Born and Raised

The buzz I get from a John Mayer concert is a buzz like no other. There's something about seeing him with my own eyes, hearing his voice not coming through a speaker and knowing that at any moment anything can happen. I live for that.

The new album was set to release on May 22. I'd been waiting for it. The spring tour dates were up and I knew the summer tour dates would be up in a matter of weeks too. This was going to be a good year! I needed another Mayer show. It's been 2 years.

But something was wrong. John's throat granuloma returned. This meant more surgery and long periods of vocal rest. So obviously the tour was canceled. If that wasn't bad enough he announced via Tumblr that he must give up live performing indefinitely because there was no way of knowing when (if at all) he'd be better. I was devastated and still am.

                               

John's 5th studio album was released on May 22nd as planned. One song in particular melted into my heart on the very 1st listen; 'Walt Grace's Submarine Test, January 1967'. The rest of the album wasn't love at first listen for me. It was very different than any previous Mayer. After a week though, I did come to love the new album. Very much. It's full of guilt, acceptance, forgiveness, hope and those wise words I need to get me through the day. And after my love for the album grew, another song tugs at my heartstrings more than any other; 'The Age of Worry'.

                           

Life sets hurdles for us all. Our idols are no exception. The disappointment and heartache I feel at this sad news was probably 10x worse on his end. But I think John Mayer is indeed bigger (and stronger) than his body (and most people) give him credit for. So I have all the faith in the world that he will return to us and one day I'll hear him sing 'Walt Grace' and 'Age of Worry' in person.

Until then I will reminisce on the 1st time I ever saw him live (MLL #5 See JM Live), the last time I saw him live (Camden, July 2010) and every show in between (At the Today Show).

                           
So JM, if you're out there, if you can read me, if my good vibes are reaching you at all, I'm wishing you a speedy recovery. Not just for the sake of seeing you on a stage, but to see you well. Half of my heart is with you, and half of my heart is, as always, waiting to see you again.

            


"Even if this album slides off the charts in a month, it doesn’t make it any less special to me, and we should all be digging this music together, like we would have (and will again) on stage.
Stay tuned…
with thanks and love
John"