Kevin Allen Makes Easter Pilgrimage, Returns Awakened
04/16/2007 -- by merlin

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) -- Lead guitarist Kevin Allen of pro-Satan band ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead made a surprise trip to Jerusalem over the Easter holiday, returning to his native Texas feeling cleansed and spiritually awakened.

Allen, a self-proclaimed self-practicing Wiccan, made the solo trans-oceanic journey on a whim after his first set of Easter vacation plans in Tijuana fell apart.  Friends say he returned home from his weekend in the spiritual capital anew, amorous and glowing.  "He's not the same man, man," claimed outspoken band mate Jason Reece.  "It's almost night and day.  He came back as if a gigantic weight had been lifted off his shoulders and he was finally free.  The chain-smoking, the incessant drinking, the perpetual womanizing-- he hasn't done anything like that since he got back."  While Reece remains aware of the difficulties surrounding such a massive personality overhaul, he hopes his friend will be able to carry his newfound influx of goodwill well into the future.  "It's good to see [Kevin] back on the right track.  If it's only temporary, so be it, but hopefully he'll be able to keep his old habits well and truly buried."

Clinical psychologist Frank Murphy says cases like these, while rare, are not entirely unheard-of among touring musicians.  "In my time I've seen many musicians manifest these same attributes after a long stint on the road followed immediately by a long layoff," explains Murphy.  "Bob Dylan, Dave Mustaine, Little Richard-- they all had spiritual awakenings while on the road, some of them several times over, and became new men.  Certain aspects of the touring life can take their toll on musicians and leave them searching for more.  Spirituality has the ability to step up and fill the void."

"Unfortunately once reborn these musicians generally stop the creativity-laden debauchery and we lose the music."

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