When I came to Ball State in 2001, I went and saw a band.
They were from Anderson, and the group name at the time was FishersNet. They were a catchy, rock 'n' roll group that could have been big, should have been big and -- I am convinced -- could still be big. Basically, they wrote songs that were complexly simple with meaningful lyrics. Like a modern-day Beatles sans the fame, fortune and societal impact.-á
But I'm not a music critic, and this column isn't about the band.
Around the same time I found out that FishersNet was pretty good, I met a group of guys whom I enjoyed, too. They don't remind me of the Beatles. At all.
But by the time the end of the year rolled around, FishersNet changed its name to am Drive. They released a new album, which shot them to the top of my favorite bands list. Meanwhile, this group of fellas that I befriended at the beginning of the year became my best friends.
Now fast-forward two years. Last weekend, the boys from am Drive played their last concert together. They don't hate each other. They just all started to do their own things. They grew up and joined different bands. I would be bewildered that this happened, but "That Thing You Do" taught me that is how the music business goes.
And as music goes, so goes life.
I'm only a junior now, but my boys and I are finding our own gigs, too. I get married in a month (sorry girls/guys). I guess you can say I found my Yoko Ono, but in a good way. She's the best thing that ever happened to me.
Meanwhile, I've got buddies going to Kentucky and all over the States. One just got back from traveling the world. And one wants to go travel the world soon. They are doing solo projects.
My metaphorical band is breaking up even though we've never played better than we are right now.
I'm guessing we're not the only ones doing this, though, on the last day of classes. If we are, I feel like a fool, and you can stop reading now -- except you five guys.
Back in the ol' high school days, they used to tell me that I would make the friends of a lifetime in college. I would chuckle, then drive to Taco Bell with my best friend while we listened to Papa Roach.
Now, I rarely see that best friend, and Papa Roach has become sort of a last resort. Meanwhile, am Drive is still in my headphones, and I'll always keep in touch with my friends from Swinford Hall.
Don't get me wrong -- my best years lie ahead of me. I love my fianc+â-¬e, and married life is going to top all. But there will always be a place for my four college roommates and the one I never had a chance to live with.
So, enough with my clumsy words. I'll wrap this year up with the touching words from an am Drive song.
"I want to be a smarty-pants. Get good grades. Oh yes, straight A's. I want a collection of ants."
In case you didn't realize, that was an inside joke.
This is my space and I'll do what I want with it.
Pleasant dreams,guys.
Write to Jay at jdkenworthy@bsu.edu
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
