Heavy was one of those songs that I fell in love with the moment I heard it. Collective Soul is one of those bands that people love, but a lot of the time will be afraid to admit it. The whole story behind that band is bizarre.
To start, they got a record deal after they had already broken up and called it quits. Then they go on to have a string of hits but because they signed a horrible deal – they got screwed out of a ton of dough.
Then when they’ve been kicked and beaten by the industry, they have a hard time finding a label to take them on when the contract ran out. Even after numerous number one hits.
I was fortunate enough one time to get backstage VIP treatment to a show they played at the John Wayne Ford Theater – which is across the way from the Hollywood Bowl. It was a fantastic show. It really was. Afterwards I got to hang out and meet Ed. He was an easy person to deal with and he had a smokin hot wife. He was gracious enough to take the CD I presented him with, but I knew full well there was nothing he could do with it.
Then comes even more turmoil. The lead guitarist ends up having an affair with Ed’s wife and gets kicked out of the band. They got shafted for a while and went on hiatus only to have yet another tough time coming back. Maybe I should have captured them for a Fallen Friday. But instead I kinda feel like its the red-headed step child. The one who gets invited to things but then winds up late and losing out. Which reminds me of last night, I made a trip across town for a function I had found out about on a couple of hours before. Once I got there it had already disbanded. Thus I was late to the party.
I know Collective Soul doesn’t need the props, but I feel more sympathy than anything right now. Not to mention that it’s damn late and I’m not thinking straight.
(** Disclaimer: If Collective Soul’s label decides to bring their Heavy weight upon me, I will gladly pull the audio to alleviate the burden. The text will remain. **)