Tim was kind to take me along on a really nice trip this weekend out to Tanglewood in Lenox, MA to see the 40th Anniversary show of Quadrophenia. A great experience! A very unusual combination of performers: Pete Townsend (The Who, of course!), Alfie Boe (Les Miserables), Billy Idol (himself!) and, of course, Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops Orchestra and Choirs. Seeing all of these people together on a stage wouldn't happen in one's wildest dreams. History in the making! Because The Who were more traditional mainstream rock than what I was into in my early music days, I didn't know the Quadrophenia material very thoroughly. Even so, the show was animated and really beautiful -- the arrangements were superb. Must have been quite a task to translate rock into orchestra without losing the edge, which they did really well. The main singer, Alfie Bow, got a little "show-toony" at times with more "rock" toned material, but his enthusiasm and unbelievable voice made up for it. Seeing Billy Idol do more than just sneer and croak punk lyrics was quite a treat, too. And to even just see Pete Townsend! At 72, still playing hard. No smashed guitars, though.
We ran into my bff and her boyfriend and hung with them on the lawn before taking our super good seats in the "shed." Some shed! Dona had a rolling cart, cut flowers, tablecloths, and plenty of wine to keep their evening going. Lots of much needed laughs and a really good time. Tim and I stayed in a lovely B&B just steps away from Tanglewood that was decorated to the hilt with such an arrangement of knick-nacks and dolls I may never recover. Really cute place with a chatty owner who made a yummy fritatta for breakfast, too. Must try that...!
Best of all was the fact that I knew the dogs, birds, and cats were being looked after, and it was a change of scenery without the immediate morning immersion into zookeeping. I love them dearly and actually missed them all during this short zip to Western Mass., but the break was nice. They did fine, and I am happy to know a pet sitter that can help for quick trips like this. Pricey but worth it, methinks.
So, thank you Tim, should you stumble across this blog. I appreciate your kindness in including me and am really happy that you finally got to see your long time idol perform. Love you. Hope we have more adventures.
And thank you, pets, for not creating domestic mayhem for the sitters or getting sick while I was off duty for just about 24 hours. I am well aware of all that could happen!
One more week til I've completed a 50 year spin around the sun. Can't believe I made it. Back in the day of listening to Billy Idol I thought surely I'd never make 40. The nihilism of youth. Anything now is gravy, as they say. Depressing doc appointments last week makes me realize that the RA is advancing, and it is all too easy to get stuck in a rut with this mess. Was nice to get away and while still dealing with it, at least deal with it with different wallpaper. Cheers.