You say "Groupie"...I say "Music Appreciator"

"They don't even know what it is to be a fan. Y'know? To truly love some silly little piece of music, or some band, so much that it hurts."Sapphire, Almost Famous

So, my husband and a handful of friends accuse me of being a groupie. I say that is just not true. For those who don't know me, here is a brief history. In 2007, I won tickets to see The Police at Dodger Stadium. This is one of those bands I never had a chance to see in the 80s and was always sad I missed out. This was also one of those big name shows that were out of my price range. So, winning tickets was a huge bonus! What I didn't realize was that after going to the show and seeing the Foo Fighters open, that my life would change.

I didn't even know I was a FF fan until seeing them live that day. Every song hit me like a ton of bricks. By the time they were done performing, I thought "forget The Police, I want more of this..." Dont' get me wrong, The Police were awesome and I had a blast seeing them, but by the time I got home that night, I was online searching for anything and everything Foo. So began the obsession. Nearly 3 years later, I have seen at least a dozen or more FF shows, along with a handful of various side project shows, including Me First and The Gimme Gimmes, Jackson United, Chris Shiflett (acoustic), Chevy Metal, Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders, Sunny Day Real Estate, and of course, the huge sensation "super band", Them Crooked Vultures.

Does this make me a groupie? Well, first off, according to wikipedia, a "groupie is a person who seeks emotional and sexual intimacy with a musician or other celebrity." I can safely say, I am not a groupie. I truly love music. Given the opportunity, I would have traveled the earth to see The Doors, Led Zeppelin, or Pink Floyd.  All bands I am passionate about. But the fact is by the time I became old enough to go to concerts, these bands no longer existed. The Foos and all things branching off from Dave, Chris, Taylor or Nate have become my Zeppelin.

I guess what it all comes down to is this is what makes me happy. I work hard and am a faithful wife and dedicated friend...I pay my bills and obey most laws. And dammit, I will continue to love my rock and roll.

"We are not Groupies. Groupies sleep with rockstars because they want to be near someone famous. We are here because of the music, we inspire the music. We are Band Aids." ~ Penny Lane, Almost Famous

Way Back Machine: 1984

Years ago when the Internet was just getting started and people were creating their own web pages, I thought someday I would do the same. The vision I had was to scan all the various concert tickets I had collected over the years, and link each ticket to the bands webpage along with a few noted memories of the gig....well, sadly, I can't located my ticket stub collection so for the time being I'll just go by memory.  First big concert ever was in 1984...

Def Leppard - Pyromania

I was living in Los Altos, so chance are I saw Def Leppard at either the Cow Palace in San Francisco or Oakland Coliseum. I remember seeing this show with Angela Whalen, Nora Webb and a boy  named Jim, who we knew from our video playing days at Time Zone (San Antonio Shopping Center). It was my first big concert and I clearly remember thinking how cool it was that I could sit on the floor with all the fans. Little did I know that once the lights dimmed, everyone stands up and rushes the stage. I learned real quick what  General Admissions meant.

Regardless, it was a good enough time that I was hooked. And this was the beginning of many shows to come.

PYROMANIA (1983)
Released: February 1983
Produced by: Robert John "Mutt" Lange

1. Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)
2. Photograph
3. Stagefright
4. Too Late For Love
5. Die Hard The Hunter
6. Foolin'
7. Rock Of Ages
8. Comin' Under Fire
9. Action! Not Words
10. Billy's Got A Gun

This album still kicks ass today!!  Granted, I didn't follow Def Leppard much after 1987, Hysteria, I wouldn't mind seeing them perform again someday.

The Go Go's: Going, Going, Gone...

I used to think that bands just stay together until someone dies, and even then, most continue on. This is especially true for the music of the 80s. Hell, summer 2009, I was able to see Duran Duran and was quickly transported back to 1985. Same went for The Go Go's when the girls and I saw them perform at the Orange County Fair in Summer 2004.  So what is this news that Belinda, Charlotte, Kathy, Gina and Jane are packing it in for a Final Farewell Tour?? I feel like a part of my youth has just been laid to rest. How much do you want to bet we'll see them back on the county fair circuit within the next few years?? I can only hope.

Crooked Adventures While Riding Coattails

I dont think of myself as the blogger type...no one wants to read the random thoughts of a random person. But for the moment, I am compelled as I just came off the most awesome and amazing 2 weeks of fun! I need to document it for peace of mind...and so my old mind doesn't forget!

A Week of Crookedness

April 12, 2010 - Them Crooked Vultures at Jimmy Kimmel Live

After a full day of attending TechEd 2010 in Pasadena, I made my way over to the taping of Them Crooked Vultures at the Jimmy Kimmel show in Hollywood. Anyone who knows me, knows how much I hate to drive, especially in LA, but for this, it was a no brainer. Got there by 5:30 and there was already a pretty good line in tow. Made small talk w/ those around me to help pass the time. By 7ish, they let us in and I made my way for the rail. Unfortunately, by now most everyone knows that the left side is set for JPJ and better view of Dave, so I bolted for the center right to be as close to Josh as possible. So close and yet so far. Had a 6' plus drink of water directly in front of me so I had to rubberneck the entire show. So sad. But boy oh boy, it was a great appetizer to prepare me for the rest of the week....Here are three of the four songs via youtube:

Mind Eraser, No Chaser

New Fang

Gunman

April 14, 2010 - Them Crooked Vultures at Club Nokia, Los Angeles

I had been looking forward to this show for months, and knew after seeing TCV at the Wiltern last November that there would be a bigger fight for the rail. Got to Club Nokia around 4:30 and sure enough, the line has already formed. But Cosmo, Cassandra and I had a blast - connected with online friends, LeAnne & Doug who flew in from Chicago and made new friends with those around us and the time flew by. Once inside, we made it to the rail for a mind blowing show.

After the show, Cosmo, Lisa, Tiffany and I hung out and chatted. The crowds thinned out and we found our way down to an underground parking lot where there were lots of fancy cars and service vehicles. It was warm and there were couches to lounge on, so we copped a squat and hung out for a bit. Sure enough, out rolled JHo who was kind enough to stop for pix and authograph.

A few moments later, John Paul Effin' Jones came out. When I attempted to approach him, I was stopped by a very large security guard. I stood my ground and sure enough, JPJ walked over and said "you look so sad". What could I say. "I'm not sad anymore!" The legend was super sweet, posed for pictures and signed my CD cover. Then told us to wait a few minutes and Dave was on his way down. "Why thank you, John. Don't mind if we do."

Dave came out, head down, pretending to be immersed in his cell phone. When he looked up, you could almost tell he was calculating how many of us were there and once determined there were only four, he came over and chatted. Once he saw Cosmo, he gave him a hug and said "I'm beginning to think it isn't a show w/out you" Very cool stuff. Dave signed a few items and posed for a group photo. Very cool guy.

April 17, 2010 - Them Crooked Vultures at The Joint, Hard Rock Hotel, Las Vegas

This was a weekend I was really looking forward to!!  Girls weekend away with Kelly, Anna, Elizabeth.  We headed out to Vegas super early on Friday, 4/16. No traffic, made it to Stateline super quick and had a full morning. Stopped by the new Casino M and played for a bit and eventually got to Ballys by 3pm for check in. Played all night doing the country bit which was fun. Didn't get in until well after 4am. I'm too old for this shit!

Saturday, I hooked up with a group of other friends (Cosmo, Gabrielle, Lara, and Becky) and we checked into a very nice suite at the Hard Rock Hotel. Won't go into all the details, but Lara and I were determined to grab ourselves a spot at the rail. Thanks to a friendly text from LeAnne, we found out the secret password and made it into a "VIP" sort of line which allowed us in ahead of the masses.

After the show and after many, many, many cocktails, Lara, Elizabeth, Kelly, Anna and I made our way downstairs. As most of walked right by "him" at the Poker Lounge, we were called back by Anna and the girls.  There he was, JHo!!  Wish I had clearer memories of this, but the smile says a lot.

April 19, 2010 - Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders, The Casbah, San Diego
Lara, Nicole and I drove down to San Diego to catch the first show before the CD release of  Red Light Fever. Hooked up with Sarah and had a damn good time. Super small show, right up against the stage for some really good photos. After the show we had a chance to chat w/ the boys and picked up a drumstick or two. Drew Hester is one of the sweetest guys ever! All in all, a very good night.

April 20, 2010 - Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders, CD Release at The Troubadour, Los Angeles

Kathryn was kind enough to pick me up for this show and we met up with Cosmo, Lara, Nicole, Sarah, Maria and her husband. In the house was JPJ who we caught glimpses of throughout the night. As well as Dave Grohl. All in all a great night!

Highlights
You're All I've got Tonight (Featuring Elliot Easton)
Running In Place (For my friend, Stu) 

April 22, 2010 - Jimmy Kimmel Live

Not Bad Luck

Gotta hang out with Cassandra and Lara for an evening in Hollywood. Had a blast. Met up with Jose and Linda after the show and grabbed a bite. All in all, a great way to end the two weeks of fun!!

Friday, April 23, 2010
No more rock and roll shows for the time being.
But a lovely evening out with friends. Life is good.