It was in the early 1970’s when I went to my first major concert. Along with two friends we drove down to Sydney to see Joe Cocker and the ‘Mad Dogs and Englishmen’ tour.

It was a momentous occasion as it was not only my first concert but also the first time I had driven in the city. That bit I managed ok.

We found our seats in the huge open-air concert arena and settled down to enjoy and watch the spectacle that the concert was.

It was at this event that I first saw Leon Russell, long haired, long beard and wearing a top hat, seated at a piano belting out Joe’s songs and then doing a few of his own.

There’s something about being there and soaking up the atmosphere and energy of a live performance.

Later on, I know I basked in it when my time came to perform, never on the Joe Cocker scale, but more your concerts and musicals that generated an audience who reacted in all the best possible ways.

I do miss that aspect of performing, but I don’t miss the huge crowds, as I’ve aged I’ve become more and more introverted, I don’t like being amongst large throngs of people but there are occasions when you can’t escape it. Like in a week’s time my son has a major art show happening and I’m going along to the opening where I know there will be a crowd. I’m also chuffed that in the front of his exhibition book he has made a dedication to me, that is very humbling.

I must say I do look forward to attending the concerts my grandchildren perform in, music, or drama or dance. Always exciting.

Written for: https://mindlovemiserysmenagerie.wordpress.com/2020/02/20/tale-weaver-263-concert-february-20th/