Official Counting Crows Website
Letter to Adam
Dear Adam, As a long time fan, I've only recently discovered your online "presence." This last week or so, I have been listening to interviews and looking up music from live shows that I never even knew existed. Its been wonderful.
That being said, I was saddened to hear the news today that Amy Winehouse died. When I heard the news, I thought of you and your struggles with fame and mental illness. It struck me that fame is such a catch22. Its something (in your line of work) that not only makes you successful, but (I would imagine) really wreaks havoc on your personal life. From what I have seen it seems to cause one to lose touch with the sense of self. Its like overnight you suddenly you go from being just a guy who writes music to some kind of god to other people and nothing could prepare you for that transition. The contradiction of what people tell you you are and what you see in the mirror and feel in your soul are so far apart. It must be so difficult to make that reconcile because you know in your heart you are still just "that guy" no matter what other people see.
The reason I am saying all of this is I just wanted to tell you that after listening to your interviews and reading your responses to fans questions, etc, (from my silly perspective) you really are one of the least "crazy" people I have come across. I guess I just wanted to encourage you.
The thing is, life is just difficult, period. It is difficult for every person that was ever born. The difference is that some people are just better at meeting life's difficulties head on. Its in meeting life's difficulties head on that we find our sense of accomplishment and self-esteem. The alternative (and the cause of much mental illness) is to go into denial and find layers of ways to avoid dealing with the actual pushing through those things that overwhelm us. (If that makes any sense)
In light of Amy's death, I wanted to say this: I see you as this person who has had bigger struggles than most and yet, every time, you get up and push back and make sense of things in your own way on your own terms. Not to make light of your struggles, I have to tell you, IMHO, you are one of the most rational people I have ever heard speak. Your commitment to authenticity is your path home when things get confusing. You have found your own ways to keep yourself tethered and you will never be insignificant. I know it isn't your goal, but so many people have benefited not only from your music, but from your example on how to be a good person.
Yours truly,
Chris Morrison
Views: 32
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Comment by Jeremy Deats on July 23, 2011 at 2:31pm -
Chris, thanks for posting this, I hope Adam reads it. I also thought of Adam when I heard this news... I do question if he's a "good person", just because I honestly don't know him well enough to make that call... it's interesting because based on his writings (which, transparent of a public figure as he is, I still don't pretend to know him as his inner circle)the flaws that surface remind me of my own... perhaps that's part of why I'm drawn to his lyrics as I am.
I read Clapton's autobiography a few years ago and there is this part of the book where he talks about his Unplugged show (his most acclaimed and profitable release to date), of course the song "Tears in Heaven" written about the death of his son Conner played a big part of that success. Clapton talks about how he was reluctant to even put the album out (in part because of how personal some of the songs were I suspect) and he mentions the insanely low production cost, he's quick to follow that with "... If you want to know what it really cost me, go to Ripley and visit the grave of my son...". That brought the goosebumps.
I don't believe there is a great artist on this planet who has not endured a great deal of pain in life.... The pain is the paint that gets sprayed on the canvas, it comes out and connects with others.... When I stopped to really think about that it made me a lot less judgmental of my favorite songwriters. Maybe the fuel they need to write really write the intimate, amazing songs just hasn't been there because life is going well for them. That's not a bad thing, it doesn't mean the gift is gone.... and I do believe a great songwriter can always craft a great song, both great songs, both very different levels of intimate reflection. But I do think Adam has always been true to himself with his lyrics and his fans have stuck with him because we sense that.
I'm glad this band is moving forward again, looking so forward to the upcoming DVD and whatever new music is coming next. I don't care if that new music is closer to Hard Candy as long as it's honest it will resonate and the Counting Crows haters can just continue to hate, the fans really don't give a damn what THEY think.
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Comment by Chris Morrison on July 23, 2011 at 7:51pm -
Very well put, Jeremy: The pain is the paint that gets sprayed on the canvas, it comes out and connects with others....
Watch this interview. It is one of the reasons I spoke about Adam being a "good person."
Take care,
Chris
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YUDhko5j9c&feature=share
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