Music is Universal
On the train or anywhere, it's easy to strike up a conversation about music
On a train from New York City, bound for Hudson, NY, I sat down in the cafe car across from an older grey-haired man with a full grey mustache, drinking a beer.
The conversation wended its way round to music, the way it often does, rather quickly. He had been to a concert and was headed home to Albany.
“Kiss,” he said when I asked him what band.
I laughed, and asked him the appeal. Was it the leather pants? He shrugged. “Just always liked ‘em.”
It was their last show at Madison Square Garden, he said. Co-lead singer Gene Simmons was 75. It had been a good run.
“I saw them play at Madison Square Garden in 1977–their first show—and then last night, nearly their last.” He was going to go again the next night but had hopped on the train instead, tired out. He needed to save his energy for Santacon coming up in Times Square, where thousands of folks dress as Santa and Mrs. Claus and hit the bars for charity. I said I could see him as Santa. All he needed was the beard.
How things change. My new friend paid $17 for the first Kiss show at the Garden, and $487 this time.
He said he’d gone through every genre of music growing up in Queens, NY, from his parents’ Big Band phase, to his six older siblings’ various obsessions through the 50s, 60s and 70s.
It wasn’t until a little over a year ago, at 60, that he bought his first guitar (and subsequent others) and began learning to play.
“I don’t think I’ll get famous or anythin’, but it’s relaxing when I get home from work. I enjoy it.”
I smiled. Music is an amazing thing, the way it connects us to ourselves and others, offers us salve for the day’s sores. I could picture this man I’d just met so clearly screaming from the stands, thrilled to take in yet another concert from these guys he’d been listening to for nearly five decades of his life, live and in the flesh. And how finally, at 60, he decided finally to give playing a try. Why not?
Cheers to the music that moves us, and the wherewithal to see it played live. And cheers to those brave enough to pick up an instrument, any instrument, and feel the power of the rhythm and peace we can create for ourselves.
Get inspired by this week’s schedule of AMAZING musicians (see Thursday’s post). And there’s even a movie to check out…Thanks for Listening Up! Hope it’s an inspirational week filled with creativity and joy.
XX
Steph