"Stay positive and love your life." These words, which are spoken at the end of each 311 concert by lead singer/guitarist Nick Hexum, exemplify what the band is all about. For the past 21 years, their music hasn't belonged to any genre or type, it's merely been what it was always intended to be, 311 music. 8.5 million units sold in the U.S., six albums reaching the Top 10 on Billboard's Top 200 Sales Chart and 8 singles reaching the Top 10 on Billboard's U.S. Alternative Chart, it seems fans have gotten their message loud and clear. Hard Rock Review's Aaron Manogue sat down with lead singer/guitarist Nick Hexum to talk about their upcoming Summerfest appearance, what Summerfest has been like for them over the years, and the upcoming 12th studio album "Universal Pulse."
Manogue: 311 has been touring for the better part of 20 years now and been around the world. What is it that makes Summerfest such a great place to perform?
Nick Hexum: There is a special vibe at Summerfest. I like the way it caters to all kinds of different tastes in music and culture. There is such a wide mix of ages and types of people partying together. It's a pretty unique happening.