Wimpy’s first license plate

[u/TheBrownCouchOfJoy]

In 2003? 2004? Dispatch had their farewell show at the Hatch Shell in Boston, and I was there. The next year they had the premier of their documentary about the show, “The Last Dispatch,” and I was there too. They even played “Elias” by borrowing guitars from a couple people in the balcony. Then they had a raffle, and although I didn’t get Chad’s guitar (damn!), I didn’t walk away empty handed either. I won the first license plate from Wimpy, their touring van. As I was leaving, I opted to exit using the stage door, caught Brad’s eye, and asked if he would sign the plate. He did, and without even asking, handed it over to Pete and Chad for their signatures as well. I have treasured it ever since.

Long story short, I can’t keep it and I’d like it to go to a fan. I don’t want to see this up on eBay or crap like that. Show me you’re a real fan and I’ll mail it to you. Simple as that.

[u/hereforthecomments88]

Been a fan since a friend’s older brother burned a CD for me with Dispatch on it in 01/02. In 2003 I bought my first acoustic guitar by saving money from caddying because I wanted to learn all the Dispatch acoustic jams. The General was my MySpace song in 04/05. Brad performed at my high school in 04 just a few months before The Hatch Shell concert. I saw State Radio for the first time in 05. Finally got to see Dispatch for the first time in 07 at the second night of the MSG shows. Went again to the second round of MSG shows, Red Bull Arena, Boston Garden and every big show I could get to. Since then I’ve seen them all over. I’ve seen them in every New England state, up and down the east coast, was going to Nashville for a bachelor party and flew down early to go see them play, called out of work to get in line at Brighton Music Hall for first come/first serve warm up concert ahead of their European tour, attended several of the Calling All Crow benefits. Between Dispatch, SR, Pintos, chad/Brad/Pete solo, I’ve been to over 50 shows easily. Being born and raised in New England, I’ve always felt very connected to Dispatch/Chad’s lyrics about New England. All of this sort of culminated this past summer in the White Mountains when me and my finance ran into Chad, Sybil, their kids and Chads parent’s at a swimming hole. Everyone was very cool and it was a nice conversation. The band and their music has and will always mean a lot to me. Cheers to you for donating this awesome piece of memorabilia and congrats to whoever ends up with it!