While visiting our son Nicky and his 30th birthday in Brooklyn we had the opportunity to get tickets for a Red Stray Clays show at the Brooklyn Paramount. There was a "meet and greet" option you could pay for and given my love of their music I thought, why the Hell not.

We were directed to be at the venue at 5 PM before the 7:30 PM show. We were then whisked in and gathered up for the photo above. The guys were personable, affable and signed some autographs for us including the back of my wife's jean jacket.

Afterward, we went to a lounge where the band and a small number of us fans gathered for a Q and A session. I've been listening to their most recent album, Made for These Moments and there is a song, Devil In My Ear about trauma, self-medication and suicide. In their live shows they announce the song and encourage sufferers to get help and others to offer a hand up.

During the Q and A I expressed my appreciation for the song as not many artists so directly address addictions and mental health problems. I said the song has particular meaning for me as a guy recovering from trauma and addictions. I asked where the subject/inspiration for the song came from. Band member and song writer Drew Nix answered that a fellow band mate's brother was a suicide fatality and the song was in part a method of dealing with the grief related to it.

Next a big burly, macho-looking guy stood up. He identified himself as ex-military and stressed the importance of men developing the ability to talk about their traumas and the emotions related to them. Other people expressed their appreciation for the song and its honesty. It was a great conversation and one that needs to happen more regularly. Thanks to the Strays for their music generally and for Devil in My Ear specifically!

Oh, the show was superb! If you haven't heard these guys, they are worth a listen!