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Killin’ It: On Tour With X

Article and Photos By: Xavier Muriel

Originally Published In The December 2016 Issue Of Cycle Source Magazine

Hello Dear Friends, I hope everyone has been enjoying the last few months of riding before it gets butt ass cold out there. So much has happened since my last article, some very great stuff and some not so much. All of them are experiences in life that make up what we call “Living”. Since my return from Sturgis the band has been doing what we do best, bringing rock-nroll to the masses. We leave for the UK this month for a few weeks then return to the states to finish up the year. Recently I had one of the craziest experiences on stage that I’ve ever had, and no it wasn’t what I’m sure some of you are thinking! I was right in the middle of a performance in Denver CO and during what was a maneuver I’ve done over a thousand times, my left tendon ripped from my left bicep. This caused the muscle to curl up like a retracted rubber band under my skin pulsating and H throbbing in spasms. It was quite a site to see. Unfortunately, I still had 2 songs to finish the set, so I kept on drumming. I’m guessing it was the adrenaline that got me through to the end. After the concert I was rushed to the emergency room where the Doc looked at me and said “Yep, it’s ripped, no drumming for you for a bit”. Now, as a man who makes his living pounding on the drums, hearing this news wasn’t easy. All I could think of was “How the hell am I gonna pull this one off?” In 11 years, I’ve never missed a show due to an injury, and I wasn’t about to start now. I could understand if I’d done something stupid like skateboarding but I was doing my job for Pete’s sake. I finally had to accept the fact that I was going home and that the show would have to go on without me because, after all, that’s what it does. I flew home the next day and my tech, Ash, stepped up and sat in for me. I must say that he did a great job. All of this led to MRI’s and possible surgery which would have put me out for about 12 weeks.

Luckily, my injury could be overcome with lots of Physical Therapy and rest. So I was home for 2 weeks doing exactly what my doc and my physical therapist said. I was able to return to work not too long after the 2-week mark and playing drums never felt so good!!! I remembered again why I chose the drums and music in the first place. For me it’s about the emotion that the drums bring out in me. There’s nothing better in the world (well maybe a 47 Knuck) than to see someone smiling at what you’re doing up there. To all the fans that wished me a quick recovery and sent gifts- thank you for your kindness. I’ve recently added a new toy to my already small garage. It’s a South Bend lathe that a great friend of mine located for me from an old timer who kept it in amazing condition. Like all my bright ideas I went down the rabbit hole with lathes while I was touring and really wanted to learn how to use one. Man, I had no idea what I was getting into. There is so much to learn. But then, that’s one of the best parts of learning something new. And it’s adds to the beauty of building your own. I know there are folks out there who use a lathe every day and are fantastic at I; but just like every other trade you don’t wake up with it, you have to work at it. Of course, I needed a table to put it on and why buy one when I could just make one. So hey, that’s what I did, made it. I had a blast getting some hood time in and working on my beads. I have to say I didn’t do too badly for a newbie. It is a really great feeling when you can sit back and look at something you created from an idea you had in your head. As always it’s awesome to be able to call up a buddy who’s a lot more advanced at a certain thing and ask for help and without hesitation you get the nudge you need to move forward and not get discouraged. And for that bond I’m truly grateful!!!! Not sure about this. Once again I encourage you to seek knowledge and push your limits. That’s where you will find true progress and results… NEVER SETTLE…… And don’t be afraid to ask for help…. all the greats didn’t get to where they are by accident!!!! Until next time, be kind to one another and safe and happy riding…. God Bless X.

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