"You know what music is? God's little reminder that there's something else besides us in the universe; harmonic connections between all living beings, everywhere, even the stars." ~Robin Williams in August Rush
Some people are concert fanatics; going every free second they have, and collecting years of memorabilia and tickets. Some people, like me, try to go at least once a year, usually in the summer. It's like a yearly buckets list, "Yearly concert? Check!" Last year my dad and I checked something off my life bucket list, we saw The Rolling Stones before one of them kicked the bucket. Before the concert I had a huge fear of never seeing the legendary band because of their age and their hard core drugs, sex and rock and roll past catching up with them. So when I saw that they were playing in Pittsburgh, just a measly six hour drive, I knew there was no way I was going to miss this AMAZING event.
I can thank my mom for introducing me to The Rolling Stones. When I was about 15 or 16 my mom decided to go on a scavenger hunt, collecting CD's and music from her younger years. As a young girl my mom always gravitated towards music. She was a gifted guitar player and followed her idols' music and on occasion fawned over their looks. You can't blame her, anyone would swoon over a young Robert Plant, with his tight pants and slime shirtless figure.
After a few months my mom had collected the greatest hits of Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones and Bob Dylan. During a car trip or a lazy Sunday she would play one of her many CD's and I began to fall in love with Rock n Roll—true classic rock.
Today I call The Rolling Stones my favorite band, thanks to her bringing the legendary band into my life. The band has pretty much become the family’s anthem. My favorite is Gimme Shelter, my dad's is Sympathy for the Devil and my mom's was Honky Tonk Woman. I have great memories of us jamming out to The Stones in the car during long road trips in the summers. We would roll down the window, letting the fresh air in and the tunes roll out to the streets. My mom may no longer be with us, but her music and our rock n roll memories are always alive and well.
After she passed away I think I became even more determined to keep music in my life and The Rolling Stones concert in Pittsburgh last summer was a great time for my dad and I, as well as a beautiful tribute to my mom. "We made it," I told her. Driving up to the stadium my dad and I drove through torrential down pours, the rain got heavier the closer we got to Heinz Stadium, also known as Steeler Stadium. Since the concert was outdoors we pulled over to a Walmart to pick up ponchos because we knew the show must go on. Well, I don't know if you believe in miracles or loved ones who have passed on making miracles down here happen, but after that night I certainly believe. When my dad and I finally pulled up to the stadium we got a great parking spot in the corner on the lower level parking garage, the rain has stopped and a double rainbow arched over the stadium. I looked up at my dad and said, "Mom's here." He smiled in agreement. We got to our seats and I watched the crowed roll in.
The concert brought together fans from all walks of life. Some were still living the glory days, with their tie-died shirts and old bandannas. Other fans were passing on the music to younger generations like my mom had to me, but most importantly we were all here for the music. I watched thousands and thousands of people all different ages with various backgrounds come together all because of the power of music. It was amazing to realize we all had at least one thing in common. Total strangers became friends when our favorite song was played and you couldn't help but dance together.
That night The Rolling Stones played an incredible set. Mick Jagger danced like an energetic young man, Keith was laid back as ever, playing his guitar with a cigarette hanging out of the side of his mouth, Ron rocked black pants better than I ever could and Charlie tucked his lips inward presenting a cool, laid back demeanor and even rocked special black and white striped socks for all the Steelers fans. My dad and I danced and sang to all our favorite songs.Even Honky Tonk Woman was performed and my dad and I knew mom was dancing among the stars. It was a perfect night all thanks to the music and colorful company.
I will never forget that night, nor will I ever forget the gift of music which was given to me by my mom.
