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In the last 2 decades, we’ve had the honor to do the Anthem at Wrigley 100 times -2years ago i asked Michael if we could make a subtle but severe statement by doing GBA...in a minor key
Coach Joseph John Maddon @MaddHalos was the sole reason I stood for doing all the otherwise coveted Anthems at Wrigley-solo or Michael in light of the depressing, at best, racial scandals and super PAC support of the owners-seemingly the nicest people ever...but Joe-is an Angel.
I will cherish all the stolen public smooches, approved by Michael and ev-er-y time Willie Rain was there he trotted over to the backstop to catch up with her...sign a cast, talk Harry Potter-all the while about to coach games that millions were watching ...
When you do the Anthem and/or GBA at Wrigley it is crucial you stay in bounds of ‘tradition’ or you’ll get your butt booed. No vocal gymnastics or silly falsetto...to have the guitar is pushing the envelope-so it was clear to me that as soon as we hot that minor harmony...
...there was an unrest, a rustling of sorts like “wtf was that you hippies??” But we flowed right into the Anthem as if. There was always a little dance after the Anthems with Joe- Michael started it one day by going to shake his hand in their line up...
...then I would follow him too...and then we’d hug him...if he stayed another couple years, we may have tackled him...sometimes I would go straight to the gate out of respect of his space but he would always come over and ask about our lives.
The day we risked doing GBA in minor, he ran to the backstop to see what book Willie was holding and threw in “I heard that- you guys do something a little different?” I smiled and said “I told Michael you would get it..”
I can’t wait to sing the Anthem again...when it’s for everyone.
