r/reelbigfish • u/Ok-Yard-3822 • 21h ago
Aaron isn't happy
EDIT:
My ask is simple, can we all just message the guy as directly as possible through any channels and just show him some love and let him know we appreciate him and what his band has meant to us.
END
What are your thoughts on Aaron? I think he's struggling.
The interview with the Ska Mailman, Scott and Aaron reveals a few things. It was Scott who encouraged Aaron to play again, Scott re-engaged with Aaron. Scott is bringing excitement and joy, Aaron seems quite down and makes poor jokes about ending the interview or starting it. Aaron also mentions he looks horrible like a chinless Frank Zappa. It's not just witty banter anymore, he's starting to leak his real feelings.
There is lovely energy between Scott and the Ska Mailman but Aaron is I nthe sidelines. He seems insecure, unhappy, he refuses to commit to a long term future with the band while Scott seems eager to keep going. Aaron also "jokes" about everyone playing in Goldfinger. It seems that he has some resentment, maybe because he's been carrying the band on his own since everyone left and feels like everyone has been getting opportunities and enjoying themselves but he's been stuck in a dying business.
There are many interpretations but it's clear, Aaron is not openly very excited about the reunion and he's struggling. I care about the guy. He even said they're not going to be talking in between songs anymore after hearing bowling for soup talk for 20 minutes.
I think Aaron has a lot of shame and self hate, he's basically willing to remove the once fun banter to just shut up and play music for the people. He used to be playful but not so much anymore. I think maybe he didn't always want the lime light, he even spoke about wanting to remain anonymous where he goes (when getting fast food etc) and talks about getting on stage as essentially a last cry while they're still sexy.
I think his wife has been supportive but he's miserable. What are your thoughts on this and what can we do to support Aaron? I think he avoids vulnerability and wants to keep things surface level and he has a lot of internal struggles he doesn't want to talk about.
EDIT:
Thanks for the comments guys, but to be clear I don't think "he's always been like this" is quite the same. If you pay close attention to some of the observations I pointed out, and remember that for the first time in like 25 years he stopped touring (2020) and it seems he stopped playing music too, Scott encouraged him to pick up the guitar. I think we are too easily glossing over someone we love by saying he's always been like this, even though the intentions are good. I think the guy needs love more than ever, and a lot of these issues stem from decades ago. I think the guy is depressed which is why I want to support him and show him some love while he's still alive, not after it's too late.
