For nearly all six decades on this planet, I have loved music. It’s always been in my midst, more so even than television growing up. Having been raised in a dual small business family, there was always music playing in either the furniture showroom or one of my mother’s preschools.
My first exposure to live music was at age 12 (1973) in the basement of the neighbor’s house on 234th Place in Des Moines, Washington. I quickly learned that hanging out with guys a few years older had tangible benefits. With Eric on lead guitar, Wayne on bass, John providing rhythm guitar, and Dean on drums, I was just sure I could find a role in this Beatles loving band. Although I never scored that chance to be a backup singer or harmonica player, I did succeed as a roadie, moving amps, guitar cases and drum pieces from house to house in a modified oversized wagon.
“There are places I’ll remember
~ The Beatles (1965)
All my life, though some have changed”
If there’s one thing that affected my hearing health as a youth, it was sitting in the corner of a basement bedroom with too many amplified decibels and no regard for ear protection. Those early days led to a greater curiosity about live music, and I longed to attend my first concert. In the summer of 1975, in a moment of lax judgement, my mom said yes to a concert ticket with my friend for a day long stadium rock show to include Bauman Turner Overdrive, J Giles Band, and some up and comer named Bob Seger. At 14, I saw and did somethings that day…
“I tried everything in my life
~ Lynyrd Skynyrd (1977)
Things I like I try ’em twice.”
That first live music experience set off a lifetime of deep appreciation for singer songwriters and all that play in their support. I’ve never lost that fantasy of being on stage. Repeated attempts, of varying degrees of success learning keyboards have each concluded a slight lack of discipline when it comes to practicing every day. So, for now I’ll settle for that dream that won’t escape me.
I’m convinced people who love writing, composing, playing or simply listening to music aren’t stuck in one genre. I’d like to think my own palette is made of several time signatures. I was that 17-year-old kid listening to REO Speedwagon’s Take it on the Run and George Benson’ Breezin, back-to-back.
The magic differentiator: Live Performances with friends and those who equally loved a particular act. Live music is a rare unifier. We may be ideologically different in some big way but when Chicago, Counting Crows, or Dave Grusin takes the stage, we are brethren in our love for music, especially live music.
“Must have been a dream
~ Peter Frampton (1977)
I don’t believe where I’ve been”
Five years ago, Jill and I helped a small gathering of compassionate attendees contribute to a cancer research fund at an annual Pie Party in Seattle. This is not your normal charity event, nor was it our first time at this February get together. Everyone either brings a pie or pays an admission fee. The entertainment is provided by a dozen different artists of all abilities and the unspoken rule is your two-song performance must include the word, Pie. A dozen years back, our now nearly 18-year-old daughter Daniela was given the opportunity to perform a piano song about a duck and a pie in front of all 250 in the room. A proud moment for the Dad typing this story.
An opportunity from that Pie Party came a few days after that wasn’t expected. As the crowd was made up of music (and pie) lovers, unbeknownst to me, a few international band tour managers also attended the Pie Party. Because the Emerald City is a town of prominence in the music world, those who support/represent these major acts live in Seattle when not on the road.
One of those band tour managers was from Coldplay. In exchange for our support, a pair of band tickets to the 2018 upcoming Lumen Field Coldplay show would be waiting at the band/guest entrance. The entire experience that night was unforgettable. Coldplay appears to have figured out that the best way to get the audience excited about the concert is to make them part of the show.
“Look at the stars
~ Coldplay (2000)
Look how they shine for you”
Fast forward five years. When the Coldplay 2023 Spheres Tour was announced, Jill and I had to be there. I was pretty sure our previous ticket arrangement wasn’t an option but that wasn’t important. Based on our previous experience, I had high anticipation for this late September 2023 show. I wouldn’t consider myself a rabid fan of this band. It was a repeat of that live music experience I was after.
The show was over the top. Our ticket included a seat. We never used it. A major contributor to the fan experience is that the audience is the light show. All guests are given a Xylo band bracelet upon entry. These small radio-controlled LED wearables make all 60 thousand in the stadium literally part of the show, including me.
Masterfully programed to the mood and music, the crowd goes crazy every time the lights and the mood fuse. This is the live music experience I love. It’s also an example of how a capacity stadium can all be in sync with one another for a few hours. I’m inspired by this kind of musical unity. It proves there are still aspects of our humanity that have the potential to bridge gaps in how we differ.
“Do not speak as loud as my heart
~ Coldplay (2002)
But tell me you love me, come back and haunt me
Oh and I rush to the start”
Halfway through the show, Frontman Chris Martin took notice of three fans on the floor holding a sign noting they’d come all the way from Indonesia to see Coldplay perform. Before I could take note of what was happening, he had them seated on stage for an acoustic pair of songs. It was obvious they couldn’t believe this was happening and those of us watching felt the same.
Once again, music had given a large collection of humanity a reason to feel more alike, especially for three people from the other side of the earth who I’m sure are still smiling weeks later. In the days that followed the show, I kept seeing the same word used to describe the show. One person after another shared the same feeling as I. That September Wednesday night was Magical.
“Because I came here with a load
~ Coldplay (2002)
And it feels so much lighter since I met you
And honey, you should know
That I could never go on without you”
Now, I can finally say all those days lugging amps and drums up and down Marine View Lane was worth it even though I’ve yet to take the stage with band mates. I was part of the show.
End
That’s very cool Larry ..I too remember each of those well ..and yes ..life changing