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NKOTB – Mixtape Tour

June 25, 2019 filed under: fun!, music, nostalgia

Oh yeah, NKOTB came through my town again a few weeks ago and you can bet your patootie that I had tickets. Well, actually not just me, but J came with me this time. Voluntarily, I might add. At his own request. You see, he has been to NKOTB concerts with me before and contrary to popular belief, he was not the only guy there.

I’ve seen NKOTB a few times in previous years (recaps in here, here, and here). This time around, NKOTB’s Mixtape tour featured not just NKOTB, but a few other artists from their early years (mid- to late-80’s), Tiffany, Debbie Gibson, Salt-n-Pepa, and Naughty by Nature. 

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Of course, I was most excited to see NKOTB perform again, but it was fun having a few other performers do sets in between. Reminded me of my festival days where I saw so many awesome bands play on the  same day!

I thought the stage light show was on point with all the light displays that reminded of old tapes, equalizers, and the like. And of course, their performance thrives on some old dancing routines, interactions and participation with and of the audience, and some good old clapping and arm waving.

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I really love how they always interact wit their fans and how the reiterate and acknowledge every single time that they’re only able to continue their careers  – and yes, still perform as a  ‘boyband’ 30+ years later – because people still continue to show up for them. Us blockheads, we’re the real deal.

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Debbie Gibson and Joe (in duet)

To be honest, I didn’t know much about Debbie Gibson and so her songs were unfamiliar to me. Still looking amazing for 49 though.

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Salt’n’Pepa

Who doesn’t remember their  songs “Let’s talk about sex“, “Push it“, and “Whatta man“?

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Tiffany

The only song of hers I remember is “I think we’re alone now“, but I thought she had a great voice and is still a great performer.

UntitledUntitledNKOTB  played some new songs, some oldies-but-goodies and it was one hell of a party. I said it before, I think they have become better entertainers with age. Is their music the greatest? No, I never claimed it is. It’s pop stuff and everybody knows it, but people love earworm-material.  And the sound level in the arena confirmed this.

And after the show, Joe posted this on his IG stories…UntitledYes. Yes it was :) 

4

(Still) Hangin’ Tough

June 26, 2017 filed under: love, music, nostalgia

A few Saturdays ago, it was that time again. Time for some love, peace and good old nostalgia! I had tickets to the Total Package Tour with Boyz II Men, Paula Abdul and – most importantly – NKOTB!

I mean, they played 5 miles from my house, so it was absolutely no question that I HAD TO GO (but I also totally would have driven to the Bay Area again to see them, as I have done in previous years, of course!)

I went to the concert by myself. Again. But honestly, I didn’t mind. I mean, I invited J to come with me (and he has gone with me on various occasions in the past), but I had absolutely no problem whatsoever doing this for myself, by myself.

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J dropped me off downtown around 6:30 p.m. and I made my way to the new Golden 1 Center. The new arena is huge and some seating is way up there under the ceiling (if you recall, I had seats there with my parents for Paul McCartney last fall!), but this time I had a great seat down on the lower level (not super-close to the stage, but close enough!) with a great view of the stage. I was so excited.

I was excited to see Boyz II Men (again!) and Paula Abdul as opening acts. They did a great job getting everybody warmed up, but of course, we were all there for NKOTB (ok, minus the guy in the row behind me who was clearly there for Paula! He kept screaming her name and I do admit, I enjoyed her performance more than I thought I would.)

Finally, 9 o’clock rolled around and it’s time for NKOTB. Yay! It had been too long.

The show started out with their new single ‘One more night’. Typical pop stuff. Yaddah, yaddah. I don’t think their music is the GREATEST (never have), but I do enjoy it and it’s ear-worm material for sure. Overall though, I am much more a fan of these five guys, who have come so far, and what they stand for: loyalty, love, and peace. They’re all about giving back.

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The show was amazing. I said it before, I think they have become better entertainers with age. Everybody was just in such a good and positive mood, even though the terrible attack at the Ariana Grande concert in London had just happened! But what else can musicians/entertainers do but carry on and keep spreading their music and positive attitude?

They performed all five of their new songs and then a nice mix of more recent songs (from the last decade) and also some very old songs, some dating back all the way to 1984! It was awesome!

They also played a couple of songs from lesser known albums like ‘Dirty Dawg‘ (from their 1994 ‘Face the Music’ album) and even ‘This one’s for the children‘ from their Christmas album (in the middle of June, ha!), which I had never seen performed on stage! Very cool!

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There was a woman in front of me, probably my age, who never had the opportunity as a teenager to see NKOTB in concert and this was her first time… after 25 years! I mean, you can’t beat that kind of ‘dream come true at last’-joy that she exhibited! It was amazing!

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If you made it all the way down here to proceed and judge me, to roll your eyes and tell me that you think that NKOTB are stupid (wouldn’t be the first time I hear it) or that it’s embarrassing that they’re still touring or anything like that, I am just going to tell you right now that I DON’T FREAKIN’ CARE ONE IOTA.

I hope that you have something in your life that brings all the smiles and joy and all the good feelings to you because boy, do we need them in this day and age.

Now, where are my fellow blockheads?

 

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I don’t care, I love it… ahm… them.

July 25, 2013 filed under: love, music, reminiscence, yes!

Two weeks ago, I decided to do something completely by myself again. I don’t have a problem doing things by myself. I actually am someone who craves me-time quite a bit and I don’t need to be around people all the time. This is one thing when you’re at home just hanging out by yourself, but another thing if you go out and “do things” alone. Going to dinner, to a movie, or to a concert is still sometimes considered awkward by many people. But you know what? It also is liberating and empowering. I don’t have to rely on other people to come with me to have a good time. I can cherish an experience and know that it’s all mine.

So, two weeks ago, I just thought to myself: eff it, I am going! And THIS is where I went. NKOTB – The Package Tour.

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If this looks vaguely familiar to this post, you are right. I’ve done this kind of thing before. I am so totally over explaining or justifying why I go to these concerts. I’ve been a fan since 1989. This is more than 20 years. You do the math. I remember when my parents let me go to their first concert in Germany in 1991 and because of high demand, there were additional concerts added 6 months later. I bought a ticket for the second part of the tour right away and my Dad didn’t even believe I’d still be interested in them by the time the second part of the tour came around.
Little did he know that my loyalty would last a lifetime (he still likes to shake his head in disbelief – and a little twinkle in his eye – when I tell him I went to yet another concert! Haha!)

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My BiSC-peeps will appreciate this video:

This I HAD to steal from youtube, because I was nowhere close enough to capture this. (Courtesy of Jonesdawnl) But, cue the heartmelt.

I truly and sincerely had the bestest time ever! I can not describe how happy those concerts make me. This time, NKOTB toured with Boyz II Men (which I was very (!) excited about) and 98° (not that interested in, but oh well). It was amazing to see Boyz II Men and NKOTB perform on the same stage, because they go way back to the late 80’s when both bands started out. What a once in a lifetime experience!
Now, confess: were/are you a NKOTB fan? Did you see the Package Tour? If not, there are still some tour dates left!

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NKOTBSB – I did it again!

July 11, 2011 filed under: fun!, girl time, love, music, my so-called life, yes!

Warning:  this post is going to be photo-heavy.

Besides spending the 4th of July weekend with my friend Susi, I also did something completely for myself…  it involved about an hour of driving, dinner for one at a local diner and finding my way to the HP Pavillion to see …

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I hadn’t originally planned to go and see them. It was a totally spontaneous decision, but I am sooooo glad I went. Seriously, you can make fun of me all you want, but this was one of the. best. concerts. I’ve ever been to. I obviously was there to see NKOTB and wasn’t particularly excited to the see the Backstreet Boys (I don’t dislike them, but I’ve never been a fan either), but I have to say – seeing those two groups of boys grown up men perform together was absolutely amazing!

I dare say, some things most certainly get better with age!

I was lucky enough to see them once before during their comeback tour in 2008. As you might recall, J went with me that time and lo and behold, even J thought that their show was absolutely fantastic. I can only say, they were able to step it up a notch.

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I had an absolute blast. I was singing and dancing and reminiscing and got a whole slue of goosebumps throughout the evening!

If you get the chance (and there are many more tour dates left!), do yourself a favor and go see them. You won’t regret it. I promise.

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My Life Soundtrack

February 15, 2011 filed under: about me, music

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Inspired by one of LaMidge‘s latest blog posts about her Life Soundtrack, I thought I would share my own songs that make up the soundtrack of my life, that trigger memories from the past, make you travel back and revisit almost forgotten people and places.

♪ “Take on me” by A-HA

♪ “Sultans of Swing” by Dire Straits

♪ “Please don’t go girl” by New Kids on the Block

♪ “Entre dos tierras” by Heroes del Silencio

♪ “Like the way I do” by Melissa Etheridge

♪ “State of Love and Trust”  by Pearl Jam

♪ “Here Without You” by Three Doors Down

♪ “Song 2” by Blur

♪ “Push” by Matchbox Twenty

♪ “Believe”  by Vivid

♪ “Everything you want” by Vertical Horizon

♪ “Will Nur Dich” by Brings

♪ “Won’t forget these days” by Fury in the Slaughterhouse

♪ “Yes” by Chad Brock

♪ “See me through”  by Rascal Flatts

♪ “You and Me” by Lifehouse

♪ “When you say nothing at all” by Ronan Keating

♪ “Let Go” by Frou Frou

♪ “You know my name” by Chris Cornell

and last but not least, the song that gave this blog its name…

♪ “I am mine” by Pearl Jam

I am pretty sure I might actually have forgotten some songs that are near and dear to me, probably because I haven’t listened to them in a long time, even though I’ve spent quite some time this weekend trying to compile the songs for my Life Soundtrack.
Most of those songs really send goosebumps down my spine when I hear them.

I am really curious to know which songs do that for you. Again, make sure you check out LaMidge‘s Life Soundtrack and share your own list!!

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Best of 09: Album of the year

December 10, 2009 filed under: about me, love, music

If you know me at all, then you know that Pearl Jam is – hands down –  my all time favorite band. If you know their music at all, then you might have picked up that my blog title is a line of their song “I am mine”.
You see, I am a grunge girl at heart and Pearl Jam really speaks to me. I don’t just love their music, but I agree with them on an emotional level.
Eddie Vedder is my personal hero.

Of course, the album of the year for me is Pearl Jam’s 9th studio album, Backspacer,  which was released in September.

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I don’t even have to listen to their albums before I buy them anymore, because I know that they won’t disappoint me.

I love that they’re different. They’re not about money and fame, but about love and appreciation for music, about sending out a message. When I was younger, I didn’t quite understand why they didn’t make any music videos, had hardly any merchandise, went only on a few tours – compared to most other popular bands at the time. In retrospect, I can appreciate the fact that they didn’t sell out, but tried to stay true to themselves and their work. I love that they stay on their own path, regardless of what the music industry tries to dictate.

Even though they of course are a world famous rock band, they still were able to maintain the image of being an “insider’s tip”, an “open secret”.

Go. Check it out.

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Deja  vu

November 3, 2008 filed under: excitement, music, my so-called life, NaBloPoMo, yes!

I never considered myself a very sentimental person. Ah, scratch that. I AM a sentimental person, wether I try to make you believe otherwise or not.

Perfect situation to sentimentalize: imagine a concert hall with thousands of screaming girls/women, the light goes off, and somewhere in the dense fog you can see a hydraulic stage lifting five, barely noticable figures, onto the main stage.
The noise is deafening by now. Finally, the fog lifts, the music gets louder and there they are, long-awaited and eagerly anticipated: NKOTB.

17 years, 5 months and 1 day after my first concert at the Sportsarena in Cologne in Germany, they’re reunited and rocking again! :)
Those first few minutes were totally overwhelming and I literally had tears in my eyes. For a second, I really felt like I was 15 again… only, wait a minute. The boys are men now and looked – surprisingly – even better than back in the days. I would call that “positive aging”!

If my Dad knew that I went to a NKOTB concert again (oh wait, he knows. I told him on the phone)…. he wouldn’t believe it. When in 1991, shortly after the first concert, I bought tickets for a second concert 6 months later, he seriously enunciated that I couldn’t seriously believe that I would still be a “fan” in 6 months.
Well, I have news for you, Dad: I STILL am a fan. 17 years later. Call me loyal (or just simply crazy :)).
Truth is, it was one of the best nights ever!

I just wish I hadn’t forgotten had dared to bring my camera (since it said on the tickets “absolutely no recording/picture taking”), but of course EVERYBODY brought their cameras (I am such a chicken). At least I did take some pictures with my not-so-shabby-cell phone camera :)
Anways, to make a long story short: they played for 2,5 hours, performed an amazing mix of new songs and old NKOTB songs, new choreographies and old NKOTB choreographies that every true blockhead clearly recognized (!) and were simply in such a great mood that it was contagious!
Even J absolutely loved the show.

In the middle of the evening, everything and everybody calmed down for a bit when they showed a slideshow in memory of people that meant so much to the individual members of the group throughout their careers. Especially the photo of Danny and his mom completely moved me. Dan’s mom died in 1999 of breast cancer and once I got so lucky to meet her in Boston in 1993. She was such a lovely person. Dan and his Mom were really close and he set up a website for her (rememberbetty.org) to raise money for breast cancer research. I thought that was so touching!

I really, really didn’t want to go home after the show. I wanted that nostalgic feeling to last forever!
If they’re still going to perform anywhere near you, GO! Get tickets and have a fantastic night. It’s worth it.

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Exciting times

June 2, 2007 filed under: excitement, music

Today is THE day!

The day on which What Generation put up their first music video clip on Youtube.

For those of you who check in for the first time: My husband Jon and his friend Aaron are What Generation, a Classic Rock Revival Band. They play covers as well as completely original music. Currently they’re writing original music for a self-debut album to be completed by January 2008.

J and Aaron have worked hard to be where they are right now [here in Los Angeles, with their own studio to practice and a half-way completed album]. This has been a tough road, and I assume, it’ll only get tougher, but this is their passion and they put their heart and soul into the music. I think you will see that.

Nobody is doing what they’re doing. Let’s help them make Rock ‘n’ Roll history!

Please check out their video and -if you like it- leave a little feedback. They would very much appreciate it.

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Hi, I am San – German native, dual-citizen living in beautiful Northern California. Runner. Knitter. Crafter. Reader. Writer. Proud aunt, sister, and friend.

I’ve been blogging since 2004 and don’t intend to stop any time soon. If you are looking for personal content and making a  genuine connection, you’ve come to the right place.

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