Seeing PINK- Truth About Love Tour, Verizon Center November 24, 2013, Washington DC

Seeing PINK! 

I have liked Pink for a long time.  Liked her edgy style, her music, her lyrics (especially those- do you start to see a trend: I'm a lyrics junkie!), liked when she started to add those crazy trapeze flying acts to her show, liked how cool she seemed with fans, liked her tattoos, her hair- you name it.  You noticed the word I chose, right: LIKED.  So, then Truth About Love was released, and I spent most of the summer listening to it, cracking up to the lyrics, dancing to the songs, being enthralled by the videos for Try and Just Give Me A Reason.  So, when tickets to the show at the DC Verizon Center went on sale a while back, I went ahead and purchased two. One for me, one for hubby.  Or so, I thought.  Since I was still kind of in "like-land" I didn't splurge. This summer saw us going to Vegas to see Cirque Du Soleil's second Michael Jackson show ONE, and I also have been on a "going to see Lisa (Marie Presley) live" splurge. Or binge.  Whatever.  So- I went the cautious route via the ever popular nose-bleed tickets at the Verizon Center in DC. 

And if you ask me how I like her now.  I will have to tell you- I LOVE Pink! OMG- what an experience! I have never...well... Let me take things slow.

Having secured tickets sometime last summer (or spring...what's a season or two to those over 40), I somehow had forgotten to fill hubby in that he was my date to go see Pink. I hate that when that happens- but hey, I'm getting old and impending dementia is a wonderful excuse (I meant to actually write about THAT, but the show blew my mind so this has priority). Surely he would be as excited as I am, given he had seen me dancing to Slut Like Me, Walk of Shame, etc and heard me sing Just Give Me A Reason on one or ten car-rides. Heck- he even sang along! Fun style! Imagine my surprise, when he looked at me and said: I don't want to go. Do I have to???? Okay... Maybe I should have toned the singing down a bit. I have been told it's hazardous to the ears of others.  Haters.  But really, he didn't want to go? What in the world would I do? 

Thankfully, I have friends with great taste (obviously- they would not be my friends otherwise). One particular wonderful lady had already whispered in my ear that she would take Chuck's ticket off my hands should he refuse to go: my friend Tammy, who weeks before had been my date to the Lisa concert as well. We are starting to go quite steady, looks like. :) So- problem solved. Tammy and I met in Bowie for a great sushi dinner at Ichiban Sushi in the Bowie Town Center.  I had the most amazing drive there, taking the backroads, by the way.  Great winter skies right before sunset. Due to the winding roads (and to the laws in Maryland- my luck, ONE police officer is reading this)- there are no pictures. But trust me, it was quite the visual treat.  

After the amazing dinner, we headed into DC with plenty of time to spare. Silly girls that we are, we totally forgot that the Verizon Center is slightly bigger than let's say the Wolftrap, and that we might not be the only wild and crazy chicks ready to party with her Pinkness.  So, it took some patience (and maybe some light cursing at the idiotic horn blowers) to make it down toward the venue.  We decided to park inside the Verizon Center garage, which strangely enough was cheaper than the adjacent M street Garage.  Well, I now know why that is, but I'll get to that later. With 20 minutes to spare before the start of the show (or pre-show as we surmised), we got into the garage and were directed to P2. Arriving there, we were told to leave the car in the middle of the otherwise blocked isle (if you ever have been on a ferry- it was like that..only less organized).  Tammy drove her Dad's Infinity- so she was a bit nervous about the "leave the key in the car and the window half-way down" statement. What? Just because we are in the middle of DC? What can happen?  Not like anyone would unwedge the car.  To be extra cautious, we locked all valuables in the trunk. Which, in hindsight, was such a smooth move- given we had to leave the key. 

We made it in plenty of time for me to get an IPA and Tammy to get a Pepsi  Our seats were...up high. High enough for me to wonder why in the world I didn't bring my oxygen tank. Or take some Dramamine.  Hadn't needed it on our cruise, but man- I was getting woozy  And it wasn't the beer! We looked around- well at least the huge jumbotron was right in front of us- with a smaller one down to the side of it.  Plus, it looked fairly empty still- surely we'd be able to move up later.  Psych! Actually, in the end, the seats were not that bad. The sound was amazing and we were able to follow the show on the screens just fine.  I also got used to the height.  But- had I know that hubby was going to dump me, I would have splurged on tickets a bit more. I seriously envied the people down by the stage that had a walk-out and ended in a heart. Next time...

The opening act (does anyone EVER look forward to opening acts?) was actually great. The group called The Kin from Australia, kicked butt. Check out their site: http://thekin.com .  I'm saying "actually" because I was prepared to not like them, just because I was ready for Pink, but ended up being VERY much into them. Their tone reminded me a bit of Sting, a bit of Queen, a bit of...well, you get it.  Special mention goes to their drummer playing without sticks- with his hands, and to the iconic playing of a didgeridoo to rocking out music. WOW! I loved the song Mary, which they dedicated to Pink and all other mothers (moi included, I take it) and it was a great modern time rock concert moment, when the audience was asked to light up the arena and did so: with the flashlights of their iPhones. DUDE! That was great!

The Kin's set ended before 8:30pm, and I resolved to definitely get their music on iTunes. Too bad I didn't get to meet them as they had invited everyone to do... Next time, right?

Now the wait was on. And the Verizon Center filled to the brink. So much for moving! Some ladies sitting a row ahead of us had moved up closer (as we had planned, but didn't do)- and were sent back. If this was not a sold out show, it was close to it.  Tammy and I passed the time by trying to figure out why she had more reception than I did (duh- it is the VERIZON Center and not the AT&T Center), taking selfies, and watching images of people being captured for their ten seconds of fame on the jumbotron. 

The first signs that the show was about to start included lights coming on behind the curtain, smoke escaping from below, and the ringmaster type character of Rubix von Fuechenhuerz (don't quote me on the spelling) entertaining the crowd by drinking their beer, climbing all over them in different sections, and licking the bald head of a very thrilled (not) victim.  Since I read the same thing happened during another show, I wonder if that was a plant. But hey- it was funny, anyway.  And before we knew it, he informed us that we ALL were about to learn the TRUTH about love.  About time- I had been wondering about all that. As did others, obviously also ready to "crack that code, gotta break it, break it down." A shot into the audience- and there we saw a young, blond woman. It took a moment to register it was PINK!  Screaming ensued. House lights went out, and the beats to Raise Your Glass lit up the stage- followed by fireworks and Pink being shot out of the floor, starting her twisting, singing, and performing saltos above her screaming audience.  WOW! What an opening! It was the blast off to a show that never slowed down. 

The hilarious Walk of Shame came next, complete with perfect sore foot, worn out, stumbling antics mixed with amazing choreography and staging. Thanks to the screen, even us up higher than the flying bundle of energy caught every glimpse.  Just Like A Pill had most fans singing along. Yes- we have ALL felt like that about a loved one.  Pink thanked everyone and really made sure to include all of us- not an easy feat in a venue as HUGE as this. 

The show was crazy fast paced. I had to look at other concert review as I am blanking on the exact order of songs: But I know they included U + Ur Hand before things slowed down and Pink re-emerged from a small mini break in a black outfit (and I am really not describing it adequately here- but if you have seen the video for  Try you know what I mean) - and once again was lifted high into the air, performing the gut wrenching Try both high above and then with dancers below.  Next, she did the most amazing job covering Chris Isaac's Wicked Game- standing at a free microphone. Three dancers (and can I say, YUM!) interacted with her in a love/torture type dance, lifting her, rendering her at times up-side down, while on always made sure to have the microphone lifted in perfect alignment to her- as she kept on singing.  MAN! 

The next change of costume included a dress like creation, giving Pink a romantic flair- as the audience erupted: Just Give Me A Reason started playing, and everyone helped out with the O-oh parts.  I had been wondering how the duet would be solved- and it was done so masterfully as her regular partner Nate Ruess appeared on the screen, singing with Pink- and us. I have always loved this song- and it was even more amazing to hear it live.  Can you say GOOSEBUMPS??? 

Pink left us again for a bit.  The small breaks, btw, were filled in part masterful, part hilarious ways: Once, we were delighted by Rubix, his face now on the full moon smiling at us from the screens, coming out for his very own areal act- dressed as Cupid, flying above us, causing me to hope he wasn't going to shoot me up- before he descended- face down- into a hole in the ground. Another time, an amazing duo of female dancers gave a stunning expressive dance to the melody of Chaos and Piss.  In any other show these moments might be opportunities to check email or send off a tweet (even if I HAD connectivity) - not so here! Every second, every "act" was perfection in timing and execution. 

The energy level picked up again with Trouble and Are We All We Are, which Pink, much like her friend LMP during Unbreak, opened with a kick-ass drum performance. She had just introduced us to her equally (if not more so) kick-ass drummer and then stated he was a great teacher. Obviously, she was not kidding! This girl doesn't do anything half way- and she sure as heck didn't beat those drums in a timid way, either.  

The next instrumental challenge was revealed soon after: Pink informed us she tries to do something scary or intelligent every tour, quipping, "I haven't gotten to the intelligent part yet." She stated that she played "almost a whole song on the guitar last time. Which was ...kind of a disaster." Then she proceeded to get ready to play Great Escape (one of the most beautiful songs of her repertoire) on the piano.  I was starting to not like her- is there NOTHING this woman cannot do??? And just like that I loved her a little bit more for being obviously vulnerable and STILL going for it.  

Happily, the quite skilled pianist skipped around the stage, saying, "You got no clue how happy I am that's over!" However, the show was far from over and Pink went to a more quiet place, playing Who Knew in an acoustic set only with her and her guitarist.  She filled us in on the background: "I like to do these little acoustic things because that's what I grew up doing with my Dad." Awe!!!! The amazing performance was followed by Perfect.  As we know, the lady is not afraid of dropping the F-bomb in her songs. But, as a mom, she obviously softened and informed us she would sing the PG version- while, with that familiar twinkle in her eyes (thank you huge screen right in front of me), she invited the audience to sing the F-bomb part. And we did. Because that's her: F++++ing PERFECT! 

Obviously, it was time for another lift-off: a cage looking, egg-shaped contraption appeared to the sounds of Sober- and Pink ascended, singing the song from inside, outside, holding on, and being spun...never missing a beat.  This time, she was joined by her team of acrobats.  Let me restate: If this touring and sining thing doesn't work out, Miss Moore has a future at a Cirque Du Soleil show for sure! 

And then it was bad to the bad girl we all love to...love.  After making sure she told us her female guitarist was NOT a slut, but the jury was out on her male guitar player, she asked who in the audience self identified as a slut. "This is such a polarizing question" she joked, before launching into one of my favorite girl/woman- power songs: Slut Like You.  If you have not heard that song- check it out! And you never look at a bar-scene the same way. "You- caveman- sit down!" This jewel of a song was followed up by a sweet collage of Pink from baby to her breakthrough- and a medley of some of her earlier songs.  And then- Blow me One Last Kiss- as I feared the show was nearing its end.  But no- the grand finale was still to come: So What.  Performed while being SLUNG across the Verizon Center, while tumbling through mid air, hanging upside down, giving high fives to the upper rows of fans, being lifted all the way UP- and then being dropped to "you weren't there you watched me FALL" - OMG! I am so afraid of heights- and my heart dropped.  But- alas, Pink was alright, singing and twirling on.  Sadly, this was it as far as songs. Reading over other reviews I saw she usually came back out to Glitter In The Air- but when the light went back on, after Pink thanked everyone- we saw the set was already being carried off. MAJOR bummer there.  But- feeling fortunate already to have seen as much as I had, I will not whine.

So, this was the experience that changed my status from "LIKING" Miss Alecia Moore to LOVING her.  I went from being a fan to being a FAN!!!!   I've seen my share of live shows, so why did I like this so much?  Well, if you are not totally worn out yet, read on. 

First: Pink sings live.  She is probably one of the last "big" stars who do so all the way.  You can tell throughout the show- but not in a bad way. At one point she had some issues with a microphone and joked, "Sorry, we have some technical difficulties. The kind you have when you don't lip-synch." Ouch- a little spanking to her colleagues.  And rightly so. Because not only does she sing, she runs, dances rolls on the stage, hangs off the stage to shake hands, and over and over enthralls those below her with areal acrobatics of the Cirque Du Soleil caliber. A friend of mine stated she must have lungs of iron- and that friend was right on. DANG!

Second: Pink interacts with fans NON-STOP during her show.  She sells out huge venues such as this- and keeps it real. During Sunday night's show, she talked to people down there next to the stage.  She signed a variety of papers, posters, and other items without blinking an eye.  No security swooping in- nothing like that.  She also graciously accepted a variety of presents given to her. At one point, she had her arms full, joking "This is great- it's like I get to sing and shop at the same time." Some gifts were dedicated to her three year old daughter, Willow. To which Pink said, "Oh, don't worry...I give these to Willow - and tell her they are from me." Breaking out into gleeful laughter! One gift especially delighted her: a hat- with arms that could clap if she squeezed the strings on the side.  Never worrying about her hair ("that's the great thing if you don't have a lot- it can't get messed up"), Pink donned the hat, and was quite enthralled: "I won't give THIS to Willow. That's MINE!" 

And then, there is the general artistry of the show overall. There was not one dull moment. Many human moments, but nothing boring or over the top silly.  Pink can actually sing- and she proved this fact all night long. She can also dance- and she is FEARLESS.  What she has created is different in a very good way. It's refreshing and authentic. She can sell - but she hasn't sold out. 

Both Tammy and I were totally amazed and were buzzing with excitement! Not even the LONG wait to get on the escalators (stairs were closed off...WHY???) or the equally long line to get onto the elevators down into the parking garage got us down.  Full of joy, we detected Tammy's Dad's car where we left it. Almost.  Slightly to the right of where we had parked, but why complain as long as the keys were there- as were our valuables! 

Of course, the Infinity was still wedged in- and facing the opposite way of most other cars.  Again- remember, this was "ferry style" - and we feared the parking attendants (surely there had to be humans here somewhere able to dissolve this Gordian Knot) might still have been upstairs trying to get autographs from the artist. Basically, imagine a giant had put his toy cars in a box and did not suffer from OCD- so they were all over.

I have to point out, most fellow concert goers and garage prisoners were very patient.  Which is about all you could do. There was nothing to be accomplished by flipping out.  All one could do was wait until the first level cleared out and then the periphery of cars moved off. Sounds logical, right?  Well...this obvious logic did not deter one very angry, very rude Honda driving lady to blow her horn non-stop. Maybe she had to go pee. Or maybe she was suffering from PMS, or menopausal anger (hey- she could have met her match had she kept on...) Or, possibly, she thought her horn was a magic device that would get rid of hundreds of car and poof- she could drive off. 

A pretty overwhelmed parking attendant finally came down to help solve the puzzle at hand. Only to have pissed off Honda lady almost undo all his efforts. Cause she had to go. Now. As opposed to the rest of us..who just liked to hang around close to midnight in a parking garage downtown. On a Sunday.  

One guy came out of his car- screaming at Honda lady. Earning him a blank stare.  Man, she looked...vacant. Wonder if she just really did not like Pink. Or maybe she had lost her ticket and had to stay outside the show. Something like that must have happened. Because she could not possibly still feel the same buzz from the same show we all just came from. 

Anyway..if you see her...tell her to lighten up...

And look- even though she pulled of in a frenzy...turned out she didn't get that far.  Hehehehe...

So, this brought an amazing night to slightly crazy conclusion. We did eventually leave and make it home. I was so excited to learn that Pink will release a tour dvd in december- Can we get a HELL YEAH!!!! If you want to see more impression from the show, I won't fight blogger to post more videos (it already crashed once on me, attempting to upload one) - there are plenty of reviews on youtube, including this amazing highlight clip from her show in London at the O2.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_ZnN9TQcOw

In the meantime, I will keep listening and keep LOVING this amazing singer, composer, dancer, acrobat, mother, wife, human being. And will look forward to future albums- and shows. Forsaking those nosebleed tickets for the up-close experience next time. :) 

HELL YEAH!!!! 

DER RATTENFAENGER - (THE PIED PIPER) - Michael Jackson and the frightening concepts of difference and pure beauty

DER RATTENFAENGER

Driving back from Virginia last week, I decided to give Mom a break from my nonstop Michael Jackson playlists (sprinkled with some Lisa Marie Presley, as we were still flying high from the show in Lynchburg). Personally, I find it quite incomprehensible why one would desire such a break, but hey, my empathy antennae picked up something. Digging through my CD's of the non MJ kind (yes, I do have those, contrary to popular belief), I found my Rainhard Fendrich CD.  Perfect- Mom perked up! Lyrics she could actually understand. And I was also ready for a trip down musical memory lane.

Now, most of you will not be familiar with this artist, as most of you are not from Austria. Here is a short bio, copied from wikipedia (btw- the song I Am From Austria still gives me goosebumps) :

Rainhard Jürgen Fendrich (born 27 February 1955 in Vienna) is an Austrian singer, composer, entertainer, and actor. He is one of the most successful Austropop musicians, and his songs are written in Viennese German. He is very popular in Austria, but less so in other German-speaking countries. In non-German speaking countries he is little known. His song from 1990, "I am from Austria" (its lyrics, except for the title, are in Viennese German) is still popular in Austria.
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainhard_Fendrich)

The album I had on hand was the Live Album with the Vienna Philharmonics, recorded in front of Vienna City Hall from 1992 as the kick-off to the Wiener Festwochen:
http://www.fendrich.at/musik/diskografie/rainhard-fendrich-wiener-symphoniker/

After some well known sarcastic and fun songs (including a Remix of the hilarious anti sport hymn Es Lebe Der Sport), it was time for some calmer tones.  I perked up- it was track 6, a song I have always loved by the title: Der Rattenfaenger (literally: The Rat Catcher- which is the German title to the legend of the Pied Piper).  Please take a minute to listen to this amazing track. Really- I do have a point to make with all this...

First- how amazing is the music? I LOVE the mix of classical and pop; the soft and beautiful flute replaced later by the aggressive tones of the electric guitar. LOVE IT!


Now to the most important aspect- the lyrics.  I will post the German Lyrics first, then the English translation. Some of you might then start to see where I am going with this.  In the past, I had listened to this song many times before, but as you know, our frame of reference influences how we attribute meaning. I had the same thought before, but now, post 2009, the intensity of the meaning I carried away left me almost in tears. Here are the lyrics...

Es war einmal vor langer Zeit
Man könnt´ fast sagen vor einer Ewigkeit
Ein kleiner Mann, ein Musikant
Er war bekannt im ganzen Land
Für die Macht und die Magie
Seiner Flötenmelodie.
Doch die Leut´ dumm wie die Nacht
War´n bald neidisch auf die Macht
Hab´n ihn g´jagt und g´schrien dabei
Das kann doch nur der Teufel sein!
Der Teufel sein
Seid´s ängstlich und passt´s auf
Passt´s auf die Kinder auf
Es gibt noch soviel Rattenfänger
Sie stengan ob´n im Licht
Und zahn mit jedem Ton
Die Kinder euch davon
Solang noch Kinder leb´n
Wird´s immer G´schichten geb´n
Über so manchen Rattenfänger
Sie hab´n ihr´ ganze Macht
Ihr´ Kraft und ihr´ Magie
Durch eure Fantasie
Doch seid´s ängstlich und passt´s auf
Passt´s auf die Kinder auf
Es lauern immer Rattenfänger
Auf einmal rennen´s los
Und alle hinterher
Wie Lemminge ins Meer.

Translation (by me- translating the "rat catcher" to Pied Piper for story purposes)

Once upon a time, one could say an eternity ago
There was a little man, a musician
He was known all over the land
for the power and the magic
of his flute melody.
But the people- as ignorant as the night is dark
Soon became envious of his might
They hunted him down and screamed:
he can only be the devil. 
Be scared and take heed
and watch the children-
There are still so many pied pipers.
They stand there in the light
And with every tone, they pull your children away from you.
As long as there are children
There will always be stories
About the one or the other Pied Pipers.
They derived all their power, their might, and their magic
Purely from your imagination.
But be scared and take heed
And watch you children tightly
Pied Pipers will always lay in wait.
Suddenly they will storm off
And everyone will follow
Like Lemmings into the sea.


Art is always open to interpretation.  And as this is my blog, I will present mine.  This song struck me on a very deep level. To me, it highlights something quite perplexing: the ongoing quest to destroy beauty and innocence in whatever form or reincarnation we - as in the human race- encounter it. Throughout history, humanity has at first admired, revered, and then sought to destroy purity and innocence.  Does this go hand in hand with the need to destroy what it different? If so, does that mean that innocence and purity are so outside our norm that we cannot comprehend it and thus need to eradicate it when encountered?

From an evolutionary perspective, the trend to attack things outside the norm is understandable: Survival of a species requires distrust toward anything foreign and unknown.  If you are not a tiger, you might wanna kick tiger-butt just incase you look like a tiger snack.  You don't have to understand or try to see things from the tiger's perspective. He's different. And different is potentially dangerous. Why take a risk and endanger the continuation of a species?

But looking around in history, we not only destroy what's different. We destroy what we do not understand.  Still. Long after we checked our clubs and moved out of caves. What does that say about humanity, then? Have we not evolved? Physiologically, we added a prefrontal lobe to our limbic system - meaning we can think logically and evaluate evidence, not react on a purely emotional level. Right? 

Why is purity and pure, beautiful intent so damn scary? Are we as a rule dishonest and jaded..are we in our grown up, adult form unable to tap into the trusting innocence children seem to quite naturally possess (unless something went wrong early on and trauma stole their childhood and innocence)?  Watch a child laugh at the magical jewels contained in bubbles they blow and you will see what I mean. Then watch the adult rush in and yell that the child is staining the floor or furniture with the soapy mess- and my point is made fully.

One thing is certain: Michael Jackson, the musician labeled a child protégée and a genius when he was celebrated and revered, bewildered our culture with his childlike innocence beyond compare. He refused to compromise his ideals. His insistence on purity and simple child-like intents made him suspicious.  Just as he refused to accept that some records could not be broken, he refused to accept that it in our culture it was not seen as kosher to hang out with children once you are past a certain age. If you have a place you open up for free to delight children, if you shower them with gifts, if you allow sleep overs and are a participant (while not in the bed with children- and also not without presence of other adults, contrary to popular myths), you have to be a dangerous deviant.  Some weirdo trying to at best seduce our children away from us. Other explanations do not fit in the cultural mold.  Michael himself was aware of this, as his shortfilm Ghosts highlights. 

I know that Michael Jackson never hurt a child. I know this not only from being a "blind fan" but more so from thorough research into facts (such as trial transcripts; background fact to the Chandler accusations in 93, etc)- highlighting the lunacy of the 1993 and then 2003 (with the trial in 2005) allegations.  I also know it was just not in him.  He didn't fit the profile of a pedophile. Had he done the things he was accused of, when he was accused of doing so, by the way,  he also would be a very stupid pedophile- but that's not my point right now. 

I know also know what was done to him- and how it in the end broke him. I think by now, even not-MJ fans know that the 2005 trial laid the foundation for Michael's demise. But why was it so easy (though costly) to destroy this man?  

Why did Joe Average believe the reporting and the continuous idiotic fare fed by the mass media? Would one not think that some people might ask, for example, where reports about the defense (that surely was also in that court room) were to be found? 

My answer (in the light of this topic): Because Michael was different.  He exuded a stubborn innocence- he seduced us as a culture. Especially our young. This young black man dared to break records established and held sacred by the ruling artistic (white) elite.  He demanded to be recognized- he challenged what our musical culture was all about. He broke all kinds of ceilings- and the roof, no the house, caved in on him.  

Do not misunderstand me. I am well aware of Michael's own contributions to the end.  I know about his at times self-destructive denial about things that did not benefit him. He boxed himself into a corner on many fronts. Made some horrible calls.  Trusted the wrong people while wearing out some of his strongest supporters. But the punishment for bad judgment should not be exile and death. However- magical seduction of the young, who are by the very nature of their age open to new influences, is a major crime against the cultural status quo, if not against cultural mores.  Punishment was harsh and unforgiving: Michael was vilified, hunted, and destroyed.  Lies had morphed into a cultural myth. 

A pertinent quote by John F Kennedy, one of my other heroes: 

"The great enemy of truth is very often not the lie--deliberate, contrived, and dishonest--but the myth-- persistent, persuasive, and unrealistic. Too often we hold fast to the cliches of our forebears. We subject all facts to a prefabricated set of interpretations. We enjoy the comfort of opinion with the discomfort of thought."

Ultimately, Michael got his his revenge, as did the Pied Piper.  However, it did not take the death of the children- it took his own. Strangely, again art predicted reality in Ghosts.  The Maestro destroys himself and leaves his accusers (all but the ignorant Major) with regret and sadness.  Look around- can you see some of the myth starting to be deconstructed? Can you see evidence and thought emergence? And then there is his art...  Put on an MJ song and see how the children around you react. 

Then look inside. Look down. Watch your tapping feet. Surrender. Unleash your inner dancer.  Feel your face relax in that smile.   And let yourself enjoy the young and joyous spirit of the artist who may be gone- but whose legacy will outlive us all. As will the legend of the pied piper.  This cautionary tale.  Will there be influences possibly seducing our young, yes.  I'm not saying we should trust everything or everyone. But let's look at the wonder in the strange.  Not every challenge is an act of destruction.  Not everyone breaking the social code is a threat. Look at Mozart, Beethoven, Van Gough, Picasso... and a young man from Nazareth who was the ultimate rebel against an established status quo. Let's celebrate the beauty surrounding us instead of shrinking away into our shells or following that mob of alarmist, ignorant lemmings blindly down that cliff. 

Loving Lisa - my visit to two of Lisa Marie Presley's stops on her Storm and Grace Tour

LOVING LISA

I've become to be a fan of Lisa Marie Presley in a roundabout way.  First, my mother is a huge fan of Elvis Presley, and so I cannot ever remember not knowing of Elvis and his family.  As a teen, I of course had a huge crush on the King and not only inhaled his music, but also read as much about him as I could, watched his movies, plastered the walls of my attic room in our summer house with posters, pondered his death, etc.  I was aware that his beloved daughter Lisa Marie was born the same year as me...which seemed pretty odd and bizarre, given the status of my crush on her dad. 

Next time I fell in love artistically was Michael Jackson.  That's another blog entries....or twenty.  So, when Lisa and Michael married in 1994, my interest was of course piqued.  I kept tabs on their story through their marriage, divorce, travels together post divorce, re-union rumors, and then Lisa's life from then on. I knew of her first albums in 2003 (To Whom it May Concern) and her follow up in 2005 (Now What).  

After June 25, 2009, Lisa again popped onto my radar with her riveting blog post, discussing her deep feelings of loss and regret. Lisa, by that time, had caught a great amount of flack for her appearances on a variety of talk shows over the years (including Diane Sawyer, Oprah, Howard Stern) and her discussions of Michael and their relationship- which were often less than flattering.  Personally, I had always thought that her level of anger showed deep hurt and probably even feelings of betrayal.  The kind of feeling coming from lost love, stolen hopes, and destroyed trust. Do I wish she had taken the high road....yes.  But we can never know what went on behind the scenes and on a very human level, I understood and understand her reaction. I came to learn that with Lisa, what you see is what you get. She is probably the most "real" and genuine celebrity (by birth, not by choosing) out there.  If you want to know about her pain, her hurt, her turmoil, and her triumph - listen to her songs, read the lyrics.  Speaking of lyrics, I firmly believe that Lisa is one of the most accomplished and certainly most underrated lyricists out there today.  The way she attacks words to tell a story knocks me on my butt over and over.

So- we lost Michael and I gained new insights into Lisa. My own grief propelled me into conducting some intense research into their complicated relationship.  Lisa's 2010 appearance on the Oprah Winfrey show confirmed many of my thoughts and much of what I had since learned.  And of course, she caught hell again (and that so soon after her well meaning call to bring sunflowers to Forrest Lawn as Michael had always loved them and she used to send them to him. Yes, when you are Lisa Marie Presley even a call for flowers can start "shit storms").  The level of crazy Lisa unleashes in some people is pretty amazing. Even to someone working in mental health. 

At the time, we all knew Lisa was working on a new album.  She had moved to England that year to escape the madness surrounding her.  We got a short preview of Weary during a performance in England in 2011..I think. I might be wrong about the date.  Either way, that song is one of my absolute favorites.  I cannot hear it and NOT have shiver bumps  May 2012 brought the release of Storm and Grace- her new masterpiece.  The album blew me away.  The unique sound, termed Southern Gothic by some, was well matched to her husky, dark voice.  Her lyrics- open and honest as always, ripped me wide open on a variety of levels.  For someone so contained and private- what an exercise in honesty and laying it all out there.  I went from casually liking her music to being obsessed. When her tour was announced, I knew I had to see her! 

In June 2012, I had my first chance at the Soundstage in Baltimore. Shortly before the show, when getting the tickets, I first made contact with the amazing Deena D- a long time fan of Lisa's and creator of the wonderful blog Deena's Days.  After communicating via Facebook and twitter, we happened to sit right next to each other- right by the stage.  Seeing Lisa live was everything I had hoped to be and more.  Her voice was even more amazing hearing it in person- despite her suffering from problems with her throat that night, making it necessary for her to frequently use a throat spray.  Still- the show was outstanding but sadly very short.  As I did not get chosen for the meet and greet, the night came to an early end for me, but still left me with great memories.

In November 2012, Chuck and I travelled to Lancaster, PA- where we saw Lisa at the Chameleon Club.  We also met up with Denna again, who attended with one of her friends.  Thanks to Deena, we got prime spot right at the stage- and we had the most amazing night. The energy was sky high- we sang, danced, sweated...and then got to meet Lisa personally.  Normally pretty cool and used to meeting different people from a variety of backgrounds, I turned into a bumbling, incoherent nincompoop.  Talk about star- struck! I look borderline psychotic in the pic we had taken.  But heck- I didn't even care! That night, I also got to talk to Lisa's husband, Michael Lockwood- and was taken by his easy-going ways and his great sense of humor.  Great guy!

Fast forward to this year.... After Lisa announced her 2013 dates, I somehow figured Lynchburg was the best venue to attend.  Lisa had added the option to purchase VIP tickets, and somehow it escaped my logic that the drive to Sellersville, PA (which included VIP tickets) was the same as to Lynchburg, VA (that didn't).  Yes, great thinking...not. By the time I figured it out, the VIP tickets were gone. Great.  I fail being a fan.  Still lots to learn on that front. On the bright side, I had talked my Mom, who was visiting from Austria, into going with me. As I told you in the beginning, she was and is a huge Elvis fan- so I didn't have to twist her arm too much.  

In the meantime, Lisa also added a tour date in Vienna, VA- which is really close to home. Sadly, also without VIP tickets.  My friend Tammy graciously agreed to go with me.  Chuck, at this point, had bowed out of the "following Lisa around" business.  Even though I hope to re-engage him soon. 

So, Mom and I took off to Lynchburg last week to attend Lisa's show on Friday, November 8.  We stayed at the local Holiday Inn RIGHT next to the venue: Fine Arts Academy. On the drive there (in the dark, and being attacked by leaves hurled at us by the high wind speeds)- I translated most songs on Storm and Grace to Mom, explaining backgrounds etc.  She was to be a very informed concert attendee! 

One of Lisa's buses was at the venue early on and I had hoped to sneak a peak.  I thought to spot her on the inside... Talk about excited!  During the day, we spent the time traveling to Schuyler, VA, visiting the Walton's museum. Both Mom and I are HUGE fans of John Boy and Co- so many childhood memories are tied into watching re-runs.  We had a great time, then drove back.  As always before shows, I was so excited, I could not fully enjoy the amazing Peruvian cuisine at the hotel.

Arriving at the theatre, I quickly figured out that this was to be a different crowd than the last venue (which had been a bar). Lisa seems to have chosen small theaters with established subscription holders for this leg of the tour. My guess is that maybe she hopes to advance her cause: her partnership with World Vision.  The patrons at these events might be more willing and able to sponsor children in different countries than bar goers. But I might be wrong. 

We had really good seats. Or so I thought, anyway. Mom, with horror, eyed the huge amplifier we were facing. But hey- it was second row.  And I love to feel the bass reverberating inside of me.  Mom thankfully found a way to cope with the sound once the show started.  

Waiting for the show to start, I looked around, assessing what kind of audience we were part of.  The people sitting behind us were amazingly sweet and nice.  The ones coming in late to sit next to Mom not so much. The lady (by my estimate a new money socialite from the local high society) spent the next 10 minutes leaning over into us, taking selfies of her overdone mug.  I'm sorry, but people who do not keep up with their position in space annoy the daylights out of me.  The all important self portraits were followed by pics of her and her...significant other. They were way too diabetes inducing and lovey-dovey to be married.  Thankfully, they settled down soon- either their ample amounts of wine kicked in, they liked the show, or their phone ran out of battery.  

Soon, the familiar chain gang chant started and Michael Lockwood and band came onstage. Lisa followed- greeted by cheers and calls from everyone. She looked amazing as always, wearing a simple black-silver gown, and performing barefoot.  The show was outstanding.  Lisa's voice had never been stronger.  She owned the stage.  While her comfort level when I first saw her in Baltimore was obviously quite low, she now seemed at home up there.  Lisa danced, jammed, hit those drums... The audience was quite interactive, and Lisa joked and conversed quite openly.  At one point, Michael Lockwood addressed his wife, saying, "I think we got booked at the comedy club tonight."  In addition, Lisa went out of her way to address a small little fan- greeting him or her and assuring the child her own twins would chase him/her around the theatre were they present. "They're five. They chase boys now. And they're always right."  

As before in Lancaster, Lisa pointed out that her song Idiot was written about someone "very much alive- and still an idiot"- an interesting point given that her haters had in the past proposed she had written the song about Michael (Jackson, not Lockwood).  Which is quite ignorant as Lisa, even in her worst pain and anger, would never call Michael's mind "mediocre."  I love this song- and I adore the Storm and Grace arrangement as well as Michael Lockwood's AMAZING intro solo. Lisa, obviously still has fun singing this "meanest song I have ever written" and her facial expression and intonations were priceless.

Other songs from the older two albums included SOB and Lights Out.

As before in Lancaster, Just A Dream was part of the setlist again.  Her delivery was touching and clear.  Those of us who have seen and studied her 2012 Oprah interview heard the words "I have never been that high" before...and so, the lyrics "I've never been that high as when we fell in love" have a special meaning.  When she got to "because I will always love you, you can move on, Dear," I was about in tears...again. I jumped up to applaud- and Mom whispered "she saw you that time." :) 

Lisa took Forgiving off the setlist and added Soften the Blows, which she explained to be "one of the songs I still love a lot."  She added, "I don't always like my songs after I write them. Writing them is like purging for me...but this one I still love quite a lot."  Storm of Nails was hilarious as her group of loyal, and loud, fans gave a GREAT interpretation of the MEOW after "wish that I was a cat right now....," causing Lisa to laugh about the variety of cat sounds emitted. 

Sticks and Stones came with Lisa's cautionary words that she had been "off for five days and one never knows where this song goes. It's kinda like a plane- once it takes off it could end up anywhere. I beg your pardon ahead of time." Her acapella intro did go off with only a small hitch- one to which Lisa, honest as always, gave herself a thumbs down, as she continued on.  The song written partly in the voice of her harsh critics always makes me smile and cringe.  For someone so small she has withstood so much nonsense.  Yes, everyone is a critic- especially when it comes to Lisa Marie.  Her invitation and cautionary words are wise and challenging- "You can take my place, you do it better anyway. But you better hide your bones from all the sticks and stones, so they don't break."  And Lisa has not broken yet- neither will she as she continues to prove she has all the talent in the world is not "just a name."

After much cheering and applauding, Lisa and the band returned for the encores of I'll Figure it Out, and Tom Petty's  Need To Know. Lisa even entertained the request of a very insistent fan (who shared his son's name is Presley) to come on stage and play the guitar. Lisa asked her hubby, who looked at her as if she had asked him to share his favorite toy- which she probably had.  It was explained that there was only one amp, - causing the fan to ask could he come up and pretend like he was playing. At this point, I think Lisa became slightly worried about the guys' sanity and moved things along.  Smart choice, I thought.  A fan gifted Lisa with a stuffed Snoopy- and Lisa explained that he had always been her favorite: "He's a bit cranky though...maybe that's why," she quipped. 

Several people, including myself had moved up to the stage and were dancing and singing. Lisa was extra sweet- going up and down shaking hands.  And yes, she shook mine. Again, allow me my nerdy fan moment, please. Thank you. 

I had written a note to give to Lisa, and her executive producer, I think his name is Jim (but don't quote me on that...like I said...names and old age do not jive), promised she would get it.  

Mom, freezing outside

After the show, Mom and I, as well as several other fans decided to wait around outside by one of Lisa's buses to see if we could talk to her shortly.  Mom was so excited, too! Sadly, Lisa was whisked away by car to the bus we were not at (good thing I don't play the lottery), and we missed her.  I felt really bad for the kid from Knoxville, TN waiting with us: A  very sweet young man, so excited that we are from Austria- just like the Von Trap Family (of Sound of Music Fame). He had driven up to see Lisa, and was going to drive back home that night.  This was is one and only chance as he would enter basic training the following Monday.  I wish him the best and hope he stays safe as he gets ready to serve our country. 

Lisa's Bus

Mom and I, though disappointed, brought the night to a great close at the Bar in the hotel.  Great night, indeed! 

++++++++

Fast forward to this week: Venue: Barnes at Wolftrap in Vienna, VA on Friday, November 15, 2013. I had been in contact with Deena about meeting.  Denna had originally also planned to attend the Lynchburg show, but had to change plans.  My friend Tammy and I were going to have dinner close by the Wolftrap, but due to the lovely norther VA traffic (if you live in the DMV you KNOW what I'm talking about), we decided to meet at the Barnes instead.  Deena and I met up after I erred around on Lynchburg Pike for a bit- and it was so great to see her again!

As we were among the first people to arrive, we got a great table and were able to listen in on the sound check: Hearing parts of So Long, Over Me, and others- most prominently Lisa's amazing YELL at the end of Need to Know.  Oh yeah, we were getting excited. 

Looking around, I found a similar crowd as the one in Lynchburg, and we wondered if we were the only "fans" there.  Well, we weren't. Through Deena, I later met Paulie, and we later had a great time chatting. We also spotted some other fans sporting LMP hoodies. 

If you have not been to the Barnes at Wolftrap and live in the area, make sure you go. The venue is unique- and the acoustics are amazing.  Seating is very "un-theatre" like: basically rows of chairs inside the ..well, barn.  This time, Tammy and I sat center of the 8th row, while Deena had second row seats.  Lucky lady! This was the furthest back I had ever been at any of Lisa's shows. Hey, different vantage points can be good, right? As I checked out the stage I noticed the Snoopy from Lynchburg front and center. And he didn't look cranky at all! 

As in Lynchburg, there was no opening band, not a bad thing in my book.  Once the room darkened, I as always, got super excited at the intro (I LOVE how it starts with just the voices, then Michael Lockwood and band enter, clap along, then the music gets louder and louder, carrying the tension with is- until Lisa appears and So Long starts the show). There was a little snag as the chant abruptly stopped. For a moment I had the silly thought that I hoped Lisa had not changed her mind.... Phew- then the music was back on. 

Energy levels were considerably lower than in the Lynchburg show.  The audience, not counting myself, Deena, and several other fans, was very quiet and almost stoic at first.  Maybe all the hearing aids had not come on line yet...not sure. Things picked up when Lisa joked about she hoped everyone had a good time. "Because that's why we're doing this."  

Before she started Over Me, a small girl came up to the stage, proudly carrying her very own tambourine. Lisa welcomed her to play along.  As the song started, I saw someone from management (the venue's, not Lisa's) come up and start berating the child and mother.  There was pointing and probably shouting that was not audible due to Lisa's beat.  I saw Lisa watching the events unfold while singing on. Slightly later, we heard the same child call out from way back, "I love you, Lisa Marie." To which Lisa replied, "I love you, too. Where did you go?"  Lisa then stated it was alright with her if her little big fan sat up front, and to bring her mom. The audience finally showed some emotion and applauded Lisa's gesture.  And I loved her just a little bit more. Who knew it was possible? 

Lisa also encouraged her audience to "get up and move and dance," but while we certainly did our share of chair dancing, the room didn't start moving until after the "last number."  Sticks and Stones, by the way was AMAZING and flawless- as Lisa's strong, dark timbre reverberated throughout the old barn.  

As usual, Lisa beat the living crap out of her drums. This time, unlike in Lynchburg, she did not throw them into the audience.  Well- some old lady might have been pretty startled... but some of us would have LOVED it! 

Notably missing this time, though on the printed set-list, was Lisa's new song, People, which is included on the sound track for the Walking Dead.  I loved the song a lot when I heard it in Lynchburg and hoped to hear it again. It's difficult to find online, and as I am not a fan of the Walking Dead, I probably won't invest in the whole album. If anyone can hook me up with a version- let me know. 

On a side note, Lisa's regular bass player was absent this time- and I missed their easy interactions and perfect play off each other I had admired in Lynchburg. Lisa informed us his wife had their baby- and they had added the new bass player- with little notice and rehearsal. What a wonderful job he did as well- and Lisa gave him his due, pointing out his steep learning curve. 

Some of Lisa's fans, including myself rushed up to the stage, as we cheered for her and the guys to came back out- which they did. Lisa acknowledged some of us- which made my day, week, month! She again shook hands- and seemed to enjoy that there FINALLY was some movement! As did I! I enjoyed the passionate rendition of I'll Figure it Out- and Lisa, I will ALWAYS be in the mood to be like you. :)  Tom Petty's Need to Know led to the usual jamming- and we were again rewarded by that amazing YELL Lisa let out. Girl! Lisa thanked us, informing us that she was out here for us- her fans. She let us know that she keeps around for us- and her kids. Like I said before, the terms "down to earth" and "real" are often used in connection to Lisa for a very good reason.

One of the funnest parts of going to live shows are some of the people in the audience.  This time, the stand outs were a massage therapist who wanted to soothe Lisa's aching wrist NOW, and the woman we lovingly termed "shot lady." You know who you are. And don't get me wrong- I'm only teasing. I know you are all there for the same reason I am: we love this little lady! 

After the show, Deena, Paulie and his friend, and I hung out outside, hoping to catch a glimpse of Lisa. Deena and Paulie both had tickets for the next show in Sellersville, PA- Tickets of the VIP kind.  And yes, that green tint shining through the night was my envy.  Gotta keep it real. Lisa finally did emerge (probably after reading our wonderful, pleading tweets as we stood in the light rain- KIDDING), and waved to us, thanking us again.  Then she escaped out of the rain.  Smart lady. 

Deena and I hung around a bit more, making sure Lisa did not suddenly change her mind and come out for a little chat in the fall sprinkle. Isn't optimism a wonderful trait? We did meet her drummer, John, who is a super nice guy- and together we watched that wizard of a bus driver somehow dislodge Lisa's bus from the spot beside the barn without damaging any tires, rims, sidewalks, or people.  

Another great night came to an end in the cool Virginia air.  As an artist, Lisa Marie has grown in leaps and bounds- from wonderful to outstanding.  My friend Tammy, who had never seen her before was swayed to buy the album.  Even if you do not know Lisa's journey, her songs will give anyone who has ever lived and loved something to relate to.  Lisa pointed out "I always sing about the same stuff. Different lyrics and tune- but always the same. I hope it means something different to you all." And it does.  That's what art is about. The artist creates with his or her own emotions, thoughts, heart and soul, then presents the work to the audience. In their eyes, the song, painting, book...etc takes on another meaning as it reflects the experiences of the beholder. 

What a great week- thanks to Lisa, her band, my mom, and Deena for the great experiences. I'm sure this will not be my last Lisa experience- so make sure to stay tuned. So long!