BLUE OCTOBER LIVE!! | REDHAT AMPHITHEATER
Blue October performed at the Redhat Amphitheater in Raleigh. Blue October has a special place in my heart because one of my favorite songs by them started a series of events that changed my life forever. Lead singer Justin Furstenfeld has never been shy in regard to talking about his past addictions and his battle with depression. His lyrics for one particular song kicked me into another gear and helped me start working towards making better decisions in my own life. One of the bands most famous songs, which I know continues to impact a lot of people around the world today as much as it did me then is called “Hate Me”.
Now, when I first heard this song it felt as if Justin was in my head during that difficult time in my life and for that moment as I listened to his voice and lyrics, I felt this heavy weight lift off my shoulders because I realized I was not the only one who felt that way. In the song he talks about his mother’s blue eyes, my mother also has blue eyes and it just punched me in the gut. The song started that journey of change for me personally and though it was a long hard battle, that song cracked the door open to a better future and instead of me closing that door, I opened it all the way and walked through it. I don’t know if I would have done that without that song. I am grateful he had the strength to write that song and put it out to the world. So, for me seeing this band perform live is always a great honor and something I feel grateful to cover. I covered them during their performance at the Lincoln Theater many years ago and briefly met Justin and he was kind and very polite. The band has this unique style of music that really does blend incredible musical compositions with lyrics and vocals to match. Justin also has a unique voice that when you hear it, you know it is him singing. There is a passion, angst, joy and hopefulness in his voice when he performs.
If you are a Blue October fan than I would not miss a chance to see them perform live. They have so many other great songs besides “Hate Me”, I just focused on that song because of the impact he had on me personally. They sounded great and the entire band was energic. When the band walked out on to the stage the crowd went crazy and people started standing up as Justin started to sing his first lyric.
Great band, great performers and a lot of fun!
Chris Sturk
