Open letter to Paul Hudson, aka H.R. of the Bad Brains

Dear Paul Hudson,

I am writing to express the profound impact that your music and energy has had on my life. As a white guy from the projects in Helmond, it may seem unlikely that your music would reach me, but I believe that this is proof of the magical nature of energy.

Growing up, my family was cursed with illness caused by industrial waste in our community. My mother was even beaten by religious nuns for speaking out about the injustices we faced. It was a difficult and tumultuous upbringing, to say the least.

But despite these challenges, your music and energy provided me with a sense of hope and inspiration. Your unyielding spirit and determination in the face of adversity served as a role model for me, showing me that it is possible to rise above even the most difficult circumstances.

To many, your unconventional and rebellious nature may have seemed like craziness. But to me, it was simply a manifestation of your true being, unencumbered by the expectations and limitations placed upon you by society. Your authenticity and fearlessness in the face of criticism was a beacon of light in a world that can often be dark and oppressive.

Your music has been a source of solace and joy for me, and I am deeply grateful for the ways in which it has shaped my life. It has helped me to see the world in a different light, and to understand that the universe is primarily made up of energy – an energy that can be harnessed and channeled for good.

Thank you for all that you have done, and for the immeasurable impact that your music and energy has had on my life. You will always be a role model and an inspiration to me.

It would be a great honor to me if you would read my latest collection of poetry: Poetry to Read in the Dark. I will give it to you for free right here:

Poetry to Read in the Dark (2022) (2837 downloads )


If it manages to touch you somehow, that would be such a great accomplishment in my eyes.

Let me, once more, thank you for the inspiration and your wonderful music which helped me through my life.

Kind regards,

Martijn Benders

Martijn Benders has published twenty-six books, eighteen of which are in Dutch. He has been named one of the greatest talents of his time by critics like Komrij and Gerbrandy. He has also written three philosophical works, one of which is in English about the Amanita Muscaria, the Fly Agaric. Publishing on the international stage of The Philosophical Salon, he has also gained international recognition as one of the most remarkable thinkers from the Netherlands.