Experience(s) of a Lifetime

How do you define an experience of a lifetime?

I suppose there are different categories: weddings, births, landing a career- defining role. There are special events like proms and concerts. Sometimes "experience of a lifetime" is just a phrase. If you checked-in to Bring Back Glam! over the weekend, then you probably know that I was in Philadelphia to see George Michael. That concert was 13 years in the making for me - and yes, it was an experience of a lifetime.

You notice I didn't use the quantifier "the." After all, there is no way any of us can possibly know the single event that will define an entire lifetime. That's decided by someone else, much older, much wiser, much more important.

Thirteen years is a long time to wait for anything, let alone a concert.

My love for George Michael is pretty bizarre considering I spend 99% of my time listening to Glam or Metal. That other 1% is reserved for George. I don't like much pop music and I can't stand rap but I've listened to George for years and years. I can remember listening to his music while writing papers when I was an undergraduate. I did the same when I was a graduate student. I've listened to George through my headphones at each of my frustrating, "real-world" jobs.

Finally seeing George Michael in concert Saturday night was an experience of a lifetime - a truly magical experience. Perhaps one of the best concerts I've ever seen. I was actually *nervous * for George before the concert. Yes, I'm one of the few that still get a stomach flutter when the lights gown down and the band starts to play, signaling the start of the show. All those years of expectations are a lot for anyone to live up to - how could George be as good as I imagined? I don't have an answer, but he was - and that's the point. Sometimes, things we wait the better part of a lifetime for disappoint us - then, in rare instances, our expectations are met - and surpassed.

I love concerts where my expectations are exceeded. Quite frankly, it doesn't happen very often. Van Halen met (but did not exceed) my expectations on the recent reunion tour. Kix more than exceeded my expectations at Rocklahoma. I love that rare moment when the artist and crowd become one.

Now that I've achieved my goal of seeing George Michael in concert, I need to look ahead to other life experiences. Top of the list is (naturally) Sweden Rock Festival as well as catching AC/DC live. I imagine watching AC/DC live is sort of like talking directly into the ear of God - if she exists.

**Tell me: what is the longest you've waited to see an artist/band in concert?

Comments

[vince]

I waited for gnr in 9 years :)

[red6ixx]

i awaited what seemed like an eternity to see Motley crue - the first few tours were cancelled - allegedly 'snow on the roof' but we later found out Nikki 'died'.

Oh and Allyson AC/DC are amazing live the cannons are just so loud it hurts.

[Christian]

Well, a whole lot of bands I have loved since the 80s, I have only seen in the last few years. Motley, Kix, Ozzy, the list goes on.

I'm glad you had a great time at George. I have to say, AC/DC was my first concert, I was in the 8th row ( who made who tour ) and while it was a good night, I've seen far better shows since.

[Frank]

George Michael is a butt fucking fag, and do you ever stop talking about yourself on here? I thought this was a glam web page?

[red6ixx]

Looks like frankie boy got out of the bed on the wrong side this morning - or maybe he is just a little boy in a mood.

[Christine]

I had to wait about 14-15yrs to see Motley Crue. I was so excited. I can't even tell you what tour it was, but Tommy Lee was not playing drums. When they played Home Sweet Home (one of my most favorite songs of all time), I seriously shed a tear. I know that sounds silly, but to finally see my childhood heros live in concert was a huge deal for me. I probably waited about the same amount of time to see Def Leppard, and when I did see them, I was just as moved. When I was a kid, I made a list of things I had to do before I died...seeing Def Leppard live was one of them. :)

[Allyson B. Crawford]

Frank,

I was going to delete your post and then I realized that leaving it here would be best. People that leave comments judging a person's sexuality often means the accuser is uncomfortable with their own choices. Obviously, nothing is more personal in life than our sexual choices. Something so personal should be honored and respected. It always amazes me when Metal fans make such ignorant comments like Frank. "George Michael is a butt fucking fag" (and I quote direct there) but then have no problem with the fact that Rob Halford is gay. Hell, most don't even care Freddie Mercury was gay. How is that fair? What's good for the goose should be good for the gander, but it's not - never was in Metal.

I will not tolerate attacks on a person's sexual choices, religion, race or gender. If such comments continue, I'll ban the offender and if that doesn't work - then Bring Back Glam! is done.

I've marched on Washington for equality of choice, women's rights and sexual freedom. So help me if I ever turn my back on my principles because some "so-called" music fans are offended.

Also, if Frank thinks I talk about myself a lot now...get ready. I'm about to ramp it up.

Allyson

[Damnp78]

20 years for Iron Maiden... and they were as good as I've ever expected.

[MotleyCrue666]

To see Motley Crue live would be mine. I'm still waiting but with Buckcherry would make it even better.

[Frank]

So I find fags offensive like you find God and Republicans offensive,like YOU just an opinion, your point?

[Frank]

Longest I ever waited to see a band is 16 years...Because Peter Criss left in 1980 so that broke up the original band of Kiss..Then Ace left shortly after...So not until 1996 when they reunited I had the chance to see the original Kiss...Glad you had a great time at the George Michael show and in Philly Allyson =)

[Allyson B. Crawford]

Frank,

If you're going to say something about me, you better have your facts straight. I don't find either Republicans or God offensive.

Also, there's a difference between opinion and ignorance. I'm a proud liberal, but you better be damn well certain I know and understand conservative issues.

You're forgetting that this is my website and I make the rules. The only rule is against intolerance. If you don't like George Michael's music, that's fine. There are plenty of artists I despise. When you attack someone's personal choices - that is the problem. So, either keep intolerant opinions to yourself, or don't read Bring Back Glam! It's that simple. I'm sure you have an account over at Metal Sludge. Feel free to post whatever you want there. I don't tolerate hate. If you want to stay and talk about music, you are more than welcome.

By the way, this is my last response to the issue but I hope everyone now knows how strongly I feel about all of this. To reiterate:

You post hate - you get banned.

If the website turns to complete hate mongering, comments are turned off. If that doesn't work, I cancel the domain. Simple as that.

No one - not even my own husband - has any idea how much time and effort I put into this website. I have immense pride in authorship and will not have my name and reputation drug through the mud by hate.

-- Allyson

[Joe]

This really makes me sick...I just noticed someone is trying to type in here like me and try to make me look like I'm harassing this site...First off "Frank" I think I know you are and don't use this great site to harass me..Take it out on me..Don't ruin Allyson's site because you don't like me...Funny thing is I saw Kiss in 78 on the Destroyer tour and also 1980 on the Dynasty tour...So you're wrong...Nice try =)

[George]

I have to admit I'm surprised how well George Michael's tour is doing. I didn't think he could still pull of arena-size venues, but I guess I was wrong. He got a great review when he came to the Twin Cities earlier this month. You know, I can see how someone who likes glam might like him. He did do an ep of Queen covers, didn't he? Plus he was heavily involved with the Freddy Mercury tribute concert. I always find it funny that some metal fans are so put off by those who aren't hetero. Have you ever looked at many of our glam heroes? Even if they're straight, they wear a lot of makeup and wear very tight clothing. Like you say Ally, if that's someone's opinion fine, but there's no need for hate.

[George]

Another thought...it would be a shame if one person ruined this great website for everyone. One of the things I love about this site is the thoughtful comments section. Even if someone doesn't like a particular band, they are usually very cordial. It only takes one person to ruin things, but we have so many cool people here who are respectful of each other and just enjoy talking about a style of music we all love. You do an awesome job on this site and I for one love the fact that you'll throw in some George Michael or something from time to time. I certainly don't listen to glam only. I've been known to throw on some Lionel Richie or something that far removed from glam from time to time (and I did wait many years to see ole' Lionel in cocert too!). Well, I guess I've said enough for one day! :)

[Heather]

George Michael was definitely an experience of a lifetime. I'm so glad Allyson talked me into going on this trip. It would have been a shame to have missed out.
Also Allyson, good for you for standing up for what you believe in! I know you put blood, sweat and tears into this website for all of us, and I find it infuriating that someone would use BBG to spout hatred and intolerance.

[aXe mAn]

I totally agree with you Allyson. But don't stop with this site, you are a fantastic writer, and you do such a great job. I enjoy this site usually on a daily basis.

[Christian]

*sigh* for starters, no-one CHOOSES to be gay. It's a brain chemistry thing. How can you hate someone for something they have no control over ? I assume people who are homophobic feel threatened in their own sexuality, perhaps they are actually bi or gay and having trouble dealing with it ?

I'm glad that Allyson didn't delete the post tho, it's better to have this sort of ignorance in the open, where it can be discussed. And while I don't own any George Michael, I do think he is a talented guy and it's a shame that his career is being overshadowed by his sexuality. If he was meeting a playboy model in a toilet for sex, Frank would be cheering his name.

And, it's inevitable that Allyson is writing about the music she loves. We're along for the ride. She likes some black metal, which makes her more diverse in her tastes than most people here ( if you add George to the mix ). I like that, I've found a lot of great bands through reading this blog. I don't expect to always agree with her, that doesn't mean I have the right to disrespect her opinions, or tell her what to write ( although I've asked her more than once to write about Accept.... ).

[Valentine]

Gee, Frank, you're an asshole.
And a stupid, bigoted asshole to boot.
Wow. Too bad you have spell check or we could add illiterate and have a trifecta of douchebaggery.

Now you go out and have a GREAT day, 'k?

[Valentine]

"Gay basher"???!!?

Hahahahaahaha!!!!
Now THAT'S original.
(By the way, your caps lock is on. Thought you might like to know.)

Go away. Don't you have a video game to play or something?