“You have to go, it’s a historic event.”
In three weeks, the band Genesis would be playing its last show ever and my twin encouraged me to attend. “It’s rock n’ roll history.”
I hear London Calling.
After two years of pandemic isolation, my body aches for Art, Theatre, and Live Music.
Further, April is a month of anniversaries that swivels my soul. They’re only numbers, but my cells know – the date of the accident, of marriage, of death. Pieces of April.
So for the last eleven years during that month, I stay on the move – pushing away the familiar, welcoming the strange, distancing from and celebrating…love.
Once arriving to the United Kingdom, I remember what I’d forgotten. With the pandemic-imposed restrictions, life transmuted into quotidian ritual. Without stimulation or challenge, the decision-making process is dulled. I was out of practice! As an explorer, there are daily considerations: Where to stay? What transport to take? Where to eat? What to do of value this day? Why am I here?! ;)
Stop overthinking. To sharpen the skill, make the move and groove with it.
When booking the Paul Carrack concert, I scheduled only two nights in Amsterdam. Afterward, I questioned my decision. “Why didn’t I reserve at least five nights in that fabulous city? What was I thinking?”
Back off. Just trust. It’s empowering to replace the word ‘doubt’ with ‘trust.’
Then, I spy…
A publication of ‘What’s On’ in London’s West End, listed Sting playing five nights at the London Palladium. There was only one seat available for the entire engagement – on Sunday, the day after my return. If I would have booked an extra night in Amsterdam, I would have missed the gig. I’ve never been a big follower…but well, it’s Sting.
This trip was evolving into a magical musical tour…Roll up.
Caution: Viewing may cause dizziness. (To connect with live music, for the benefit of myself and others’, I disengage from ‘the gadget’ – exceptions were made with you in mind.)
The night before Genesis, The Who played a benefit for the Teenage Cancer Trust at Royal Albert Hall. Daltry and Townsend have performed for this charity for years. For free. Unlike in America where Daltry noted something to the effect that, “there, they pay the musicians to fundraise. Pay them? That’s not charity, is it?” Respect, Roger.
A j”ahh”-dropping moment, kinda felt like a group hug.
All above musicians are now in their 70’s, and their styles?
Roger Daltry – jeans and sneakers. Pete Townsend – tweed. Paul Carrack – a hat and a wee bit o’ heft.
Sting – satin jacket and leather pants. Zucchero – Italian, enough said.
Both…Rock Star Bad Ass Cool.
I say, “Oh no, I can’t understand a bloody word of what he’s singing…but I feel it.”
She nods in agreement, and places her hands on her heart.
All above musicians, virtuosos.
Each performance, “Best show ever.”
Now on a minor note –
Alas, we must accept the bad with the good. Not every day is a Doris Day, and not every band plays music that moves me. Smiling helps.
The excellence in music, Shakespeare’s plays, London’s West End Theatre, Art museums and installations…equal the impressiveness of the people I encountered along the way.
More on that next time. Until then,
Gratitude.
“I Know It’s Only Rock n’ Roll and I Like It.” – The Rolling Stones
Wow, best post yet Heidi! Love the music. I remember seeing Sting at Jazz Fest with you. Royal Albert Hall – how classic…what a beautiful venue. So happy you are back traveling. Be safe my friend.
Hey, shout, summertime blues
Jump up and down in my blue suede shoes
Hey, did you rock ‘n’ roll?
Rock on Heidi!
Joanna!Thanks for reading and as always, for your comments. Sting at Jazzfest with you…of course I remember because my friend was Sting’s driver. You and I happened to be standing right where their vehicle crossed our path to exit. She said Sting looked out his window directly at US and said, “Man, you’ve got some good-lookin’ women down here.” She looked and thought to herself, “That’s Heidi!!!” She didn’t know your name but she called me to tell me about it! Now there’s a compliment to remember. Oh Youth!!
Rock On, sister!
Oh the good times we have had…I do not get those compliments anymore – but I do dress up to go grocery shopping on Mother’s Day. There are only men in the store shopping and trying to control their children, while the Mom’s are at home enjoying their special day. (Ha!)
Good thinking, Joanna! Maybe the same works for Christmas Eve?!