The journey between here and there

So for Christmas I was able to get tickets for the sold out Eric Clapton show. Ryan was so excited to open the tickets. It was the last gift he opened. I called it the Holy Grail gift. I had to go along, even though I tried to convince him that he should take someone else that would enjoy the music. I like a couple of Eric Clapton’s songs, “Wonderful Tonite” and “Tears in Heaven” he’s ok, not my favorite performer. Ryan LOVES the music.

“Things are not as fun if I don’t take you,” he says. Whatever. We went with his old boss who hooked me up with the tickets. We went out for dinner at the wonderful “79 Restaurant.” I love this place. We had the beef fillet. So yummy!

We missed the opening act because we ran behind getting to the restaurant, but our seats were amazing. We were right by the stage. 122 Row 8 seats 3&4. Awesome view! We got to our seats which were on the first level of the tiered seating. It was so fabulous! We sat down and immediately the lights went out and the band came on.

The concert was good. I didn’t recognize any of the songs. It seemed like he jammed with the band for the most part and everyone had at least 2 solo’s each playing their respective instruments. Unfortunately we sat in a row with people that had bladder problems and time issues. People were constantly getting up leaving the row the coming back. I was so annoyed. Not only that but we were behind some retard that had to wave his stupid homemade sign around. Seriously Eric Clapton could not read it from the stage, I could barely read it and I was 2 rows behind him. The sign was so funny too. It said, “Eric Clapton is God. Doyle/______ (another name) is on his right hand.” So stupid. But whatever, he was obviously proud of it. Holding it up for EC to see, which he didn’t even glance at it.

The only 2 songs I recognized from the entire concert was, “Wonderful Tonite”, which Ryan sang in my ear while EC was singing it. Awww, how sweet. 1/2 way through the song I wanted to snap, “I want to hear Eric sing it.” but I just smiled and let him croon away. The other song I recognized was “Layla”. That was it. I spent the time looking around at the audience, giggling at the people getting their groove on. White people so cannot dance. So funny. I brought my camera, but didn’t charge the battery so I didn’t get any pics. I was so mad. Stupid me. There was this lady there, that had to be 60 she had a glittery sparkly sequined tank top, no bra on so her boobs dropped to her waist. She was swaying, dancing and hanging on to the railing singing her heart out. She provided me tonnes of entertainment.

One of the guitarists looked like Tony Almata from the 24 series. The keyboarder looked like the Grim Reaper. EC’ and his musicians are all amazing players. I eventually got into the grove of the jazzy music and really enjoyed the concert. There were not pyrotechnics or special effects, it was all about the music which was great. He had a few helium tubes that turned colors behind the band, but that was about it.

Ryan loved the show. He was grooving to the music and getting right into it. He was so blissfully happy. I was glad for him and I realized that it was important for me to show my support for his music. We like totally opposite music so I was being tolerant to his stuff as he is to mine.

So the band does their encore and they start singing what sounded like, “Propane.” Everyone was going crazy and having a great time with this last song. They all bowed and left the stage. So we weave our way out to the car, we had awesome parking cuz Darren has this special ticket which allows him to park 2 feet from the door. We’re in the vehicle talking about the concert and I say, “so what’s up with that last song and EC singing “Propane?” Why not gasoline or diesel? Why propane? I didn’t get that song at all. Propane, propane. What the heck?” Everyone turns and looks at me in disbelief.

“What?” Then realizing that I’m totally serious they crack up laughing. I’m still totally clueless.

Finally Ryan sputters out, “It’s COCAINE… not propane.”

“Aaahhhh… I see. Now that makes a lot more sense.” Ya… I’m so not the smartest strawberry in the patch. Ah well. We had a great night.

Since we carpooled in from the restaurant they dropped us off at our car. We got in and they drove off. We caught up to them as they stopped for a red light. I jumped out of the car and ran up to the passenger window, threw myself against the window and screamed, “RAAARRARRRAA” OMG!!!!

I freaked them out so badly… The expression on their faces. Priceless! I wish I could have a shot of that. Man that will stay in my mental imagery file forever. They jumped up in their seats and recoiled away from the window and put up their hands. They had a look of horror on their faces. They were so shocked, surprised and scared. Holy snufalupagus pants that was the absolute best ever! Loved it! Definitely my favorite part of the evening.