It's been awhile since I last posted, but things are starting to get exciting. In the mail today, I got my ticket for the August Depeche Mode concert at Seattle's Key Arena. If you hadn't already heard, this awesome group known for their electropop-New Wave-alternative music, is currently on a world-wide tour to promote their upcoming Sounds Of The Universe album. They also happen to be one of my Top Five favorite musical acts. Now, I've never seen Depeche Mode in concert. In fact, it's been years...about 20 years, in fact...since I've been to a big arena-type show. That was back when I was attending Washington State University and a few years after when I still had access to their campus concerts. My first concert ever was Foreigner. I remember coming out after the show and I couldn't hear. I learned a valuable lesson that night...loud rock music can hurt your ears! I was more careful to protect my hearing at later shows...Earth, Wind & Fire, REO Speedwagon, Firefall, ZZ Top and Air Supply. With the exception of a lone Rick Springfield concert at a local fair, I wouldn't attend another live show until I discovered the Bumbershoot Music & Arts Festival in Seattle. You basically decide who you want to see at Bumbershoot...there are a lot of acts in 3 days. I caught Jackson Browne, Tracy Chapman and Steve Winwood to name a few. In 2004, I went to the festival with my sister for the sole purpose of seeing Seal. I felt pretty good about my concert experience that day. It was not till the following year that I found out that I missed a WAY better musician who performed the next day. He goes by the name Five For Fighting. Don't get me started! When I found out that I missed John Ondrasik in my own backyard, I could kick myself! If I had only attended Bumbershoot on a Sunday rather than that Saturday...I would have discovered the greatest singer-songwriter one year earlier than I did! No matter. The important thing is that I WAS introduced to John's musical magic...eventually.
Anyway, back to Depeche Mode. By going to their concert this year, I'll be playing catch up. I really should have seen them during their last Playing The Angel tour. But, I wasn't motivated to see live concerts...music wasn't a big part of my life. That all changed when I was introduced to Five For Fighting. Music took on a whole new meaning, and my first John Ondrasik concert and the ensuing groupie road trip sealed the deal. Going to those Five For Fighting shows sparked a long dormant enthusiasm in the music that has always meant the most to me. I've now decided to make it my goal to see my favorite musicians and groups when those opportunities present themselves...and, before they get too old or disappear altogether! It all falls in line with my current basic philosophy of life...do it! 'Cause you only got a 100 years to live!
