A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away (otherwise known as Santa Monica), it was in the dining room at a friend’s house that I found out that the Matthew Good Band had won two Junos. I was, as many of you know, not at the awards show to accept them.
The year was 2000 and we were one of the hottest bands in the country at the time. It was a period of my life that was filled with anxiety, terrible stomach problems, and insomnia; all of it to do with the popularity that we had achieved and those aspects of it that I was not comfortable with. So instead of attending the awards I went and stayed with my friend Dina in Los Angeles, hoping to remove myself from the process and gain a little perspective.
I hadn’t spoken with Dina in years until today. We finally got a hold of each other after exchanging emails and it was fantastic to catch up with her. She was, of course, her usual amazing self, full of positive and supportive energy. We exchanged stories regarding what has transpired in our lives since we last spoke, talked about family, our dogs, the usual subjects that old friends cover when they’re catching up.
For those of you that are horror movie fans, you probably know Dina best as Detective Allison Kerry in the popular Saw movies. To be honest, I had no idea that she was even in them until one night during the recent tour when I walked into the front lounge of the bus and the crew was watching Saw II. I sat down to have a cigarette and, low and behold, there she was.
It’s an interesting feeling to see a friend of yours in a film. Given my profession, and how long I’ve been at it, you wouldn’t think that wouldn’t be the case, but it’s still strange nonetheless. To be honest, it’s no different than watching Dale Junior whipping around a racetrack at close to 200 mph on TV. It’s just bizarre to think that he’s in that car, even though he was obviously put on this planet to do it. I just always picture him standing around, shooting pool with the guys, and cracking jokes. Maybe, when I’m on stage, or my voice is coming out of speakers, it’s weird for them too.
Beyond that, i seem to have become addicted to Gene Krupa. No idea why, just am.
Jazz eh… good man
Agreed. I love to connect with old friends there is a feeling of affirmation and warmth that once felt lost.
thought that face look familiar.
i’m obsessed with the Saw movies. i hope they don’t turn out to be lame and keep making them just because they can like the jason movies etc…
Gene could really kick those tubs up and down the stairs and into the basement Jack.
I used to cut the rug with Doloris at Slappy Maxxis when Gene was still a young man of 58.
Ahhhh Slappy Maxxis - those were the good old days Merle.
Hey. I’m assuming that’s Dina Meyer you speak of. I’ve loved her ever since Starship Troopers, one of my all time favorite guilty pleasures. That’s cool that you’re friends.
Matt, how did you meet Dale Jr? Seems like you two would be words apart, but somehow you connected. I’m a blue-blood motorsports fan as well as a MG fan!
My daughter loves those movies…I confess, I’ve yet to see one.
I’m glad you’re reconnecting with old friends Matt. At this point in your life, why not kick back with those who make you feel good? You have been through a lot and I’m sure it’ll bring you comfort to know that some have remained in your corner and can still make you smile. I’m happy that you have such great, supportive friends. Can I borrow them?
Gene Krupa. Killer groove and THE Original Rock Star.
That is so great to hear. I have to agree that it is always a wonderful feeling when you reconnect with old friends. True friends are the best things in the world!!! Hopefully you two stay in touch!!
I only watch scary movies with someone who does not mind if I use their hands to cover my eyes, or does not mind if I hide behind them, or snuggle up to them in the scary scary parts…oooh and they have to stay with me all night too so the scary people do not come out from under the bed or from in the closet to get me!!!! Anyone up for watching scary movies with me ???? Really I don’t mind watching them… they are thrilling, but I need someone to hold my hand….
Dina Meyer, omg…….. From Melrose Place, too. and 90210…. that is awesome….
So great hearing of stories catching up with old friends… very cool
Quoting angelboo:
You won’t be watching a creepy movie with Erik and I when you come visit. He is notorious for saying ‘boo’ at the ‘right’ time……… And I don’t mean ‘boo’ as in Angelboo, either. I mean ’scared ya boo’
Dina is VERY pretty….I knew I recognized her from somewhere….
now wiki-ing Gene Krupa…
Wow, I didn’t know Skype did video.. I’m so old school.
SPeaking of Friends, she was in that show too! Just watched the episode today.
She’s HAWT! Lol.
I loved Dina back in the day when she was on Beverly Hills 90210!…and more recently on Miss Match. Catching up with old friends is the best.
she’s cute. you could ask her out.
Yeah a lot of people are amazed at me too…they wonder is that the guy that ate that many burrittos - for me it’s just another day at the office.
Quoting Calogero:
As far as the Saw movies go, they are supposed to go up to six, and it all is supposed to come full circle by the last installment. She had a good character too, I was bummed when they took her out. Oh, well, at least she can say she was part of one of the most fantastic horror series ever made… I too am a lover of horror movies, the Saw series being in the top of most lists I know of. I just went to Horrorfest 2007 this past weekend, and she was in one of the movies, it is called “Crazy Eights”, and I thought it was definitely one of the top 3 I saw. It is still in wide release in some places, you guys should try and check it out.
I knew she looked familiar.
GENE Krupa??? Dude, JOANNA Krupa. THAT’S something to be addicted to.
Quoting Duane Storey:
Quoting spryguy09:
is she the girl with the wooden leg?
Quoting rabbit72:
Took her out? what does this mean? took her out…
Did they kill her off the episode where mr. new kid on the block ended up locked in some dark room by Shawnee Smitth?
Quoting Tanya:
No, she was Kate. An actress that worked with Joey in a few episodes.
Oh oh oh riiiiiight Thank you!!!!…. Now, I’m all wondering who the wooden leg girl was.. Sherilynn Fenn, that’s it!!! just came to me…
Yikes, no need to respond about my question regarding Saw.. I just noticed she is killed in Saw 4…
Funny how a good friend can ground you instantly. I hope you stay in touch with her. Most of my friends are from when I was very young and damn if they don’t keep life in perspective. My Father used to say: “Show me your friends and I will show you who you are” how dead on is that? Meanwhile my Mother would say: “Success is not for the faint of heart. Most people fear to realize it while alive” My parents have passed on now and I never knew their wisdom while alive. Seldom do children know that I suppose.
Quoting Tanya:
I haven’t seen Saw 4 yet.
I can understand about catching up with old friends. I’ve kept in touch with a friend I met during my uni. days off and on for a number of years. I still had an old email address of his, so after a few years I dropped him a line. Lo and behold, he wrote back! Somehow, somewhere in the midst of the years we hadn’t kept in touch, he ended up half way around the world in Tokyo. This is actually pretty cool, because I have a place to crash at! :) But aside from that, he’s one of those old friends who despite the gaps in communication remain good friends. :) You try not to lose these kinds of friends.
And I think Dina kicked ass in Johnny Mnemonic and Starship Troopers. :) I’m not too particularly fond of horror movies. Sorry!
Gene Krupa is da BOMB!
Well, if you’re going to have friends, it’s always a bonus when they’re as hot as that one right there.
This is on top of all the other good things she is.
Quoting Charmaine:
Sorry…
havent seen any saw movies yet to this day, i must be on somethin cause i tried to click on the picture wich i first thought it was a video
“Take the world and make it yours again.”
Best advice anyone ever gave me.
Quoting Calogero:
Too Late!
On a different note? When are the Juno noms?
If HOSPITAL MUSIC doesn’t kick ass, I WILL.
I think it was Saw 3 her character dies. It’s gross lol… ribcage… hand in acid… ya.
ew taytay.. come on.. i’m eating….
I googled her on IMDB last night and for Saw 4 is says ‘dead’…. why is her name under Saw 4 if she’s not in it? confused and grossed out….. yuck, I actually hate the movies
p.s. Sorry no disrespect towards Dina… I just find it’s not for me, the Saw movies.. although I think she’s great!!!
Quoting taytay:
That was so badass!
That’s funny about mentioning Junior today. I was just watching a 60 Minutes episode on him and they were showing the interior of the bus and I was thinking, hey, this is weird, Matt was just on that bus. Then hearing Junior talk about being a Republican and Bush supporter…it’s just weird but glad those two can rise above political views and be friends.
Wow! Awesome! I love Saw <3
What the shit, you started smoking again?