December 15, 2021
HS01: JR - One More Merry Christmas
Hello out there.
J Woodrow here.
You may remember me as “Jason,” “JR,” “Woodrow,” “Ross” or just “J,” depending on how long we’ve been acquainted.
I know it’s been a while since we last spoke, and, well, that’s on me.
In 2012, right before 7M3 walked on stage at the Madison Theater in Covington, KY, I decided I needed a break. Like – exactly the moment before. Walking. Up to the stage.
The fans were amazing that night. I remember lingering before walking off after the encore, looking at all the faces, wondering if I’d ever be back.
As for 7M3, we’re most definitely not coming back. That would be impossible (and ridiculous!). And while that’s probably not the news you want to hear if you’re reading this — since you’re one of those who made my time in this outfit gratifying – I’ll let you know this: I’m still writing.
I miss playing music, deeply.
In times like these, what could I miss more?
I miss Thomas. I miss band-ness.
Whenever I see band-ness out there in the wild, I tip my hat. Because you know what? Being in a band is fucking hard. It takes love. A lot of it. And forgiveness. Even more of that. You carry each other, and that is band-ness.
It’s fair to say that I miss everyone else as well: our fans, our friends and family, and everybody that’s ever rooted for me for so long. It’s meant everything.
I’ve said it before – you’ve made my life extraordinary. Life in this band wasn’t all sunshine, nor as fucked up as any ‘behind the music,’ but it was an incredible ride. We did what we could with what we had. And we’re lucky we had you.
So, what now?
Well, here’s the deal.
I’d like to record some music again with my friends and I’d like to share it you. No rules. Not the old version of band-ness, but a new collective. I’ll also be scrawling some thoughts down here, memories, ruminations, other nonsense – this seems like a safe space to figure it out. Come, lace-up with me for this next adventure.
I hope you and yours are well. Tell your people you love ‘em. Be safe out there. Forgive. Carry one another.
You’re never too old to have nothing again.
Yours,
J Woodrow
P.S. Here’s a little something I wrote while staring at the lights on the tree.
Photo by Gregg Greenwood
I remember wandering around Orlando the day before the acoustic show for the fans, and as my wife and I are passing a guy walking with a girl, I give him a slight nod, and say, “see you tonite”, and I don’t break stride.
The guy looks puzzled for a quick second, then nods back, a slight smile of appreciation crossing his face.
The wife asks, “who was that? How do you know somebody in Orlando?”
I say, “it was Jason Ross”.
She said, “why didn’t you say something?”
“Meh, he knows I know who he is, and I just wanted to quickly show my appreciation, but also not take up any of his time”.
So hearing Ross talk here about some of the stuff that can come up with “band-ness”, I feel like I made the right choice that day.
Thank you. Although "thanks" can barely even touch how grateful we are all for Ross, Tommy, Casey, Giti & Mike. 7M3 has been the soundtrack to so many of our important life events these past 20+ years. I have never met a better group of people than the people that I met on the boards or at a show. And we owe all that to your band-ness.
Peace, love & rock & roll - Jen
(Long live the breakfast club)