And I hope when I get old, I don’t sit around thinking about it
But I probably will. – Bruce Springsteen, Glory Days

All Those Memories Made at the Rock Concert

Since moving to Houston almost 30 years ago, attending rock concerts became an exciting experience to join in with and attend with friends. My own daughter became a big fan over the years, getting pulled into the adventure with dad.

Most are late middle or senior citizens and white. That’s what the classic rock crowd has evolved into. Hard to keep them at the show too late. Not as eager to hang around for the encore. Even most of the geriatric bands are ready to get to bed soon after most of us.

One of the last great shows I went to was John Mellencamp. Had great seats right up at the front. The problem started about 20 minutes into the show when, one by one, everyone with bladder issues had to crawl down the aisle to go to the bathroom. On and on, all night long. Very rabid fans, but the call of nature always louder than any guitar riff.

“I’d trade all my tomorrows for a single yesterday.” – Lynyrd Skynyrd

We are all hurrying to each rock concert, hoping to make it before the aging rockers pass away. The classic songs of the 60’s and 70’s were written and performed 50-60 years ago. Also remember, you could still be kickin’ but unable to sing those notes anymore. Another tour might be out of the question. A couple of years ago, I saw one band member have to take a seat between every other song. At another show, the lead singer was sharing with us about all his surgeries and repairs. All night long, it seemed as if he was going to teeter off the front of the stage into our laps.

“You may be right, I may be crazy – but it just may be a lunatic you’re looking for.” – Billy Joel

All Those Unforgettable Characters

The guy who’s not aware that anyone else is there. Hard to imagine with hundreds and hundreds in attendance. He’s found a spot, stands and sits there and never adjusts to the crowd. Sometimes he’s taking pictures or filming. Oblivious to how his Steven Spielberg act is distracting or blocking the view of those nearby. He’s all alone in his moment – all night long.

There’s the lady in her early 60’s, dressed like a 20-year-old, gyrating away like she just got a new hip. She has a new dance move choreographed for each song. This is a special night for her – so much joy expressed unapologetically. I keep thinking, is that someone’s grandmother? What fun they must have at Thanksgiving.

RUSH concerts were always interesting because the audience was predominantly males. You had to look hard to find the other sex. I liked spotting all the dads and uncles who had brought the next generation of kids with them. Again, mostly males but every now and then a daughter. I introduced my own daughter to RUSH at a concert back when she was in high school. They are always exceptionally loud and everyone sings along. I think she had a good night.

Every now and then I end up a row in front or behind a pair of very happy female friends. Many times they will carry on a running conversation – through most of the concert, over each song. Raising their voices when necessary. All of us nearby leave the show knowing all the details about the cat’s upper respiratory tract infection or the guy at work that can’t get the hint he’s not her type.  I always wonder why they’ve paid so much for tickets and talked through the whole night?

Thunder only happens when it’s raining… Stevie Nicks

At one show, my friend and I spent the first half watching a young lady trying to talk the security guards (at each side of the stage) into letting her back to see the band. As I understand her urgency, she had to get to them because she had knitted tops for each member of the group. She was looking for the opening act band and didn’t seem to realize they had left the building an hour into her protestations. She was relentless and entertaining. A real groupie.

How about the true-blue fan who knows the words to every song and bellows them out for everyone in a 30-yard radius to hear. There’s a little voice inside asking yourself, you paid how much to hear this guy screech;

Jeremiah was a bullfrog.
Was a good friend of mine.
I never understood a single word he said,
but I helped him a drink his wine.

A friend and I go to the same band each year when it comes to town. We love them and it’s a way for us to nail down a big memory. It’s the best medicine. They sing the same songs but have such an over-the-top performance, we are eager to be a part of the show again and again.

Many times, I’ve taken groups of teens and introduced them to the classic sounds and lyrics. We still talk about those summer nights outside with the old hippies. Hearing familiar feelings that we could all understand. It also helped to share a part of our own youth with the next generation – to let them in on the secret.

“Don’t let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy.” – The Eagles

Rock Concerts Help Keep Us Connected

These rock concerts I attend are joyous events for everyone. We are singing and swaying to the beat. All members of the same tribe. Sharing a common experience. There’s a recent survey that reported 40% of adults in their sample hadn’t had an in-person conversation in three days. We all feel like we are becoming a more isolated society. This tends to reinforce that belief.

When I go to a loud, familiar, and emotional concert, it helps to anchor my life back where it belongs. We were meant to live in the hustle and bustle of life, shoulder to shoulder with others. Sharing our lives with people is how we keep being human. Just get over it and ask that guy next to you, Scaramouche, Scaramouche, will you do the Fandango?

“If there’s a bustle in your hedgerow, don’t be alarmed now – it’s just a spring clean for the May Queen.” – Led Zeppelin