I can’t think of better way to start off this blog than by talking about where the name “Mad Francis” originated. First off, my middle name is Francis. Anybody who comes from a catholic upbringing is bound to know an inordinate number of people named “Francis”. My grandfather is “Francis”, my cousin is “Francis”, my best friend is “Francis”, his dad is “Francis” and I’m pretty sure that “Francis” is “Francis” too! I know all of the jokes – St. Francis from a “sissy”, Francene, Frances and of course, “Fraaancesss”, from “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure.” That being said, I’ve come to embrace the name. I’ve realized how using “Francis” is a tribute to many of my family members and closest friends. For anyone close to me named “Francis”, I wanted “Mad Francis” to be a name to share.
Back in the day, you were more likely to find me perfecting my craft, hidden away in my studio. I remember friends inviting me out to hit the town and paint it red (or a least go out and act like we were cool, rich, maybe handsome…more likely none of the above). Anyway… a close buddy of mine, after a declined invitation, once said: “Oh, back to your laboratory Dr. Frankenstein”. I was taken aback initially. What, me a Dr. Frankenstein? What did that mean exactly? The more I thought about it, the more I realized how committed I am to my own vision of who I should be.
I at once knew that I am willing to give up the more conventional life and put all out there on the line. I didn’t know whether I was the greatest singer, writer, composer or producer or if I ever could be. But, I was going to be whatever I chose to be, for better or worse, consequences be damned! This was truly “mad” by most people’s reckoning.
“You have to be practical”. “But, what will do you do for money?”. “How will you afford a boat in the future?”.
“Mad” became, and still is, a challenge to be myself. To be who I chose to be. I’ve come to see that this choice is not common and that many who choose to do so are ostracized. I don’t care. I don’t consider myself “mad”, but many people might. So, I embrace this “madness”. I am me.
I am – “Mad Francis”.
