Sorry it's a long one

Saturday December 15, 2012

Sorry, it's a long one

I wake up to the sounds of "UgH", "oof", "argg" and that was just from me. "Where the heck are we?" I ask, and get no answer, I take the ear plugs out of my ears and receive the same chorus of "Ugh" and "errgh" back, so the language of the day is caveman. I walk like a cave man into the bathroom, located where we left the bathroom the day before. Somehow I had forgotten that although the room looks similar to the room we vacated, we had arrived and retrashed another room, in another state, and in another time zone less than one day earlier. I walked into the bathroom, and couldnt find the commode, since in this room the commode is on the right, behind a door, and in the dark. Removing my ear plugs did nothing to improve the lighting. I tried removing my eyeshades, but they were never on. I also had difficulty opening the door, and was afraid I would be left behind. We were three ladies, who live in two different time zones, and had been in two other time zones since yesterday. We were up way to early for rock chicks, divas or rock stars, but we had a calling. We each flushed after our individual callings, and proceeded to untrash the hotel room, gather all belongings, pack one more time, and bath and dress, all at the same time. Since we grunted and limped our way through this, it took a while. I dressed my part, and strutted my way to the lobby to check out. We walked past several familiar faces last seen at yesterday's concert, they were watching for me to come out the elevators, but I wasn't giving autographs. Or they didn't recognize me without my spandex and high heels, I wonder how long did they wait there before they left, anyone? I was checked out by some fellow, and if he has a job, and knows about my little habit, is he the man for me? No, despite chidings from my room mates, No, not for me.

We find that although we were not following our usual precision, we were at the right place at the right time. In time to be almost run over by a large vehicle that really should know better than to back into me, because after all, I am Me, and because I think everyone knows me by now.

Off we go, far away from a place that holds nothing for me anymore, and we go in search of the last concert. This was a day I had dreaded for several months. The last show of the year, and I always worry that it will be my last show ever. I had suffered a devastating injury in between Tour segments 10 years ago, and missed the last concert with the original flautist, and while I can not regret what I could not do, I have had a lingering feeling of loss ever since that week. I don't want to miss a thing.

We weren't even on the road 20 minutes, when we ran into other hardened road warriors, headed in the same direction. So not coincidental, but one might think we coordinated this travelling together, we were such a unified group. My side of the windshield steamed up, and the cloudy whiteness spread like a fungal rash on a rank foot, acrossthe windshield, and along the side window, towards the back. I was accused of having a hot flash, and impure thoughts regarding someone in another vehicle, and I assured them that I was not having any such spells, and that any impure thoughts I might be having I was not only unaware of them, but that they certainly were not about any one on the road from California to Nevada this fine morning. I still insist that the steamy window was a psychic link from someone having impure thoughts of me, and I stand by my opinion, and I have proof I have admirers, they show up everywhere I go, and wink at me. Or have gas, or something in their eye, but they are there, every day.

We continue, out of the dry desert, past civilization. We could tell we were closer to LA for a while, the cars got smaller, brightly colored, faster and more expensive. We then entered the mountains. Gorgeous, undulating and folded, sharp shadows and clouds, palm trees disappearing, joshua trees appearing, and the horizon, melting into itself. The sky was blue with whispy clouds, interspersed with heavy grey clouds, precipitation visible, falling to the ground, and beams of sun casting light and dark shadows across the landscape. When we were at the tops of the hills, going down, we could see for miles, and it seemed we were on another world, and maybe we were. Snow had fallen in the higher elevations, and with the beams of light, gave a magical quality to this leg of the journey. We saw people stopped on the side of the road, playing with the snow, they see it so rarely here. I see too much of it at home, and was unimpressed with the snow part, but loved seeing it on these mountains. It was stunning.

We continued onwards, joining up with others going the same way, and finally get into town. I haven't been here in a few years, several new casinos rise into the air. We listen to the little man hidden in the machine, and turn right, stay inthe left lane, keep right, turn left, and you have reached your destination. And what do I see? Looming over me? Three familiar faces, and todays date. Everywhere I go, I can't escape my fate. We continue, arriving in style, like rock stars, or slightly better than rock stars who have to avoid certain annoyances, and enter through the service entrance. I can strut my way around, no one chasing me, No panic in my eyes as I stride away from any wild eyed, wild haired admirers. My admirers are a different lot, unlike my detractors.

So, I am undecided still about the event tonight. If I go, it will bethe last of the year, if I don't go, it will still be the last of the year. Will it be as good as last night? will I be let down, will I get delusional? Cross that line of no return, and enter the dark side? I hope not, I have seen what resides on the dark side, and want no part of that. So, I am handed a ticket, and get ready. I was glad to see where I was sitting, in a seat someone else had assured me was given to a non fan. I am not a non fan, so someones credible source is not credible at all.

Up to my room, and a spatula is used to spread on my face, and apply the spandex to the right places, which caused lumps in the other right places, I could shift around, and line everything up correctly. Animal print day, by popular request. I wore one print publically, and another print was worn privately. And I wore the romperstomper shoes again. I like being tall. I was getting a few looks, though. One problem I did have, was finding the shower on the right this time. I had expected to find the commode, and almost caused myself an injury, half squatted with spandex at my knees, before I realized that there was no bowl under me.

We get to the line up. Some people got there very early, in order to be first in line. I believe that one does not have to be first, just not last. There was some pushiness going on, and jumping the queue. Not good Moody Manners. In fact, there were several instances of bad Moody Manners seen. And I think I have a new personal stalker. I did have several people try to eavesdrop personal conversations. No respect for personal space.

There was a preshow Storytellers, and people pushed their way, stepping over others to get to the front row. I was about to step into the elevator, and I distinctly heard a female voice tell the usher to close the door, don't let her in. I am going to remember that. That was mean. I join up with my friends, the real ones, and we file into the sixth row. We do not think too highly of ourselves to sit so far back.

Once again, we were instructed to not video or audio record the session, as they wished it to remain special and intimate for us participants. Aos, no flash. Did the people gabbling and playing with their cameras follow this? Did they obey the wishes of the artists they paid so much money to hear? Not all of them. Somewhat disrespectful, I fear.

It was also announced that the show was being audio recorded that night.

Someone wants to let us all know she has been to more than one Concert, so we are asked to raise our hands for a concert countdown.. She drops hers at less than 30 lifetime. HA! This is # 27 this year for me. We then continue, many flabbergasted at the amount of hands still up at 100. HA! again, someone admits to over 250, I admit to 327. Said under 30 lifetime concerts lady, "what about seeing them in England, I did that, did anyone else her go there?" Yes we did, more than 20 times. She hung her head, she had no idea what some fans are capable of achieving. She also needed reminding that Concert Going is not a competition sport. A lot of people need reminding for that, and also it is not a combat sport. The man behind me told me I had not life. I chastised him. He ate his words a few minutes later during Storytellers.

And the Talent arrives. Yay for us. Yay for them. Some fun questions were asked. The Bass Player told us why he wasn't using the doubleneck. it is heavy, and his regular bass gives a cleaner sound, at least this is what he said. The drummer discussed bad banana dreams. The guitar player discussed his loss of table manners, as he eats in strange places at times. he also corrected some bad American English. It is "The Royal Albert Hall", and "Canterbury Cathedral" no the before it, he remarked it was just annoying to hear it incorrectly for an Englishman.

He then pointed out that some ladies in the audience tonight had been present at that "Canterbury Cathedral" concert with Ian Anderson, and he thanked theses ladies, nodded his head towards them, and hand gestured towards them, and said that their presence "Knocked me out." And thanked them again for being there. And that show was just one year ago. Lucky ladies, whomever they might be. ;-). Funny how he was able to look over the first few rows, to see us. And us, not waving any banners or glow sticks either, it was amazing we were noticed at all.

(We kept that to ourselves, don't like to brag we knock out Rock Stars)

So there, Mister You have no life. At least in my non life, I impress the man you paid to hear sing tonight.

And other things were said, including the Bass Player asking permission to announce a Fall 2013 Tour.

We File out, with people whom have never talked to me in all these years of concert going suddenly wanting to stop and talk. HMMMM. I need to run an errand, so Itake off my stilts, and run to my room. Yes, I had a room in the hotel, as did many other famous and non famous people.

I was able to return, skip the queue, and go back inside, where I held audience for my admirers and detractors one more time this year. I made my way into the actual venue one more time. I had noticed, that the people who needed to jump in line, and push others out of the way, and refuse entry into the elevator to others, were coveting and eyeing some empty seats in the front row, halfway down, in front of the center microphone stand. I could feel the insane burn of those eyes follow me as I sat in one of those seats. Sometimes you get what you deserve, and karma can be a bitch, and sometimes thing drop in your lap.

The stage is medium height, below my chin, without heels, and the microphones are set a few feet back. The floor seating is a dozen rows, center section, and two small side sections just past performers, with the stage curved, giving everyone a nice view if they had a floor seat, a real premium venue. The sides and rear were elevated, with the sides being boxes, looked like a great view from up there, but I was stuck with looking up at a microphone.

The Concert was slated to be a full two set show, with full roster of songs, any omissions were to be last minute, and not anticipated.

The Band came out, light footed, smiling, and began with power, and maintained it the entire evening. The Middle Man with the guitar was dancing from foot to foot, and we know what that means, and it does not mean a toilet break is needed.

How they can play night after night, year after year, and still make is sound fresh is one of their secrets, and part of their magic. I'd like to think I was part of it, just by being there. Anyone who opted out of going to this show due to dislike of seats, Venue, City, or fear of a limited set list due to its being in a casino lost out on THE BEST CONCERT of the Tour. Ok, I only saw 11 out of 18 shows this Tour, it was the Best I saw, and according to someone in the Band who shall remain nameless, with whom I talked with afterwards, in a non concert setting, it was the best they thought, also, if one of the actual musicians opinions count for anything.

Stand Out moments of the show? The beginning, middle and end, and all the twiddly bits in between.

Gemini Dream, no mystery verse.

Tuesday Afternoon The soaring "AH AH's before the time change were sung in their entirety by the guitar player. He had been opting out at times due to vocal strain and self preservation, During this tour, allowing the backup singers to take lead, since he sustained that injury almost two years ago. Thanks.

You and Me

The F word comes to mind as and adjective of high praise, awesome. Every night its a bit different, in length and twiddly bits, this one was a few neasures longer, and crunchy raunchy.

Peak Hour both up front got on their toes for the high notes "DO OO OO OO! Great guitar solo again.

Nervous LOVE IT Some great vocal adlibs by the bass player.

SIWL

The singer really got into it, with hand gestures, winking and smiling at certain people.

IKYOTS

The lost verse returned, but the last verse was lost. Still fun, and I didn't need the words taped to the floor in front of me to remember them. e lead singer who wrote the thing didn't, either. I sat right in front of him, mouthing along, didn't care, I wasn't singing, trying to make myself heard, or anything, just a fanwho loved the song, remembered when it was released, as I had been a fan, and concert goer long before then, and He looked at me and smiled, at the end. We did our exuberant joyous group standing at the key change, and that made him happy. At least I think so, based onthe evidence, which was a smale, and an off mic "thanks".

TSIYE

I love that song, the bass line, the keyboards, the guitar riffs, from opening to the climatic end, it moves me. Plus, I was a child when I first heard it, and always wanted to meet the man who was frightened for me, and my life, in vain.

YWD

Someone was so hoppity he was almost airborn, and never bothered to fasten that bottom button on his shirt.

ILS

lovely

TOSOL

Back in, no big vocal straining, and the militant minded glow stickers were there, a few scattered ones. dutifully waving back and forth, most not following the beat of the music. We can't all me perfect, but some of us try. I didn't wave one, was forbidden several years ago, when my sweaty hand lost grip, and took out several folks in the aaudience with my errant stick. Will do on occasion, when I feel moved. I didn't this concert.

Driftwood

beautiful

Higher and Higher

Fabulous. The guitar player was on fire all night, and when he played that sustain, it lasted 10 measures, the drummer was poised at his risers, to go back to his kit for his solo, and the guitar player looked at him, as they were awaiting the guitar riff signalling the cue, and he said to the Drummer, "sorry, its a long one." and the backing musicians and bass player had to play on a bit longer, WOW, what a great rendition.

IJAS

Fabulous, but I noticed that hte guitar player was several feet back and not as far over to the edge of the stage as usual. last time I saw that was in Port Chester the first, during a night of security risk, perhaps again? Some people do not listen to the lyrics, and do not Say it with love.

I did hear from a band member that sometimes, when seeing a doppelganger, they can cause to shudder.

NIWS

Oh my, like it was sung to me personally, and meant something. And the vocal flourish at the end, that was missing due to strain, was back tonight, and non yodeling.

Question

cooked

RMSS

I hate being that happy at the end. Just a bebopping away, and yes I do know what I look like when I do that.

The guitar player handed his neck out to my travel partner, and she took his offered pick, he said "Thank you both it was a pleasure seeing you here." I may never be the same again.

I did have doff my shoes again, and was asked to don them for dining, and had a hopping foot cramp, but I figured, most have seen me hopping in public before, and I needed to wash my feet before sleep, it was not requested but appreciated by my bed partner.

And that was that.