Today I got a chance to reflect on some wonderful moments in
my life. I remember when my wife I began
to date, shortly after I moved to Indiana.
I was given a new lease on life that year. In addition to dating my future wife, Iced
Earth began working on “Something Wicked This Way Comes”, which was released the
following year. Arguably, some of my
best work was done on that record. Many
great things happened when I started my life in Indiana. Ironically, that same year, another “Hoosier”
transplant started a new life in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The number one draft pick in the National Football League
started his professional career with a team that I grew up watching in
Baltimore. It seemed like the making of
a perfect storm. I became a believer in
Peyton Manning from the first time he took a snap as an Indianapolis Colt. This
is a dude who commanded respect at a very young age and proved that hard work,
passion, and dedication to his craft would ultimately define who he was as a
player. For fourteen years he continued
to prove to the people of Indiana what kind of person he was and reinforce the
respect of his peers and fans throughout the entire league.
As a fan, it is really difficult to conceive the
Indianapolis Colts without Peyton Manning.
Well, here I am in much the same quandary that some of you may have been
in when I departed Iced Earth (twice).
Well, I am here to tell you that I really get it, and I’m sorry! I know that it sucks to have to deal with
change and losing that certain sense of congruency that comes with the end of
an era. I also want to thank you for all
the inspiration. You have given me the
understanding that, like you, I don’t have to choose loyalties between the team
and the guy who gave it all when he was in the game. I will continue to support the Indianapolis
Colts and I will always be a fan of Peyton Manning. Go kick some ass, brother! I’ll be there screamin’ like a madman when
you take your next snap!
By the way, another thing that Peyton Manning and I have in
common…He used to make eight figures with the Indianapolis Colts and I used to
make figure eights in a Dodge Colt.
BARLOW-OUT!
Matt, your apology is taken! Thanks, as it was long awaited.. I am glad you feel a bit how we feel when all Iced Earth fans lost you from the band. Your presence at the stage, your voice, screams, growls, and high notes were BADASS!! It was a pleasure meeting you on the cruise..
ReplyDeletecheers brother \m/ hope to hear you sing loud again
Matt,
ReplyDeleteThis post definitely reflects why your fans are your fans. I think all of us agree that having this medium to still follow you makes it a lot easier to cope with the loss, so thank you for that!!! Also it just so happens I was reading this while listening to "The Prophecy" haha, I just wanted to say that album is what made me start listening to Iced Earth and anytime I showed it to anyone all I could say was, "listen to that voice!"