Hold My Beer

Why is it, when Alyssa gave a list of her "Back to Blogging" prompts, that the "hold my beer" moment is the one that I knew, without a doubt, that I could write?  Is it because I've had a lot of them?  Probably.  Is it because I've drank too much?  Probably.  Is it because I've had a lot of fun during some drunken debauchery?  Probably that too.

Here's a few things I love:  music, rock music, live music, and yes, beer.  I've been fortunate enough to see many of my favorite bands in concert, and believe me, there's been a lot of beer consumed at those concerts.

Stone Temple Pilots is one of those bands that I've seen at multiple gigs in different venues and at different times of their tenure.  The songs are fantastic, the band is always tight, the crowds are always good, and Scott Weiland was always one of the best of all front men.  I feel like I saw him at various stages of his drug addiction, but he still was always an incredible performer.

June 8, 2000 - STP returned to Houston, and a group of friends and I went.  I'd seen them before, and I loved the venue selected for this show.  It was a little smaller than where I'd previously seen them (holds approximately 2500).  The venue for this show was all general admission with a floor section and a back section that had an incline or rise to it. 

by artist Jermaine Rogers

For the opening band (and I don't remember who opened), I sat in the back section on the rise and many beers were consumed.  This was a common occurrence for my group of friends, depending on the opening act. 

We got to talking to this dad and his 13 year old son sitting next to us.  It was the son's first concert ever, and he was so excited to see Stone Temple Pilots. 

(I swear my "hold my beer" moment is coming..........)

Opening band ended.  More beer was consumed.  Lights go down.  Concert starts.  Everyone stands and is getting into the show.  The kid next to us is loving it.  He's so pumped.

Again, I lovvvvvvve live music.  I feel the adrenaline.  I absorb the environment.  I sing.  I dance.  I throw my arms in the air.  I sweat.  I shake.  I love it.  And, I like to be close and in the midst of it all.

At the time of this show, I was 26 years old (almost 27) and in my prime rock show music attending, concert going mode.  I was not going to stay in the back.  The band was pulling me forward.  If you are a fan of STP, check out this setlist that was played that night.

"Wicked Garden" kicked in, one of my favorites.  So, what did I do?  I said "hold my beer" and grabbed the hand of that 13 year old kid, and yelled "c'mon!"  (getting a nod of approval from his dad.)

I dragged that kid up into the middle of the mosh pit, and I just kept dragging.  He was jumping around, singing, going crazy, and his eyes were as wide as saucers with awe and excitement.  Eventually, I got us all the way up to the front of the stage, and he even slapped hands with Scott Weiland.  We remained there at the front barricade for the rest of the concert.

Not only was my concert experience amazing, but I'm pretty sure I gave this kid a story to tell about his "first concert ever".  At least, I hope so.  All because I put down my beer.

Now, if only Scott Weiland could've put down the drugs...........

A review I found about this particular gig:

With a healthy Weiland, STP an untouchable band

Join me with Alyssa and tell your best "hold my beer" moment...

Or...tell me one of your favorite concert experiences.