1987: I was 23 and a single mother to a 4-year-old AND a newborn. Not having extra funds to buy concert tickets, my primary source of music entertainment was watching the MTV channel (when it actually was music videos 24/7) and listening to my HUGE collection of cassette tapes on my commute to and from work each day. Thank goodness for BMG and Columbia House. (Remember when you could get like 11 records or tapes for a penny?) It was also the year Def Leppard released their Hysteria album. I was instantly in love.
The album sold over 20 million copies and pumped out 7 hit singles; “Animal”, “Women”, “Pour Some Sugar on Me”, “Hysteria”, Armageddon it”, “Love Bites” and “Rocket” and are covered by many local cover bands to this day.
My kids threw a surprise party for me when I turned 50 in 2014. I was told I was going to see a Def Leppard cover band at a VFW. Dressing up was optional, but I enthusiastically put together a mock 80’s outfit: black leather mini skirt, purple top, black sequined jacket, heels and enough hairspray on my head to justify a “do not light match/flammable” sign on my back. I walked into the VFW hearing ‘Pour Some sugar on Me’ with all of my family and many close friends “surprising” me. My kids know I am not easy to surprise. They had one chance and they nailed it.
The years rolled by and I had fallen into a pit of emotional despair; my marriage crumbling and my youngest kids aging out of the nest. In 2019, I wasn’t sure who *I* was, or what my purpose was anymore. I was struggling to find myself. Who am I if not someone’s daughter, mother, wife, employee? With the help of therapy, it would take me a couple of years to find those answers I was desperately seeking. We won’t even talk about “2020” since that depressed likely every single person reading this. (typed with eyes rolling)
December 2021: I had found out that a Def Leppard cover band named Rok Brigade would play at Sundance Saloon in Mundelein, Illinois for a New Years Eve show. Brain: ‘Okay, I’m in!’. I get my “Def Leppard Hysteria” T-shirt and reserve a room nearby so I’m not driving home after midnight. Listening to live music in a small venue, I am blown away by the talents of the musicians and felt such a renewed passion for the music of my youth. Meeting the band members (who have become friends) was another highlight of the evening for me. What a great way to start a NEW year!
Since that fateful night, my life has gone through several major changes; end of 25-year marriage, sale of home with a move to apartment living in a rural town. I’ve also seen countless bands at various venues across northern Illinois. I’ve made many friends (both musicians and fellow music lovers) and have discovered a passion in promoting our local bands by sharing pictures, videos and their upcoming events. Music was, and still is, a huge part of my “therapy” and my newfound ‘life’s purpose’. While not everyone may have musical talent to play an instrument, there are countless other areas of the business for persons like myself who have the passion, motivation and devotion to music.
I have dedicated myself into the ‘promotion’ part of the music world, not just enjoying the music at shows, but also paying particular attention to overall musical talent, stage performance, audience interaction & participation, the “setlist” (many bands play the same songs), lighting, sound & special effects and, of course, the venues. I’ve had many musician friends reach out to me for my thoughts & opinions that I am happy to share because I, as a FAN, want to see them reach their full potential and have a great fan base following.
Music is my happiness. Music is my peace. Music is my passion. Music is my life.
Rock On! \m/
P.S. I still have my collection of cassette tapes.