"Trying Proof: Buried Talent" 11-14-04 
For 8 years I've been fighting and fighting to the point I almost want to give up. I started drumming for the wrong reason, but kept drumming for all the right reasons. 
At first I really didn't care that no one knew if I could actually play the drums or not, then it became more so an annoyance, and then it became the most frustrating thing ever. Only a few people throughout my life really and truly know my abilities on a drumset. Now I'm not saying I'm some God, when it comes to playing the drums, but when I don't get ANY recognition what so ever is what bothers me the most. 
The greatest moment I've had was when I was a senior in high school and my dear friend Blake and I were going to play a drumset duet for what was called "Road Show". Road Show was sort of like a talent show that you tried out for and then played for the students one day, and then friends, family, staff, etc. over the course of Friday and Saturday. Well, people knew about it...but obviously never heard it. Mind you, yes, Blake always knew of my abilities and we pushed each other to do well...so he's out of the equation...but put the 3,000 other kids at Central back in...here we go. 
We played our 5 and a half minute duet to perfection. When I went to lunch that day after playing for the students, everyone that knew me was coming up to me saying; "wow Eric I didn't know you could play", "Eric that was awesome"...etc. I didn't know what to say to everyone besides; "I told you I didn't suck, but you didn't believe me." 
I'm not looking for compliments or sympathy, HELL NO. I guess the main thing is that I'm just looking for respect. I know it's not always the easiest thing to hear me play, and like I said earlier I'm not a God at drumming...but I can EASILY hold my own. I guess I'll just have to keep doing what I've been doing and do it the hard way. Oh well I don't care...let's do it. Me. You. Let's break it down. Let's rock!