I've decided while continuing to post a normal blog every few weeks, there is something a little less important I need to get out of my system:
Will I ever grow up?
You might wonder why I'm asking that question - and frankly the list of things that concern me is long indeed - however, it's my office that makes me ask the question today. It seems I surround myself with things I love and have collected, or things that remind me of experiences I've had, great moments...you get the idea.
None of what I see, save a few family pictures and some drawings by my 12-year-old, could be interpreted as part of an office of someone slightly less mature than myself. So every week or so I'm going to post a shot of my surroundings and see if it shakes loose a conclusion on my part (or yours) as to the validity of my current state.
Uomo Santo "Holy One" was painted as a gift by my good friend and former creative director Mr. George Harris in honor of my love for the Bass:
If you’ve read my past blogs, you know music is a big part of my life - from playing, listening, and most importantly, hearing it live. I’ve shared some photos of live shows and have made many references throughout my posts. In fact, it was just 10 days ago that I attended the much talked about Coldplay and Snow Patrol show. More on that later.
This weekend, I was asked a question by my wife that was stunning, perplexing, concerning, and utterly ridiculous: “Paul, do you think you’re overdoing the concerts this year?” Initially I was certain I had misunderstood the question, but after further discussion it was true - she had actually asked me if we were going to OD on live music. I'll be the first to admit the schedule is packed, and I may have to resign my post at Klipsch to make all the shows, but is it really too high a price to pay?
For me, hearing great musicians in a basement club or a large venue doesn’t matter. I’ve been privileged to experience both and they are equally among life’s great rewards. So after I pled my case, it was clear to my wife (of many years) she had simply not understood that no matter the sacrifice, it was not possible to experience too much live music. She felt better after knowing she could focus her time and energy on truly troubling things, such as the world economy and the price of gold.
Coldplay and Snow Patrol... I was drug against my will to this show but agreed simply because it would pave an easier way for me to get to go to the shows I really wanted to see, but.................Let me say Snow Patrol is an amazing Irish band, and if they keep their egos in check, could have a long and successful future ahead of them.
Coldplay was one of the greatest surprises of my musical life – they were extraordinary. Chris Martin was engaged and truly seemed to love what he was doing. As Professor Thump said, the band on two occasions went into the crowd and played up close and personal to the lawn - a very cool move. Unfortunately for me I was up getting a drink when they did and found myself locked out of my seat during 4 songs. But as luck would have it, I ran into two of my favorite Klipsch friends and we shared a few laughs during my seating exile.
And so goes my life on the perfory of the music business, and as always, it is a good one to be living.
