Beyond The Lyrics: Cold | An Essay On Loss, Grief, and Legacy

FLINT, Mich. - April 16, 2024 - PRLog -- Recently, I met with Scooter Ward of Cold on their tour bus before and after Cold's performance at the Machine Shop in Flint, Michigan, on April 12, 2024.

In our pre-show meeting, I briefly explained that exploring sensitive topics like death and grief can be challenging for some individuals. I didn't want to seem intrusive, but the conversation was necessary to explore my documentary research on grief. However, as a fellow Cold staff member mentioned, "Don't feel bad getting dark; you're on the Cold Bus." Sharing this introduction to loss was a segue into the deeper topics of our conversation after the show, which is to assist others in understanding how to deal with death, grief, and the complex issues associated with such hardships.

Just before beginning our post-show discussion, it was almost midnight when Lindsay, the bassist of Cold, came to find me inside the venue. I had gone back inside after the performance when two drunken men approached me and offered money to slap one of their friends. Although I enjoy attending shows alone, I find such situations tiring. That's when Lindsay found me and escorted me to the bus, where band members and support staff relaxed after finishing loading equipment. It was a laid-back atmosphere while Lindsay chatted with other members about the night and next plans.

Scooter then walked me to a seating area and offered me a notebook to use as a writing surface. This small gesture of respect and kindness has been typical of Cold since we first met in 2021. Hearing similar positive stories from fans and other journalists is heartening, so I am not surprised by Scooter's thoughtfulness. Humility seems necessary to Scooter, which he exercises effortlessly in his interactions.

Our discourse began with me asking Scooter how he hopes to be remembered for his contributions to the music industry. After taking a moment to think, he looked away before responding. Scooter explained that for him, Cold wasn't just a way of making a living; it has been a way to cope. Like many fans, Scooter has gone through difficult times and faced the darkness in his past. Although he hasn't found a perfect way to deal with the pain of losing loved ones, he mentions that writing music is the only practical and healthy coping strategy for him. In the past, drugs and alcohol were his medicine, but they only provided temporary relief. If one listens carefully, Cold's music mirrors this turmoil closely.

Read the full article here, Beyond the Lyrics: Cold | An Essay On Loss, Grief and Legacy (newmusicnewmetal.com) (https://www.newmusicnewmetal.com/post/beyond-the-lyrics-u...)