How old were you when you went to your first gig?
I grew up in a small rural town where the last bus home from the nearest live music venue was about 8pm, far too early to facilitate independent travel after a gig.
Hence I didn't see a live band* until I went to university at age 18.
My eldest daughter had her first experience of live music last night, when I took her to see Girls Aloud at the Sheffield Arena as an early birthday present (she's 11 next month.)
I have to admit I really enjoyed it!
Girls Aloud may have begun life 10 years ago as a manufactured girl band put together from a TV talent show, but they have made some cracking pop music, and their live show is well-produced and entertaining.
Did we dance?
Oh yes we did!
Eldest didn't seem too embarrassed to be seen with me, though that may change...
She now understands some of the unwritten laws of seeing live music.
The doors never open on time; the band always come on late; and they rarely play for as long as you would like them to (unless they are Bruce Springsteen).
It was really endearing to see her getting her coat on, ready to leave when the band left the stage, not realising that they would be returning for the inevitable encore.
But then if it's your first concert, you don't know these things!
Girls Aloud in 2002, the year Eldest was born.
And now.
My own Girl Aloud, 2002 and now.
(She wants you to know she's in her school uniform, not dressed for the concert, OK? She looked cooool.)
We are both a little ragged around the edges and baggy under the eyes after a late bedtime on a school night!
1960s Tricosa maxi skirt - antiques and collectables centre
Cardigan, vest, bangles, necklaces, faux fur, leather bag and hat - charity shopped
Boots - Ebay
Scarf - blog swap gift from Sophie
It's great to be able to do stuff like this with my kids.
My mum would no more have taken me to a gig than flown to the moon (not a criticism of her, no one's mum took their kids to gigs at age 11 in the mid 1970s, at least no one I knew).
I'm not sure whether Girls Aloud have had much success outside Europe, but if you like a bit of girlie pop, here are both their first and most recent singles.
The Sound of the Underground is my favourite, but Eldest insisted on Something New as well.
There's symbolism in there somewhere.
* The Q-Tips, if anyone remembers them.
What was your first gig?
xxxx
