March 11th may seem like an average day of the year that holds no special meaning to most. But in the music world it is an event that was tailor made for a specific fan base, granting them a special 24-hour period to share and appreciate the rock, rap, reggae blending jams of the Omaha, Nebraska based group 311.
The band, which is on the brink of celebrating three decades in the art, has continued resonating with generation after generation of fans around the world each bringing in fans. Now with 12 studio albums under their belt 311 tour across the globe spreading their message of love, peace, positivity, and tranquility that has always struck a chord with their fans.
In their new documentary titled Enlarged to Show Detail 3, the band gives testimonials to how the music they’ve dedicated their lives to creating has changed them over the years, how relationships have grown among each other and with the fans, and the longevity of their careers.
One thing you notice when you’re watching the documentary is how rare something such as 311 is. Starting out small as friends Nick, SA, Tim, Chad, and P-Nut set out with a clear mission to have fun bringing good times and good vibes to those who travel near and far to come listen to what they have to offer. Now nearly thirty years later, they’ve remained on the same path for the most part. They still love doing what they know and love. They’ve remained as close as ever and have gone on to raise families all while touring.
While 311 has remained steady throughout the years they are generally not considered a “household” name and though that might concern some bands, Nick Hexum relishes in the fact that you’ve heard them at some point. Him as well as the rest of the unit are perfectly satisfied with where they stand with “underground success.”
While they humbly refer to themselves as achieving only cult status, they’ve not only put up some impressive numbers over the years, which includes having a dozen songs climb the Billboard 200 such as hits “Down,” “Don’t Tread on Me,” “Beautiful Disaster” and more throughout the 90’s and 00’s.
In total, 311 has sold over 8.5 million copies thus far. They have also created some eye-opening festivals and events. Outside of 311 day, they have a yearly Caribbean cruise run packing 2,800 die-hard fans and three day Pow Wow festival. With those events the band never tiers pleasing their fans, SA Martinez acknowledges, “They are the testament to our longevity.” Not bad for “underground status.”
The biggest question that is raised from the film is just how much longer can they go? While none of the members have a number in mind, it’s encouraging to see that the band realizes what they mean to their fans especially Hexum, “It’s more than a band, it’s a movement.” They all agree that they still love what they do and will continue to play until they stop having fun and the fans stop coming, which is on track to never happen. “It’s not a band where you just like their music, it’s a lifestyle,” defiantly said by a concertgoer.
Happy 311 Day everyone!
