Growing up, I never had a favorite band. I'd listen to songs on the radio and I'd hear what my parents played for me and I loved all sorts of music, but if I tried to love all of their music, or maybe even a majority of it, I just couldn't find the right fit for me. In a way, you could almost say that the bands just weren't diverse enough for me. I've always had a wide range. Yes, I'm one of those people that likes pretty much anything but modern country and most rap. My main focus was always rock and classical music.
I don't remember the first time I heard a Ludo song, and it wasn't some magical journey. I just remember listening to each part of the song "Love Me Dead," and thinking "this band is pretty cool." Of course, it was one of those videos of just the lyrics on a blank screen, so naturally I looked up the official video.
As I watched the video, I realized that I was in love with this song. I was ravenous for more. I just had to find out how far this rabbit hole would go. How strange could this band possibly be, and how talented are they!? I did the only natural thing I could think of and I looked up their entire discography and devoted a whole day to listening to every single song they have- with the most careful attention I could give. By the end of the day, I couldn't stop. Ludo became my first favorite band of my entire life.
One of the most amazing moments of that day was when I read about Broken Bride. It was a rock opera, and I remember listening to 2112 by Rush and loving it. I mentally buckled myself up for what I thought was going to just be a cool story, and by the time it was done, I was a giant mess of tears. It moved me so much and my friends probably thought I was insane when I started blabbering about it to them.
Before long, I knew everything and anything to do with Ludo and I had memorized every single lyric they had. There were countless days spent staring at the ludorock.com merch store, pining over every single shirt, CD, and the Whipped Cream vinyl that I desperately wanted -- nay, needed in my life. I also remember the day I went to put those items on my Christmas list and the store was gone, and I cried like a little baby because I had absolutely nothing better to do. Ludo had come into my life just a little too late because they weren't touring anymore and it looked hopeless.
There's something hard and unforgiving about your favorite band not touring or producing any more music. They have lives that they must attend to just as we do. They had all sorts of side projects, which I love all the same, like The New Heathers. When my boyfriend and I got together over three years ago, I basically held him at a metaphorical gunpoint and made him listen to all of their music. He was amazed by a particular song called "Anything For You" and it became "our song.`" That was a pretty happy moment for me because that song is seriously the cutest love song on the face of planet and is only matched by Ludo's other songs.
The personal humor of the band always got me too. One of my favorite moments was when the great Tim Ferrell committed the biggest sin he could've possibly managed. Cutting his hair.
The note that I close with is one that resonates with anyone who is a fan of a band that isn't active currently. Whenever I see anything even remotely hinting that Ludo might do something, I kind of freak out a little. OK, I won't lie. A lot. Remember when My Chemical Romance fans practically started foaming at the mouth a couple weeks ago because of a video they posted? That's basically me (and some other members of the Ludo fanbase) when they post anything. Here's the top five of my best-worst moments.
1. I'm with you on this one sister. I didn't need that kidney anyway.
2. Tim, do you even realize what you're doing to my heart?
3. Seriously Tim!? At least it's for charity...
4. I'm actually screaming. Make it stop.
5. Alright, I know this isn't directly from Ludo, but it's a part of them and it's actually killing me a little on the inside.
Overall, Ludo has taken my heart over the past couple years. I learned to love Muse because of my love for Ludo, but nothing can change how amazingly talented and quirky all of the members of Ludo are. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for making music that moves not only my, but thousands of people's hearts and souls. That was cheesy and I don't regret it.
I'm bolding this because it's very, very important to me. If you are interested in learning more about Ludo, please support them the proper way. All of their music, save for a very small amount of exclusive songs, is on Spotify. Yes, I know there are ads or you have to pay for Premium, but if you don't support them, it'll really make fans like me upset. And I'm kind of like the Hulk when I get upset. Don't do that.