I have a confession to make. I have a weird, completely age-inappropriate obsession with alternative rock. I love going to live shows, pushing through mobs of teens and twenty-somethings to earn my rightful place near the front of the stage, and moshing my face off.
Yes. I am aware that this is not normal. But I just thrive on it.
Which is why I was willing to drive about 250 miles round trip, cross an international border, and stand for seven hours nonstop yesterday. My favorite of all rocker bands, Brand New, was playing in Vancouver, British Columbia, and I was not about to miss it.
The show was fantastic. I've see this band several other times, and they do not disappoint. Screaming rock gods and soulful balladeers, they waste almost no time on chattering and just get straight to the music. They played an incredibly intense ninety-minute set, and it was bliss.
I love being part of the crowd at a show like this. We are shoved up against each other as tight as humanly possible, screaming and cheering and singing along for all we're worth. There's always that friendly bond that develops between neighbors; last night I befriended two girls, both with bright red ombre hair, tatts on their inner arms and temperamental iPhones. They were super sweet.
But what unites us all into this undulating, sweaty mass of humanity is the music. I'm definitely an oddball at shows like this, but really, there are all kinds of different people in the crowd, and there is an unspoken connection and acceptance of each other that I find powerful and moving.
Going to a live show is one of the moments in life when I am most alive. You might even say I feel Brand New.
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Care for an encore? Here are more of my stories about live music performances:
Looks like a great time! Of course, it's hard not to have a great time in Canada! :)
ReplyDeleteI have a huge crush on Canada! I always feel just a tiny bit confused and off-balance when I'm there, but that is part of her charm. Oh, Canada, I'll stand on guard for thee!!
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