. He opened with Bramfatura, gradually getting more into the song. Very last note, he broke a string. Handed the guitar off to Tom Benton, and continued on with the set. Next song was Dregs...broke another string. Tom came back to the stage, and Joey picked up his other guitar. He had already played a set earlier in the day, so this show was more improv, off the cuff. He broke out The Game...and I wonder if anyone can really appreciate that song if they don't know the people involved. I mean, it's a good song...but I think it's even better if you know the story. He played Puddle, which makes me homesick...reminds me of how things (everything) started, sitting out on my front porch...
Then he said he was going to play a song because he had a lot of old friends out in the audience. He played Lay Down the Law. Melinda and Jay both turned and looked at me. I had goosebumps. My eyes teared up. That song was defining for me in so many ways, but I had never heard it played live.
He closed the set down with Amaze Disgrace. Didn't even get to finish it out...broke every single string on the guitar. He held the naked instrument up for a moment, pushed the hair out of his face, and tossed it to the side of the stage. I had to catch my breath.
I've realized once again just what an impact Joey and the boys and their music have had on me. It's something I've always been able to turn to. I can feel totally alone, and I put in a cd and hear that familiar riff, Joey's voice...and it's like I'm home. Joey was really there for me in a time that I needed someone...and he didn't know me from anyone else...when I think about it now, it seems like I was asking a lot from him...maybe not asking...but I was alot to deal with. I'm still a lot to deal with. But Joey didn't seem to mind...
I don't know anyone like him...anyone who can do what he does. And he's so real about it all. I went up to the stage with Jay...stood there for a few minutes while Joey finished a conversation with someone else...he turned to me, moved to shake my hand, and then just hugged me, still dripping with sweat. I didn't really know what to say. It was stupid...this is the boy who grew up down the street...but I was in awe of him. I've always been in awe of him...and I know he's just another human being...but he's such a great human being...As you can maybe tell, I'm having a hard time putting it into words...but anyone who has ever met Joey knows what I'm talking about.
He's inspiring...I wish I could do what he does...wish I could have just a little piece of that...but I know I'm lucky enough to have been there...