6.21.14 Adam News and Info
Jun 21, 2014 20:33:08 GMT -5
Post by wannabethesnake on Jun 21, 2014 20:33:08 GMT -5
First tho, KUDOS to all the posters/creators of photos and videos of the concert! My miserable attempts at capturing moments on my cell phone were blurred and over-exposed. I'll leave it to the experts from now on.
And to Aleks - thank you for your remarkable 'Crown' essay . . . you are Queen of the written word! So perfectly you stated what I also feel in my heart.
Here goes . . .
Six of us 'Adamtopians' met at our hotel and taxied to the venue. Lines outside were as long as I've ever seen, but moved quickly. Purses were inspected and everyone was 'wanded' before tickets were scanned. My seat for Chicago was at the tip of the thrust, next to the aisle with only one person in front of me! I found myself right next to Bamafan, and only a few feet from Q3! I remember us cavorting in some sort of thrill dance - just had to let the joy and anticipation release! Security guards were very talkative. One said "You have a surprise in store"; the other just wanted to get home. "This is my 2nd job and it's been a long day." I asked how it could be possible to keep steady eyes on the crowd when Adam was on the stage. Well, by the end of the concert they were bobbing their heads like the rest of us! I see a photo above of the enormous crested curtain that covered the stage. I didn't notice any gold on it (maybe the gilded curtain isn't ready yet?), and believe me, we scrutinized it, looking for any signs of movement behind that might signal "lift off". Finally, the collective roar of the crowd and the music crescendo seemed to blow the curtain up, and there HE was, seared on the stage in studded black leather and gold. Resplendent behind those gold shades, I tell ya! Every bit the glam, sexy rock god, proclaiming "Now I'm Here"! The mic fail didn't deter him for a second. Instead, he strutted across the stage and lobbed it effortlessly . . . reminded me of a perfect pitcher-to-first-base play. A few other 'glitches' occurred here and there during the performance, but I can't specifically recall them. Adam, Brian, Roger and crew, as true professionals, continued throughout with confidence in the thrill of the show.
Whoever imagined and created the spiked, fringed sleeves is genius! Adam appeared in silhouette at the back of the stage, "In the Lap of the Gods" - and his voice was so high, so clear and piercing, for a moment I wasn't sure it was he. A winged Dionysus? Prometheus? Reminded me of his entrance in GNT, but now golden; no scarlet letter. As he pranced up an overhanging stairway to "7 Seas of Rhye" I noticed a Victorian velvet chaise being lifted onto the catwalk, and placed right in front of us! Well, if AFL were to be magically transformed into a piece of furniture, this would be it . . . gilded butch. Every inch the Diva, he played and preened and posed . . . while, by the way, he effortlessly enunciated each perfect word. I think I saw a millisecond of disappointment when he realized the bottle of champagne wouldn't open . . . or maybe it was another authentic expression from this grown-up theatre kid.
The crowd nearby was very diverse - two people were surprised to find themselves front & center of the thrust. How could they not have known? Two of Bri's guitars were just to my right - I thrilled in anticipation of acoustic "Love of My Life". Must confess - I've listened to this song a hundred times - trying to memorize the simple lyrics; but still confused between " . . you hurt me" and " . . don't leave me". Well, I messed up again as I sang along, but of course it didn't matter. I was mesmerized by the humility, sincerity, and clarity of purpose in Brian May's performance. Then I saw his white shoes were decorated with gold. That made me cry.
A triad of emotion - the questions and explanations of love as only Freddie, Brian, Roger - Queen! - could write them - filled the huge arena with "Under Pressure", "Love Kills", and "Who Wants to Live Forever". I have a perfect moment - watching Adam's entire body set the tempo for "Love Kills". Visualizing the coalescing of energy, and bringing it forth in a crystalline phrase - - - NO ONE on this earth can do it like Adam.
White light that shone upon Adam & Brian faded into darkness as they asked the question "Who waits forever, anyway?" with heads bowed. I felt sadness and gratefulness locked in that portrait. Beginnings are born of endings. Reverence for the past and the future met on that stage, in that moment. And then I thought "Whoa! Brian's little ditty, "39", is very telling of this continuum". Pure genius.
Can I just put 'white pants' right there with 'red pants'?? Those white pants must have known Elvis.
And then out came the perfectly tailored, shirtless leopard-print suit. And the crown. I heard the gasp as Adam came to center stage. Sheer awe! His beauty, the ornamentation, rocked the arena to its core. I did not feel confrontation; I felt honor, loyalty, legacy and emergence, simultaneously, at that moment. And truly, Adam, sensibly, has always been one to find a way to address "the elephant in the room". There he was, as brave, as honest and as open as I have yearned to be. This is what sets him apart - above and beyond all others! In life, doesn't he admire the conversation? Doesn't he inspire us to examine our motivations and concerns? In rethinking and reexamining ourselves, there is nothing to be gained but knowledge and perspective.
I watched Adam remove the crown and attempt to put it on Brian's head. Brian took the crown, and, as we've all seen, placed the crown on Adam's head, instead. The man who knew Freddie better than any of us put the crown on Adam - and then he put his right fist, gently, to Adam's heart. Down rained the confetti - ending an evening and beginning an era. 'These are the days of our lives'. I stuffed my little purse with the golden confetti after the show, as if I could capture and save some of the magic. Now, what should I do with it? If anyone would like some, just let me know!
In ten days I will see Queen again. My summer is an embarrassment of riches. Were it not already so, I would make every sacrafice to see this performance again - and again. I try to recall every moment, every thought, every interaction, but they flee my mind, just as the faces of those I love most evaporate when I'm missing them.
And now I'm on my way home . . . feeling so glad, so good, so grateful. Is this what happens after a revival? In Chicago I met a dear friend from Adamtopia for the first time - a cherished, like-minded soul who helped me find my way during my days of crisis when I lost my mother. We found ourselves in a bar at 1AM, after the show. There, we shared stories with new friends from Iowa & Michigan, who had never heard of Adamtopia but had traveled to see Adam - the life force that unites us all.
I know I always end up being a sap and letting my emotions rule the fingers that try to type. But, through the inspiration that began at 'Mama', I embrace adventure and allow gratitude to color my life. I'm determined to continue adding to this palette with experiences, ideas, honesty, kindness and joy. I'll do my best because best matters. I painted a good life before Adam. Difference is, I thought it was about done. Now I realize I've so much more to create; so many colors to add. Dare I say that Adam has awakened possibilities in Brian & Roger, as well?
Thank you so much Talc 