I haven’t posted an update here in a while. The truth is, there’s really nothing interesting in my life at the moment that’s worth talking about. I’m transferring to a different university, my birthday is in a less than a week and russians are getting their teeth knocked out every day. Things seem calm around Kyiv. And I’m really glad that I can say it.
I was looking at some pictures that I took when I evacuated to Chernivtsi five months ago. I remember it like it was yesterday. It’s hard to describe what I felt back then. There was fearing for the safety of my family. Being frustrated at the way things were. Yearning to get home as soon as possible. Those first few days were like that. But some time later, we started to adapt to the way things would become for us as we got our refugee status.
One day I was sitting in my corner of the room and scrolling through my social media. Then I saw a post about a charity concert that would take place the next day. That concert was the Night for Ukraine at the London Roundhouse which Bob was going to take part in. As soon as I read the announcement, I was ecstatic. It may not be such a big de, but to me personally back then? That concert meant everything.
Many musicians that I love (or loved?) were too hesitant to speak up about the disaster that russia brought to our country. Some were completely silent, while others even turned out to be pro-russian. I’m a big fan of Pink Floyd. While the current members of the band are doing their absolute best to support Ukraine, Roger Waters (who thankfully left the band a long time ago) turned out to be too stuck up and greedy to care. It still frustrates me because The Wall is an especially important album to me.
So to see someone like Bob, someone who has such a big platform and a passion to help those who are in need, and someone who I look up to and admire, supporting my country during this terrible time for all of us… It meant so much to me. Keep in mind, this was before I went on COB and got all this amazing support. Back then it was just me, sleeping on the floor in a tiny apartment in a city that was so foreign to me.
Night for Ukraine was special. It may not mean much to the others, but for me it was a moment of happiness and hope amongst the complete darkness that evacuating to a different city from the war has brought.
I haven’t drawn anything in a while. And I don’t think I ever showed my art on here, but I wanted to post this drawing that I made today based on a photo of Bob from the Night for Ukraine gig. It’s not very good looking, but I tried! ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Paul
Happy Birthday soon, Paul! I hope somehow you'll be able to celebrate it in the midst of all the things that are happening around you. I'm always hoping & praying that you and your family & friends are okay. You're incredibly brave & positive in the midst of this war that completely breaks my heart. Night For Ukraine WAS special! I've only seen Bob's & Chrissie Hynde's performances from that evening but I absolutely love both! And I love your drawing, too! I wish you happiness at your new university ~ you have so much to give the world & you're definitely going to be able to do it! ✨⭐ 🌻⭐✨
Good to hear from you and it’s good that things are relatively quiet for you given the circumstances you are in. The Boomtown Rats have been incredibly supportive of Ukraine, I feel proud to be a fan of such a compassionate band.
I love your art, it’s immediately recognisable.
Good to hear from you Paul. Glad things are relatively calm and you can hopefully still enjoy upcoming birthday. Many happy returns!
Brilliant artwork too. Easy to see exactly who it is, although I have to confess it made me realise a certain similarity. Zoinks!!
A welcome return Paul, and another brilliant post. Not bad at the art as well!