When Andrew McMahon's band began playing shows, the piano came with them. He remembers borrowing one from his high school's choir director, then hauling an upright on a motorcycle trailer when they started playing out. It was a heavy piece of furniture to build a touring life around, but the instrument was already part of how he made music.
Andrew joins Tab during a visit to Austin and follows that musical life through Something Corporate, Jack's Mannequin, and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness. He explains how the projects grew out of different periods of writing and collaboration, and how he recognizes the moment he wants to explore something new. The songs tend to belong to the project he is living in at the time.
He also talks about the people trying to get into the room to hear them. When Something Corporate reunion tickets quickly appeared on resale sites at much higher prices, Andrew began putting more energy into keeping tickets accessible. He describes the work his team has been doing, the obstacles they encounter, and his frustration when the price of being a fan moves beyond someone's reach.
Another part of his work grew from being diagnosed with leukemia at twenty-two. Andrew shares how that experience shaped Dear Jack Foundation and its focus on young people facing cancer. He describes the interruptions to education, work, relationships, and plans for the future that can accompany treatment and survivorship.
The support he talks about extends to partners and caregivers. He remembers the difficulty he and his wife experienced finding their footing together after cancer, when the roles of patient and caretaker had become part of their relationship. That experience helped inform the foundation's couples retreats and its attention to the people providing support alongside a patient.
Andrew remembers laughter and meaningful days within a difficult period of his life. He carries those memories alongside the family and work that followed. Through the foundation, he wants someone else going through treatment to have support, people who understand, and something to look forward to.
