Rollins Band played in San Diego years ago. I still love Rollins Band. Their stuff really hits deep, even to this day.

Rollins talked to the kids in the back lot, barefoot and all. He was witty and brutal, and everything you’d expect him to be. But despite his rage, he has a deep love for his fans, and it showed.

I told him how much “Weight” affected me as a kid. It still does actually. And he could sense my life story was not a pretty one. So he did something I didn’t expect. He gave me a hug.

Then, for some strange reason, he signed my copy of Black Flag “Damaged”. What pisses me off is, I can’t find that record anywhere.

But, for one alienated little bastard, he reminded me that troubles and obstacles don’t define you. It’s what we do about it, and how we live with them that does.

Those were fifteen minutes that I’ll never forget.