Recently, the memory of the 2009 show at the Pacific Amphitheater in Costa Mesa (at the OC Fairgrounds) came up on my calendar. I was there that night with Amanda. If my memory serves correctly, we had met up in Las Vegas and it was one of those times that just worked out brilliantly. I had already been scheduled to be in Las Vegas that weekend because my daughter’s dance team was competing at their national championship, and then the show at The Pearl (Palms Hotel) was announced. We were due to go home that very day, and so I switched hotel reservations around. Thankfully, the band played a venue where my oldest could go with us to her first DD show. I’ve already told the story of how we stood in the audience that night, Heather in front of me—as she was treated to hearing John Taylor call the entire audience “mother f*ckers”. As one does, of course. I can still picture her face as she turned around to glare at me, eyes wide as saucers. (As if I had somehow been responsible for the state of his language!)
Anyway, we drove back to Orange County the following day in order to get to the next show. Again, as one does. While Heather stayed at home to babysit her 14-month old sister that night, Amanda, my husband and I went to the show. Sadly, Walt’s ticket was quite a bit farther up in the stands that night, while Amanda and I were in VIP seating. Close enough to seriously appreciate the memory of all memories I am about to share.
Normally, I proudly post this memory on Facebook each and every year, but somehow this year I missed it. (likely because I was traveling and not at home!) Imagine being in an audience, giddy from already having seen the band the night before, but never quite knowing whether or not the band will play the same set. This, of course, is just after the time of RCM – or really just between albums I suppose. You hear the opening chords for “Skin Trade”, not a song we hear often at shows, and then you see Simon in FULL. DANCE. MODE.
He’s dons a hat, some rather pimp-like sunglasses, and sets off. He’s…what is that…dancing?!? Walking?? Not quite sure, really, but you HAVE to capture it. Is he having a seizure? What in the actual…. You grab your phone, try to get the camera to work, all the while shaking so violently (from laughter) that you can’t focus. You can’t hold the phone straight, damn it!! Tears are STREAMING down your face.
Oh hell. There’s no describing it. Let me just show it. Right here.
I think if you listen close….you can still hear me cackling in the background. Amanda had to take over videoing because I was laughing so hard, and THIS is one of my most favorite memories at any show. Ever.
-R
