Bouncing Souls
Contributed by ben_conoley, Posted by Chunksaah Dispatches

Bouncing Souls continue to celebrate their 20th anniversary as they tour through South America. They've decided to offer us some Dispatches while on the road, the first of which we are pleased to present right now.

The band is two months into a year in which they plan on releasing one song per month.

"The Story of Joe"

Bryan writes -- We met "Joe from Brazil" on the first of our 3-night live show series "Home For the Holidays" in Asbury Park this past December. Joe had sold his car to pay for a trip to NJ to witness and experience a hometown Souls show. We met him waiting around the merch table for us to sign some stuff the afternoon of the first show. When we found out his story, we were so moved and brought him backstage to spend the 3 evenings as our special guest. Joe was quickly assimilated into the family over some beers and laughs, we all had a great hang during that time. Ok, now fast-forward to yesterday, February 13.. As we made it though customs and immigration upon landing in Brazil, who should be waiting for us with a van and trailer but our friend Joe along with Cesar our promoter. Joe's band "Boobarellas" was to open our Sao Paolo, Brazil show and Joe had offered the use of his van and trailor, as well as his time in helping us get around. But that's just where Joe's story begins. I'll let Pete take it from here..: Perfect!

Pete writes -- DJ and I had a fun night out in Sao Paolo. Cesar and Joe took care of us all night at a local night club. It was awesome to experience a night out in Brazil. We had some drinks and did a little dancing.

It was a classic night out on tour in a new city!

The day of the show, Joe gave each of us gifts. Joe is such a good dude and hands down the truest believer in Brazil. Right before we played he brought me into their dressing room and he gave me his first guitar as a gift. I was shocked by the gesture, but really moved by the motivation behind it. I got all choked up! Im kind of a emo…Haha!

I went back to our room with the guitar and told the fellas what just happened. We were all blown away by it. I wanted to do something genuine to return the gesture. I have a guitar that our friends at Sparrow guitars made for me that says "TRUE BELIEVER" on it. Since Joe was gonna come up and play the song 'True Believers' with us at the end of the set, I thought it would be rad for him to play that guitar and we would give it to him when we got off stage. The song went off and when it was over, Joe took the guitar off and I put it right back on him said it was for him. Needless to say, there was lots of hugs and a couple of tears. Joe is a true bud and I can't wait to hang with him when he comes back to new jersey again next Christmas for our "Home for the Holidays" shows. Thanks Joe!

Greg writes -- There's one show left on the tour. We just landed in argentina for the last show. Its been an amazing ride and I sure tried to get on line and get these journals out everyday. It looks like I won't be able to get the journals up until I'm back on the mountain. See you then.