I bought a ticket to last night's New Orleans Kings of Leon concert at last minute. It was a resale and it meant I got a front row seat. I sat in the massive arena and it was the most at home I'd felt in New Orleans (I found it really tough in that city).
I think Kings Of Leon seemed like they enjoyed playing last night's concert more than they did when I saw them almost three years ago in Melbourne. There was some stage banter from Caleb, funny anecdotes (Caleb said that he first sang live at the Cat's Meow in New Orleans. It was karaoke with Nathan when he was 18. And when a woman flashed her boobs at them from the front row, he said to Nathan "we're onto a good thing!". Something has healed between them. They look happier.
While they didn't play my three absolute favourites (Fans, KnockedUp and Manhattan) they did play a huge amount of older material which was pleasing. I really loved Bucket, Milk, Radioactive, and their newish hit Supersoaker. Other notables were On Call, Crawl, Black Thumbnail, Charmer and My Party. I love dancing to Kings of Leon live.
The security team were fantastic - both the KOL staff and the arena staff. Friendly, polite, safety conscious and encouraging concertgoers to have a good time - unlike at many large Australian concerts I've been to. Two of the KOL staff remembered me from Melbourne and we had a chat. One called me to the VIP pit in front of the seated area, and also passed me a guitar plectrum.
The arena security staff had plenty of set lists to give to fans. The band also threw lots of plectrums and drumsticks out.
The 20 minute walk back to the city showed unity in fandom - it wasn't a rowdy or drunk crowd like I've been in during my time here. It reminded me of the walk back from Rod Laver to Flinders St Station.
The Kings Of Leon concert was a good end to an ordinary stay in New Orleans. Bring on the East Coast now - I've just arrived!
There was a bit of talk about getting out of your comfort zone at the Problogger Event. Darren Rowse said “getting out of your comfort zone is when sparks fly”. He talked about the people you meet and the opportunities that arise when you push yourself into doing something you may be a little afraid of, or go somewhere you might not want to go.
I am such a social person – I can be loud, I love meeting new people and I love talking. I enjoy hearing peoples' stories. I like having dinner with people and laughing. I have a diverse range of friends.
But I do crave alone time (it’s the only child/sole dweller in me) and also familiarity. While apparently my personality type is an ENFJ - which means I am an extrovert, I think I'm equal parts extrovert and introvert. Those tests are freakishly accurate, aren't they?! (There was talk of personality types at Problogger, and I just took my test.)
"An ENFJ:
- Prefers harmony to discord
- Outgoing and warm-hearted
- Genuinely interest in the feelings of others
- Often have a diverse range of friends and acquaintances
- Great at supporting and encouraging others
- Excellent organizers
- Seek approval from other people
- Organised and enjoy structure and careful planning.
- Likes sticking to a schedule - this makes them feel in control."
In between sessions at the Problogger Event, I wanted a little time out – some quiet, but also doing the stuff I like to do in every day life. I wanted to get myself into my comfort zone - at least for a few hours. Networking is tiring!
I read books and magazines on the plane, I dabbled my feet in the pool and I hung out with Clare, a friend who I met in New York last year. Clare came to the pre-conference party and we ate and drank at the Stingray Lounge at the QT hotel (great food!), then went back to my apartment for more drinks and icecream (hello Cold Rock cake batter icecream!) and a long overdue giggly chat.
And the next night, Clare and I went to see a band. Doing this sort of thing makes me feel at home, makes me feel like myself. Maybe seeing a band is my equivalent of going to a spa? It was a coincidence that Bob Evans (Kevin Mitchell) was playing on the Gold Coast when I was there. I left the Problogger party early (standing up and drinking at a party isn't really my thing, sitting down and drinking at a band is!), and Clare drove us to the Sound Lounge at Currumbin RSL where Bob Evans was playing. I find it interesting to see how audiences view bands in other places - levels of interest vs talking, camaraderie of fans (the fans here were very friendly and polite), the amount of singing along, and sitting vs standing. The Sound Lounge was a very relaxed venue - apparently Currumbin is not the Gold Coast that most people know.
Drinks were cheap, we sat on cushions on the floor, and I absorbed the music. I only took around three pictures of him playing – which is out of the ordinary for me – and had far more drinks than I usually have a gigs (again, out of the ordinary, because in Melbourne I have to focus on getting myself home safely). It was a fun night! Kevin played a new, yet to be released song with some affirming lyrics that Clare eagerly tweeted: "don't give up on yourself, 'cause you're the reason I get out of bed", and he also played two of my absolute favourites: Hand Me Downs and In Another Time. It was a great show!
Both Kevin and I discussed that we were too dressed up to be at a pub gig! (The patrons at the Sound Lounge were just lucky that I didn't choose the Carmen Miranda style fruit hat as part of my tropical costume for the Problogger party!)
I saw two of Australia's (and New Zealand's) greatest musicians share the stage on Saturday night. It was amazing. Paul Kelly and Neil Finn are beautiful song writers and their voices complement each other. And they show so much respect to one another. I loved it and feel so lucky to have seen them play.
Lisa Mitchell opened the show - her voice and lyrics are dreamy. I really enjoyed her, but the large venue didn't quite provide the atmosphere she deserved.
Neil Finn and Paul Kelly entered the stage to a huge applause and cheering, and the appreciation for the duo continued throughout the show. As expected, it was a greatest hits show. They mixed it up a bit by singing each others songs at times, and providing harmonies throughout. It was beautiful.
It was a family affair with Dan Kelly on guitar, Elroy Finn on drums and Zoe Hauptmann on bass. Dan Kelly did so well to play those long guitar riffs Paul Kelly's songs are famous for. Neil and Paul alternated on the guitar and piano. Audience singalongs were encouraged - Better Be Home Soon's long chorus was cause for some friendly ribbing by Paul Kelly - "Who needs a chorus anyway?, he said, quipping that the next song features the word gravy a lot. Neil Finn remarked, on a number of times, how many words he had to learn - and Paul told him that at least he only had to learn four chords. The lyrics, both by Neil and Paul, were a reminder of just what great wordsmiths they are. Complicated, alliterative, rambling, poignant. The banter on stage was as enjoyable as the music - the pair placing bets on who would "fuck up first" - Neil apologising for leaving out a line, but adding that he sang one that shouldn't have been there. Both men were very rock and roll, arms swinging, heads banging, thermos sipping - clearly enjoying playing music - which is one of the reasons I've enjoyed seeing Crowded House play so many times. And finally I saw a full length Paul Kelly show. I have a book of Neil Finn's lyrics - I read it when I want to immerse myself in beautiful words and imagery - and I also have Paul Kelly's book which this show has encouraged me to read.
I took two sneaky photos, but the no photo rule meant I could really sit back and enjoy the show - watching and singing along in awe.
Thanks for playing, Neil and Paul - it was a privilege. You are two of my wordsmith heroes.
Roxette Rod Laver Arena Melbourne 22 February 2012 Concert and meet and greet
I was incredibly excited to win tickets to see Roxette and meet them last night. My friend Joel and I (you may remember Joel from when he rubbed nipples with Steve Poltz way back in January last year) had dinner (Mexican) and drinks (Sangria) at the night markets and then excitedly made the walk to Rod Laver Arena.
On the way we saw a bagpipe playing bird - Joel posed for photos - and this set the scene for a fun night ahead.
Before the meet and greet, I bought a program, and then we waited for the tour representative to fetch us and the other winners to enter the stadium.
One of the reasons I have been slow in posting this review is because I wasn't sure how I would write about the meet and greet without sounding resentful. I'll try my best. The chance to meet Roxette was an amazing opportunity. They're a huge band. The meet and greet was very brief, and very impersonal. I understand that there were time constraints and they were there to perform a show. But there were only 10 of us there to meet them, and some of the people seemed like HUGE fans. Two members of the Roxette crew advised us that we were only able to have one item signed, and that we weren't able to take individual photos with the band or of the meeting. When we did take photos, we weren't allowed to have flashes on. Someone volunteered their camera for the crew to take some candid shots and one group shot at the end. That person will email the pictures around the group. I have not yet received these pictures, I hope to soon.
We waited around 15 minutes to meet the band as we waited in the corridor then the green room. We were all really excited - I know I'd been counting down the days.
When they entered the greenroom, it was an exciting moment. I met Per Gessle first. Here's the only photo Joel took on his phone - I ran it through Instagram and like it this way.
I said hello and he signed my CD cover. That was it really. It was so quick that I don't remember what else I said to him or what he said to me, other than hello. He was very happy and smiley.
Before I met Marie Fredrieksson I took a couple of photos, but they're not that great I am sorry.
Marie had the nicest leather jacket on that I've ever seen. Soft white, with a Beatles tee underneath. She is tiny. I said hello, gave her the blog post I wrote about Crash Boom Bang, and she signed my program. I asked for a quick photo - looking at the camera - as Joel was there posed with my camera, but she said we'd take one at the end.
And I managed to get this one of Joel and Marie, but very little of them on screen!
And that was that. They were both so nice, and I am really grateful for the wonderful opportunity, but I wished it was a little longer.
Unfortunately we missed the support act 1927, but we heard them sing their biggest hit If I Could. A lot of the women at the meet and greet said they wish they could have seen 1927!
Our seats were great - all the meet and greet winners were in Row H on the floor.
The concert was amazing. Really! Roxette have bgeen a band that I've loved for a long time but thought I'd never see. They played all their hits - a very extensive catalogue - plus some new songs.
The show opened with Dressed for Success and continued with Fading Like A Flower, Spending My Time, Almost Unreal, Sleeping in My Car, Joyride (where bouncy balls were released, see my picture above!), Listen To Your Heart, Dangerous and more, ending with The Look.
Despite the song with the sad lyrics, Per was happy all the time. At times it reminded me of a Eurovision concert, in a good way. It was fun! He danced around the stage, smiling and playing guitar. And he could sing!
Marie's voice wowed me. So very powerful. She seemed to have limited movement, perhaps due to illness in 2002, but she gave it her all.
The best bit - like the Cold Chisel concert - was that we all sang along. The audience sounded amazing.
One of the guitarists did a solo of Waltzing Matilda, which was Joel's favourite part. My favourite was Crash Boom Bang, which I recorded.
It was a really fun night. As I wrote, the opportunity to meet the band was fantastic, I only wish it was longer and more personal. Thanks so much to Mix FM for the tickets.
Next week I have the honour of seeing Roxette in concert and meeting them too! I was lucky enough to win tickets on Mix FM - so glad I made the switch to listen to Chrissie and Jane - not only a great show but awesome prizes! I've loved Roxette since I was a kid, so it's really nice to get the opportunity to see them live. I had Look Sharp on cassette and sang along to every word.
I was thinking how Roxette has really shaped two of the biggest relationships in my life to date. And I am a bit worried about how the music will play with my emotions.
Halfway through my first year at uni, I was sitting in the computer lab, doing an assignment between classes - probably the god-awful statistics that I only just scraped through - when a girl next to me Would. Not. Shut. Up. She talked loud and fast. A bit like me really. She rabbited on about cricketer Steve Waugh and I turned to her to tell her I had Steve Waugh's diary because I was once in love with Shane Warne. "Oh my god" she squealed, and from that moment on, we couldn't stop talking. As loudly and as quickly as each other. We. Would. Not. Shut. Up. I am sure the others in the computer lab were as annoyed at our level of noise as I initially was about hers.
So after we discussed Steve Waugh's diary, she asked me if I'd like to go back to her house. I said yes, and she drove me back. I met her housemates. We ate lunch. And then we decided to play some music. She put on Roxette's Don't Bore Us Get to the Chorus. And I squealed. We were both Roxette fans. I think we sang along and danced around a bit. And I remember Roxette as the band that was playing when I met one of my best friends Amber. We've been friends for 12 years now - giggling and drinking and talking loudly through the years. We've supported each other during some tough times. We chat to each other at work most days now, and we try to catch up as much as we can. I love being able to pick up where we left off.
Here we are last year, having lunch and drinks on the Queen's Birthday weekend.
The other relationship (or whatever it was) Roxette has shaped was the one with him. We only had a few bands in common, and thank goodness we did or I'd be listening to Megadeth for the duration of my stay. I knew some of their greatest hits, but he introduced me to some of their lesser known songs, which he preferred. Roxette playing when I physically fell for him, sitting in his room, drunk on moscato, the prospect of newness and the thrill of taking such a risk. He played this song, Crash Boom Bang, saying it's one of his favourites. I liked the ballad. I didn't take much notice of the lyrics until I lay in his arms, wondering if I could stop myself falling deeper. I realised this song was about this situation that was about to unfold and inevitably fall apart.
"My Papa told me to stay out of trouble "When you've found your man, make sure he's for real!".
I've learned that nothing really lasts forever I sleep with the scars I wear that won't heal They won't heal.
Cos every time I seem to fall in love Crash! Boom! Bang! I find the heart but then I hit the wall Crash! Boom! Bang! That's the call, that's the game and the pain stays the same.
I'm walking down this empty road to nowhere I pass by the houses and blocks I once knew.
My Mama told me not to mess with sorrow But I always did, and Lord, I still do I'm still breaking the rules I kick it up I kick it down.
Cos every time I seem to fall in love Crash! Boom! Bang! I find the heart but then I hit the wall Crash! Boom! Bang! That's my real middle-name It has always been the same That's the call, that's the game and the pain stays the same.
I still feel the heat Slowly fallin' from the sky And the taste of the kissing Shattered by rain Comin' tumblin' from behind And the wild holy war.
I kick it up I kick it down
And every time I seem to fall in love Crash! Boom! Bang! I find the roses dying on the floor Crash! Boom! Bang! That's the tall, that's the game and the pain stays the same That's my real middle-name It has always been the same.
Oh Yea Oh Yea Oh Yea Uh-huh Been the same, been the same It has always been the same."
The song played on our last night together. It was a nice night, but bittersweet because I knew I probably wouldn't spend any more time with him after he saw me off at the airport. And as I held him, I drummed my fingers on his skin to the beat of the song, thinking " Cos every time I seem to fall in love, Crash! Boom! Bang! I find the heart but then I hit the wall...". I was sad at the pattern, and the inevitable.
One of our last text conversations before he didn't need me anymore was about Roxette and what fans we both are. I didn't tell him the real reason the music means a lot to me.
As I wrote a few weeks ago, I'm doing ok. I think that if they play this song at the concert, it may be difficult. It will be like my last memento. I'll remember and I'll tear up and I'll smile that it happened. And then I might just let go.
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I am hoping to score a little interview for the blog, or at least a photo. Stay tuned!
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