Meanwhile, I understand that there have been some happenings taking place in Duranland beyond the convention. I don’t understand it but apparently that’s true. One of the things I saw was that a certain bass player we know officially became an American citizen this week. While I believe that his wife tweeted a picture of him saying the oath of citizenship, there was also a brief clip on NBC news about it. The link to that interview is here. I was surprised that something like this would get any sort of news coverage. I’m glad it did, don’t get me wrong, but still surprised. As for the interview itself, even though it was short, there are some things to comment on. John states that he has always felt comfortable here and welcomed, which makes sense since he has lived here so long. The next part caught my attention, though. John states, “I want to vote. I want to get involved.” Now, anyone who knows me knows that I’m a political geek. I’m someone who pays a ton of attention to what is happening, politically. I always vote even in those very small primaries for super duper small races on a very local level. To me, voting is such a big deal and having that right is one of the best rights that we have here. I spend an enormous amount of time encouraging others to vote from family and friends to complete strangers. Heck, I am even a special deputy, which means that I’m able to register people to vote in my city. Too bad, I’m not able to do it in Los Angeles. 😉 Anyway, I will defend and support the right to vote for anyone and everyone. Therefore, nothing could please me more than John’s desire to vote himself. Voting matters. Then, to have the next statement out of his mouth be about getting involved. Hmm…would that involvement go beyond just voting? Time will tell I suppose, but I would love for him to get involved and do more. Again, I admire anyone who does more than just talks the talk. That doesn’t mean that I think less of people who don’t get involved beyond voting. I’m just saying that I admire those people who do. Obviously, I have. Maybe, we will never know if he does, either. It may not be something that ever gets back to the fans, which is fine, too. Duran isn’t a political band (for the most part) and I wouldn’t want that to become the focus.
John goes on to talk about how he will have the best of both worlds as he will have dual citizenship. I, for one, am glad that he didn’t have pick one over the other. While I’m an American, I will always think of Duran as a British band. Honestly, maybe, that is part of the reason I never was able to full embrace Warren. I liked that they weren’t from here. To me, as a kid, this made them exotic. Special. Different. I didn’t want my favorite band to talk about things like baseball games and Independence Day. I wanted a different world with different perspectives. To me, this dual citizenship is ideal. He could have a voice for what happens here, which matters since he lives here, pays taxes here, etc. but isn’t rejecting where he came from. I have to wonder what the British fans think, though. Do they view it the same way?
Now, of course, any interview with a band member wouldn’t be complete without a mention of the band, would it? John stated that they were “still in love with each other” and that he doesn’t see them “quitting any time soon”. They also believe that “the best is yet to come”. Why do simple statements like these make me so happy? I didn’t worry about that rumor that John was leaving. I never thought the band was planning on ending. Yet, statement like this still provide some sort of comfort. I guess I view them this way. It is like when a loved one says that s/he loves you or gives you a hug. You don’t doubt this love ever but it still feels good. Yeah, I like that image. Statements like those are like hugs to the fanbase. 🙂
On that note, I better check on the rest of Duranland and see what needs to be done next for the convention!
-A
I’m sending my congrats on JT for becoming a US citizen on your wonderful blog too!! I’m certain he’ll be a nice guy in America, as well and he had continued to be so far.
His statement “I want to vote, I want to get involved in”, made me reflect.
Whereas I refuse to go voting in my country, it’s funny to see one of my heroes excited for getting a new citizenship, also to vote. I’ve seen actors like Clint Eastwood, Schwarzenegger and Reagan becoming successful politicians: celebrities do have opportunities to make things (good and bad, intended), so I read John’s words as words of hope.
As for DD land, as many of you I can’t wait to read the first snippet from the Studio (Duran time)!
All support JT!
You said it well when you said that his words were words of hope. I think that is exactly what it means to get involved.
-A