You're only three years old and you already know how much of a music nerd I am. Even your kid song selection in the car is curated. But other than attending a concert, there are few things I love more than having hypothetical discussions about which dead person I would like to see in concert. No, not zombie concerts, although those would certainly be a hit these days. Resurrected artists that I didn't get a chance to see or bands that will never ever get back together. Just like the Taylor Swift song, only with real music. Like Jeff Buckley before his untimely death. Like the Beatles on that rooftop. Like The Band's Last Waltz. That's why when Tal came in from Israel and we spent a few hours over some beers catching up on over 2 years of bromantic separation and he popped the question, imagine my surprise when I was speechless. "What are the 3 concerts you need to see before you die?" he said as we planned in anticipation of the weekend at Osheaga. Rising to the occasion, I immediately referred to that section of my brain that takes up the space that would normally help me get a normal job. Much to my surprise, I simply could not think of a band that I have yet to see live. Not one. Instead, we started discussing the epic shows that I
had seen. Prince in a club with less than 2000 people, playing the hits until 3:30 in the morning. The Police reunited from the third row. Twice. Arcade Fire at Club One, opening for Mike Evin with about 50 people in the audience. And so many more. I felt like an old man with the best behind him. What would I tell you when you started going to concerts on your own? That I had reached my peak before 30?? Depression settled in.
Days later, some names came to mind. Charles Aznavour, possibly the greatest crooner of all time. Phish, just because. Sigur Ros. But more importantly, I realized that one of my most cherished values, especially when it comes to the things I love is living in the moment. Mostly, I try not to miss an opportunity when it arises, leading me to attend quite a few concerts on my own or with your trooper mom. We try to do that with you too, having refused long ago to put an end to life as we knew it just because you came along. No "child friendly" restaurants for you, just friendly child at our favourite dives and diners. That meant many evenings with you in a bucket and then high chair at our friendly neigbourhood Kaizen, to the growing delight of our favourite waiters. You came along and therefore you come along. That won't change any time soon, I just hope it keeps getting better.
