bad boys from boston

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.