Blue is Back

Blue October was back on stage this weekend for the first time since Justin's hospitalization forced the cancellation of their Pick Up the Phone Tour. Justin suffered from an extreme panic attack and setback in his own mental health battles which resulted in his hospitalization and a period of recovery at home. Thankfully he received medical treatment, hopefully lots of support from his family and friends, and seems to be doing well. They were on stage at Stubbs for two nights this past weekend and everything I've read says they were great.

Justin was reportedly nervous about getting back up there and afraid he'd have a hard time with some of the lyrics (due to a new medication) but it seems once the lights went down and the fans came to life, he slipped right back into his comfort zone and wowed everyone!!!

Their set list included lots of my favorites, here's a look at Justin (and Ryan) performing the song that inspired the name of my blog...It's Just Me. It seems to me that Justin has a whole new level of emotion in his singing, he feels it all a little more now, not sure if that's a good thing for him, but it certainly translates into a powerful performance.

video from YouTube user angeleinaustin from 11/21/09 concert at Stubbs, Austin TX

Blue Love

So I probably talk a little too much about Blue October on here, but since this is my blog, I LUV BO, and I used one of their songs to title my blog....I guess it's OK.

But today I'm thinking about Blu & especially Justin a little differently. I talked recently about how they were going to be testifying/speaking to a Congressional SubCommittee about Mental Health Issues & Suicide Prevention. This is something they are quite passionate about, especially Justin who makes no secret of the battle he has fought and continues to fight every day. Word came on Tuesday night that due to a medical emergency Justin would not be there, I believe that none of BO was. So now I am left to worry..... like a Mother about a child, (only I don't look at Justin like my child LOL believe me) It must be something serious for them to have had to pull out. My thoughts & prayers are with them and they are in my heart. Hopefully we will hear something soon.

I leave you with this video of a live performance many years ago. For those who don't 'get it' or maybe just never really thought about it. Watch this and listen to him, I mean really listen. Maybe you or I have never felt quite this low, but maybe we can help others who have.

I continue to be blown away by his honesty and willingness to share this with others. And one last thing, here's a really recent video of Justin (& Matt) talking about the Pick Up The Phone Tour.

Blue October Takes On A Cause

Another justification for my Blue October love.....

Their latest round of appearances is being dubbed the "Pick Up The Phone Tour". It's a "music tour committed to reducing the stigma associated with mental health as well as making the access to help and hope for all safe and without fear." (Indiestar.tv) This tour marks the first time a tour has been solely devoted to suicide prevention.

Blue's lead singer and songwriter Justin Furstenfeld has made no secret about his own battles with depression and his struggles with his own mental health. He has been able to turn his emotions into music, amazing music, and has spoken on more than one occasion about trying to help others learn to channel theirs into other directions, art, music, writing, etc.

I admire him very much for having the courage to put his own battles out there for the world to see, and at the same time providing a glimmer of hope for those who haven't found their own outlet yet.

So, if the Pick Up The Phone Tour comes your way, go check it out. Not only will you see an AMAZING show, but you'll be helping to raise funds & awareness for suicide prevention!