jackassworld

part 1

part 2

part 3

“It’s a shame the flame must melt the candle to survive,

And the train must leave the station to survive,

The honeybee leads the thieves back to the hive,

What’s killin’ me is barely keeping me alive.”

Those lyrics are from a song called “10,000 Candles” by my cousin, country singer Roger Alan Wade. He wrote those lyrics and he earned those lyrics the hard way. Thirty years of “what’s killin’ me is barely keeping me alive” really did almost kill him, and 168 days ago Rog’ entered rehab and has been clean ever since.

Being clear and present has done cuz’ nice too. He has got a new album out called Stoned Traveler and it’s consistently in the top ten on the Amazon country charts. He is also touring the US for the first time ever. My girlfriend and I got to catch him in Austin and he received a standing ovation his first night at the Saxon pub. I almost cried. Actually, I think I did. Rog’ has been at it for over three decades and to see everything coming together for him now means more to me and my family than I can express in words. My cousin is drenched in talent and the truth. He once remarked, “All you want out of a drug dealer or an artist is honesty,” and his music is honest. Thank god he is no longer concerned with the veracity of the aforementioned drug dealer. And thank god for the new life and momentum he now has. In honor of my cousin, his music, and the sleep deprived angels that are watching over him, today’s show will be called “No Bourbon, No Scotch, and No Beer.” Roger, I love you and I am more proud of you than you will ever know. Onward and forward and love.

Your Cousin, PJ (can’t sign Knoxville to rog’)

P.S. I want to thank Dale Watson for coming to his show in Austin at the Saxon pub and for inviting Rog’ to sing onstage with him at the Broken Spoke afterwards. What a grand, sweet blessing Dale, thanks so much. Also, I want to thank Connie and Amy Nelson for being so kind period. And I would like to really thank them for being so kind to Roger and helping him get those shows in Austin. Thanks for coming to the shows, too, Connie. Dale, Connie, and Amy, you opened your heart up to Rog’ and helped open Austin’s eyes to his music in the process. As Ernest Tubb would say, “Thanks, thanks a lot.”