Music is a massive part in my life. Not a day goes by when I don’t have music on in one way or another. At work we have the radio on and alter the channel throughout the day depending on who is the DJ.
To say my Music taste is somewhat eclectic would be an understatement. Growing up in a household with several adults, most being what was classed as Mentally Handicapped back in the day, meant that I was exposed to lots of different styles and tastes. And much of that rubbed off on me.
Now, I might be 42, but some of my music tastes make me seem like I am 82!
When I was growing up in the mid 80’s you could hear every kind of music in my house. From Colliery Brass Bands, to Adam and the Ants. The different members of my family all had their different favourites.
My dad would listen to everything from Mario Lanza to The Shadows. Mum loved Neil Diamond, My Uncle Fred Jazz and Brass Bands. My Aunt Gwen loved Doris Day and Musicals. Uncle Albert loved a bit of Chas and Dave. Yet My Cousin was the biggest music buff. He listened to anything and Everything. AND I literally mean everything.
This means that you can find me listening to Ella Fitzgerald, or Madam Butterfly, or Guns and Roses. Or my all time favourite, Prince. I sing songs from the musicals, in my shower (badly) and I can be found humming ABBA at the strangest of times.
Now, I have had a musical bucket list for some time now. Unfortunately, some of those artists have long since passed away but if I could spirit myself back in time to one of their concerts, I would!
I have been to see some amazing artists in my life. My first ever concert was to see Michael Bolton in 1991. I was the tender age of 17 and it was a fabulous night.
Since then I have been fortunate to see Elton John (not that I remember it) Caro Emerald, James Blunt, Gary Barlow, Jools Holland, Royal Blood, Paolo Nutini, Will Young, Post Modern Jukebox, Scouting for Girls, Bon Jovi, and even Lenny Kravitz.
I was extremely lucky to cross off the two top acts on my bucket list in May and June 2014. In May I went to Birmingham NEC to see my absolute idol, Prince. I was so excited and he delivered the most amazing gig I have ever seen. I stood in the crowd, tears rolling down my face as I was overcome with emotion.
Then just a month later, In June, my second favourite musicians Aerosmith were playing at Download. I stood there right at the front, mesmerized by Steven Tyler. It really was one of the greatest nights of my life. They were literally electric and gave such a performance it was the pinnacle of everything I had ever seen.
This year I am blown away by a weekend I have in September. I am taking my husband to see his idol, Billy Joel at Wembley. He is literally playing one night only this year. And we have two tickets.
Now, whilst I am not the biggest most fanatical fan, My husband is. So for Christmas I bought the tickets. We had booked a hotel and were all set to go.
Then Radio 2 announced their Festival in a Day gig, which happens to be the next day, Sunday 11th September. Well, it would be silly not to go to it as we are already up in London?
The tickets went on sale last Friday morning. The headline act? Elton John! I managed to get us a couple of tickets at the bargain price of £45. A picnic will be procured and folding chairs taken with us. Hopefully the weather will stay fine, but even if it doesn’t the atmosphere will make up for it!
More exciting for me is the prospect of seeing another of the acts – Gregory Porter. I am a massive fan of his, and have worn a hole in his latest CD from overplaying. He could probably sing me the telephone directory and I would be entranced. I am literally buzzing at the thought of seeing him.
Another couple of acts playing are Madness and Jamie Lawson. I have loved Madness for years, and we have loads of their albums. Jamie is a recent love, and his self-titled album is just wonderful.
It really is going to be a marvellous musical weekend. A few more people will be crossed off my bucket list, and I will be able to plan who to cross off next!
The problem with having a bucket list, is that it keeps getting longer and longer as I find new people to add onto it!
Do you have a favourite? What has been your best gig ever? I would love to hear all about it.
Till next time
Txx
Interested in who is on my list?
In no particular order –
Elton John (again as I don’t remember the first time)
Red Hot Chilli Peppers
Stevie Wonder
Gregory Porter
Mcfly
Adele
English National Opera
Gypsy Kings
Harry Connick Jnr
Dolly Parton
Andrea Bocelli
Rod Stewart
Madness
Aretha Franklin
Beenie Man
People sadly, who have passed away that I would have loved to have seen live –
Ella Fitzgerald
Mario Lanza
Elvis Presley
Janis Joplin
The Carpenters
Johnny Cash
Amy Winehouse
Luther Vandross
Sarah Vaughn
Sam Cooke
Bob Marley