Walk Dirty With Me

I could not wait to see tonight’s line up of Cheap Trick, Poison and Def Leppard. So much so that as Scott parked the car, I was already leaping out the door. Yet two very important factors did not occur to me until after I landed: 1. We were parking in the Florida Fairgrounds and 2. It poured the day before. Even the sound as I hit the ground did not register until I tried to move my feet. The brand new, red leather, silver studded, three inch wedges had become flats in the matter of seconds. Holding on to the door handle, I managed to pull myself out of the mud pit as graceful as one of the rocker chics from Bret Michael’s reality show. Filthy dirty shoes and all, we started our walk to the Ford Amphitheater. Within 100 feet of our journey, I knew the dirt on my shoes was not going to be the only foot issues of the night. Past experience warned me not to wear high heeled shoes, even wedges if major walking was involved. But the added height is a wonderful advantage while viewing a concert. I had no clue our parking spot would be more than a half mile hike. Scott was extremely patient.

Trying to make limping look hot, I managed to make it to the front gate only to discover another obstacle. Huge signs denying camera usage were posted. First thought through my mind… “If they find my camera, they are going to make me walk back to the van… oh please, NO!” Thankfully the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” method was used during the security proceedings, and we were inside the amphitheater. What I found funny is how they asked Scott if he had a camera, which he did not deny as he showed them his phone. I honestly could not figure out why they had tight security regarding this matter. Our original plan before arriving was to grab a bite to eat, but after seeing the long line of cars into the fairgrounds, we opted to find whatever we could at the concert. With stomachs grumbling, we ventured into another long line… for merchandise. Yes, sad, I know! With Def Leppard T-shirts in hand, we devoured a pretzel and two hot dogs with beverages all totaling up to be about the same exact cost of our concert clothing.

Scott got us great seats, and I was happier about the seat itself then the location at that point. What I would have done for a set of band aids and Neosporin! Just as I was resting up before Cheap Trick’s performance, a woman taps my shoulder and says we are in her seats. Thankfully my inner rocker chic did not emerge for as I turned my head ready to finish what had started, it was our friends, Davi and John from our neighborhood! It was SO good to see them and catch up before the concert started. They were only three rows up from us, so we got to talk in between sets. First band up: Cheap Trick. For a 30 plus year old band, their sound, their vocals were perfect. And with only a 40 minute act, we were left screaming for more. Set up between groups went fast and furious. Second band was Poison. I already knew from past video footage what to expect, and they definitely did deliver. CC was all show, but he wasn’t the only one missing notes left and right. Bret felt the need to talk more than sing, but they did manage to belt out the favorites pretty well. Scott was extremely bored at this point. We now had high hopes for the last act of the night. Our hopes were crushed within five minutes of Def Leppard’s intro. Jo Elliot’s voice is just not what it used to be. With 25 minutes into their set, acoustic guitars were brought out. Now I understood why security was watching everyone like a hawk. They don’t want videos of their show on YouTube in fear no one would show up! Scott and I looked at each other, and decided now was a good time to start hobbling to the van. Not that we have anything against an acoustic, but we came to ROCK! I don’t regret one minute going to this concert. I still like Poison’s and Def Leppard’s hits, and always will. I just wish I could have seen them in their hay day.

Our journey back to the vehicle was yet another adventure. Thankfully we did not have to walk far as before since they provide bus shuttles to various parking locations in the fairgrounds. No - The big adventure was finding our vehicle. There were street lights everywhere, but none of them were turned on! We were led to our van by the sound of its horn. Feeling sorry for me, my Rock Star backed up the mini-van (Yes, mini-van; Takes the cool factor right out of the equation!) so my dirty shoes and I could avoid getting stuck in the mud again. Now we are counting down the days till the next concert on our list: U2. Now, which high heeled shoes should I wear for this one… ;-)

Side Note: In between sets, various rock songs played over the speakers while we waited. EVERY TIME an AC/DC song was played, people automatically stood up and started cheering and looking around the stage as if the next band was starting. That’s every time for a recording of an AC/DC song. Hmmm… that Australian band is coming to Orlando in November…. Hey, Scott…