Anyway, it's going to be quite the memory. I can still remember the first time I saw U2. It was 1984 on the Unforgettable Fire Tour at the Long Beach Arena. I can still remember being absolutely blown away back then. It was a show that still stays with me, even after all these years. I'm stoked to be able to be a part of the experience for Jamie, Josh, and his buddy - all of which have never seen U2 live.
I'll try and post a bit on Facebook throughout the day.
Recently Josh and I headed out for a 7:40 p.m. showing of It Might Get Loud. If you have not heard about this movie, let me just say that if you are at all a music fan, this is a must see. Essentially this is a documentary about the musical journeys and genius of The Edge, Jimmy Page, and Jack White. The underlying story line of the documentary is a face to face meeting of these three guitar icons. Interspersed is footage and interview with each discussing their past, their influences, their technique, and how they understand their craft.
What I was struck with, and what Josh and I talked about for an hour after the movie, were the similarities and vast differences between these icons. Each had a similar passion and drive to experiment, to push the limits of what the instrument can do. Yet at the same time each had different vision of how this passion and drive would be fleshed out. Perhaps the greatest example came when The Edge, who Page called a "sonic architect," proclaimed that for him it as about bringing forth the sound that was in his head, creating his voice, using effects and electronics. On the opposite end of the spectrum was Jack White, who saw effects and electronics as something that hid the raw emotion of the instrument and music. This was most clearly seen when White cited Son House's Grinning in Your Face, a delta clues song consisting of vocals and clapping, as his favorite song.
Yet even in the midst of diversity, there was a mutual respect and awe of one another that was visible as these three greats sat together. The highlight of the movie comes in the midst of all three taking turns leading the other two in one of their standards, when Page takes his turn leading the Zeppelin classic, In My Time of Dying. What is captured on film is absolutely stunning, as all three trade slide guitar solos. Pure heaven.
If you have a chance to see the film, by all means, do it. You will not be disappointed. Not one bit. The conversation Josh and I had after the movie about these three legends and their influence on music was priceless. It is a movie whose musical insight and power sticks with you for quite some time.
Yes indeed, Megan and I are heading out to the Honda Center for Fleetwood Mac tonight. Originally Jamie was going to go, but she got scheduled tonight at Montage [bummer]. So we decided that this would be a great date night with my oldest daughter, Megan. She really knows nothing about Fleetwood Mac, but was willing to tag along with Dad for the evening. I am so looking forward to getting some time with Megan. Should be a fun night. The Rumors album got constant air time when I was 10 years old. [I think I even had it on 8-track... yikes!]
Coldplay's latest, a collection of live recordings entitled Left Right Left Right Left, is a free download on their site. [Click on the image to see the track list.]
Thanks to Andrew for the heads up.
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