April 21st, 2020
Four years ago, something sad happened. Something crazy happened. Something amazing happened.
Four years ago, Prince passed away. I miss that dude. Especially as I remember today. His fearless and peerless innovation. His boundless talent. His pancake-making skills (which I never had the pleasure of eating but I have HEARD, man).
Four years ago, I had free tickets to see Bob Mould of Hüsker Dü at the Turf Club. I thought I could work that day and head straight to the club afterwards; during my shift, we found out that Prince had suddenly died. My heart broke. My shift went long, but I still felt like I could make the show in St. Paul.
And I f***ing missed it.
Bummed, my buddy Brian suggested that since I was already in town, I should go with him to Day Block. It was the first time I saw the new Vikings stadium. And then he said, even though he couldn’t go himself, that I had to take the train to First Ave, to see what Prince had done to his city.
So I did.
Four years ago, I walked down the street, hopped on a train, and was accepted into one of the most emotional and inspirational groups of people I have ever encountered. It was transcendent; a spiritual experience. I will never forget it, and there was no way it happened by accident. It was by divine invite, and Prince had sent me a card.
So, here’s to the afterworld. Let’s stay crazy and let’s stick together.
The Den 