I knew that Slash was a cool looking creature and that he was, at some point, a member of Guns N' Roses. Maybe I would’ve been more enthusiastic about his opening performance if the fan in front of me wasn’t so tall? I decided to rock no matter the amount of beer I sloshed or time I had to stand on my tip toes. The music was good. Just when I thought I had zero expertise on the set list, I heard the intro to “Sweet Child of Mine”. Hello old memories and vibes. I was satisfied and swaying in my kimono and lace up boots just when “Paradise City” flooded the arena. The opening show was more than I could’ve asked for, it gave the fans something new and something old.
Shey and I lucked out and were able to snag two open seats with an incredible view of the stage, proves you should always make friends in new places. We had the privilege of meeting two rock and rollers from another time, Joe and Gloria. They were a couple in their sixties who came to groove. Gloria was full of wonderful things, we connected on Seger, Clapton and Petty. She was seasoned and I was envious. She had seen both The Beatles and The Stones in concert, a past that would keep giving. The lights cut and “Love in an Elevator” started the show. Steven was a sight with his red, flared pants and leather tassels. It's hard to convey what happens in my bones when I see a picture of Joe Perry, you can only imagine when I’m in the same room as him. He strutted and stroked his guitar wearing a purple silk button down and a black concho belt. I hadn't seen a front man make love to an amp since Hendrix. Joe knew what he was doing. He’s my Elvis. “Y’all want the old shit or the new shit?!” The entire arena shouted, “OLD SHIT!!” They ended with “Walk This Way” when everyone pulled out their lighters and iphones, come on boys! Signature songs had not been played just yet when Steven sat at his piano and started “Dream On”. I almost fainted when Joe stood on top of the piano and owned his guitar, such a stud. It was more than beautiful when “Sweet Emotion” ended the night. THAT IS MY FOREVER SOUND. I felt like I was floating. The night of August 22, 2014 was full of discovery and flight, I will never forget the first time I saw my second favorite band of all time. I will surround myself with lovers of rock and roll for the rest of my life. Some got it, some don’t. This sound is forever in my blood, a gift from my Momma. I belong to a group of people who unapologetically bang their heads to a sound that shakes their soul and feeds their heart. These people are my family and the music is my medicine. Sing with me. Sing for the year. Sing for the laughter and sing for the tear.
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Do you suffer from SSMP? (selective social media posting) I am so guilty of this, y'all. As humans, we want our best face to be on display! The thinnest silhouette! The coolest adventure! The most hip hang out spot! We secretly eat a whole bag of sun chips in our undies while we post endless perfection for EVERYBODY to see. I admit, I have experienced some cool shit that I am proud of, but there is a Jodi that some of y'all may not know... I am a horrible swimmer, like don't drop me in the ocean. I overeat, then hate myself. I used to want to be a singer, a real famous one. That dream was shut down when I heard my own voice recording. I am the most secure, insecure person you will ever meet. I will say 500 negative things about myself for every 1 positive thing. I compare myself to everyone around me and, of course, always end up losing in my mind. There have been times when I have fully convinced myself that I have been single for seven years because I'm fat. I have ran from the cops. I like to shut people out of my life. I have led men on out of my loneliness. I thoroughly enjoy saying the word fuck. If my arms look fat in a picture, I won't post it. My card got declined at Starbucks the other day. MUAHA. I am still not unpacked from my trip to Ireland. (I got back two weeks ago) It annoys me when a preacher preaches a whole message on tithing. I don't want to tell you how many Jack in the Box tacos I can consume. Sometimes I get so angry with Lane that I want to throw him across the room. I always assume that people think the absolute worst about me and my life. Assume. Assume. Assume. I have battled heavy depression since I was 14 years old, still battling that bitch. I park in handicapped spaces without remorse. I don't really care if my fruit gets washed. Oh, I almost got kicked out of Bible School for breaking the rules by getting wasted. See where I'm going with this? I love transparency. I AM THE MOST IMPERFECT GIRL. I am not proud of the list above, they are all little truths that I have dealt with. They are a part of me! It's cool to be uncool. It's acceptable to be as crazy as they come. It's alright to not have it figured out. Fly your freak flag! Move forward! I'll be right there beside you.
xoxo jo |