The lyrics? Eddie's vocals? The infectious atmosphere I see them create live in concert in all those Youtube videos? I don't know.But ever since, I discovered them in tenth grade, I have been equal parts fascinated and mesmerized, fully conscious that I am yet another member of the cult that their millions of adoring screaming fans is.
Needless to say, I was incredibly excited in the leadup to this tribute gig at B69. Considering this was the first gig I had ever gone to, I was busy picking out clothes from my closet scrounging around for gig-appropriate apparel! When I reached the venue however, a 1000 square foot room that looks unused, mossy and a bit like a drug-dealer's den from the outside, I realized that anything worked. All I could see were chilled out people, who were just looking forward to some quality Pearl Jam time.
B69, I was informed on reaching, is where most of the metal bands in Mumbai rehearsed on a regular basis, and probably still do. It has a rich cultural history, that way. :P
- To see a crowd of approximately 200 people from diverse backgrounds singing in unison,
"She lies and says she's in love with him, can't find a better man,
She dreams in color, she dreams in red, can't find a better man...
Can't find a better man
Can't find a better man"
is just such an amazing feeling.
- To discover an entire sub-culture in one evening, is such an experience. Guys headbanging to the grunge. A mosh pit starting right before your eyes. The lead vocalist of Blakc jumping into the crowd. The insane energy when "Black" was performed. I have never seen anything like it.
I had a FANTASTIC time. :)
Let's do this again sometime!
Also, this weekend I watched an amazing documentary. When You're Strange.
This is a film about The Doors, another long-time favourite.
Okay, at the very outset, let me tell you this. Jim Morrisson is, and always will be, the guy all guys want to be and the guy all girls want to date.
As I watching it, all I could think of was how great he looked, how magnetic his personality was, how multi-faceted and pure his talent was and the sheer awesomeness of the man. The documentary cruises through the entire history of the band-the shaky start, its liberalism and connect with the tumult of those times, archival footage depicting the tremendous 'high' it reached, and its heart breaking death in a bathtub.
"This is the end
Beautiful friend
This is the end
My only friend, the end
Of our elaborate plans, the end
Of everything that stands, the end
No safety or surprise, the end
I'll never look into your eyes...again"
It has also been a weekend of frustration and being unproductive. Yet, it has come with loosening of shackles, certain freedom bestowed and the desire to be something more. And for that, I am happy.
Another Sunday flies by, and I look forward to the coming week with gleaming eyes, ready to capture the world.
Later. :)
Beautiful friend
This is the end
My only friend, the end
Of our elaborate plans, the end
Of everything that stands, the end
No safety or surprise, the end
I'll never look into your eyes...again"
It has also been a weekend of frustration and being unproductive. Yet, it has come with loosening of shackles, certain freedom bestowed and the desire to be something more. And for that, I am happy.
Another Sunday flies by, and I look forward to the coming week with gleaming eyes, ready to capture the world.
Later. :)
5 comments:
I want to ask how you came across Jim Morrison at a time when everyone else I know your age is soooo into .. whatever the heck it is that passes for music these days ( Miley Cyrus and God knows who all )... but I'm just happy that people still appreciate the work of 'da man'.. truly genius.
After I finished tenth grade, I just immersed myself into books and music. And I was horrified to see that people were listening to "Smack that" and taking it seriously. Then, the whole Hannah Montana-Justin Beiber phase began. :/
Thank God I discovered the music of the 60s and 80s. The moment I listened to the opening chords of Light My Fire for the first time, I knew I was hooked for a long time to come. :)
u are lucky few who still love retro..for me grunge is not retro but for ur gen it is...and i think doors will be vintage..ha ha ha...
doors is my driving band...on any long drive... it keeps me going on...
Oh, don't ask why
Oh, don't ask why
Show me the way
To the next whiskey bar...
Hello, I love you Won't you tell me your name?..
ok...
but pearl jam..i was intro`d to eddie a bit late.. but black was the handshake... and
it stuck
...like he said tattooed everywhere... in my mind..
do try soundgarden/smashing pumpkins/red stripes not all same era..but....good
Hey! Am I jealous or am I jealous? I've never been to a real live gig man but B69, I shall remember! I am a big fan of Eddie Vedder's voice man, there's something so comforting and simultaneously exciting about it! :)
And oh oh oh Jim Morrison! You said it! He is the absolute hottest most perfect guy. The first Doors song I heard was Light My Fire..and I looooooved it..and then Hello, I Love You, then Riders on the Storm on the radio can you imagine? and then of course, everything I cud get my hands on..
Oh and I agree with Sankoobaba, Soundgarden was awesome! Now, Chris Cornell is in Audioslave which is also great but Soundgarden man! I was just listening to their Best Of album today..try that first..oh and I think he meant the White Stripes..they're pretty cool too!
And I am downloading When You're Strange right now..:)
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