A DISGRACE TO MY LAST NAME
Ever since I can remember, Def Leppard has been an intricate, essential detail in my life (ya, essential). Some children listened to nursery rhymes while running errands or cleaning, but not I! (Unless I was with my mom. She spiced things up with a mix of eighties and children’s songs). In Daddy-o’s presence, we only listened to music that he enjoyed, and that mostly consisted of Def Leppard. From a relatively young age, I knew what my favorite Def Leppard song was, and was shocked when my peers were clueless as to who this incredible band was. I am pretty sure it is encoded into this family’s DNA to love Def Leppard. However, up until two days ago, I have been a disgrace to my last name. That’s right, I had never, EVER, been to a Def Leppard concert. I know, shield your children from the monstrosity that is Ellie. Luckily, Tuesday night, I was finally able to make my family proud. Let me tell ya, though, it was a rough ride getting to this monumental achievement.
I don’t really think my dad knows the exact number of Def Leppard concerts he has been too, but if I had to take a guess, I would say about four billion. This can be seen in our two consistent, yearly vacations.
1. We will make the Utah rounds.
2. Dad and some lucky contestant will get to see Def Leppard.
Now, I don’t want you thinking that my dad has been selfishly keeping me from attending the concert of my dreams. He has invited me several times to go, and something has always come up (usually school. Who needs education anyway? 😉). However, after years and years of waiting patiently, the stars finally aligned. September 5th of 2018, all of my wildest dreams would come true. And guess who Def Leppard was touring with? That’s right, JOURNEY! I mean, I think I was heavily rewarded for my patience. Could there be a better concert, ever? NO. I AM TELLING YOU RIGHT NOW, FROM EXPEREINCE, THAT THERE IS NO BETTER CONCERT. However, as I stated earlier, this life-changing concert was not just going to be handed to me. It was going to take major work.
So, a few weeks ago, we loaded up our cars, and hit the road to finally fulfill my destiny. As we began our four-hour road trip, the ominous clouds in the distance did not look promising. However, being the ever-positive person that I am, I attempted to send good vibes into the universe, hoping that it wouldn’t rain on my parade. Well, I mean, I guess I did technically get what I asked for. It didn’t ever rain. Unfortunately, about seven songs into Journey’s AMAZING set, the legendary New Mexico wind struck with full force. As the lights, speakers, and screen began to sway back and forth, I began to fear that I would not get to see my beloved Def Leppard. As the announcer came on to state that the wind was a safety issue for the performers, my heart sank. We trudged back to the truck, accompanied by the rest of the heartbroken fans, and waited an eternity to finally get into one of many lines we would wait in that night. We finally made it back to the hotel room, sleepy and defeated.
Although the announcer had stated the concert would be rescheduled, my negative self was soaking in all of my pent-up anger. I DIDN’T EVEN GET TO SEE DEF LEPPARD. They didn’t even come on the stage! Who knew when the next chance would come to become the woman I needed to be? Could I really even venture out on my own without seeing the world’s greatest band? (as stated earlier, this is a life changing, rite of passage event in my family) Well, all of my complaining, worrying, and drama queen moments were for naught (shocker). Journey and Def Leppard, being the most incredible band’s EVER, rescheduled the concert for just a week and a half later. I could not contain my excitement. The Lord gave me what turned out to be one of the biggest tender mercies (although I thought it may have been a punishment at the time) of helping put together a stake dance for the youth the week after the concert that shall not be named. Being completely distracted with all things dance related, the days before the rescheduled concert just flew by.
After lunch on a beautiful Tuesday, we started the four hour trek to our destination, grateful that there was now no chance for rain in the forecast. After waiting in line for the ever important concert t-shirt, we settled into our seats, and the greatest night of my life began. I have been to a few other concerts with my dad (All eighties music, because duh), but this concert by far takes the cake. Both bands sounded incredible live, both put on a great show, and seriously, you cannot go wrong with Def Leppard and Journey. You just can’t! We were fortunate enough to be sat by the same couple from the first time around, and now we are concert buddies for life. We all sang at the top of our lungs together, and I am quite shocked that no one lost their voice. I think the only place I have ever danced or jumped that much was at a stake dance. The white confetti from Jounrey’s last song rained down upon me like the happiest snow I have ever seen. Def Leppard’s set seriously passed by in a blurry dream, and although they didn’t play my favorite song, they were soooooooo worth the wait.
So, Daddy-o, I just have to say thank you. Thank you for teaching me from a young age what good music really is. Thank you for not giving up on me, and continually inviting me to concerts until I was able to go. Thank you for driving four million hours in the space of twoish weeks, so I could finally see Def Leppard. And thank you, in advance, for taking me to the next one 😉. I have finally fulifilled my duty as a member of this family, and it feels great!
P.S. Thanks to my awesome bosses for letting me have the day off!