"There Is Just Doing It."

So a few weeks ago I went to my 15th SXSW in Austin Texas. It's a music conference like no other. Hard to describe. You just have to be there or go someday to believe what happens in that 5 day period.
This year was a little special to me because Bruce Springsteen had been chosen months before to do the keynote speech. He was also going to perform somewhere in town the day of his speech.
I'm a Bruce fan. His writing speaks to me. His interviews are intelligent, witty and humorous. He is very humble. He is the rock and roll voice for the common man. Just like Haggard is for the country folk.
His performance that night was amazing. He did exactly what he talked about in his speech. I've seen his show before but not before a pep rally. Which is what it felt like that day, a pep rally.  A coach telling his team what they needed to do that night to win then taking the field with no regrets and annihilating the competition!
In his world there's is no competition. Just him and his E Street Band. 62 years old and still rocking. I'm still high from his performance. It was simply amazing.

I'm including some key moments of his speech. If you get a chance please watch it here.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/therecord/2012/03/15/148693171/bruce-springsteen-on-the-meaning-of-music

Bruce said....

"Its just what you're bringing when the lights go down. Your teachers, your influences, your personal history. At the end of the day it's the power and purpose of your music that still matters."

He went on to say...

"Rumble young musicians rumble. Open your ears and open your hearts."
"Don't take yourselves to seriously. Don't worry but worry your ass off."
"Have iron clad confidence, but doubt. It keeps you awake and alert." 
"Believe you are the baddest ass in town."
"Keep 2 contradictory ideas inside of your heart and head at all times. If it doesn't drive you crazy, it will make you strong."
"Stay Hard, Stay Hungry and Stay Alive and when you walk on stage tonight, to bring the noise, treat it like it's all we have."
"Then remember. Its Only Rock and Roll."
"There is no right way, no pure way, of doing."

"There is just doing it."

And he did! 

 

My view from the Balcony.