It's meant to be.

Here's a question for my non artistic (and also non autistic) people out there. Do you ever stop to admire art and beauty all around you? I admit lately that feels impossible to find. Where there used to be beauty,  it's now just darkness. But I meant more appreciating random small moments of beauty. What is art essentially? I like to look at it more fluidly than just a statue, or a painting. A person can be art, don't you think? I found myself at an airport just watching people, observing that small moment of their lives, where for that tiny fraction of time your lives collide and you exist at the same time in the same space. Have you ever noticed too, how a hug goodbye and a hug hello are completely different? That was art to me, I got an overwhelming desire to sketch these random moments in time, before they pass me by. The times we live in are so dark and so overwhelming, we really should learn to appreciate even the tiniest rays of love, hope, sun, beauty, art...

But then again, what do I know about beauty, what does any one of us know? In the words of my dearest Mr. Poe ''There is no exquisite beauty without some strangeness in the proportion''. 

I'm writing this offline, I needed a little breather, to step away from the internet. All the darkness on there is absolutely destroying me. Bit by bit. I have a hard time watching Palestine, I mean it's not like our news or any news is covering it, but I see enough from brave young reporters, and it is absolutely killing me. I am embarrassed to be in the so called sophisticated free world, in Europe that is supposedly evolved and god knows what else, and it doesn't lift a finger to help those people, but as soon as Yemen poses a tiny economical threath they get bombed. Okay. I see how it is. But at least I can be proud of my country today, unlike Germany who is on the fast track back into 1938, we are joining South Africa as the first (possibly only?) EU country. And that, that I am proud of. 

I actually came here to do a quick album review, I didn't have enought time to read, lousy excuse I know, but the time I had, I spent drawing, and playing this album on my iPod. 

I've said it before and I'll say it again, Bob Seger is such an underrated artist. And I know, I know many of you will say ''you just love him because of that Risky Business'' scene. No. I don't. I actually never watched Risky Business (gasp! the horror I know!) so I didn't even know what songs are in it, I loved Bob since forever, because he always reminded me of Bruce Springsteen, which is kinda funny if you think about the fact that Bruce actually inspired the song ''Night moves''. And I always loved the way his songs are whole movies, and his voice is so velvety smooth...

Against the wind is actually Bobs 11th studio album and I believe the fourth to feature the Silver bullet band (e street band vibes much?). It is unfortunally also the only number one album which spent six weeks on the American album charts. This is my underated artist issue. All of his albums deserve to be number ones. Not to mention that his career started in the early 60's, but he only really gained fame and success with ''Night moves'' which came out in 1976. Did y'all even know that the super famous Kenny Rogers song ''We've got tonight''? Is actually Bobs? Just saying.

Now this album is interesting, it kinda jumps back and forth from upbeat rock n roll kinda songs, to powerful, deep, meaningful ballads. I always loved that about an album, some variety, some diversity, listening to an album where all 13 to 15 songs sound absolutely the same is boring. It starts of with ''The Horizontal Bop'' my mind goes straight to Poison and ''Unskinny bop'' and they're nothing alike of course but what'cha gonna do...Horizontal bop is kinda heavy, bluesy with this extended musical part at the end. I mean I love that I can hear Chuck Berry in this song, and lets be serious we all know this song is about sex right? And that sells, but on the other hand the negative critique also amuses me, the critics that went after him saying this song will have negative ramifications for women such as unwanted pregnancy....ha.ha.hahaha.hahahahaha. Y'all for real? First thing first, is a pregnancy just a womans problem / fault? And also...I mean I don't know what the hell went down in the 80's, but I can't imagine blaming a song for stupid mistakes. It would have to be November Rain and Axl Rose himself singing it to me in the shower, and even then I can't imagine banging someone just because of a good song that implys sex. Ridiculous. Does that mean Prince is responsible for half of todays population then? Just asking. For a friend. 

That aside, the song is fun but for me it loses all meaning because of the second song. Oh my god let me tell you something I absolutely love it! No, still not enough to sleep with someone because of it, but might have it playing while sleeping with someone I already intended to sleep with. ''You'll Accomp'ny me'' is everything I love about music. It has that story, the melody, the love, the passion. The song is all about longing, longing for love, for companionship, and desire to find someone, someone you can trust to be there through all ups and downs in life. Somone who loves you for you, someone who stays when everyone else walks out. It talks about the basic human need of connection and most importantly hope, hope for a better future, hope of finding your person, hope of someone coming along and sharing all of lifes troubles and wins. The lyrics paint so much vulnerabilty and his voice paints so much emotion, that is what makes this song amazing in my book. 

''I'll take my chances babe, I'll risk it all, I'll win your love, or I'll take the fall, I've made my mind up girl, it's meant to be, someday lady you'll accomp'ny me''.

You just can't beat lyrics like this, and you can't beat the message, a man who knows despite all of the obstacles, roadblocks, other directions life may take you or fear that's stopping you, someday him and the woman of his dreams will be together, not because he decided but beacause it's meant to be. Maybe I'm just a hopeless romantic. Blame the part of me that's Italian, but this...this is everything. 

And opposed to everything we get back to the rockerish, some called it ''screechy voiced'' (I'm looking at you Bill King) song ''Her Strutt''. It's been said to be ''objectifying women'' deep sigh. I mean we went over this before with Cherry Pie didn't we? Why is saying you love watching women strut sexist though? I mean...I honestly do not get it? I might be missing some modern woke point of the story, but I can honestly say as a woman, watching a powerful woman in high heels, STRUT on her way to possibly destroy a man who done did her wrong...that's hella attractive, and at the end of the day men will always find women sexual, confident women are always attractive, and I fail to see the problem in that, problem is belitelling women and problem is lack of consent, not enjoying a nice view. In my opinion. And possibly, just maybe, anyone considered that the word strut just sounds grittier and works better in this song? I don't think ''walk'' would have the same effect. 

The other two songs on this side of the album are also ''No Mans land'' which is kinda hard to listen for me, to be fair. It was written in 1980s and honestly the lyrics (if you actually listen to them) they talk about exactly what I feel is wrong with this world today. The land is not literal land it's just a state of loneliness and uncertainty and fear, which is what I feel runs this planet and messes up all our lives. It's about fear grounding us to the same place, and essentially keeping us from real happiness. Maybe that's what we should fear the most? Fear itself. As the song says, we're constantly searching for something better, something different but we're rarely willing to take on fear and risk it all. And the last song, ''Long twin silver line'' is probably a bit of a filler song, I mean okay I like the meloday that goes in a great ascend in the verse but that's about it.

Now side two starts with ''Against the wind'' obviously, as the name of the album says. I got into an argument once with an idiot over this song. Not fully understanding how he could actually take it so literal, this song is just talking about going against the wind, like sailing, you can't sail against the wind. Sure. You can't. But that is not what this song is about. This is a song about growing up, about getting older, not old, just older, about maturing, about pushing through all of lifes bullshit, heartbreak, sadness, love, exploration, betrayal and good things too, good things that don't need pushing trough, lets call them as we Italians call them ''bonaccia'', my sea loving friends will understand. Pretty sure the idea came from his time of running track, he was a fantastic runner, I bet that came in handy with them crazy fan girls huh? Anyways he would literally run against the wind so I take it that's where the idea is from. At the end of the day what we should take away from this song it's not getting older or life changing, we should take away prioritising, what and who's important in our lives. We rarely do that, we keep rocks and throw away diamonds, we lose time on things that don't matter, we prioritise people that don't deserve it and let those that do slip away. Sometimes people love you and sometimes people use you. As Bob said. But people in this song? They survived the storm, they came out victorious and it made them stronger. And just a side note did ya know Glenn Frey sings back vocals here? Them two were literally best friends.

Ok I love ''Good for me''. Like the song aside for a moment, but how many times in life do we actually ask ourselves if something is ''good'' for us? I sure as hell never do or I'd not be chugging down that fourth glass of whiskey, that I know will come back to bite me in the ass later, or keep around toxic relationships that do nothing but hurt me. I sure as fuck haven't learned yet what IS good for me, given that I still despite everything let certain people walk all over me. But lets get back to the song. This is a song about that one special person that brings out the best in you. The person you know you can be you around, no judgement, no bullshit, nothing but love, just the best version of you you can be. He sings about a woman obviously, but it can be applied to a man too, a person who sucks at being phony, doesn't know how to lie, doesn't pretend or play games, a person that understands space and understands needing support. ''Always by my side, always in the right place at the right time''. A person who's presence in your life makes everything better, positive, happier. I love that this song just paints a picture of a happy balanced relationship, both sides supporting and loving towards eachother, making each others lives richer and contribute to each others growth and happiness. I used to wonder if this song is based on a myth. Do relationships like this still exist? No games, no cheating, no abuse, just love? Is that possible in this day and age? It is. Trust me. It so is. But it's fucking rare, if you got it, ever ever let it go. 

I don't think I have to disect Betty Lou's gettin' out tonight'' do I? We were all Betty Lou at some point. Young, rebellious, fed up with our small minded towns or surroundings just wishing to escape. I mean I grew out of my teen angst but the feelings remained, I still wish I could get away more often then not. Betty Betty, with friends who enjoy their mundane lives, their kinder kuche kirche routine, and her, a wild spirit that wants to explore and get away, see the world, have adventures, I get you Betty, fuck societys rules and expectations and live the life non of us could. She's fictional so who else can do it if not her? Are there songs out there btw who don't dream but do? So many small town situations that crave to escape but are there songs of people who got out and are living the best life? Send them my way if you know them, I am a sucker for happy endings. The both kinds ;) 

''Fire lake'' is sorta a sequel to Betty Lou but in a bad way, there's no happy end. It's a place to escape when everyday life is too much, when things didn't turn the way you wanted or hoped for, aka you didn't get to run away but rather got stuck in some limbo that feels like purgatory most days...and all your dreams are slowly dying (this is a song isn't it...another song...about dying dreams?)...I think this is something we all experience, we all have our own dreams, some are big, some are small, some, like children in Gaza and their dreams, make us look like ungrateful assholes, but mostly I'm learning, no matter how hard you want something, and no matter how hard you work for, some things are just so impossible to reach. I'm not here to bring you down btw, you should never ever never let go of your dreams or stop chasing them because then they really will never come true, I'm just saying that things are becoming harder and harder. But that's exactly what Fire lake is, a song about acceptance and redemption and creating a new beginning, it might not be what you hoped for but it's a start. 

The album closes with ''Shinin' brightly''. And despite me being the ''spare Addams'' and a literal dark stormy cloud...I still like the positivity that radiates from this song. It's essentially about a relationship, of course as I said above the hopeless romantic in me lives for happy endings when those that are meant to be find their way back to each other. But I like to look at it in a bigger picture too, everything is gonna be okay in life too not just love. It's essentially written about hope, a better tomorrow, a happier future for the couple, everything will be okay right? The dark clouds have disappeared and we'll feel better again. A positive message we all need to hear when we're at a low point or just having a bad day. I see it as reasurrance that it can't in fact rain forever, and all our struggles are just temporary. Like GN'R say in my fave verse ''so nevermind the darkness we still can find a way''. That. There's always light even in the darkest period in your life, there is always that light present you just have to find it, and if you can't, you have to be the light, you have to do better, we owe it to this world, that we completely devastated, to be fucking better. I know better than anyone how this is easier said than done believe me. And I know it's easy to give up, and you don't have the strength to fight everyday, and that's okay but overall we can never surrender and never stop fighting for a better tomorrow, for them ''shinin' brightly'' days. We can't let the bastards win, right Gee? 

Anyways I made this longer than I intended but then again I am incapable of making anything short. You should ask my friends and their novel length emails I write, about everything and nothing. Actually feeling blessed they're not done with me yet. 

So what do you guys think? Does the true amore, the one you'd die for still exist? Morticia and Gomez style I mean. Is Bob Seger underrated? What is art really? In your own words...how do you feel about this album? I'd love to hear your opinion for a change. Alas it's Wednesday, or as I like to call it Wineday so cheers to that and to the end of the week. We got this. 

In the end that's all I want, a simple life with you.

Seems like ages have passed since I last wrote an album review. Seriously, any of all y'all know which was the last one? Children of Bodom perhaps? Who the hell knows…anyways I actually have a couple to catch up on. And also about a couple of books I read, and also a couple complaint posts about fucked up society and human insanity. Anytime now, when I bring myself to actually do it. BUT! This one needed no forcing myself to sit down and write. For this one, words came naturally. Flowing like a river. Look at me being poetic as fuck. And this one album I also actually listened to. A ''couple'' of times. I don't know what's going on lately but, I don't listen to much music *gasp*. Or watch Eurovision. I know you guys, I know. Revoke my European citizenship card. I deserve it.  (btw Finland my beloved, cha cha cha ;) I love it) 

So! This album came out on Friday (the 27th), and though this is being posted today (was waiting for the CD to show up in the mail to include pixs), it was written on Saturday (the 28th). Listen, I may have been up all night Friday night to listen to it. On repeat. A ''couple'' of times. Y'all didn't expect me to wait for my physical copy did ya? I mean though it was preordered months ago, and what's another week when you've already been waiting for months, buuuuut I just couldn't wait okay. I am so weak and I couldn't do it. This is the same situation as that ''no, I will not draw Tom Cruise this week'', well guess who has 3 half drawn portraits of him on her desk? Not me, no no, not at all. But it's not as bad as it sounds, I swear I have about 20 other drawings in the works too. Just, priorities.

Before you ask me and before we get into it, this album is a CD version because I love listening to him in the car. Might also get a vinyl version at some other time, if only for the bigger version of the pictures inside. Ha ha. 

This is that thing I keep telling you guys about. How modern times and streaming and youtube are fucking up music. It's all nice and dandy to share music videos on, but it's also taking the magic of getting an album. Like literally holding it, and playing it for the first time, from start to finish. (I know what I wrote in the first paragraph about waiting, shut up). I hardly know how that feels. And yes most of it is my fault, but you really can not dangle Kip Moore in front of me and expect me to take a step back and behave. Hello.

I remember writing the review for two of his other albums (wait two? One is missing! And also missing one of the albums, this is the fifth studio album, I only got four.) and they both started with praise about how much I love him. Hah. That hasn't changed one bit, I still absolutely love him. Or maybe possibly more. Cue in the endless sobbing over the fact that he's playing Cologne early May and I won't be there, even if this is the closest he's ever been to me. Deep sigh. Love is pain. Here I was yapping how I am crazy enough to go all the way to UK for one day for him, and now that he's more reachable, I can't go. IF there is a god above she must hate me. 

As I said for the other album, I will tell you the same for this one, it is perfect, perfect, perfect. Fucking absolute perfection. And even perfection is barely scratching the surface. I think he absolutely outdid himself, lyrically, musically, the voice? THAT VOICE! I don't even know where to start. In reality I hear Springsteen when listening to Kip. Not that they sound the same, but I hear him in that story telling. I hear him in that, you can sit with your eyes closed, listen to the lyrics and it's like an entire film is playing in your head. It's amazing to be able to say so much in a few lines of a song.

I know what you're thinking because I keep listening to the same crap. Oh but he's a country artist, what the hell are you thinking. In theory yes, he is. But really, it's more like his music has country roots and he's exploring elsewhere, a little pop, a little rock, a little bending the rules, a little experiment, and that's probably what is making his songs so good. So honest. So full of life ya know. So different really, the songs are not the same on this album by all means, they're all over the place, they're a freaking journey and my god what a journey it is. Can you guys just imagine if more musicians would just step out of the box, just dare to try something different? Dare to experiment and even if every single song comes out sounding different. So what? If it's good it's good. I don't understand putting out album after album and they basically all sound the same. A musician should be ballsy enough to dare and try something different, dare to still dream, dare to explore and grow. After all don't all of us artist want that? To grow? I know I will always want more, I'll always want to improve my drawings somehow. I know I will never settle. 

Kip especially stands out in the flood of country stars I'd say. Especially those singing about girls, beer and tractors (sorry Luke, you know I love you), just take this one song as an example, it's called Micky's bar (can we take a moment to appreciate that one of my fave bars in Vienna is also called that?) and it tells a story about a small town bar, regular clients and a girl called Jane (of fucking course it's Jane). It says ''Oh my make it a double, sweet Jane shootin' me a smile, oh my, my hearts in trouble, sweet Jane wants to stay a while''. It's an emotional tornado, it takes you on a path of slow burn romance. It's a simple song, with perfect vocals, perfect melody and just my god amazing writing. I am honestly just…amazed with how perfect the lyrics are on this album. I knew he had it in him, never doubted it, but jesus this is just over the freaking top. He is perfection. 

I can't pick a favourite song on this album. Like I can not, each one is special and perfect in it's own way, but really I knew this is gonna be huge ever since I heard the single ''Damn love''. 

Love is a reoccuring theme on this album. Of course. Or more like struggles with it. Relationships. Love. Life. Humans. 13 songs all together but this time there is less of that nostalgia, heartbreak, sadness, there is so much hope this time around. Hope for the future? Hope for…love? Just hope in general? I think hope is something we all need at this point. Just some hope that life can get better, that love can get better, that people can get better. That maybe somehow the world can get better.

Lets make something clear, ''Damn love'' the album titled song, the opener, it's fast paced, energetic, really that one that only needs one listen and you're hooked. But it's also the type of song you put on your fave greatest hits playlist and move on from the rest of them. But the real listeners, those that still appreciate music as art, those that sit down and listen to a song, really listen I mean, those will appreciate the introspective. They will enjoy the journey the album takes them on. They will enjoy exploring with Kip. They will appreciate listening and growing with him. They will appreciate the path and walk along side with him. Every twist and turn it leads you on. You'll know how to cherish that. Y'all know what I mean? It's music as it should be. Raw emotion. A story to tell. 

Guys! Listen to ''Heart on fire'' and tell me you don't hear ''Born in the USA''? Same vibe, same mood, same inspiration, same emotion, same love, same perfection. Same stadium moment, hot summer night, sunset over the stadium, lights, people, music, starry skies above. And nothing but you lost in the moment with thousands of strangers. Yes, in case you can't tell I miss this. Heart on fire is literally this.  Pop rock song, it's not country at all and I am obsessed with it, and yes baby, I would risk it all on you. Just saying, side note. 

''One heartbeat'' is a duet with the magnificent  Ashley McBryde, girl that voice! But let me point out that I was dancing to this song late last night in the headligths of a dirty AF Mercedes SUV, don't give me that look, I'd prefer a Silverado as well, but hey at least my jeans were skin tight and my boots were cowboy style. I fell in love with this song instantly, as soon as I heard the first few lines. They are just about the cutest thing on this planet. And honestly, don't we all need logic and reason in an insane world? I love you Kip okay, thank you for writing this song (whole album really), it's absolutely perfect and for 3:30 minutes in that dust, there was nothing, no worries, just the night, the stars, the headlights and this song. The worries just melted away. Expect me to get drunk at some point and butcher this song at karaoke. I apologise in advance, I really love it. Any volunteers to butcher the song with me? It's a duet after all…it just occured to me, this song is that cheesy romance books type thing that I love to read so much, you know…the fluffy cute things that make your teeth rot? Yep that. Imagine the goth girl with leather pants, black lipstick and a mean glare, reading sappy stories about two idiots in love. What has gone wrong in evolution I wonder? Or just, in my life at least. Maybe just the need for fluffy, cute, sappy, perfect, in a world that is anything but.

Can I just for a second point out that Kip said ''I still crave that companionship deep down in my DNA, and that's where Damn love comes from. There's a reason love and relationships have been written about so much, and why they continiue to get written about. Because at the core of us, that's what we desire the most.'' . Listen sweet cheeks I'm still waiting. Just saying.

You know what? The more I look at the whole album the more I feel like it's a journey on a search for love. A man looking for love and all the places he could be looking for it. Or better the places people go to look for love. Maybe the duet then represents the conclusion, two souls, one heartbeat. 

To conclude the rant with the song, a ballad, ''Mr. Simple''. I love it. You know why? Because it celebrates the simple things in life, the little things, the things that make life worth living but we all take them for granted. I love how the song starts, ''I've never liked the city, there's something 'bout them sounds''. You know what I hate the most about living in the city? Traffic, ambulance cars, railroad sounds, people. I've been craving to move out for a long time now. If only it could be as easy as the song says ''so, if you want the country, a simple life will do, just call me Mr. Simple, livin' simple with you''. That's all I'd want at the end of the day. Though if I stop here and comment on the only thing on this album that I did not like. It's in this song, and it's a line ''well, I've never liked the ocean''.  How dare you Mr. Moore? As part mermaid I am offended. Hah. That aside, I really felt the lines ''A hundred miles to the nearest road, nowhere to be, nowhere to go, just you and me soakin' up that sunset gold, drinkin' that beer ice cold, always got a hand to hold''. I'm either that boring or that old that this right here sounds like heaven to me. 

So that's about it, lets not spiral into long rants that don't make no sense and lets face it none of y'all have the patience to read. Enjoy the picture of my four beauties all together, so pretty, BTW did y'all notice how ''Damn love'' circles right back to ''Wild ones'' with the style and font? I absolutely love that.

Tell me what to do now, I'm so in love, I'm so in love with, you.

Why is it, that everytime I come up here, for a few smart ass statements, it's either ''it's been a hard day'' or a ''hard week'' or a ''hard month''. It's been a fucking hard life you guys. This past week especially, unfriendly, hard to stomach, long and wet. And not wet in a good way. Not wet in a Samantha from Sex and the city type wet. Not pretending to be a boring ass librarian stacking books, and Tom Cruise walks in, saying he came to check out a book but found me instead, then sweeps off all the books from the desk in one swift movment and dot dot dot...yeah not that kinda wet. This is a thought a friend of mine planted in my head btw, y'all can blame him for being explicit. No, this kinda wet, is cold, gray, rainy and floods upon floods type wet. The weather which aside from snow and winter I hate most. The type of weather that traps you inside with your family which is probably a worse type of punishment than jail time would be. Not me typing this on the bathroom floor, because it's probably the only place left, where I get at least a tiny bit of peace and quiet. Que in why I love going to church. Not mass, just sitting down, during opening hours, enjoying the quiet and watching the sun making colors dance on the floors, through colored windows. 

But this is not about my annoying ass family, or the weather that's slowly sucking out the last few remaining atoms of my will to live. Or how kids these days say I'm too retro because I actually know what VHS is. Sigh. This is about the Crue. I mean you knew this was coming right? You know, when they first embarked on this stadium show in USA, I was so jealous. Motley, Leppard, Poison AND Joan Jett? I'd sell my soul for that line up. As if I didn't know that there's no way in hell this spectacle comes to Europe, then Covid happened. So y'all can imagine how shocked I was to hear that it actually IS coming to EU? Yeah shell shocked. I mean no Poison which is to be understood and no Joan Jett. But still, two rock icons, two of my absolute faves? Fuck yes. 

I bought tickets for this months back. Months. It was supposed to be my first time in Budapest. I mean first concert in Budapest. I've been there before, such a magical, beautiful city and I was absolutely excited to be back in town. In a brand new arena too. And then....first news. Mick Mars left the band and someone someone is replacing him. Uhm...I mean it's devastating, Mick IS Motley, without him they'd be called something ridiculous like Black X - MASS or something simmilarly idiotic, or better yet they'd probably all be dead by now. But you know, I figured alright Mick is sick, probably wants to rest, probably can't do as much touring as they set out to do. Understandable. Imagine my fucking surprise last week when the news breaks that Mick is suing Motley.

I've been trying to avoid the drama but that's impossible with couple hundred pages liked both on Instagram and Tumblr. And you know how people are, everyone gotta chip in and contribute to the madness. If I understood the allegations correctly, Mick never left the band but was rather forced out. Wait what? That my friends, is unacceptable to me. I know he wanted to record with the band, the band would be stupid not to let him do that because hello, boys, I'm sorry to say this, but he's the only talent in this band. I also know he wouldn't be able to preform but this is the bush that the rabbit is in it seems, by not preforming they cut Mick's profits from 25 to 5% and I am fuming with anger. Like are you fucking kidding me? How greedy can y'all be? You're all millionares,  is money really worth fucking up your friendship, your ''family'', your fans, your legacy? Is money really above any and all decent human connection? 

Maybe I could stomach greed. Maybe. But what I can't stomach is, how this is apparently just the tip of the ice berg. Apparently this ''abuse'' over Mick has been happening for the past 40 years, apparently they wanted him out of the band since the 80's. Again, I'm sorry, are you fucking kidding me? I remember this episode of LA ink, where Nikki goes and gets Micks face tattooed on his thigh and I just, I can't. Y'all know if there's a barking dog in this band then that dog is Nikki right? So he's the ring leader, he's the problem. The devil. The hypocrite. I love him but I wanna throw a brick in his face you know? How dare you?! Like just how dare you. 

Not sure what the band had to say when responding to these ''allegations'', but I quite honestly don't even want to know, I'm taking Micks side, I know he's right on this, what's fair is fair, and I know who the issue is. Just remember that Steel Panther drama from some time ago, and just who had too much to say about it. Funny Nikki is the one barking about Panters music when the lawsuit accuses him of playing with a pre recorded track. How very interesting. Is it believable? Perhaps. I mean, the man couldn't tell a bass and a guitar apart at the start of the career. One of the responses I did catch was that retiring from touring is retiring from the band. ARE YOU KIDDING ME? You can have touring musicians or guests or whatever the hell you want, a musician doesn't have to retire just because they can't tour no more. A musician IS a muscian. They will always be artists. You can't step down and away from that. And they should know that better than anyone. 

Kovač, you idiot. Protecting the band, taking shit about Mick, saying he was ''put up'' to do that, by his lawyers and how this is ''elder abuse''. Idiot. Seriously what an idiot. Allowing the band into gaslighting Mick further, into gaslighting us? Oh piss off for real. Motley is Micks band. It might as well be Mick Mars and the three idiots for all I care, nobody will convince me of it being any different. 

God aren't you all grown ass men too old for fucking drama? For real you guys, here I am, fawning over old men thinking they bring maturity and an inteligent fucking conversations, but looks like that's fucking impossible. I can't with this band, there's always gotta be some drama. Sigh.

Here's a quick memo for the guys, especially Nikki who clearly thinks he's a rock god or something. You are not Motley Crue, you personally. The band is. As a whole. Each individual member brings something to the table, therefore there is no band if the band is not complete, that's not too hard to understand I hope? Every member contributed to amazing music like Girls Girls Girls and Dr. Feelgood, they wouldn't be what they are without all four members, I mean lets be honest we all know that brief period with no Vince the band was shit. But get your damn head out of your ass, the only good thing the band put out recently was one single song and even that one was written by Simple plan. Clearly the band is just Nikki's puppets at this point.

I don't even know why I expected different, or better. I knew what they're like, I've read the Dirt, I knew they aren't saints, but I had hoped they changed. At least a little. At least put their priorities in order. Maybe understood that certain things should be above money and ego...but here we are. I think I'm disappoined because I expected better. I keep getting disappointed because I keep forgetting, at the end of the day when the spotlight turns off they're just people, like you and me, they make stupid mistakes, they make bad choices in life. I just wish these choices were putting sugar on your spaghetti, not something this catastrophic. Well, sugar on your pasta is catastrophic, but you guys understood the reference. I am just devastated. It sucks. It's taking the love I had for the music right out of it. I'm conflicted, I'm angry, I'm confused. 

Which brings us to the root of the problem and the whole reason why I'm writing this in the first place.  I should be writing it with a glass (the one that holds a whole bottle) of wine, not coffee. Sigh. I am seriously conflicted about the concert, it's already paid for, from the get go I said I'm going 90% because of Def Leppard since they don't tour as much. I was SO looking forward to it and now...now I just don't know? Should I even go? On the one hand I love Def Leppard and I really want to go see them, as well as this aint their fucking fault. And on the other hand I just can't bring myself to support this madness. And you know I'm well aware how a couple returned tickets won't make a difference, or a dent, they're millionares, they wont feel it (though of course if everyone rebelled they would feel it but people joining forces for anything at all is unheard of), but this isn't about them, this is about me, my conscience and me making my peace with whatever I chose to do. 

Y'all know how complex it is to be a freaking Libra, never able to decide should you go left or right, is something white or beige, is the glass half full or half empty. Frustrating. So I once again find myself in front of the wall, staring up, not knowing how to cross it. Or better staring at that perfect outfit I chose for the concert, like...spent a month thinking about it...I know I'm lame but after Covid I figured everything should be a big deal. You should plan and look forward to things. Even if they somehow always end completely fucked up, and they never turn out as we planned them. You should still look forward to something, and you should still be excited about it. 

So watch me go absolutely La La Land for the next month (concert is on the 29th of May) trying to decide what the fuck to do. I still absolutely love the music don't get me wrong, I'm separating art from the artist, but the assholes behind it are a bit hard to stomach. In a ''I love you but I don't have to like you'' type thing. I probably won't listen, but you guys, any and all advice is appreciated. What would you do in my shoes? I know what I'll do, complain, cry and drink, probably in that order too. 

Here's to the weekend, hopefully I survive all this rain with a decent amount of wine and no more hair pulling, unless it's Thomas doing the tugging. That's always welcome. Cheers guys!

Honky tonk woman in Paradise city.

I've been working on this insanely long post for over a week. Might be the heat, might be my brain malfunctioning, might be the sheer length of it all. Whatever it is…I'm sorry, I'll do better next time. Assuming there are any concerts in my future. It's looking really bleak to be fair. 

Oh I've seen the new Thor ''love and thunder'' movie yesterday, this is important only because, first people are hating on it and for no fucking reason, it's funny, fun, fluffy and really adorable. And secondly, wnb rockstar Thor? Fuck yes, I'm thirsty for it all day long. And the most important part, all the love for GN'R in this movie? YES! HELL YES! Show them boys all the love they deserve. 

Now lets get back to business, I apologise in advance for this post. It's probably going to get ridiculously long. I have not one concert write up but two. And they're both music legends. And I have so much to bitch about. Sigh. Go grab a snack before you sit down and get into this post. 

Where should we start then? This was a fun ride, went to Austria Wednesday morning, went back home after the show. It's Thursday 3:30 am when I finally made it home, without actually removing tons of makeup and shower I fall into bed barely unlacing my boots. I know. But isn't this kinda tired the best kinda tired? Cue in my family screaming to change my ''filthy'' bed sheets. Lol. I got maybe 4 hours of sleep only to get up early on Friday morning and back to Austria. Am I an idiot that should just stay in Vienna and return back home on the weekend? Yes. Would hotel prices and gas prices actually kill me though? Yes. Did you know water on the stadium costs 7 euros? Also yes. Am I high on crack cocaine here? I don't know did someone whack me on the head, or was it heat stroke but 7 euro water is just over the top. It's just freakin water. Back home you can drink it out of every tap and every fountain. Like I get it drought and all but are you fucking kidding me?!

So lets start with Wednesday night first then. Obviously. The one and only Guns n' Roses. Should we first adress how seeing like 60 000 (roughly)  people in a stadium with no masks or distance (except a couple nutjobs with literal builders masks and plastic gloves on, how bout calling Nasa for a space suit instead, dickhead.) really made my brain explode? It was a sight I never imagined to see again. Ever. And the heat you guys?! Vienna is stupid hot no joke. What's going on in this end of Europe lately? There's no practical use to be 33 C at 7pm. The fuck is that all about? Am I supposed to smell worse than the band? I imagined open air stadium show can't be worse than the small venue the other day…would you look at that, tiny shorts on and I feel like I'm melting. Ironically I should be melting under Axe's intense gaze (jesus his eyes are very green) or possibly under Duff or Slash but it's just the sun causing heat strokes. Listen I'm a simple woman not much changed here, still got the hots for the pretty blonde and the best guitarist on this planet. No arguments, no opinions accepted here. He is the best gutarist on this planet. That's it. End of story.  Goodbye and have a nice day. 

Another thing. What the fuck is with starting the show at like 7:15? I mean…uhm? What?! And pretty much punctual too? Is this even still Guns n' roses? Is this Axl Rose? What the hell. I managed to miss out on one of the openers ''Dirty Honey'' which really pisses me off because they're pretty badass. I have no idea when they played tbh. Got to the stadium at like 17:30 or so and it was just time for Gary Clark Jr. Who btw is absolutely amazing. This blues, soul, RNB type music? SO good! We need more of such musicians and less bullshit. 

Now I can't start the post without a couple remarks. You know me. Always have to complain. First one is that I saw GN'R first time on 10.7.2017, I googled it I don't know the dates by heart lol. Especially not lately when the whole concept of time is completely fucked up. Why is it important when I saw them first? Because all I wanted then was ''Don't cry'' that and November rain are my absolute favourite songs. By them that is. Though and I don't like picking favourite amongst my children, those of you who know me will know that November rain and Bon Jovi's Always are actually my all time favourite songs. Anyways in 2017 there was a god damn hurricane in Vienna and it's been raining a bit on and off during the concert. I gotta say watching November rain with actual rain and lightning over the stadium? Mindblowing. But due to rain they cut like three or four songs, everyone was afraid Axl getting hurt on the wet stage. I'd not even be surprised tbh, the mad man is running up and down that stage like something or someone is chasing him. Wasn't me. I was very good up on the seating area. Though…might be motivated to start running if it's him I'm chasing. Hah. 

Shit I keep getting carried away. The songs that were cut then? You guessed it one of them was Don't cry. And I was just…devastated. And then when this tour was announced. It was announced on the 9.6.2019 and cancelled twice…sigh…I was so excited I'll finally get to hear my song! It was played basically on all EU dates and guess fucking what? They didn't play it on Wednesday night. Cue in heartbreak station. I can't even. Stab me in the heart it will hurt less. Don't cry? More like sob the entire way home. Fuck. So I guess third time is a charm? I'm not optimistic but rather grateful for every concert I get to see, it can be the last time seeing them, but if it isn't…then I guess third time is a charm. And if even then it doesn't happen then I give up. On life and love too not just the song. Lol. 

So the music. Everyone is talking about Axes voice. Yes it's changed. But honestly I will not listen to any disrespect here. Ax gives his 110% on that stage, he pushes through for the fans, the fans should be fucking grateful and lick his fucking boots to even get a show. I don't understand the negativity. You can't go to a show and expect to see Ax from 30 years ago. And why WHY on earth do people feel the need to look up concert videos, and photos and talk shit about the band? Do you see me do that on profiles with questionable music taste? No, because I have a thing called a life. And better things to do. Seriously go outside. Grab a beer. Live a little. Stop spreading negativity, spread love instead. 

So Ax sings different? So what? If you want 100% polished voice stay the fuck at home and listen to a fucking vinyl. Live music is supposed to be rougher. It's supposed to not be completely perfect. There are supposed to be mistakes, missed notes, missed chord, missed lyrics. They're musicians not robots. As far as this tour goes Ax had real bad issues with his voice, we really should be grateful he showed up. He doesn't have the luxury to go home and recover for a month like the rest of us do. We all have expectations and we're pissed and disappointed when shows don't happen, we treat them like objects, well fuck, stop, think, they're just human and they deserve better. Have you ever asked yourself what all this bullshit is doing to his mental health? British press reported extensively about his very bad anxiety attacks. He doesn't feel like he's good enough. And who's to blame? The ''fans''. I get so angry. He deserves better. All I wanna do is give him a big hug and shoot all the bitches talking shit about him. And yes, I'm taking this very personal, because it is. So if you wanna bitch and complain, this is a fair warning, if you value your life, you'll keep your dumbass opinions to yourself. 

Now can we finally get to the show or am I going to get pissed the fuck off again? I probably will but lets try anyways.  First off, it's not about Ax at all it's about the speakers. It's about the sound. They had been battling massive sound issues this whole tour. I heard people left the stadium in London because it was unbearable. Ax did adress the issue but as far as I'm concerned it was not completely resolved. I don't know exactly what's been going on but it was heard in Vienna too. The start of the show was pretty scratchy but it got better as time went on. Mixing sound issues with throat issues of course you can't get what you hear on the radio what the fuck? Even Duff didn't sound perfect on this sound. People in the fan pit told me it was too quiet, while up in the seating area it was too loud. Resolving that would be much better than bitching at Ax as if everything is his fault. Or OR bitching at me that Slash isn't the best guitarist on the planet. Listen bud opinions are different but if you're going to come be smart on my profile then at least give me a living better guitarist as Slash. We all know that Hendrix was a king but he's been dead for fifty fucking years so I don't give a shit how much better you think he is than Slash. Fuck off.  And as far as I'm concerned the actual best one on place one has been Brian May for quite some time. 

Show starts with this intro movie. Interesting little clip. Maybe a bit…dark? Lol we all know the world is going to hell in a hand basket boys, no need to point it out like that. And the first song ''It's so easy''. Which actually I think was the first song in 2017 as well. What really is easy these days? Given that I just spent an hour venting and ranting…nothing really is easy huh? I am biased and over protective yes, the thing is this is my favourite band, it's music I listened to all my life due to my parents, it's music that all my best memories are tied to, it's music my friends will tell you never ask me about because I can never shut up about it, and it's music that's constantly playing in my house and car. I love them, I will always love them. Years later the love is just as strong as it was. You know I used to drive my family and friends insane by always bitching and moaning and complaining how much I just want a reunion? I wanted it all original members of course, I still do, but I'm happy with what I got. 

It's hard for me to describe this concert. This music. It's the music that makes me happy. Moments. Rare moments that make me feel glad to just be alive. Glad that I managed to suck it all up, all the bullshit in my life. Grit my teeth and get the fuck over it just to see this band play one more time.  It makes me fucking grateful for my life. It's not perfect but moments like this, are pretty damn close. The moments that finally shut the pain and bullshit in your head and makes everything okay, even just for a little while. 

Show went on with Mr. Brownstone and Chinese democracy. Not my favourite songs but that doesn't matter tbh. The voice you guys, he was screaming, it hurt my vocal cords. I thought he'll take it a bit easier after having such issues the other day, but nope not him. Madman. Song four, ''you know where you are Vienna? You're gonna die''. You know what it is right? Jungle of course and let me tell you something, nothing, NOTHING pulls people on their feet like that song does. I mean the energy on the stadium was electric from the start but this song really fired everyone up. I can't even describe how much I missed that. The stadium screaming and singing along. God. 

They did the Velvet revolver cover of Slither and AC/DC Back in black. Tbh I always prefered Ax singing AC/DC songs, and no disrespect here mind you, Brian is amazing of course, I just always preferd Axls voice so naturally to me AC sounded better when he sang with them. Was always salty that I didn't get to go to that AC tour when it was Axl singing. I bet it was amazing. That aside, I'm glad Brian is back and the band is back to what they were. 

The first one of my faves was Estranged. I adore that song. It's like, the mind of a genius. The lyrics. The music. It's perfect. Pretty sure I shared the lyrics when writing the write up of the first concert but here they are again, the part of the song that is just. All that. 

''So nobody ever told us baby how it was gonna be, so what will happen to us baby, guess we'll have to wait and see.

When I find out all the reasons maybe I'll find another way, find another day. With all the changing seasons of my life, maybe I'll get it right next time. And now that you've been broken down, got your head out of the clouds, you're back down on the ground, and you don't talk so loud, and you don't walk so proud, any more, and what for…?

Well I jumped into the river too many times to make it home, I'm out here on my own, and drifting all alone. If it doesn't show give it time, to read between the lines 'cause I see the storm is getting closer, and the waves they get so high, seems everything we've ever known's here why must it drift away and die.

I'll never find anyone to replace you, guess I'll have to make it through, this time, oh this time, without you…''

Yes I did just write that up from the top of my head, I don't need to google any of their lyrics, Favourite band is favourite band aye? But this song. The lyrics are just beautiful and meaningful and I can relate. I can relate to the sadness and heartbreak and the general vibe of this song. The somber mood. The idea. I get it. All of it. 

Of course you also can't have a GN'R concert without Live and let die. I noticed that those loud wnb gun shots in the song are missing. As well is the fireworks in Paradise city. Can't decide general angst or fire hazzard since all of EU is up in flames. 

Duff did the Stooges cover of ''I wanna be your dog''. Can I just say for a second, that it would be very welcome. Though he'd be the most spoiled dog on the planet. Lol. God damn blond boys making my head spin. I'm sorry Susan for having sinful thoughts about your husband. Shit happens. Oh btw they were introduced on stage, that whole ''Ladies and gentlemen, Guns n' Roses''. I don't think he said the most dangerous band in the world this time though. Think he just said all the way from Los Angeles. Makes sense because dangerous? Lol please, a bunch of fluffy teddy bears. 

They did Absurd, which is the first new song, released in 2021. Also of course Sweet child of mine, cue in the fact that I absolutely fucking lose it when that intro hits. And I saw enough clips online to know how it goes. Starts with a solo by Slash it goes on for like 7 min omg! GUITAR GOD. Can we please take a moment to discuss what else those fingers could possibly do? Magic probably aye? And I just knew that when the solo ends, it blends right into Sweet child. I screamed so loud hah! People wonder sometime how I still have my voice. Well it's a little broken the next morning not going to lie. Lol. Listen to me, love is love okay.

After Civil war there were the band introductions. And Ax was so cute introducing everyone, as if we don't know them lol, but he leaves Slash out and he's like, ''I think that's everyone no? Did I forget something? Can I call someone for a second opinion? A friend maybe?'' lol. Cute. I love him. It always makes me feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside watching Ax and Slash moments. I swear there aint nobody happier than I am, to have those two on friendly terms again. Everything is right in the world again when they smile at each other. Shut up let me have this moment! 

After the initial you know good bye, they came back for three more songs. ''Coma'', ''Patience'' and ''Paradise city''. They send you home with a bang. The atmosphere in the stadium was amazing. During Paradise city? All my hair stood up. Amazing. I just…god I am grateful you guys. I didn't think I'll get this moment again. Ever. It's expensive, and it's not perfect but neither is the world, and I'm just grateful for the moments of happiness in between. This last part is the part where we should listen to ''Don't cry''. Which basically is my only complaint. I really wished I'd get to hear it live at least once. Sigh. 

Now I know what you want. The notes I base these posts on. I posted them the last GN'R concert review and they ended up being far more interesting than the entire post itself. Ha. So here. But please continiue with caution. I'm not exactly sane in my post concert happiness. Or post concert depression. Or in this delirious heat. Or this delirious life.

OH! Before we get there, guess what guys?! Guess who finally has a freaking cool concert plastic cup. It's ridiculous and over priced but come on look at it! I'm screaming. On the inside. Might be thrown out of the house if I start actually screaming. 

Seriously guys…carry on with caution pass this point. 

So ok Slash, the guitar god Slash. That's not playing that's making love to that guitar. What the fuck? Can you imagine how skilled those fingers really are? I mean my vivid imagination can, but a demonstration wouldn't harm. Fuck I'm turning into a silly little grouple. Guys! Everything just works on him, the face, the clothes, the skill, the smile (if you ever see it through his hair) EVERYTHING!

Ax, who the fuck does your laundry? Who the fuck hands you the shirt each time you get off stage? Who the fuck gets to possibly help you change fast? Is that job still open? I'd do it for free and be over the fucking moon about it.

Has anyone looked at Duff lately? Oh jesus christ them legs! Legs for days! That hair! Them shades. Ay papi. I can't breathe. Is he aware of how freakin hot he is? Was it the summer sun and heat stroke or was I hyperventilating like a bitch in heat because of him. Shit he sexy. 

Ax. Oh my god Ax. The smiles, the giggles, the good spirits. I love that. He could probably spit in my mouth and I'd say ''yes daddy, do it again''. Listen to me, I do wanna ''feel my serpentine'' dear god in heaven what do you want really? To murder me. I think you did. Stupid serpent dance. Send help you guys. 

Listen. Patience. The best song on the show because Ax sounded the most like Ax and my filthy fucking mind wanted to hear more of it. Preferably more moaning and groaning. Preferably in a hotel room. Where we're stuck together for whatever insane reason. With no power. Nowhere to be. Nowhere to go. Nothing to do. I'm curious you guys. Can he really hit all those high notes *wiggles eyebrows*. 

You know how Crue have girls on stage ''the Crue girls'' dancing? Vince spanked one on stage once. Bitch I was jealous. Can GN'R do the same? Listen I'm completely free, to dance and be spanked on stage, by all three of them.  Do as you please. 

This band is really bad for my legs. No they don't make them shake. They make them divorce. ASDFGHJKL!

No I don't listen with my eyes but bitch I have them. 

I think it's best I shut up at this point. Enjoy the few little pics, not much because for a change I wanted to enjoy the show and not be bothered with pics.

Alright lets get back to the fact that I'm a fucking idiot. I really should have stayed in Vienna. It's pretty god damn exhausting to be driving back and forth when there's less than 24 hours in between. But it was worth it you guys. If for no other reason then because and are you sitting down? The Rolling Stones are worth all the trouble we know that, BUT! They have a fan favourite song, where you vote what you want to hear. Angie. Which they never play lol. But the option was also Wild horses and it fucking won! Can you hear me scream? I mean you probably could tbh. 

Before I start babbling about the show and that one song, I was going to look up the concert review for the former concert and just realised it's so far back it's not even on this blog. My god. Time sure does fly. It still feels like last year to me. Sigh. So while scrolling through old OLD posts I sure see a lot of things I maybe would rather not see. And realised I have to swap to the other blog, which surprise surprise also doesn't have anything about the Stones, but a shit ton of my punk rock bands and their stupid perfect faces. Well shit. I don't think I knew how to appreciate real good music back then, or else I'd write an essay on how good the concert was. Because it really was good. And they played Angie then which is a miracle on it's own. They had the Temparance movment with them, which was the first time I heard of them, and ended up really liking them. Most people I know are always bitching about support, but I always thought it's so great being exposed to new music you maybe wouldn't heard about otherwise. Some you like some you don't but that's cool. All an experience.

This time the Stones had a local band with. They are called ''Bilderbuch'' and guess what? I loved them. The music is this Indie Rock type but they had this Maneskin vibe. The singer comes up on stage with bitchin makeup, jacket on, nothing underneath and high heels. An older man next to me was like ''you know Mick is hotter right, this one is a bit chubby'' and I, giggling aside was like ''that's good, you got something to grab besides bones'' hah. In the middle of one of their songs the jacket comes off, he's like just in pants then, claiming that he's hot. He was. Did I lose my mind a bit? Yup. HOT. Was I screaming ''take it all off'' before he did? Possibly. And honestly, if your guitar player is blond you don't need much more. I am so shallow I know. At least I admit that I am. Said guitar player had orange painted nails and pink hippy pants. I'm only human when you look like that you know. Also that aside it's a really great band, really great music, I'm always happy to hear something new, not only something I don't know but something that has a fresh new sound. In this overflowing music market that's more than welcome tbh. 

The Stones come up on stage as it's only fitting for a legend. ''Ladies and gentlemen, The Rolling Stones''. But that's not before a very VERY emotional tribute to Charlie Watts. It's heartbreaking. It really is. They play a little video, with all important moments, and very lovely pictures. Most I never even saw before. Mick actually told the crowd in German how much they miss him. We too Mick. We do too. It's just not the same. Musically wise though, as far as sound concerns, I'd lie if I said anything is missing, the sound is perfect as always, but when you know someone else is sitting in the back, and when you know he's not coming up to take that final bow with the band. That hurts. He was such a vital part of the band. The gentleman rocker. Sigh. We miss you Charlie so much. 

ALSO! Got another cup. So now there's two. I'm overly excited about this yes. I mean it's just a cup but really, it's a very treasured memory to me. Gonna sit on my desk now, so I can relive the moment each time I sit there...

This tour is such an important tour. I mean ''sixty''. Sixty years of rock n roll. That's amazing on it's own. Aint no band like them out there. I hear people moan and bitch and complain that they're not all that. There are other bands out there that are better of course. Even I have bands I consider better than them. And of course Mick is not a perfect singer like say young Seb Bach was. But everyone bitching is missing the mother effin point. There aint no band that achieved this much in the music industry and there aint no other band that could stand on that stage and celebrate sixty years. If you can't appreciate that. You don't have to like them but if you call yourself a music lover than you have to appreciate all they've done for music in general. 

The first song to open the show was Street fighting man, which was funny. In 2014 when we caught ''14 on fire'' tour the concert started with Start me up. I think that's such a brilliant song to open a Stones show. I mean. Start me up? Don't get me started now because that song always makes me go crazy. 

It went on with ''Lets spend the night together''. Listen. Yes. Hell yes. Do I want to spend a night with the Stones? Yes. I wanna spend all the nights with Stones. I'd say I don't mean this in a filthy way but honestly? I mean…I better shut up at this point. Lol. Look this aside how brilliant is advertising a show with this song ''Lets spend the night together Vienna''. I mean. All the feels. I get excited just thinking about it. Why do concerts end so fast? You spend months, a year waiting for that one show and then it ends in what feels like minutes. That's the worst part of it all. 

There were some surprises on the show like Dylans Like a rolling stone and Out of time. The crowd went crazy for those, I doubt I ever heard an audience this loud as it was on Out of time. 

Lets talk about ''by request'' I was holding my breath when titles rolled on the back. I didn't actually think that my song would win. Because lets be honest. When am I ever lucky? But funny story back in 2014 the song I voted for also won. Back then it was ''Get off my cloud'' which was already on the set list this time. So then the titles stop rolling and you have ''Wild horses'' in big black letters on the screen. I asked before and I'll ask again, did you hear me scream? I lost it. It's my song you guys. Absolute fave Stones song. I think I talked about it in a vinyl review before but if we revisit the topic real quick. Did you guys read Keiths book? He wrote in it ''it was one of those magical moments when things come together. It's like Satisfaction, you just dream it, and suddenly it's all in your hands. Once you've got the vision in your mind of wild horses, I mean, what's the next phrase you're going to use? It's got to be couldn't drag me away''. I mean. How romantic? Even wild horses can't drag that someone away. Isn't that what we all want in life? That special someone. That support system. I don't believe it exists no more tbh. The world keeps getting crazier and crazier, and things like inteligence and loyalty are a myth. 

It was Keith who wrote Wild horses and he used the 12 string guitar to really get that bluesy, melancholic sound. It was Mick who wrote the lyrics, people debated if it's about his at the time lover called Marianne but I don't think it was. I mean Mick swapped so many women…you can hear the heaviness and melancholy through the entire song though. And at this point I should probably re think my life choices because all my favourite songs are sad songs. Maybe that says something about me as a person as does, all my fave movie / tv show characters are villains. I like this song because of the end line, which is ''we'll ride them someday''. People say that's depressing and a sign of ending, but I feel like it's hopeful. As in those two lovers will meet again, and maybe they have another chance someday. I don't know. I like to see this song as hurt / comfort. I like to see it as a happy hopeful ending. Maybe it's my ''don't do sad endings''. But…yeah. Point here, this is beautiful song and I feel very fortunate to have heard it live. It was beautiful and it's a miracle I didn't start full on sobbing like I did in Milano when Bon Jovi did Always. I'm sorry but that was, is, and will always remain my favourite concert moment. Even if I by some miracle someday see My Chemical Romance (as if lol) and they do Sing, Light behind my eyes and Na Na Na, nothing will top Bon Jovi in Milano and Always. They gave us Italian flags for a fan action right, my flag is safely stored in a folder with the tickets and fan pit bracelet and it still has black mascara smudges. I cried like a baby. But then again so did Jon because of the fan action so we're good. Hah. 

Right lets get back to the Stones I think there was Living in a ghost town next? Premiered of course since it's a new song. I think it was recorded in 2019 and later on the video that was released is about the pandemic. Of course. What else. Didn't we all feel like ghosts living in a ghost town then? To be fair, the whole quarantine was my favourite thing on the planet because it showed me how nice the world would be with less people. Like I'm sorry but lately they're just too much. I just can't do people no more. They're horrible. The song though, Living in a ghost town is this slightly reggae vibe and it's amazing. I really like it. 

There was also Paint it black and Honky tonk woman. Can't go without that one. Actually I'm not sure but I think it was Honky tonk woman that Mick did this filthy dance to? I mean that dance you guys. There's a reason Maroon 5 have a song ''Moves like Jagger'' there aint nobody that has his moves. I'm not even thirty and I'd probably fuck up my hips if I try dancing like him. It was HOT. So hot. Listen, did we touch the fact that his sex appeal is just off the chart yet? It really is. Mick is something else. I don't care about his age. I don't care about his age showing on his face. He is sexy as fuck. That's all. And all men my age? They don't come close to the sexiness of this man. You don't need to be good looking to be sexy as fuck you know. 

We got two songs by Keith Richards and oh my god you guys he was so adorable! Kinda forgot what he wanted to say there, and it was cute because it really felt like, he's just standing there and can't believe all the support from the audience he's getting. I'm so happy to see people give him all the love because he deserves it. And to those idiots complaining about ''my ears hurt watching him play''. I have some thoughts. First one fuck you. Seriously fuck you. Have you seen Keiths hands? He has to battle with a lot of problems to play. Second. Can you play like him? Can you play at all? Third, thank fuck he's still here, still strong enough to give us this amazing show. And fourth fucking fuck a cactus with your disrespect. 

There were also Miss you, Midnight rambler and Sympathy for the devil. Of course. Devil might be the only one I have sympathy for at this point because I have little for anything / anyone else. Except those on four legs. We also got Start me up, late in the show but better than never. Ha! This song is so cool! So cool. All the feels. If it comes on in a bar it makes me wanna jump on the table top and dance. Possibly show my ''sise''. Ha! Wait! Wait a second, that has happened before. I didn't take my clothes off but dancing sure did happen. I aint Jagger but I'm trying okay. 

After Start me up there were also Gimme Shelter and Jumping Jack flash which obviously you can't have a Stones concert without. Now listen to me. Gimme Shelter? When Sasha Allen comes on stage? I mean she's always on stage but she's front and center on this song. I died and floated up to heaven. That womans voice? When she sang that one part of the song? FUCK! All my hair were up. Arms, legs, down there? Fuck yes. All of the hair. She is amazing. So much power. Yes girl!

They went off stage just like GN'R and came back for two more songs, one of which was You can't always get what you want with an Ukrainian choir. I mean…I mean…do we really need this on concerts? Really? I am so fed up of the yellow and blue on all shows, had to watch it on GN'R and Stones and for what? You're not really playing on my sympathy that I don't have…idk. All you're doing is annoying me. I didn't come for a lesson on how I should show empathy but to enjoy rock n roll. And it people had a problem when bands sided against Trump on election, saying they should play music and shut up…then can we do the same now? For the love of everything holy.

And just like GN'R Stones send you home with a bang. Last song is Satisfaction (you can see it on my IG – purpleskyline) and just. Oh my god. The vibe. The emotion. The electric feeling in the air. Stadium literally on fire. The video doesn't do the actual live feeling justice. Really it doesn't. it gives you a rough idea of how it was but it doesn't come close to the real thing. And it gives you the idea of the stage. The stage design, the lights, the shape of the mouth, everything was sick. Nothing is left to chance and nothing is anything less than perfect. I love this band for that. Every single small detail is thought out, every part, every moment of the show is planned and nothing is ever left to chance. I think at this point we should also talk about Mick real quick? What is he on? He is not still for one single fucking second. Lol. I really tried to take one good picture and gave up at like song two. That man is a live wire. Why are you walking up and down like that fool. Stand still for a damn minute. 

I need to complain for a sec though, not over the band or anything but over people. Mother fucking people. I'd be happiest if bands preformed for me and me alone. Why? I LOVE and appreciate music. People don't. All good things are wasted on them. Honestly. Seriously. Fucking wasted. What happened on the Stones concert? People were walking up and down the entire fucking show. I mean wtf? WHAT THE FUCK?! In the sitting area everyone has to stand up when you walk around, you get in their camera filming a song (all my vids are ruined thanks) just so you go fucking piss or get more fucking booze. Are you fucking kidding me?! Fucking selfish asshole. Like…these people gave me the vibe that they bought the ticket for the bragging rights you know like ''oh I've seen the Stones'' but on the actual concert they're bored to tears. Parading up and down the stadium and not once but ten fucking times. Have they ever fucking considered how fucking rude that is to the band? The band is up there giving you all they got. All the love. And you behave like this? Humans really don't deserve nice things. I am pissed off. And disappointed. And as an artist insulted. All you can do is give the common decency to fucking listen. Pay attention. But no. Lets get drunk. A 200 euro ticket is probably just a ticket to get drunk. Sure. Someone should btw make booze on concerts illegal. Just saying. Are y'all listening? Make it happen. 

Now that aside, this stadium really is one of my favourite venues. I saw the Stones here twice, I saw Bruce, I saw GN'R twice. It holds a special place in my heart. Just like San Siro and Gasometer do. Tastes might have changed and some bands are not that close to my heart no more, but amazing memories remain and these places will always be important and my favourite and I'll always look at them with love. This stadium though is amazing. Such a great venue. So much space. Such acoustics. And I have nothing but love for it. Already counting down days for next year. If not before than for another Bruce S. in the summer. Third time! Bring it on Boss. My body is ready. Lol. 

Now if you'll excuse me, I'll go through all the concert videos and probably cry because I just can't process that it's over, my concert season that is. I mean maybe, possibly, I get Bryan Adams but I doubt that with the state of the world we'll get to see him in the winter. Sigh. What I do hope though is that Aerosmith and Whitesnake set up new dates. Lets not play stupid here, listen David I love you but we all know the only reason I want to see Whitesnake again is Dino right? Jesus that boy makes my heart beat race out of control and my blood boil. You guys! He's just…agh! ALL that. So yeah…seeing a local show tomorrow but that aside I think my concert season might be over for 2022 and that makes me depressed as fuck. If I learned anything I learned just how much I missed live music. I don't know how I lived without it for the past two years. It was hell. Pure literal hell. And I have no idea how the fuck people that never go to shows live. The hell is the matter with you? Are you normal? Are you okay? How do you breathe? What makes you happy in life? Wtf? So please, everyone pray for me. Pray that I get more concerts…or else…I don't know what I'll do. Die a slow painful death probably. Yes I know I'm being dramatic. There's gotta be a reason my family calls me a drama queen tbh. 

Before I end this post can I just spare a few words on Vienna as well? It's been a long time since I've been there. Long in my book that is. I was used to being there like all the damn time. And a three year break is insane. So being back…it was quite magical. Really. I forgot a little bit just how magicall that place really is. The art. The love. The vibe. My god. They're still living their best life in their pride month. The traffic lights are same sex couples, the zebra on the ground to cross the street is rainbow colored, there's flags everywhere and can I just say I fucking love it? Like really fucking love it. I love the acceptance. I love the love. I love everything about it. Coming from a very uptight hateful country this is such a change that makes me all giggly and happy on the inside. Also street artists? The open piano where anyone can play, listen, sing? YES! More of that please. For the love of everything holy more of that! More love. More art. More life. That's the only thing that separates us from beasts after all. 

Now, I'm sorry this is so long, and I'm sorry it took so long to post the damn thing. Hah. If you made it all the way here, woah, congrats and I love and appreciate you and if we happen to meet in the same place some day, do tell me that I owe you a beer. Hah. No but really, thank you for all the support you guys, I appreciate it, these ramblings would be pointless without you. And I promise to shut up now, but you do have some new book reviews to look forward too. Out of about one hundred that I want, I got two in Vienna. Super excited to read them! And more excited to bother you with them. It's all romance though, like my art profile is these days. Guess despite all the hatred inside of me, I'm still looking at the world through rose colored glasses. Hah. 

Hope you guys have a great week / end. Hope you don't melt. Europe is hotter than Satans ass lately. Jesus christ. Stay in shade and stay hydrated and listen to some GN'R. Cheers!

Oh P.S. just have to share this, on the other side of me, at the stadium, sat a lady that talked to me about Jaggers women and how he stole them from other band members and such and she goes ''he was doing them all at some point'' and I'm like ''all but us'' and she goes ''I mean yes! We should complain to someone'' lol it was TOO funny.