Gigs

Heard on the radio it was going to be Glastonbury 2007 this year. 2007. I also saw the following clip of Arcade Fire on youtube.com (Thanks Ben for the link.)



The Glastonbury thing got to me because this year will be ten years since my first Glastonbury. Ten laps around the sun. Ten years since the mud and make shift wellington boots, which were really bin liner tied to our shoes. Ten years since I saw Radiohead and Beck. Ten years since I saw Ash. Twice. Due to Steve Winwood dropping out cos he was sick. I also saw Ray Davis play Days. Fuck it was muddy. I got drunk on vodka and Diet Coke.

The clip of Arcade Fire reminds me of what it was like to go to a good gig. I'm not really a fan of Arcade Fire. I've only heard 2 of their songs and they didn't do much for me. The song they play in the clip I hadn't hear before I played this clip. But after watching I want to go to gigs. Good gigs.

It's the sense of belonging. It's that unique feeling of being with strangers, but understanding each and every one. To have that invisible bond with ten, or a hundred or thousands of people. To truly be on another's wavelength without even having to tune in. It's that secret code that only a few understand. The songs are codes and if you break the code, then you are admitted into the circle. You have a lifetime's membership. You are here forever.

You can find others by using the code. You can hum a few bars. You can drop lyrics into conversation and see if your brethren, your brothers and sisters can hear you. Some might say "I know that song." Well that isn't good enough. A true member will follow your lead and either hum along or recite the next set of lyrics. Saying "I know that song." or "That sounds familiar." will reveal you for the double agent you are. You are not one of us. Nice try, but no. And even if they get into that sound after you tell them about it, they are still not part of the fraternity. They are still subordinates. You were the first to rise from the flaming lake, so it is impossible for them to reach parity. Sorry, but those are the rules. To find another, they must have cracked the code independent of you. That is a true companion. That is a real mate.