My legs look diseased today as the scabs are showing up from the massive amount of mosquito bites I got while waiting for Chevelle after the show in Mississippi. One of the locals waiting with us told us that the mosquito is the state bird of Mississippi. haha I seriously itched so bad for 2 days. I almost couldn't stand it. I was just ripping off my skin. Now, they are just red scabs scattered around my thighs and ankles. People around here probably think I'm a meth addict. But whatever, it was worth it.
Today I was thinking about this blog and up until this point it has only been used as a means to talk about concerts we have gone to in the past year. But, I want to utilize this more to talk about live music and the feelings it brings to me and J.
I got to thinking about what got me obsessed with going to concerts and I can trace it back to the late 90's when I fell in love with No Doubt. I don't just mean that I loved their songs on the radio I mean I was full out IN LOVE overly obsessed. My room was filled with posters on all four walls and the ceilings, for a few years in school I would only wear No Doubt T-shirts, I had every piece of memorabilia sold in their store, and I had VHS tapes of every TV performance they ever made. It was absolute ridiculousness. I remember bawling one time when they won MTV artist of the year. I couldn't even contain myself. In 1997 my dad took me to see the Tragic Kingdom tour in St. Louis. I remember wearing my "No Doubt Any Time" shirt with my knee length jean shorts. I have never been so happy in my life. I remember exactly where we sat in the Riverport Amphitheater and I remember the exact moment that Gwen came out on stage in her studded crop top and fur coat. The anticipation that built up to that moment is unlike any other I've ever felt. That was the exact minute that I fell in love with concerts. To this day the best way I can describe my personality is "I live for the 30 seconds before a band comes onto the stage."
In the early 2000's I went on my first "tour". Because I have the coolest parents ever, I was able to go with my dad to No Doubt concerts in Kansas City and St. Louis. At the Kansas City show I experienced my first mosh pit. Thinking back to that now I cannot believe that I was in a mosh pit with my dad. It's almost laughable. I have a picture of myself in the mosh pit complete with flipped out hair, acne, and braces. But damn.....I looked so happy. It was a pure euphoric moment. I was within mere feet of my idols. I had water sprayed on me by the keyboard player, I touched the guitarists' hand, and I could see the sweat on freaking Gwen Stefani's face. It was the best day ever.
Throughout the 2000's I stayed obsessed with No Doubt. I traveled with my dad to numerous shows. We went to Las Vegas, Minneapolis, Illinois, and all over Missouri. These were my early days of touring. I guess I can blame my dad for my touring addiction! I ended up meeting No Doubt twice. I bawled and almost fainted the first time. The second time I was able to get my shit together a little bit but I'm pretty sure I still wasn't able to mutter a word. Those were the most amazing days.
Eventually my obsession died down and I packed up all of my memorabilia. But my love for concerts and touring stayed strong. I found different bands and expanded my traveling boundaries. Sometimes I wish I could go back to that stress free, naive bliss that filled those days following No Doubt with my dad. But I have learned so much and met so many great people and bands that even though I can't get rid of the stress and expectations, I wouldn't trade it for the world.
That is my story. Even if no one except J reads this, it feels good to put it out there. However, if anyone reads this who can relate or has a story of their own, I would love to hear it. It's nice to know you aren't the only crazy one! haha
A
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