There is a way to travel backwards in time that does not involve a flux capacitor, DeLorean DMC-12, or Christopher Lloyd. And that is to attend a concert by one of your favorite bands from years gone afore. (Though not too many years, because once the band members possess a certain level of geriatricity you inevitably begin to think about your own impending decrepitness and before you know it find yourself tearing up at the Gordon Lightfoot show, in the middle of "Sundown.")
That is what we did last Saturday night, making the two-hour pilgrimmage to Nashville to see Matchbox Twenty and Counting Crows. Anticipatory conversation on the drive up included a couple of unexpected gems from Mrs. Bone.
"Do you think Rob Thomas will sing any of his solo songs?"
"I doubt it."
"Well, I really like that one song he does.... something about butterflies?"
I am entirely vexed. She continues.
"The one about they've tried but can't work things out?"
"Mockingbird?"
"Yeah, that's it!"
A little later, she inquires as to what my favorite Matchbox Twenty song is. I list "Real World" and "Bright Lights" among them, then ask the same of her.
"What's that song from that Nicholas Cage movie where he dies?"
"City of Angels?"
"Yeah."
"That's the Goo Goo Dolls."
"Oh. I always get them mixed up."
Well... at least one of us would enjoy the show.
As the crowd began to filter in, I was feeling right in my element. Most everyone seemed to be around my age. The concert had a starting time of 6:45, which I thought odd at first, but in hindsight believe was a nod to those of us in our middle ages who, while we enjoy having a good time, also know not much good happens after 10 pm.
After a brief set by opening act Rivers & Rust, Counting Crows took the stage. Having seen them deliver a phenomenal show at the Ryman in 2009, this performance left a bit to be desired. It was difficult to understand Duritz's vocals at times, and they chose to skip several favorites like "American Girls," "Accidentally in Love" and Big Yellow Taxi" in favor of some new songs unfamiliar to me, and evidently, most everyone else. Highlights included "Round Here," "Hard Candy" and of course, "A Long December."
Then Matchbox Twenty took the stage with all the energy of a band that had just hit the big time. After kicking off with "Real World," they ran through a mostly romping set that included all of their big hits. They returned for a four-song encore which kicked off with Simple Minds' 80's standard, "Don't You Forget About Me," followed by "3 AM" and "Long Day," before closing the show with "Bright Lights."
It's funny, and I have no idea why this is, but as I get older I sometimes find myself trying to come up with reasons to not go to concerts (traffic, won't be able to get a sitter, etc.). And yet, I can scarcely recall a single concert I regretted attending.
Music is woven throughout my soul. I love how a certain song can take you back to a specific time or place or person every single time you hear it. A little bit of mind travel, if not time travel.
But alas, the time traveler's wife and I had to return back to 2017, where we're a little bit older (and I swear the music is not nearly as good). Back to jobs. And bills. And worry. And wishing the real world would just stop hassling me.