Happy Birthday, Mr. Harris!
Today is Steve Harris’ birthday – the bassist and founder of Iron Maiden was born in 1956, so that makes him…56! Here in the States, he’d qualify for AARP. Yet here in the States, we’re gearing up for a 29-date summer tour from Steve and the other “boys” in the band (ranging in age from 53 to 59). And that’s a drop in the bucket if you think about the number of shows they’ve played since reuniting the “classic” lineup back in 1999. I’ll pull some stats later, but I have a feeling the count is larger than all their ages combined.
I’ve been a fan since the tender age of thirteen, back when it was hard to believe I would ever be 40 (ack!) and gray (gag!). I never dreamed they would a) still be touring and b) appear better than ever, thirty years later. And wilder yet, that I’d still be following them.
Soon after they reunited with Bruce and Adrian, I saw them play Madison Square Garden (2000). As all the kids clamored to buy the black T-shirts emblazoned with Eddie on the front at the merch booth, I found myself saying, “I’ll take the coffee mug, please.” And I thought, gee, you know you’re getting old when you go to a rock show and walk out with a coffee mug.
2000. Dang, this mug is now 12 years old. Time flies. And I’ve seen the band at least two dozen times in four countries since then.
We’re never too old to rock and roll. Cheers!
Hi Matt – thanks for stopping by! Looking forward to the Challenge and checking out other blogs!
Hi Jess. I’m just stopping in as your A to Z co-host, and wanted to welcome you to the challenge, as well as my section of the list. Nice to meet you!
Great entry you posted Jess! Time flies by just way too quickly!
Your concert travels sound exciting. Heck, I can count the number of concerts I’ve been to on one hand ~ total. And each came about in an unexpected way. Other than #4, they were all huge names. (Apparently, I could lose a finger and still count them š
(1) Michael Jackson during his Victory Tour (BFF’s sister dated a record promoter and got last minute tickets for li’l sis & friend ~ me!)
(2) Van Halen ’84 tour. Friend in high school invited me after her other friend backed out last minute.
(3) Rolling Stones played at my college campus. The school instituted a lottery system. I “won” the privilege of buying a ticket. I wanted to scalp it, but my roommate wouldn’t let me. Thanks, Cindy!
(4) Corey Hart. Who? Okay, he was playing on a college campus when I went to visit a friend.
Yep, that’s it. I feel I need to get out more. š
LOL Alison!! I made a whole Pinterest board of all the concerts I’ve been to! (though I did include opening acts too) And I still felt like I havn’t been to all that many shows. With the price of tickets, I only go to ones that I really NEED to see.
Love it, Allison – it’s not always about quantity, but about quality! Many people would give their right arm (or their right-handed sequined glove, in this case) to have seen Michael Jackson live. And the Stones on a college campus? Epic! I do remember Corey hart. LOL
I know what you mean!! I have the same affection for a different band š They were my everything when I was like 11-13….but even after that I still loved them…even when it wasn’t cool anymore. They’re in their 40’s now and better than ever!! š I haven’t been lucky enough to travel outside North America…but from Sept 2008 to June 2009, I saw them perform in 4 different states plus Canada! LOL!
How funny, Stephanie – I had read your latest blog this morning and I couldn’t help but smile! Yes, different bands, genres but you know that feeling…it’s great and you feel lucky (and HAPPY) to be able to experience it! š