As I’ve mentioned in this column, I’m obsessed with music in general, and with my 80s childhood, and I go to concerts a lot. But I don’t know if I’ll make it to one of the stops on this tour.
I know I’ll be missing out. But I’m not okay with the idea of her wanting or needing to retire (or what it means about my own age). I want her up there onstage forever.
When I was growing up on a farm, we didn’t have cable. But some of my favorite early memories — and probably some of the roots of my becoming obsessed with pop music— stemmed from staying up late with my older sister to watch Friday Night Videos. That was the only way we got to see any “M” tv. And that’s how I got to see the video for “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” for the first time.
Four decades on, even the opening notes of that song, plus “Time After Time” and “Goonies ‘R’ Good Enough” still lift my heart. I laugh every time I hear “She-Bop,” thinking about how I’d had no clue what the song was really about.
I have always loved her for her creativity, spunkiness, humor, not to me mention her music. And that was all before I learned from reading her memoir that she has always been a champion for LGBTQ kids, including and especially homeless ones. Here she is giving love and support while riding a float in a Pride parade earlier this month.
What memories, thoughts, feelings, etc. come up for YOU when you think of this So Unusual one?
And/or, which artist from your own youth will you never be okay with saying goodbye to?
Unfortunately, I've already said goodbye to one of my favorites, the Moody Blues. Only two members remain and they don't seem to want to get together anymore. At least they are still making music, but sadly no more Moody Blues.
Ha ha, my friends and I were in a sort of stalker mode that night. We knew what hotel they were staying in so we hung out in the lobby after the concert until they arrived and kind of ambushed the poor guys. But they were gracious and friendly.
I wrote mistakenly, I was staying in Davenport but the concert was actually in Moline, just across the river. I have no idea what the venue is called, I was too star-struck.
Hahahaha all of this!!! Friday Night Videos was where I saw the best music, and I’m sure that’s where I first saw Girls Just Wanna Have Fun! I would then spend the next week calling the radio station asking them to play all the cool stuff I saw that weekend!
I have to laugh because I also was naive and had no idea what She Bop was about until I was much older. It may have even been pointed out to me before I realized it.
Cyndi Lauper has always held a special place in my heart.
Back then, I actually had She’s So Unusual on a picture disc!! That’s one vinyl I deeply regret selling when I was a poor college student and needed to eat!! 😂
Thom Yorke of Radiohead. Reminds me of my early 30s, good years. Once waited in line in Seattle late into night for release of CD :) Now he has this thing going ….Enjoying the engagement here Alison. Love the Gen X cultural elevation!!!!
Unfortunately, I've already said goodbye to one of my favorites, the Moody Blues. Only two members remain and they don't seem to want to get together anymore. At least they are still making music, but sadly no more Moody Blues.
Thank you for reading and commenting! Is Justin Hayward one of them? I think I have that name right.
Yes, I love Justin's music. I met the Moody Blues one year when they played in Davenport and will always cherish the CD cover that they all signed.
Oh wow! Where did they play in Davenport? And was it just luck and hanging around that led to you getting signatures?
Ha ha, my friends and I were in a sort of stalker mode that night. We knew what hotel they were staying in so we hung out in the lobby after the concert until they arrived and kind of ambushed the poor guys. But they were gracious and friendly.
I wrote mistakenly, I was staying in Davenport but the concert was actually in Moline, just across the river. I have no idea what the venue is called, I was too star-struck.
That’s a great memory— thanks for sharing it!!
I recall them playing with the Quad City Symphony at The Mark! One of my all-time favorite concerts. Amy
Hahahaha all of this!!! Friday Night Videos was where I saw the best music, and I’m sure that’s where I first saw Girls Just Wanna Have Fun! I would then spend the next week calling the radio station asking them to play all the cool stuff I saw that weekend!
I have to laugh because I also was naive and had no idea what She Bop was about until I was much older. It may have even been pointed out to me before I realized it.
Cyndi Lauper has always held a special place in my heart.
Back then, I actually had She’s So Unusual on a picture disc!! That’s one vinyl I deeply regret selling when I was a poor college student and needed to eat!! 😂
Omg a picture disc?!?!
Thanks so much for reading, commenting, and eating!! Ahh I missing calling radio stations (or having the urge to)!
Time After Time gets me every time.
And Bob Seger must live forever!
Isn’t it such a great (and ironically “time”-less song?
I had a feeling if you jumped in, you might say Bob! 😃
Thanks for playing along!
We won’t discuss which artist I refuse to say goodbye to because I get way too emotional even considering it.
Re: Cyndi, I love the t-shirts Girls Just Want to Have Fun(damental rights).
That is a great t-shirt slogan indeed!
Hopefully you -know-who will be like The Rolling Stones!
Thom Yorke of Radiohead. Reminds me of my early 30s, good years. Once waited in line in Seattle late into night for release of CD :) Now he has this thing going ….Enjoying the engagement here Alison. Love the Gen X cultural elevation!!!!
https://open.spotify.com/track/6o2yIQVzajJjRrgICzcfAf?si=qim7p_VhTmSt-2Aj_B2cxA
Thanks, Doug!!
Good choice! And thanks for the link.