Push Come to Shove

Life is short isn't it? You never quite know what will happen from one day to the next. Yesterday was troubling. I don't want to go into details, but I was clearly reminded about mortality and the fragility of human life. More importantly, I was reminded to live. You'll notice "live" is italicized for rhetorical emphasis. Remember, simply going through the motions isn't living - that is just existing. To live, we have to chase dreams, take risks, go our own way.

Those risks are not always easy and usually not popular.

I think musicians can teach us a lot about risk. I mean, who lives a more dangerous life than a rock musician? They leave their homes, their families, their jobs...to move across the country and chase a nearly unattainable dream.

Being a writer is nearly as unattainable. Sigh.

I guess that means I need to try a little harder. After all, everyone stared at Motley Crue the first few times they walked down the Sunset Strip in their leather pants and stacked hair. No one is staring now. These days, everyone wishes they had a quarter of Motley's success - both musically and financially.

Have you ever considered a world without Glam? I mean really consider this. What if the Sunset Strip scene never existed? What if there was no Motley Crue, W.A.S.P., RATT, Poison. Can you imagine? Those bands started because at least one person took a crazy risk. They refused to live their life the conventional way.

Sometimes I worry that I am never satisfied with the mundane because maybe I push myself too hard. Of course, if people didn't push themselves we wouldn't have the Internet, iTunes or commercial air travel.

It's sad that money seems to be the one issue that stands in the way of dreams. Let's say money is no object. I'll go one further: let's say you win the lottery today - and now you're an instant millionaire. Would you use that money to pursue a dream?

If I won the lottery today, I would quit my job to build a media empire. That empire would include a record label, magazine, an online presence (duh!) and maybe a cup cake shop. I could tell you more about the cup cakes...but then I would have to kill you.

So, time is up. Tell me your dream. I bet you a dollar to a cup cake, it's music related.

Since this is my website, I feel like posting some random videos that have nothing to do with today's topic. I just happen to be in a Bullet For My Valentine sort of mood.

Here's a clip of the song "Say Goodnight." It's on the new release Scream, Aim, Fire

Now, here's "Waking the Demon." This is another favorite.

Remember when I originally posted about Bullet's Glam roots? I used the song "Hearts Burst Into Fire" as my example. The band now has an official video to support that track. Watch it. Learn it. Love it.

Comments

[don]

i can sympathize with you allyso. only recently have i been writing lyrics with a friend and now we're starting to see them come to life with his band. iknow i have to further with writing than this but have been dragging my heels. life is too short and i need to seize the chance now and try. as long as you try, that's what's important. the rest is all gravy.

[Heather]

I have been thinking about some of the same things since the events of yesterday, and I also agree that we need to try harder to really live. I don't think money is the only thing that gets in the way.. I think sometimes fear plays a big part too. My goal is to try to get past the fear of trying new things. After all, failure is part of life, and I guess it's better to go out with no regrets.
As far as musical dreams.. aside from the elusive cupcakes, I would open glam clubs in as many cities as possible..and bring the joy of this music to younger audiences everywhere. They need to know what glam is all about.

[Joe]

Great article Allyson...It's great to see people believe in themself and go for what they believe in..Anyone ever see the Def Leppard movie "Hysteria?" Great movie..Well if you did..you all saw how Steve Clark's dad was..always putting him down and always having something negative to say..well I can relate to that..I have a dad like that..always chopping dowm y hopes and dreams..But guess what?..It always makes me stronger..Risks is what makes people sucessful =)

[red6ixx]

I agree completely- my dream would be to have my own live music venue - then i could book all the bands i like - if i had won the lotto then i wouldnt need to care about making money and would have great bands on all the time - alas being a single dad and not very well off i will just have to dream about it. But you are right - you do have to live - you have me thinking as to wether i am only existing - and i think i am - time for a change - cheers.

[Rhodeislandrock, Heavy Metal Addiction]

Great post Allyson, everyone should take the time to "stop and smaell the roses". My life is so routine and scheduled that I forget to do things that make life exciting. That's where Music comes in. A couple years ago, my brother-in-law was died in a freak accident during a training exercise, he was 30 yrs old. His death made me realize how short and precious Life really is.

I have always wanted to open my own record store. If I won a big Powerball jackpot, I would open my own record store. I would also drive across the country.

Steve
Heavy Metal Addiction
http://hardrockheavymetal.wordpress.com/

[fletch]

This is one reason why I HATE Pink Floyd! NO FLOYD, WE'RE NOT JUST "ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL". Never got it, never liked that attitude!

Instead, if you can hear me think, this is what I sing:

Keep Runnin' with the Devil and when you find the simple life, remember that it ain't so simple.

And when you get to the top, you gotta get out or just RUN BACK DOWN AGAIN!

And finally, "Only the bravest try, where eagles and angels dare to fly!"

Keep flying, Allyson!

fletch

[Hollpass]

Great reading first thing in the morning! I am glad to say that my dreams would absolutely include music - I would jump right in - by going to any city, anywhere, any time - that I want to enjoy my favorite bands FIRST CLASS! In fact - my BFF and I have decided that we would go on every stop of the Motley Tour if we won the lottery!

This past year I have gotten back "in touch" with my "glam" side after several years of hiatus! My BFF - reminded me of how much I love this music and we have made it our goal to enjoy and see at least one if not 10 concerts per month for 2008 -which appropriately started out with going on the Motley Cruise!!! I couldn't be happier! We are having the best time and living life to the fullest!!

I recently posted a picture of myself on my myspace which prompted a friend to ask "you look really great - have you had some "work" done???" I simply replied " No work...I am just F***IN' HAPPY!!!" It is amazing how great friends and great music can change everything!!!!!

Cheers to Rocklahoma and Motley Crue Touring this year I can't friggin wait!!!!

[Rob Rockitt, Hard Rock Hideout]

I hate following the same routine day to day. Rock shows are a great release from the mundane. I guess that is why I try to take in as many of them as possible.

If I won the lottery, I would follow my dream, and take the Hard Rock Hideout to the next level.

Rob Rockitt
Hard Rock Hideout
www.hardrockhideout.com

[Valentine]

Your articles are such a (much needed) breath of fresh air in this polluted world of nutswinging rock "journalism"... don't stop, ok?
Loved the article. Superb.

You hit it right on the head, Allyson. I know first hand what it's like to sell everything and move across country to follow your dream. Years after my time in the spotlight, there were times that I'd look at my former classmates or friends from high school and wish that I'd gotten that degree and become that pillar of society along with the rest of them so I'd have that house in the suburbs and decent money to show for it... But then I finally realized that I had dared to follow my dream and even if I didn't become a major league star, I still had my integrity and my love for music and I HAD had some of the best times ever. And really, what more could you hope for?
Now that I'm older, I have a lot of younger friends turn to me when they want to follow a dream - and usually it includes running to the other end of the country to "try to become a star"... and I tell them that it's not in the acheivement as much as it's in the DOING. Know what I mean?

I think everybody - including our favorite online journalis - should dare to dream. It's what makes life worth living.

Now. I figured out long ago what I'd do if I won the lottery and a big part of it is giving back. But, yeah, OFCOURSE I'd build my own in home studio and would record and release to the masses what I hear in my heart... And it would have some of the coolest special guests.

And I'd probably design and bankroll Bring Back Glam t shirts with a cupcake logo...

[Valentine]

Note: Journalist has a t.

[Christine]

Hey there,
I've been reading your blog for a while, but have never posted a comment...until now. You're so right about living life to the fullest and doing what you can to make your dreams come true. It's actually kind of weird how similar we are. I am obsessed with 80's bands. I too would sell my soul to the devil to become a respected music journalist. And I also have a fascination with cupcakes. :) If I won the lottery, I'd do all the same things that you would do (and try be responsible and pay off some bills). But until then, I just write in my blog as often as time permits, and try to be content with that until I hit the jackpot. I love your blog. I love your writing. I hope you continue to pursue your dreams. :)

[don]

actually fletch, i think you nead to read the lyrics to another brick in the wall. it's against just being another number or brick in the wall but that's how society (schools, etc )tries to make us think we are.

We don't need no education
We dont need no thought control
No dark sarcasm in the classroom
Teachers leave them kids alone
Hey! Teachers! Leave them kids alone!
All in all it's just another brick in the wall.
All in all you're just another brick in the wall.

We don't need no education
We dont need no thought control
No dark sarcasm in the classroom
Teachers leave them kids alone
Hey! Teachers! Leave them kids alone!
All in all it's just another brick in the wall.
All in all you're just another brick in the wall.

"Wrong, Do it again!"
"If you don't eat yer meat, you can't have any pudding. How can you
have any pudding if you don't eat yer meat?"
"You! Yes, you behind the bikesheds, stand still laddy!"

even with that, i've never really been into pink floyd.

[Tommy]

There is a woman I know very well that has lived her life mostly out of fear. In fact, there have been periods in her life that fear drove her out of her mind and into a hopsital. While I have no mental health issues, I do realize that I am very much like my mother.

As a kid growing up, I was shy and timid about nearly everything. I never talked much out of fear of looking stupid and the fear of being ridiculed. And then in my teenage years, I realized that if I remained fearful that if I died that people who knew me would have no idea who I was.

It is amazing how powerful fear can be. I am certain that many more innovations and success stories are abandoned over fear than lack of money. Stepping outside your comfort zone is one of the hardest things one has to do, but you can never step into your destiny if you stay within the walls that you've created for yourself. Speaking of Pink Floyd, we must "tear down the wall."

Rome was not built in a day, nor can life defined by one moment in time. We must continually take one step at a time, which is why I have enrolled in college once again. But do you know what drove me to go back to school? FEAR.

I feared the day a few decades from now when I'm old and grey and I would look back at my life. I did not want to regret not trying to chase after something that seemed much bigger than I was. If your dream can be achieved easily, then it is not big enough. Challenge yourself to do something that seems far beyond your abilities. I believe that we live up to expectations. I imagine that you will do things far above what you might have ever thought possible.

I'd like that cupcake now.

[Mrlee]

Cool article, i agree with somethings. I like your random rants on the site. I would say that risk was taken first by two bands, being Hanoi Rocks and Motley Crue, im sure you understand what i mean Allyson after all you most definately have access to more bands and information on the genre.

By the way, a little off topic mention....i thought this site was about bringing back glam and stuff, lately you seem to be giving alot of props and advertisements to metalcore acts, just seems a bit off the theme of your site :S

[aXe mAn]

My dream is to one day, start and host my own radio show dedicated to this kind of music. And if money wasn't a problem...Then I'd get all the nice equipment, and maybe start my own radio station with LIVE broadcasts...now that would be the dream.

[dirty angel]

amen on that i mean im still young but i get frustrated chasing it i mean my dream has always been to just play loud rude guitar....i remeber being in like 3rd grade sitting on the bus fantacizing about it......unfourtunetly all their is where i live is a indy scene......so when i hit 18 ima "move to the city" to the city where it all began lol

[Allyson]

Don - Keep writing. The lyrics will come and that sounds fun.

Heather - Cup cakes or not - we'll succeed. There is no other way.

Joe - Don't let anyone - even your family members - put you down. I know you want to form a new band. Go for it.

Red - Change is good. Keep us updated on your future plans.

Steve - I'm sorry to hear about your brother-in-law. Maybe someday you'll get that music store. I would shop there!

Fletch - Thanks for the lyrics. I always run with the devil!

Hollpass - Thanks for visiting. I was also on the Motley Cruise. What a great time! I agree live music is a great way to feel alive.

Rob - I know you and I have similar dreams. Perhaps we'll get there someday.

Valentine - You flatter me. I'm still amazed anyone wants to read my daily blathering. I was thinking about you while writing this piece. I know it must have been hard to pack up and go to California - but you formed TYR and you can remember that forever. I would be proud.

Christine - Thank you for the comment. I visited your blog today - I am going to link you.

Tom - Thank you for the post. I'm always excited when you visit here because I know this isn't your style of music. You always add a special insight. We've spoken about your schooling before - you will do fine.

Mr. Lee - I'm glad you like my rants. While I am 100% Glam, there are times when I like different genres of Metal. I'm sure you understand.

Axe Man - We've spoken about your potential radio career in the past. It might be hard to start your own station, but you can definitely study communications in college.

Dirty Angel - Seize your youth! Practice your guitar. You will get there.

---Allyson

[Blonde in Texas]

I love to write, do live music/nightclub photography, D.J., promote bands, and design clothing/jewelry. I would like to run my own little rock magazine someday as well (and sell cute glam/metal threads on the side?). I'm majoring in Mass Media, and I've been hanging out on tour buses since the wee age of 14, so it's not TOO far-fetched, is it? Maybe we should work on this together!

[mIkKi]

WOW!
I couldn't agree more. People are always worried about what others are going to say. Well I say FUCK EM'. I used to always listen to my controlling parents and always used to tell myself "What will my parents think of me?". Until one day I just woke up and said to myself "I'm never going to be 16 again", so I went and got my lip pierced and got a tattoo. Yeah my parents were pissed, but they got over it. And others should too. The only reason we have so many AMAZING musicians is because they took risks and divided themselves from the rest of the herd.The ones who follow routine and take life the way someone else spoon feeds it to them, are the accounts and store clerks. Shitty jobs, but somebody's got to do them.

Anyway, that was a badass article and I couldn't have put it into better words myself.

[Chessie]

Risk is one of those things. In fact, I'm getting ready to go out on a limb today. Say a happy prayer for me about 10 AM EST today 3/20...

But one of these days I am going to get my stories published. Just have to get the stars aligned right...

>^..^<