Bucket List: Complete
So, several years back I started making a bucket list of bands I wanted to see live. Now this would have been probably 8-10 years ago. I was at a point in my life where I had some disposable income and was in my late thirties and going to hit the big four-zero at a high rate of speed. Those of you on the cusp of a mid-life crisis understand. You wake up one morning and realize you drink way too much coffee, your nutrition is a mess, and the grind of adulthood is ready to take another victim…..you!
I decided to start living and forging memories. Memories are one of those things that just get cherished and every opportunity you get to make one of those should not be squandered. So out of all the bands, I picked those that I have yet to see that I always wanted and never had the opportunity. At that time a looked through that big iTunes collection and looked at favorite artists, my favorite albums and determined who were the top bands I just had to see live. In no particular order here is that list and the time I got to see them.
Metallica
June 16th, 2017
Arlington, Tx (AT&T Stadium): World Wired Tour
Metallica is one of my all time favorite bands. After a few years of not really digging some of their newer albums, Hardwired…to Self-Destruct came out. As I was texting with a good old friend Donnie B., he indicated that he and a buddy were going to pilgrimage the 6 hour drive to Dallas to see Metallica on that Friday. Being one of my favorite bands, I procured a primo ticket off of stub hub, allocated some frequent flier miles and some hotel points to get meet these guys in Dallas and BOOM one band checked off the list. I even got to see Local H as an opener as an added bonus.
Pearl Jam
August 8th, 2018
Seattle, WA (T-Mobile Park): The Home Shows
“And there I was”, that iconic saying that everyone uses to start a good story. In this case I find myself on a business trip in the northwest part of the area. Starting my trip in Portland on Tuesday, then fly to Seattle on Wednesday I find myself in a unique position. A free night in Seattle and what do I find out. Pearl Jam is playing! As I’m boarding my flight that morning to Seattle, I purchase my seat on the floor. There I am again with an awesome seat to one of my all time favorite bands and find myself in another unique opportunity. BOOM two bands down, three to go.
Guns ‘N’ Roses
August 5th, 2017
Little Rock, AR (War Memorial Stadium): Not In This Lifetime Tour
So around the same time around planning for the Metallica trip, I found out G’N’R were coming to Little Rock! What was great about this one is it was right in my backyard and I got to share that with two great friends. Great night and a great experience. And just like that over the course of a year I was able to check another box off my list. Three down and two more to go!
Smashing Pumpkins
(with Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds)
August 23, 2019
Rogers, AR (Wal-mart AMP): Summer Tour 2019
A two year concert drought for me. Life got busier and busier and nothing was really coming through central Arkansas. Smashing Pumpkins was one of those bands where I never thought I would get to see from the original lineup. When Iha joined the band again in 2018, hope returned. Not only did I get to have a great experience with a close group of friends I got to see Noel Gallagher.
Foo Fighters
June 14th, 2023
Rogers, AR (Wal-mart AMP)
Foo Fighters. Pure and simple. I had intended on seeing them a few year ago (2022) as they were coming within a 2 hour drive. The show was going to be in May of that year. We know what happened shortly there after. I really thought this was the end and was not going to be able to see one of my all time favorite bands. Again opportunity comes but some times it is hard work to make that happen. Stay tuned for that podcast about our review of that concert and the experiences leading up to it.
I think based upon how busy our adult lives get we miss out on the opportunities life presents us. I’ve made music one of the my focus areas. Seeing bands when I get the opportunity (especially when they are in your own backyard) and choosing to make it an experience that you can reflect on later in life has been one of the greatest changes I’ve made in my life. Sort of like this “A/V” podcast.
Till Next Time
Karma Out = Karma In
Todd……
