The Exorcism of Matthew

An acquaintance called me ‘Matthew’ the other day. It made me realize that it’s been exactly 30 years since I started calling myself ‘Matt’. 

 And 1987 hit me hard. In that year I recognized the fallacy of religion, first felt the bullying of authority figures (CDCI West administration), stopped giving a damn about impressing others, and felt the confidence of believing in my own opinions. It’s also the year I stopped writing ‘hew’ at the end of my name because it was 3 letters too many.

As importantly, 1987 was the year that I discovered The Rolling Stones (Paint It Black) and David Bowie (Rebel Rebel).  Keith Richards inspired me to play the guitar, Bowie inspired me to actually PRESENT myself in a somewhat (misguided at times) stylish manner.  This musical wake-up shouldn’t be dismissed.  These musicians inspired me to write my own music, to give a voice to my inner demon, and to perform.  It also connected me to other local musicians, which has given me 30 years of incredible friendship, comfort, entertainment, support, and drama.  In other words, A LIFE!

“Sweet little Matthew” was abducted by reality, and replaced with “Matt.” And damn, it happened quickly!  And I couldn’t be more thankful that it did.