First Concert: Full circle

When I was 13 years old - I like many others was discovering my own identity, just starting to get out from under the wing and influence of my parents and finding out exactly who I was and wanted to be. I had the influence of my friends, and school -- of course as well as my parents (as much as I tried to deny and avoid it) shaping me and molding me.

And then there was music.

Music has always played a major role and influence in my life. Either by performing it myself, or listening to it. In either case, in either event I have always been moved and influenced by music. Having grown up in the 80s of course, I was, and ever shall be highly influenced by the bands and singers who came from that era. To name a few...Duran Duran (and their collective spin offs) of course, Wham!/George Michael, Triumph, Genesis, Journey, KISS, Prince, Madonna (before she "reinvented" herself), Tears for Fears, Culture Club/Boy George, David Bowie, The Cure, The Cult, Honeymoon Suite, and of course the very first band I EVER saw in concert...Platinum Blonde.

Platinum Blonde is a Canadian band -  and at the time they were very much along a similar vein of Duran Duran - guyliner and make-up. New Romantic/Punk/New Wave clothing and big hair. Not quite as synth based as Duran, but I enjoyed them a lot. Honestly, I don't think they got as much props or hype as they should have, they were good. Damn good - and I was elated when it was announced they were coming to the (since moved and renamed) London Gardens, for a show. I'm not sure if it was a combination of the fact that I was seeing a concert for the first time, or if I was as excited as I remember being to see Platinum Blonde - I just remember the show with great fondness. They had great energy and put on; what I thought at the tender age of 13; to be a great gig. I also remember being COMPLETELY deaf when we left the arena. Always a sign of a good show, right?

Now here it is...30 years (almost) later and every summer there is a 3 day music festival here in London. It started 10 years ago and each year different bands perform. This year is no different. Only this year, one of the bands is Platinum Blonde. I found that out this morning, and to be honest it made me smile. I quickly texted my friend who was the same person I went with to that concert at 13,  and she will be the same friend at my side for the gig in July. It's all come full circle. I'm just as much looking forward to seeing them as a 40something as I did when I was 13. I'm excited you know? It should be a lot of fun, and a great gig. The band has gone through changes, they have new stuff and a new album "Now and Never" that I want to check out, but I've gone through changes as well, it has been 30 years after all. But it's interesting that it's all going back to where it started as far as concert going and music for that matter. It's funny sometimes how life, without even trying, can come full circle. I love that.

Well then...."Are you sitting comfortably? Then we'll begin...."

One Last Glimpse,

~K