My Brother Larry Noel;

What can I say about a man that was the inspiration to my choice of music. This man followed Southside Johnny from the early days down at the shore. Years later and a move to California, I was finally old enough to share in this very special part of his life... Southside's Music.

Our first concert was at Konocti Harbor in Clear Lake, California. This was so very special to me because of the fact that I was with my two older brothers out for the first time, but more importantly, I saw true joy and elation in my brother Larry. You see, Larry suffered for years from Bipolar depression.

I can't tell you what it meant to see Southside for the first time (and getting to meet him at his rehearsal session) and to see my brother in that state of happiness. In the years to come, we saw a free show in San Jose (in which Southside and I were dressed from head to toe exactly the same haha!) where my brother Larry dared me to get on stage with Southside, which of course I did. Not knowing what to say, I put my black converse clad foot next to his black converse clad foot and said, "Cool shoes dude". Southside talked to me and then called me sweetheart, those words still ring in my ears. My brother Larry, making this all possible. The next morning we flew to LA to see SSJ at the House of Blues.

You know, I could go on forever about my brother and the music. All I can say is this is a man that understood. The talent, the music, the love.

My brother passed away suddenly on 7/4/2005 losing his battle to depression. I cry as I remember sitting at the table each time we obtained a new cd and just sitting in silence and listening. My brother was truly your biggest fan Johnny, and he brought you more dedicated fans inside of our family and out.

I've enclosed a picture of my brothers and I before a show. I believe you can see the joy, it speaks for itself. Please honor Larry's memory with a fan of the month.

Thank you so much!

Michelle Noel Mansell
P.S. Larry is the man on the left of me with the bandana.