Time for my recap,so here goes... Just said goodbye to my son at the San Diego airport ,as he headed back home following our little Odyssey to remember. {HB 1 and 2}
Was it really February when he got those tickets for us to see Adam and Queen at the Hollywood Bowl? Seemed so long ago,yet time flew by -somehow. So there we were, on our little journey up to LA early Monday morning, sharing stories to pass the time ,including his revelation that he had recently returned from Barcelona! What??? "Well, Mom ,I left for the trip just after the tragedy in Manchester, and I didn't want you worrying about me. I made sure that sis knew though, so she could be the emergency contact." This amazing young adult son of mine still finds ways to stun my senses and leave me speechless. But I digress....
Bursts of spontaneous squeals of anticipation occurred all along our 2 hour car ride to LA, to my son's visible delight. Sorry-just couldn't help it, I've been waiting so long to see Adam and Queen again---and was this really happening??? We arrived at the Le Parc Suites in Hollywood, settled in, went over to the famous Mel's Diner for something to eat and then back to the hotel bar for a cocktail after I checked in with 2 dear friends whom I'd invited separately to past Adam concerts. They both wanted to see QAL and came with their husbands to the first concert on Monday night. We arrived at the venue, and memories of past concerts there when I lived in LA flooded my mind as I saw that historic Bowl, nestled into the steep hillsides. My son was very helpful in making sure I could get to our super seats; I have mobility issues following a past surgery and I couldn't have navigated all those hills without his patient assistance!
And now for the details you really care about... HB1 was wonderful-all that magic, beauty, colorful lights, that ever magnificent voice of Adam's that I long to hear, all on display on this glorious summer night! But I could tell that the sound was a bit off from the very beginning. At one point, I turned to DS and said,"The instruments and production are drowning out Adam's voice!" He said he didn't notice--but I did. A Glambert from Virginia, whom I had never met before,kept sharing her binoculars with me and narrating her history of how she fell in love with this darling man.Didn't have to explain much--I understood it all. At the end of the concert,one of my friends told me that her husband, who previously laughed whenever I mentioned Adam's name---well, he was now a FAN! He had no idea of the power of his voice, said he never heard anything like it and was truly impressed. Whew! At least I didn't have to feel bad that she dragged him to this concert-ha ha! Wish they were there on HB2 because----------
As you have heard many times already,that night, all the stars were aligned and the concert was the musical event of my lifetime.I'm usually not one for hyperbole, but I can tell you, from the very first note,I kept looking around at all the people and feeling so grateful to be in that place and time, experiencing what I can only describe as ecstasy---the same JOY i felt when I discovered the thrill of being in the ocean for the first time in my childhood. This night DS and I had Terrace seats,dead center and our view was amazing--much better than The previous night. We could see the stage very clearly and the set looked spectacular---even noticed the shiny floor of the catwalk. Adam looked beautiful, as always and the sound was at a different level.One song after the other-HOW DOES HE DO THIS? The synergy among the musicians was palpable,especially between Brian and Adam. They really do have a special connection--and I loved Brian's guitar solos more than I have in the past . And I appreciate Roger's drum skills--that man works so hard; it's a joint effort up there on that stage. One of my favorites, ever since Kiev, is UP, and the lyrics always have such meaning and power for me. Every song touched my heart but when Adam got to IT'S LATE----I was blown away.{ I can see why it's a favorite of Talon's.} I felt like running up to the stage and giving Adam a hug when he was singing the heartbreaking lyrics of that song.
I could go on and on, this night will stay in my memory for too many reasons to mention here. After Adam said, "Goodnight, Los Angeles!" The endless screams and adulation continued. We knew they were coming back for WWRY and Champions. But we weren't ready for Adam to appear sitting serenely on a stool, in the middle of the stage---then a hush from the adoring crowd, and "Sammy...." Spread Your Wings!!! Anyone who knows me, will admit I'm a little shy, not given to drawing attention to myself, but I just couldn't help it. I stood up and stretched out my arms in abandon every chorus of SPREAD YOUR WINGS and FLY AWAY. When the concert was over I had to turn around again and reach out to momtomany who was sitting in the box next to me . I told her, "I just have to give you a big hug because you love Adam ,just like me!" We embraced in a glorious moment that was a fitting ending to this "night to remember" I just HAD to connect with this beautiful lady who personifies the JOY of Adam to the depths of her soul. Yes, the sound, spirit, setlist, music, interactions on the stage, the band's sense of "we got this" ,Adam's infectious grin, Brian's sweet glances and his touching performance of LOVE of MY LIFE,even Roger's absolute glee when singing"I'M In LOVE WITH MY CAR----all were PERFECT tonight and of course we never wanted it to end. I hope everyone who wants to see and hear QAL will be able to experience this JOY that I was so fortunate to share tonight.
As we left the Hollywood Bowl I saw an expression on my son's face that was one of utter satisfaction
He knew that he had shared a special time with his mom. As for me, my love for the sea and for Adam continue....