Dan! Dan! Dan! Dan! Dan! Dan! Dan! Dan! Dan! Dan! Dan!
A couple of weeks ago in Hartford, I approached Dan to ask him to sign my copy of Nanobots. I'd been carrying it around with me, on and off, for months, but every time I had run into him, I had either not had it with me or the moment just wasn't right. But this time it worked out. I asked and he said sure. The conversation went something like this. "You're missing," I explained, meaning his signature. "Am I the only one?" he asked. "Yeah," I said. "You're hard to find." "I'm not hard to find! I'm always around," he said. "Yeah, I just hate bugging you guys," I replied. "You're not bugging me. I just don't do the front of the stage thing. I wish I was like Marty and Danny, and I could do that, but I can't. It's just not me." "I totally understand that," I said.
And the thing is, I do. That just isn't Dan. And I would never expect it of him.
Several months ago, I was talking to a friend, and mentioned how much I appreciate the guys in the backing band. I believe my exact words were "As much as I love the Johns, and they drive the show, my heart really belongs to those three guys at the back of the stage." And the response I got made me a little sad. "I knew you were gaga for Danny and Marty, but I didn't realize you felt that way about Dan."
Upon reflection, it is true that I am more vocal about my affection for Danny and Marty. But it is not true that I don't feel the same way about Dan. In the very same way that you won't find Dan signing autographs for fans at the front of the stage, because it just doesn't come naturally to him, I don't tend to publicly gush about my fondess for him, as much as I do the other boys. Instead it is a quieter affection and respect, held more tightly in. But look a little closer and those feelings are dug deep. A picture of Dan is the background wallpaper on my phone. I carry one of his guitar picks in the pocket of each of my band hoodies. At the first show of every tour, nearly without excepetion, I pick the spot in front of Dan by the stage. And one of the absolute highlights of this year, which has already included 36 shows and enough memorable events to write a book, was the hug I got from Dan on the sidewalk in Omaha. Dan is every bit as important to me as the other boys, and I would never want anyone to believe otherwise, especially him.
If Marty is the heart of the band, then Dan is the soul. The vibrancy and life in his playing, as well as the awesome power house of his talent are wrapped into every piece of music the band produces. He is a giant among Giants and just plain one of the nicest people you will ever meet. And I am ridiculously fond of him.
So please join me in wishing Dan, a very happy birthday filled with family and friends and love and laughter. Lots and lots of laughter, because no one laughs with as much sheer joy as Dan. You're the best of the best, Dan. Rock on!
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