I usually don't post such personal stuff, but today is an exception. It has taken me over 3 months to get to a place where I felt comfortable to share this experience.
August 26th 2025 started out as one of the worst days of my life. That morning I found my housemate of over 20 years dead in his room. He died peacefully of natural causes. As you can imagine, it was rough. I lost more than a housemate, I lost a friend and a brother. Many of you who have visited Rancho Relaxo over the years met Mike. He was well liked and a good guy. As you can imagine, I called 911, dealt with the EMTs, Cops, Medical Examiner, etc.
Once his body was removed from the house, I was left sitting alone and realized I was supposed to be at a soundcheck in a few hours.
I was supposed to go see a band I had been pumped about seeing all summer.
To back up a little bit, a few months previous I got an IG DM from
@mikeyblaster of
@mtjoyband about the
@osirisphilters Michael ordered one and immediately fell in love with it. I started listening to
@mtjoyband everyday floating in the pool all summer and we made a plan to hang at the show in SD on August 26th.
Fast forward back to my living room on that day. What do I do? Stay home alone and freak out, or go see this band. As you can imagine, I chose music.
I got my shit together and went to the gig. This was the turning point.
When I arrived I was greeted by their TM
@mark_evans_unofficial_ . Great dude. I had already decided it was not appropriate to share what happened that day so I put on a smile and walked in with Mark.
From the moment I arrived I was treated like family. They had no clue what happened earlier that day, but it was as if they did. Ever single member of the band, crew, management, and entourage showed me love, kindness, and genuine friendship.
@ingridreichert and
@jaelynee went out of their way to make me feel welcome.
To say I was impressed would be the understatement of all time. I was floored.
I want to thank
@mikeyblaster @mattquinnmj @jackiemiclau @jsamcooper @sotiriselio for saving me that day. The band, crew, and crowd were among the best I have ever experienced. I am eternally grateful.
