Posted on 03/11/2008 4:58:10 PM PDT by SandRat
CAMP BUEHRING, Kuwait, March 11, 2008 Its hard to imagine that Frank Cavanagh, a tall thin Army Reserve sergeant with a shaved head, once had hair nearly to his shoulders and played bass for the rock band Filter.
I didnt want either positive or negative attitudes, he said. I just wanted to be a soldier and get along, just because were all soldiers; were all equal. It may be hard to believe that a verifiable rock star would give up a successful career for a soldiers life, but Cavanagh had his reasons. Ive done everything I wanted to do in life with music, he said. After the band went on hiatus, I was like, What have I not done in life? Ive got a beautiful family, beautiful kids. I love music, but I love my country. So, at 35, Cavanagh, followed in his father, uncle and brothers footsteps and volunteered to serve his country. Hes a 27 Delta, Army-speak for a paralegal, and said he loves his job. Theres nothing more important to me, really, than what a soldier does, he said. You get called upon to do things, and sometimes you dont like it. But, hey, thats alright. Theres a higher purpose for it. The rock star turned soldier soon will come back through Camp Buehring on his way to Iraq for his first tour. But first, he had one more concert to get out of the way. Cavanagh was in Kuwait to reunite with his old band, Filter, during Operation MySpace. More specifically, the concert reunited the sergeant with Richard Patrick, Filters only remaining original member and lead singer. MySpace social networking Web site presented the show yesterday with cooperation from Armed Forces Entertainment, a group that brings entertainment to deployed troops, and America Supports You, a Defense Department program that connects citizens and companies with servicemembers and their families worldwide. We really wanted it to happen. Its a bridge between the two worlds, Patrick said. Were coming over here to play rock music, and Franks in the military. Lets bridge the two worlds and let everybody know its really one world. Though it was a happy compromise, the reunion in Kuwait wasnt quite what Patrick had originally hoped for. Im a reservist, and (Rich) had called me up about five months ago and was like, Hey, Im putting a new record out, and I want you to come help me with it and go back on tour, Cavanagh said. I was like, Buddy, Im going on a different kind of a tour. Its gonna be a hot one, too. Cavanaghs decision to enlist was no surprise to Patrick, however. The singer knew his buddy loved his country and the military. Knowing everything about Frank, Franks a patriot and hes going to be exactly who he is, Patrick said. (The hiatus) gave Frank a lot of time off to sit and think about what else is out there. It was the (right) time for him to just go, Look, I have this opportunity, Im going to do it. He decided to go into the military and serve his country. I think thats great, Patrick added. The fact that Cavanagh was going to be at the concert made it all the more meaningful for Patrick and the other members of Filter. In fact, playing for the troops was the first goal on his list when he decided to put his band back together. Its a total honor, he said. Youre traveling over here, and its time zone changes, and you feel like a zombie, but when you see the people you came for, its instantly worth it, he said. Its a hell of an experience. The experience paid off big for the troops when Cavanagh, sans his rock star hair, joined his former band for one song during the concert that also featured comedian Carlos Mencia, actress/singer Jessica Simpson, the bands Disturbed and the Pussycat Dolls, and DJ Z-Trip. Now, its back to soldiering for Cavanagh, at least for the next year. Of course, in a year, I would love to come back and play with Filter, Cavanagh said. The itch to play music and be in Filter will never leave me. |
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Cool!!!
You drawing a connection between the song and Cobain? Has that question ever been answered?
Interesting.
I’ve got renewed respect for Patrick. He’s not exactly a peacenik, but he’s been pretty vocal about his opposition to Iraq. So to go over and entertain troops anyway makes him one of the good guys in my book. And to see the bass player leave Rock for the Army... wow, that’s dedication.
What question?
I thought ‘nice shot’ was written vefore Cobain’s suicide -The song is about that Philly city councilman who pulled the gun out during a live presser and blew his head off in front of the cameras sometime in the late 80s or early 90s, can’t recall his name.
I thought it was about R. Budd Dwyer who was Treasurer of Pa. at the time of his suicide.
Maybe that was it - I know at least it was televised, and in PA
I like that song! Rock On!
Also for everyone’s info...one of the band members of the Misfits is also in the Armed Forces (Marines) so this is not an exception.
More power to the rock star soldiers!
Richard Patrick’s brother is Robert Patrick who is the Col. in The Unit. He seems to play a whole lot of Military roles. He was also the T-1000 in Terminator 2.
And good for Frank Cavanagh. Actions speak louder than words.
FILTER ROCKS
the song is about bud dwyer
Got it.
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