Page 32 - SPIRE Digital Version SEP-DEC 2024 9th Issue

We want to blend a bit of praise and
admiration with our final question about
Crazy Enough, your book, and your one-
woman play. During my research, I
encountered many stories from people whose
lives you’ve positively impacted through both
your book and play. On stage, you’re thunder
and lightning, and as a person, you’re simply
the best!
What was the most important thing you
learned about yourself during the writing
process? What feedback did you receive from
fans? Additionally, what was the most
challenging part of writing and sharing such
personal stories?
I compulsively share (overshare, really) on
On one of your past trips to the Spire, you brought stage and everywhere. You all know this.
a friend of yours, Loretta, with you. From what I Shame is such a waste of calories, plus it can
understand Loretta was a fan who became a dear cause cancer, so air that shit out. The hardest
friend of yours. How did this profoundly personal part was actually the writing itself. It’s a lonely,
connection with Loretta impact your performances hard thing. I am horribly dyslexic, have ADHD,
and your perspective on the bond between artists and am not classically educated. My imposter
and their fans? Where does Loretta rest and will syndrome and insecurity just crawled through
she be with you at your December 13th event at me, stinging every tender part of me. It was a
the Spire Center?
really strange, difficult thing, psychologically.
Loretta Kier was one in a million billion times When it came out, and all of these beautiful
infinity. I’ll write her story one day. It’s kind of responses and thank yous came in…after a
amazing. As far as artists and fans and that strange year or two of people loving the book and I
emotional bond, one can’t exist without the other…it finally allowed it all to sink in…that yes, maybe
can be very uncomfortable, (even dangerous) when I did something good. In my early years as a
people who like you, or your work, can’t distinguish performer, I was most afraid of crying on stage.
between what they feel about you and your work I could say anything, sure, but don’t ever look
and your agency as an actual human. Some fans love sad or feel too much…don’t show weakness.
you so much they assume or imagine some After Crazy Enough I realized that the opposite
reciprocal intimacy….and when they do it gets really was true. Be vulnerable on stage. It’s real, it’s
weird. Luckily, most fans just love what you do….and effective and it’s a hell of a lot braver than
not only did Loretta love what I do, she had SO much flexing in a rubber bikini and a beard.
love in her, just packed and crammed into her -S
gigantic heart and soul that when she loved you, you
really felt it. She could love you hard enough that
you could even love yourself. She was a magical soul,
and I was blessed to call her my friend. STORM LARGE

F R I D A Y , D E C E M B E R 1 3 , 2 0 2 4

Don’t miss Storm Large live—an artist who defies
boundaries with her powerful voice and magnetic
stage presence. From symphony halls to sold-out
rock venues, she brings a fierce energy and
versatility to every performance. Whether with
her band Le Bonheur or as a guest vocalist,
Storm’s shows are unforgettable experiences.