Without Collective Soul, I wouldn't even be a fan of music.
Growing up my parents would blast music all the time as huge fans of any genre of music. But I would just cover my ears in frustration.
That is until my Dad started blasting December from their 1995 self titled "Collective Soul" record. At that point, my attitude instantly changed... and I couldn't get enough Collective Soul.
This later led me to enjoy bands in the same genre, that they would later tour with, such as Counting Crows, Live, Emerson Hart, Green River Ordinance, and soon I will be seeing them do a much anticipated Co-Headlining gig in Des Moines with Gavin DeGraw!
Being from South Dakota, I don't have many opportunities to see many of my favorite bands come directly to me... though I was once fortunate to see them at the Deadwood Jam in Deadwood South Dakota several years back. And I have since traveled, to Denver, Minneapolis, Las Vegas, and now Des Moines to see my favorite band of all TIME!
Over the years I have eagerly purchased every one of their albums, downloaded obscure covers they have done from Pink Floyd, to cartoon commercial songs. Now avid fans such as myself have their upcoming album "Rabbit" to look forward to - Aug 25th!
You can listen to a new single from the album - Staring Down - on the bands myspace page:
http://www.myspace.com/collectivesoul
They also post band updates on their website, which you can check out here:
http://www.collectivesoul.com/blog/
But for any true Collective Soul fan, in addition to checking out their upcoming tour with Gavin Degraw that kicks off June 22nd at the House of Blues in Cleveland, you have to check them out on twitter at http://www.twitter.com/collective_soul
They give exclusive pictures/video/and music sneak peaks to their twitter fans, give daily insight into the on goings of the band, including the album, tour, and just what they do with their precious time off.
The best part of all though is, they regularly hold Q&A sessions with fans, and randomly answer questions every day - I've personally had many questions answered by the band. This multi-platinum selling band, takes time out of their day to converse with fans - they really do care - so check them out!
Without Collective Soul, I wouldn't now enjoy Music - one of the most enjoyable aspects of my life. I now see 1-2 bands perform live every month, from garage bands in my local town, to collective soul this June, to Aerosmith in August - Music is always there to calm me down, help me rock out, or just pass the time. My hope is to one day attend a collective soul concert where a meet and greet is possible, so I can shake hands and take a picture with the band that has made such a difference in my life.
Two decades have past and Collective Soul has continued to Rock into the new Millenium. The band plays gigs for charity, treat their fans with respect and graciousness, and even do a few free shows for them from time to time. And when they do charge for tickets, it is very reasonable - so you have no excuse not to see these guys live!
A full list of their upcoming tour can be found here - including shows with Gavin DeGraw and Green River Ordinance (an up and coming band you should really checkout), as well as some solo shows:
http://www.collectivesoul.com/live/
And for anyone who hasn't checked out their "Home" Dvd... it is a must see, here is a clip:
