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!
Kings of Leon Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne 13 November 2011
The Kings of Leon Come Around Sundown tour has been a long time coming -
with a postponement due to drummer Nathan Followill's broken arm and
the band's future in doubt due to tensions within mid year. But the band
came around (at sundown, on a balmy Melbourne night) and didn't
disappoint - providing a range of their old and newest catalogue of
songs.
As Caleb Followill wore the cross around his neck - homage to
his religious roots, his fans looked to him as their deity. Girls
screaming and shouting 'I love you' and guys rocking out, bromance
style. It's what we've been waiting for. The Followill Boys - Caleb,
Jared, Nathan and Mathew.
There'd been reports from concerts on this tour that the Kings had turned mediocre in their maturity, playing more stadium rock than the sweaty indie style of their youth. The crowd at Rod Laver didn't seem to think so - getting hot and sweaty to the fast songs, and swaying their arms to the anthems. I think there was something for every fan, no matter when they first became a fan of Kings of Leon. Caleb's trademark mumbly, gravelly voice still reigned.
The show opened with Radioactive - energetic and powerful, though I'd love to have seen it with the beautiful gospel backing vocals like on the album version. Band, take note for next tour. Other stand outs were Taperjean Girl, fuzzy vocaled My Party - the girls on their boyfriends' shoulders behind me were going wild, Fans (my favourite), Crawl, the singalong On Call, Knocked Up and Black Thumbnail.
In terms of a performance, Kings of Leon is more musical than showy. Sure, there was the obligatory light show and stage projections (and the concert even ended with some pyrotechnics - which set off my asthma!), but the band aren't known for moving far from their positions on stage or talking to the audience. They simply play to us, with a few bits of 'chat' thrown out between songs. But they enjoy it, it seems, feeding off our energy and giving off lots of smiles. As Caleb said, 'the more you give us, the more we'll give to you'.
This was the first concert I've ever been more excited about what was happening off stage than on, due to the crew taking a shine to me and showering me with gifts, and so I didn't observe every moment had by the band. But I did see Nathan's excellent coordination of providing backing vocals while drumming and blowing bubbles. And Mathew's guitar fellatio during Closer was broadcast on the big screens - his lipwork on the guitar indicated he may be ...er... good at the real thing.
Dave, head of Kings of Leon security left me a message on my previous blog entry about this concert:
"Hi Carly ,my name is Dave and im the Head of security for KOL ,thank you
for you lovely comments and e-mail . The band love their fans and
especially those who come and rock there socks off ,they feed off that
energy and you gave them plenty ,all done with a fabulous smile .Keep it
up lady youre awesome "
I think, from the band's performance and the great treatment I received from their crew, I came out of the concert feeling like a bigger fan of Kings of Leon. I feel incredibly lucky. The concert was worth the wait.
(Sorry for the limited photos - I was actually having too good a time to stop to take many photos!)
"Make
me feel like I'm the one who moves you, The
only one you see" ~ Fans - Kings of Leon
After I wrote the review of the Sydney Darren Hayes concert,
and emotionally expressed my joy in meeting him, I received a comment
from an anonymous reader expressing concern for my emotional wellbeing. Here
is the original comment:
“I
enjoy reading your blog Carly... But this is an interesting read. I
know you find comfort in Darren's lyrics and music however I feel
that you are in a little too deep here... I feel that you are
slightly obsessive and almost 'drowning' in what he gives to you. The
fact that he is a gay man makes this 'relationship' you feel you have
with him even more uncomfortable to read at times :)”
After
a number of people went in to bat for me (thank you everyone) the
anonymous reader replied:
“I'm
quite happy to read your opinions on my original post and please let
me clarify that I was not alluding to the fact that Carly's love for
Darren can not be reciprocated in a traditional sense. I perfectly
and honestly respect the love you have for him as a musician... I too
believe that he is freakishly talented and I enjoy his lyrics too. My
concern and question stems from the fact that Carly has obviously had
heartbreak, distress and upheaval relating to her personal
relationships and she is very open in discussing this. My post came
from a place of concern for her emotional well-being. l just think
the level of adoration she has for Darren is somewhat concerning...
Gay or not gay has nothing to do with it. I'm only posting anon as I
don't have any other sign ins.”
I
also replied to the comments, ending with:
“Let
me have this happiness without criticism or condescension. Maybe one
day you'll experience the joys of being a fan too.”
While I wasn't upset by the comments made, I was disappointed that I was criticised for taking joy in meeting my idol and expressing how much he and his music means to me, after having such a shit time recently. Last week was truly the start of me getting back on track and feeling like the old Carly again.And that feels great.
And
today I want to tell you about the joy I get from being a fan. Of
Savage Garden and Darren Hayes more specifically. Laugh. Diagnose me
with some sort of obsession. But also take the time to realise how
the music moves me. It really does. And music and fanship moves other
people too. I've got some friends' comments about being a fan too.
Here goes.
I
can recall the very moment I became a fan of Savage Garden. It was
August 1996 and I was watching Rage. I saw Darren Hayes on the back
of a truck on a Brisbane highway – reddish long hair, sounding a bit
like Roxette. Daniel Jones, also on the back of the truck, was
playing a guitar. The song was catchy, they band was cute. It was the I Want You video clip. “I am
going to be a fan of everything this band does” I told myself. In
September 1996 I went to Geelong on a family holiday with a friend. I
remember buying the blue I Want You CD single, the one with the
garden gnome on it, in a cardboard case that pulled out like a
drawer. At the end of that year, I wished I had spent my $5 pocket
money a few weeks before on a much coveted red version of the CD
single, with a rare b-side. About three years later, a penpal sent me
a signed red I Want You CD. Rare. And in November 1996, I remember
seeing To the Moon and Back on Hey Hey It's Saturday. The song
confirmed Savage Garden would be the band of my life. I bought that
CD single too, and every single and album after, even the rare ones
from overseas. I think I have around 80 Savage Garden and Darren
Hayes CDs. I know people who have more. When my parents' house was
under threat by bushfires, Mum asked me if there was anything I'd
like saved. “My tower of Savage Garden CDs”, I told her.
Since
I became a fan of Savage Garden, and continuing on with Darren Hayes,
I've amassed a lot of stuff. Articles, CDs. Posters. Setlists.
Merchandise. And memories. Memories are the most precious. I can
recall all the concerts I've been to – even what I wore to the
Savage Garden one in 1997. And I remember the moments that I've met
Darren (I haven't met Daniel).
People
laugh at me, and are also critical. Even I take the piss out of this
particular love of mine sometimes. But I am a proud, dedicated and
committed fan. Why am I a fan? And why Savage Garden and Darren
Hayes?
When I was younger, I think it was an obsession. I couldn't
stop thinking about how hot Darren was. I'd be inspired by his
lyrics. My friends and I would analyse his interviews so much, and
dream of what it'd be like to marry him. He had not yet come out. 15
years after I became a fan, my fanship is more realistic and mature.
I don't want to marry him. I still think he's incredibly attractive.
But my love goes deeper than the superficial. The music gives me
incredible joy. It takes me back to a place when my life was simpler
– before adulthood, but also provides hope for each day too. It's
Darren's lyrics, perspective and experiences that I can relate to,
and as he's grown. I've grown too. As I've matured, I've taken some
solace (and sadness) knowing that some of the very things I've
experienced (isolation, bullying, difference) are some of the things
Darren's experienced too.
(If you look closely you can see me in the background. Darren took my camera and took this photo himself!)
I
think Savage Garden and Darren Hayes helped to shape my identity. The
music gave me something to believe in. It was there through my
headphones when I've had needles, and posters on my wall when I've
been sick in bed. I made many friends because of my fanship –
penpals and face to face friends. I'm still friends with many of
these people today. And just last week, at the Darren Hayes concert
in Melbourne, I befriended a girl who was also there by herself. She
read my review and couldn't believe how much she could relate to the
way I feel as a fan.
The music has also been a friend – for during
the many times I've felt lonely or rejected or love-lost, or even so
overwhelmed with love, I can immerse myself in it and it's like
receiving a reassuring and loving hug. However, despite me and my
fanship maturing, I can still be reduced to a puddle of tears (rather
than screaming with awe) when faced with Darren Hayes in person.
The
thrill of being a fan is what brings joy too. The race to stand at
the front of the stage (and the standing that often accompanies it).
The breath held as he walks out on stage. The rush through my veins
as he sings live. The special moments when he's looked at me during a
concert – and the kisses and hugs he's given me from the stage. And
the wait outside the venue, hoping to meet him. And when the meet
happens – wow. The shaking and immense happiness afterward.
Darren Hayes is a fan too. He's spoke at length about being a fan of Michael Jackson (and was very affected by his death - to the point of writing Glorious about Michael), Bono and Madonna. He has mentioned the excitement when he's met his idols, and his experience seems very similar to mine.
It's
not only Savage Garden and Darren Hayes that I am a fan of. I love so
many other bands, though not to the extent of getting super
knowledgable about them. Probably the closest would be Angus and
Julia Stone, Bob Evans and Genevieve Maynard. Back when I was young
(and possibly dumb in one case) I was a super fan of Southern Sons
(it was the long haired boys that caught my eye) and then cricketer
Shane Warne (the dumb phase for me, pre-text messaging phase for
him). I must say, I liked the look of Warnie when he looked more
natural – bleached hair and tubby. I've actually met some wonderful
friends through being a fan of other bands – Bob Evans in
particular (I've met some great girls out at his gigs and online),
and even become an online friend of one of my favourites –
Genevieve Maynard. Genevieve has commented on some of my blog entries and has told me she's a fan of me too! And this means so very much, being a fan of her!
My
Dad is a huge fan too. I think I get my dedication to the cause from
him. He loves Liverpool Football Club, and I have not known him to
miss a game. Before Albury received SBS on TV, we'd travel to
Melbourne to watch big games. He'd listen in for the football scores
on his shortwave radio at 7.55 am every night. Now he uses the
internet to find the scores, and watches most games live on pay TV.
It was Dad who encouraged me to go see Savage Garden live when I was
15 – I thought the idea of going to a live concert in Melbourne was
pretty out there, but I am so glad I did.When Savage Garden broke up,
a Brisbane radio station dedicated an hour of airtime to them. At
this time, we only had dial-up internet so streaming radio stations
online was a very slow option. So Dad encouraged me to call the
Brisbane radio station and ask to be put on hold, so I could listen
to the tribute. I did. Dad encouraged me to call the radio station,
because that's what he'd do to hear information about Liverpool, back
in his youth.
Before
I was born, and when I was very young, Dad was out of work for some
time. He used to do a program on community radio. This radio show
saw him wrongly pronounce INXS as 'inksess'. He is not from
Australia. Anyway, Dad was telling me about a man who also used to
have a show on the same community radio station. This man was so
committed to his passion he'd source rare music from rare record
shops in Melbourne, and play the types of music he truly loved –
cutting edge punk in the early 80s. He'd do fill in shifts. He loved
his music, and he was dedicated to the cause. I admire that
commitment and passion. I think it can give people something to live for.
So
that's my story. I could write forever about being a fan. As mentioned above, I've got some more stories from
friends about their fanship.When I read Edenland's blog about meeting Bono, I cried. Not because I am a huge fan of Bono, but because I could relate to the joy, and was so happy she got to meet her idol. I love reading/hearing other fan-meets-idol moments.
This one is my favourite, from Carmen,
who I met at Bob Evans last year. She's a fan of Josh Pyke, and when
I read on her Facebook that she met him, I was so excited for her, as
I know what a great feeling it is to meet an idol.
“I
am a fan of Josh Pyke. Haha. I love his music more than any other and
it satisfies me in some way I cannot define.
It was like it was
familiar to me even before I had ever heard it. A big part of it is
that it provides me with an escape from the mundane and his voice &
lyrics comfort me. I know that would probably sound ridiculous to a
non fan.
He has songs that suit my best and worst days. Seeing him
live is the ultimate and the times I have met him are like treasures
I carry in my heart. I know it's soppy but if I can't say it here
where can I?
I also like the thrill of the hunt in finding him
after a show and talking to him, it is never easy. I am very shy and
it takes a lot for me to approach him but I do it as the rewards are
great. If I didn't find him to be as warm and sweet as I have
done, he wouldn't be quite as special to me as he is.
I certainly
don't think I am lacking anything in my life. My love for Josh is
just an added extra.
Social media has had a big impact (mainly
Twitter for me) as it has provided me with direct contact with him.
I
could really relate to your latest Darren story as last time I met
Josh he held out both his arms to me and pulled me in close and
cuddled me. It was one of the best moments of my life. You have to be
a fan to understand the thrill of that. It has nothing to do with him
being 'known'. It is just him. Sorry if I sould completely mad, just
had to get it out!”
Dane,
a guy I work with, loves musicals.
“I've had
people comment that I'm crazy for seeing musicals all the time. If
someone finds solace, comfort or escapism in someone's art, talent or
interactions - no matter how deeply they feel it - it shouldn't be
denied”.
Ellie
K loves Bob Evans. Lucky Elly gets to have him sing at her house!
“You
will not be surprised to hear that I am a Bob
Evans fan. I became a groupie at the ripe old age of 35! His
music simply makes my life better. I can't explain it and people
think I'm nutso but I don't care. There is just something about his
music that satisfies my soul. I enjoy being enthusiastic and
passionate about something so joyful. And my friends get pleasure and
amusement from my joy. I had an amazing response of support (both
financial and emotional) when I bid for Bob in the EMI auction. And
because of them I won! In 15 days he will be in my house...And as an
added bonus, through my fandom I have met some gorgeous fellow fans
on-line including your lovely self.”
"For
me, I grew up with Australian and New Zealand Rock, I really love the
songwriting of Richard Clapton and Tim Finn. To me they represent a
time when I was a young tacker growing up in the late 70's into the
80's so add in there Split Enz. Noel Crombie from the band also
designed and sewed their costumes, creativity like that I regard
highly. I also really love the late 70's to early 80's underground
British music - Simple Minds and anything experimental. Also punk but
more The Clash style than Sex Pistols.
Moving into the 90's, I
took a liking to a band from Sydney called 'The Clouds', Jodi Phillis
and Patricia Young were a great songwriting combination and they
played my hometown of Hobart on Hobart's second warmest day recorded
at 40.8 degrees in December 1994.
Also Nirvana, I loved the
fact that they totally transformed the music scene in 6 months then
moving onto 'Foo Fighters'. I probably don't say I'm a fan of anyone
too much but Dave Grohl for me is a total legend!”
And
I think this is something that sums it all up for me. Tim, from the
Stibbard-Me-Timbers Radio Show said:
“David Francey, he's a true
folk singer and very creative, he worked in construction for years
then developed a career in music. Sings about working class, poverty,
cause he has been there and done it. His songs have timeless
youngness about them. I can kind of relate or at least dream that I
can inspire somebody in the same way, I think that what makes you
like someone. If they write the song you feel you should've written
or want to sing”.
I
feel exactly that about Darren Hayes. He writes the songs I feel I
should have written or want to sing. Especially this song. The Siren's Call. I recorded it in Sydney.
Who are you a fan of? And what joy does being a fan bring for you?
So I had another blog entry scheduled for this morning, but in my excitement, I need to tell you this story. It is A funny (and special) story about the Kings of Leon Melbourne concert (and their crew). It's not really a review. One will come.
I went to the Kings of Leon gig at Rod Laver Arena last night. I went on my own, so it simply wasn't safe enough to be in the middle of the mosh. But then, I want to be able to see the band on stage, and being five foot one, it's difficult standing any further than three rows back. So I positioned myself in a safe spot with good airflow on the left side of the stage, in the front row against the barrier. I was the last person in the front row.
Before the show, I figured out this side of the stage was near the backstage section. There were lots of security guards and official VIPs standing around and going through a door. At one point, the door was open enough to see Jared Followill putting his jacket on, and Caleb Followill's red check shirt.
So I was dancing and singing my heart out to Closer, when a VIP with a lanyard walked out of the audience, and came back in to slip me a signed guitar pick! That was pretty cool. I had a look at his lanyard, and thanked him. Turns out, he is Doug Chabbott, Jared Followill's bestie, according to google.
Then, a burly yet friendly crew man with a headset tapped me on the arm after Fans and slipped me another guitar pick! This one is a bit worn, maybe just used.
I have a guitar, should I start playing it?
A bit later, the same crew member walked by and I smiled at me. He went up to the side part of the stage and came back down with a drum stick. He gave this to me too! All these instrument tools! He told me the drum stick was from Nathan Followill's stash on stage.
The show went on, I was really enjoying it! The band played well and there was a lot of energy in the audience. I was especially pleased for the amount of songs played from Because of the Times.
Another crew member gave two setlists and a guitar pick to a very excited girl on the balcony who was cheering the whole time. She was so overwhelmed and happy she cried!! It was a lovely gesture to see.
The show ended and I stood waiting to go out. Doug Chabbott smiled at me telling me I did pretty well during the night! Another crew man gave me another drum stick. So that's two drum sticks and two guitar picks.
And as I was getting ready to go out, a ruffled mohawk guy walked off stage, gave me a setlist, and said in his gorgeous American accent, "thanks for coming out tonight".
It was so lovely to be treated special by the crew. Really nice guys! And I couldn't figure out why I was getting such special treatment. I showed no boob, and was really just having a good time!
Now, if only I got a member of the band, I'll be set!!
Thanks Kings of Leon crew for making my night! This has certainly been a great fortnight of music!!
Tomorrow night I am going to see Kings of Leon. It seems ages ago since I bought the ticket, and they postponed, so my excitement has sort of waned. But this week I've been listening to their music on my iPod while doing admin stuff at work. I love Caleb's gravelly voice. And even though I love their old stuff better than their new stuff (especially Because of the Times), I love the sexiness of this song.
Manhattan's the music I've been missing. I hope my time in Manhattan,
New York is as hot as this song. Caleb Followill is hot damn sexy.
If I get close enough to the stage (I have a standing ticket, but am going alone so I don't feel safe enough to be in the mosh like last time) I will take some photos, and I'll try to do a review for the blog. :)
I voted for Triple J's Hottest 100 again. It was a tough choice, and had to leave out a few of my favourites to get to my top 10.
I wanted a top 25 - with more Angus and Julia Stone and Washington, Sia, Sparkadia, Sarah Blasko, Boy and Bear, Pendulum (ABC theme), Sally Seltman, Kimbra, John Steele Singers and Gypsy and the Cat.
My top 10 - comprises mostly Australian artists:
Angus And Julia Stone - For You Angus And Julia Stone - Hold On Basement Birds - Bus Stop Birds Of Tokyo - Plans Gyroscope - Baby, I'm Getting Better Kings Of Leon - The End Little Red - Rock It Paul Kelly/Angus Stone - Four Seasons In One Day Washington - Sunday Best Wombats, The - Tokyo (Vampires and Wolves)
I've technically got four Angus and/or Julia Stone songs in my list.
I love Australian music!
My picks for number one are Washington's Sunday Best, Angus and Julia Stone's Big Jet Plane or Sia's Clap Your Hands. I know I didn't vote for two of those songs, but as I said, the choice was tough.
I am really sore. On my legs. Like hospital sore. I went home from work early, sick. My manager asked if there is anything she could to to help me. 'Stand for me', I suggested. So, so sore. It's thumping and stinging and burning all at once. I've also had to postpone a catch up dinner with a friend tonight so I can have a salt and oil bath and rest up. I want and need to be well for U2 and my birthday party on the weekend.
My shower needs replacing. I may be without a shower for two weeks. It is a medical need that I have a shower at least twice a day. A bath in the morning doesn't cut it. If I don't have a shower there is a risk of infection. Plus I don't wake up looking like you usually see me on this blog and in person.
I literally have to put my face on. I have to wash off the old skin to make way for the new. On a bad day, I wake up looking a like Freddy Kruger. On a good day, I wake up dry, scaly and scrunchy-eyed/faced. I don't let many people see me before my shower in the morning - I have to really love and trust them. So it's imperative I have a shower to start the day. Fortunately I have a very good friend nearby who is kindly letting me use her shower as much as I need to while mine is out of order. I hate to be a burden though. I think the thought of the shower situation is stressing me out and making my skin sore. Ironically, this sore skin on my legs requires a bath.
Glum, glum, glum.
On the upside, and there is always an upside...
The shower and tiles have been pulled out today. It's actually not as bad as I imagined.
I really love the outfit I wore today, despite how sore I am. This humidity is making my hair nicely curled too.
The photo was taken in the chemist when I picked up my cream (Vaseline) and some much needed Panadol. The girls in my chemist always make me laugh no matter how sore I am. There is three kilos of Vaseline in this box. I lather myself in it. It's not as sexy as it sounds. But come hither, boys...
I wrote an article on surviving the party season. It was published on DiVine. You can read it here. I think it's one of my more fun pieces.
I'll be featured on 3CR radio tomorrow talking about dating.
Tomorrow the ABC's Ramp Up website is launched. It will feature one of my articles. To see my writing in print on the ABC will be one of my proudest moments. Like their (previous?) slogan 'it's your ABC', a small part of it is now my ABC.
I got a standing room ticket to the Kings of Leon concert for March 2011 too. Hurrah!
As Kings of Leon sing, 'the rainy days ain't so bad when you're the king'. Today is a rainy day for me, literally (it's been raining sideways in Melbourne!) and metaphorically. But there continues to be good things happening which outshine the bad.
One thing I am looking forward to this summer is the live music I will be seeing. Granted, most of it takes place in the first half of December though.
My summer of live music starts on Friday 3 December with U2. I have seen U2 in 2006 - admittedly, I was quite disappointed because I'd probably built them up to be more fantastic in my mind. I really love everything they've released until and including All That You Can't Leave Behind, and nothing since. I bought a $40 ticket, so I'll be sitting up in the sky. I knew if I didn't buy a ticket, I'd be disappointed for not going. Other than Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses, I think this song is my favourite by U2.
The next concert I am seeing is Bon Jovi on Saturday 11 December. I am going with the beautiful Cheryl from Business Chic. I am really excited about letting my inner bogan rock out. There are a few Bon Jovi songs I am fond of, including this one.
In These Arms is from the Keep the Faith album. Keep the Faith was the second CD I ever received, for my twelfth birthday in 1993. The first CD I received was Janet by Janet Jackson, along with my large boombox CD player just before my birthday.
Jon Bon Jovi is as hot now in 2010 as he was in 1993.
So many concerts that I found it hard to schedule in my birthday party. I am having two - a dinner this Saturday night and drinks on Friday 10 December.
After Bon Jovi is Muse, on 15 December, right after a Christmas party. I bought tickets on impulse, on a whim, because I really enjoyed Muse's concert on DVD - I watched it three times in three days recently - and the tickets were cheap affordable. I read a recent article about Muse, and I think it's pretty cool Matt Bellamy had the dream to become a superstar and now he has. I don't know many of their songs, but I know that I love Time is Running Out more than their more recent stuff. It was the song that made me discover them. And I also saw them at the Big Day Out in 2004.
The last big concert I have a ticket to is Sia. I have really taken notice of Sia since We Are Born was released earlier this year. She has an interesting sound. The concert is not til February so it gives me a chance to acquaint myself with more of her music.
I think she's interestingly beautiful, and has a pretty brilliant (and eccentric) imagination.
The last concert I am looking forward to is Kings of Leon in March 2011. I really hope to get tickets to it, despite my rather unfavourable review of their current album. Fingers crossed I get tickets! I can't wait to see them play their old stuff...
I am sure there will be more smaller shows I'll see too.
Caleb Followill = HOT. His voice. His beard. His body.
Kings of Leon have a new song - Radioactive. I am enjoying this song a lot, and tonight is the first time I have seen its video clip, and I love it too!
I like the gospel choir in the background. Though I hate summer, this clip makes me want to frolic in the evening sun in a flimsy dress sipping cocktails.
Come Around Sundown is out on 16 October. I am excited!
Being a very dedicated fan of certain celebrities (actors and musicians) myself, I have seen my fair share of fanatics. I admit, I have been a screamer at times. I have screamed when I saw Darren Hayes enter a concert venue (he commented on my screaming!). I have waited many cold hours outside many venues to meet him. I once told other fans that I deserve to be at the front of the queue because I sat in the cold for six hours to meet him, and they had only been there for 10 minutes!
I love the way our idols can bring us together. I have developed close friends with several people because of our mutual love for Darren Hayes and Callan Mulvey. It's nice to belong to a community – I love discussing minute details of albums, TV episodes, photo shoots and interviews with others that also love my idol. And it's great to be at a concert with other fans. You share something really special, like in the clip of live music above. (Fans is one of my favourite Kings of Leon songs.) There is such a rush being in the crowd enjoying and singing along to the music. (My experience at the Kings of Leon concert was mostly amazing - it was marred by a drugged fan who hit people in the crowd and pushed my friend.)
I love it when your idol acknowledges you in some way. It's such a privilege.
But belonging to a fan community is also quite unnerving. Maybe I have been one of those fanatics that I don't appreciate. But I don't think I have treated anyone badly because of my fandom. I have always shown respect to my idols and to those around me.
People will do anything to get close to their idol. Anything.
I have seen many nasty fans with no regard for others. Many fans are fraught with jealousy.I have been yelled at by an obsessed fan because things didn't go her way. My photo of a celebrity and I was used by someone else, and I was cut out of it! I have been asked to do ridiculous favours by fans so they can get close to their idol. (I have, however, secured autographs for true friends.)
I received four messages of abuse on my Facebook page after I announced I won tickets to the Rush premiere. I was told I was undeserving because I went last year and because I've already met Callan Mulvey. This fan was never a friend. Just found me through my blog, or a page I've 'liked', I guess. Needless to say, this fan has been deleted from my friends list. While I appreciate they were upset for not winning the competition (I would be too), it gives them no right to be nasty.
It's all a bit ridiculous. I am going to go to the premiere tomorrow night, with my friends, and enjoy it. Not going to do anything to please others.
I have learnt in recent years never to jeopardise the relationship you have or may have with an idol. And also never to idolise someone to the extreme that you will be disappointed.
