It’s no secret
I like music. It helps me think, makes me smile, and opens the floodgates for a good cry when needed. (
Snow Patrol I’m talking to you!)
While some may find attending a concert a silly indulgence, or waste (gasp!) of time and money, I liken seeing the band/artist you love to one of the most natural highs there is.
That of course comes from the mouth of someone who has also flown across the country to see the band she loves (
Bon Jovi, Toronto 2000), and will be leaving the country later this month to see my latest lyrical love,
Ron Pope in Seattle.
This past weekend, I gleefully road-tripped it to Edmonton to see the high priestess of cool,
Lady Gaga. Some might say it was merely an excuse to pull my red tulle skirt from tickle trunk semi-retirement, but let me assure you, the skirt swayed happily as I danced and sang like there were only 20,000 other people watching.
The night ended with me thinking back to my very first concert (MC Hammer at the Saddledome circa 1991), and every concert (and semi-religious experiences) since.
Here are some of my fondest Calgary (and a couple Edmonton) concert memories:
1. Bon Jovi (Saddledome 12/1/1993)
Deemed too young to go see the New Jersey tour when it rolled through town in 1989 (and crying in my room lamenting and diarizing the egregious miscarriage of justice the night of), I finally got to see my guys with a group of gilfriends—(and mom!) as a giddy love struck teenager. While I’ve seen them in concert 5 times since that night, nothing beats the first time.
2. Garth Brooks (Saddledome,1997)
Not a huge country fan (but a big Brooks fan), this concert re-defined showmanship. I was captivated from beginning to end, and was truly sad when it ended.
The first concert was seen from the front row until I passed out crushed against the barricade. (I also sported an eventual bloody nose from a wayward elbow as I clamored my way back to prime Gavin-viewing position.) Verdict—All worth it and then some. The second concert was like re-visiting an old flame—feelings rushed back, and the night was spent a couple feet from the mop-haired frontman belting Glycerine like it was 1996. Heaven.
4. U2 (Saddledome, 04/10/01)
Waited in the freezing cold to get prime standing real estate inside the ‘inner heart’ on the floor. But with Bono at just an arm’s length away crooning With or Without You, it could have been -30 and I wouldn’t have cared.
5. Lady Gaga (Rexall Place, 08/27/10)
The complete musical theatre experience from the queen of over the top—would go again tomorrow.
6. New Kids on the Block (Saddledome10/31/91, 11/19/08)
I bear no shame in confessing that I have seen the ‘Kids twice. First as a lovesick 9th grader (I love you Donnie!), and second as a nostalgia wave-surfing [mature] adult. (I love you Donnie!) An interesting fact—Lady Gaga was one of the ‘Kids opening acts in ’08 just as Poker Face was exploding.
7. Alanis Morisette (Saddledome, 1996, 05/04/99)
Ahh yes. I listened to [my musical bible] Jagged Little Pill so much, I actually wore it out and had to buy a second copy. Not only did I love her, back in the mid ‘90s, I wanted to be her. (Come to think of it, I think I grew out my hair just like hers!) Amazing vocalist and performer.
8. Taste of Chaos (Stampede Corral, 03/23/05)
Bought tickets simply to see the up-and-coming My Chemical Romance. They weren’t even the headliners then (that honour went to The Used), but put on one hell of a set.
9. James Blunt (Saddledome, 11/03/2006)
Sucker for the sensitive balladeer, it doesn’t get much better than Blunt at the piano, making me choke back tears at his tearful delivery of Goodbye my Lover.
10. Daughtry (Rexall Place, 05/13/10)
The boy’s got pipes. And put on a wicked rock show. Simple as that.
*Honourable Mention: No Doubt (Saddledome, 07/15/09)
My girl Gwen in all her rocker chick glory, still as good as ever. (Anxiously awaiting the new band record!)
Concerts I want, and have yet, to experience:
Pink
Madonna
Linkin Park
What’s been your favourite concert experience, or the band/artist you wish would come to Calgary?