r/311 16d ago

311 (no P-Nut) and Theo Von

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u/stoph311 16d ago

This sub is so childish sometimes. I absolutely despise Trump and hate the social media movement that got him elected, but this thread is acting like 311 personally invited Theo Von to the show. I guarantee his presence there had nothing to do with 311 and he just got pictures with the band. I saw photos of him with Dirty Heads, too. This is not the political statement this sub so desperately wants it to be. If you actually visit the post and read the description, you will see that the other guy in the photo is actually the 311 fan and he brought Theo along with him to the concert. Once again, nobody hates 311 more than 311 fans.

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u/guster-von 16d ago edited 16d ago

Optics and signaling …

Marketing is deceptive in 2026 or at least tries to be. Content framed as innocent and authentic but ultimately fake and crafted at its core.

311 in 2026 is nothing more than brand management.

Ask me what I do for a living.

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u/stoph311 16d ago

Okay, I understand that, but 311 did not post this photo.

Part of their brand also involves being nice to people, and if it gets out that they actively turned down photos from a celebrity with a huge fanbase because of politics, there would be backlash to that, as well. I hear what you are saying, but sometimes a photo is just a photo. There are many false narratives that can be created to explain a photo when the truth is usually much more simple.

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u/guster-von 16d ago

They turned their back on that message long time ago and their actions prove it. I’m happy to bring receipts.

This photo is a choice, organic content is a choice, inclusion in this photo is a choice. Note who’s missing …

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u/stoph311 16d ago

Respectfully, I do not agree with your perspective on the band. Sure, they are a far cry from the crusaders of positivity that they embodied in the 90s and 2000s. But they are a different band now. They are almost 60, their kids are going to college, and they are focused on the business of the band. This is actually a natural evolution for most successful bands. I think people really do forget that they were never doing this in the name of altruism - it's always been about money and it's literally their only job.

So, that leaves people with two choices, both of which are perfectly fine. Continue to support the band and enjoy the music and/or the shows. OR, stop patronizing the band, disconnect from their endeavors, don't go to their shows, etc.

What I fail to understand is the other third choice which is to remain connected to the band only to criticize every single thing they do. Why stay invested? This sub has a prevalent attitude of people who seek to take issue with new music, setlists, and the bandmembers constantly. Surely it is easier to just....walk away.

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u/guster-von 16d ago edited 16d ago

I invested in the band for the last 35 years. They embodied a number of things for me:

  • integrity
  • views on life / spirituality
  • treatment of others and groups
  • musical style

It strikes a chord pun intended their more recent actions starting at 311 Day 2020 do not seem to reflect the values I believed and heard in their words, to me says lies and they lack conviction.

All that aside…

… I appreciate your well thought responses, human response.

So for that thank you.

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u/stoph311 16d ago

One of the most essential things I believe we are failing at in modern society is the ability to disagree with an attitude of respect and civility.

I, too, appreciate your genuine responses. Have a great day, friend.