My daughter, Sarah, gifted me a ticket to a concert, and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to go with her, because, why not? The venue was at Hershey Stadium and the bands were all heavy metal, a flavor of everything rock, sprinkled with some roll, there was something for everyone, from the warm up bands to the headliner. I was reminded of my youth and of how fucking old I am. Here are some things I took away for those of you “older" citizens of the world who want to read on and potentially attend an event near you.
First off, I have witnessed that music brings everyone together. The differences whether political, or any other flavor of the week click bait hot button topics are hung at the entrance and picked back up when people leave. The attendees are always, at least every concert I've ever been to, pleasant, and there to have a good time. This has been something I’ve observed through the years and in today's modern era of concert going, people have never changed. Of course there is always that random douchebag who just can't keep their shit together and has to attempt ruining the event, but usually they're shut down. I don't know if it's the contact high everyone's getting from second hand smoke, or just the anticipation of the band they want to see that typically brings a mellow to the masses. I think it's a combo of both.
The contrasts in concerts from my time, circa 1994, and now, are scant, but still hold stark differences that I have to point out.
Lighters have been replaced. There was a time where everyone would light their Zippos or Bic's and wave the flame in the air, those have since been replaced by the soft glow of electric cigarettes and the glowing LCD screens of smart phones.
Mosh pits are safe (a little vomit rose in my throat to write and witness that). Mosher's used to punch, chest pound and literally take all pent up rage out on each other like a raw, no holds bar fight. Today the people in the "pit" run in circles, and may get caught up on each other's feet, or even bite their own tongue. They look like lost deer trapped in someone's fenced in back yard.
Standing today is an option. In the past it was mandatory to stand and give full attention to the event and pay respect to the performers on stage. I couldn't headbang without a good stance, and what good's a concert if you don't have a little whiplash afterward?
In closing, everyone attending an event of rock, roll, scream-o, heavy metal or similar genres are there to unite in the art of music and entertainment. This has been a constant and in my life, so far, has never changed. I love that my daughter invited me along, and despite being, and sometimes, only sometimes, feeling old, we both had a great time. Thank you, Sarah. I look forward to the next time, at a different venue, and a different place.
Thanks for reading.
Tim Eagle
Tim Eagle is an author of the novellas Stolen Seed, Life Ship, and the Vasectomus Collection. He lives full time, on the road, with his wife, Maria and their dog, Cocoa. He grew up in Michigan and is inspired by the dysfunction of America. His books are available on Amazon, godless and this site timeaglefiction.com Thanks for reading!
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