The worst fight Mike and I ever had was at a concert. It was also the stupidest fight we ever had.
I mentioned yesterday that Mike can’t stand it when people sing along at concerts. Well, guess what my favorite thing to do at concerts is? Yep, sing along. And dance, but that’s neither here nor there.
I’ve been going to concerts since I was nine years old. My mom took me to see Debbie Gibson (and I still love her dammit, she is so much better than Tiffany!!!) at the Great Western Forum. I sang my heart out at that concert, and I was hooked. I’m lucky that my parents let me go to concerts at a young age. I think I have my grandma to thank for that – she drove my mom and her sisters and cousins from LA to San Diego to see the Beatles back in the 60s. Start ’em young!
When Mike and I started dating I was working for Universal Music Group in the A&R department. Part of my job was going to concerts and little coffee shop shows. Pretty cool, right? I always brought Mike with me. Since I was working, there wasn’t any singing from me.
The first concert we went to that Mike picked was Brian Wilson. Fun, right? All those Beach Boys songs were just ripe for me to sing along to. Unfortunately, Mike did not appreciate my harmonizing. And he told me so. And I was like, Sacré bleu! Why do you go to concerts if not to sing along?! And he said “TO LEARN.” And I laughed and he was serious. It all went downhill from there. How could I possibly date someone that didn’t SING ALONG at concerts? And how could he possible date someone that INTERRUPTED HIS LEARNING.
I might have called my friend Hardcore to tell her I was going to break up with him. And yeah, I might have been drinking. But I was being STIFLED, people. STIFLED. I didn’t break up with him, obviously, but I did swear I would never go to another concert with him again. Really loudly, for all the neighbors to hear.
My vow lasted about six months. I took him to a Rufus Wainwright concert for Valentine’s day. I tried my best not to sing along, but when I got an uncontrollable urge I sang into my scarf. I’m not a machine!
Since then we have worked out a basic understanding – if we are going to a concert that is more “me,” I am allowed to sing along. It’s your lucky day, No Doubt fans! And if it’s a “Mike” concert, I will dance and lip sync. I’m like Britney Spears, but on weaker crazy drugs. And if we’re going to a concert we both like, the rules will be established as necessary. For example, Mike bought me tickets to see Fiona Apple for my birthday. He digs her, too, but since it was my birthday present, I was allowed to sing along. Pwned!
Mike doesn’t know this, but I am going to dedicate every waking moment to making sure Annie is a “sing alonger” at concerts. He might be able to stop me from singing at concerts, but he’ll never be able to say no to Annabel.
dysfunctional mom says:
I don’t think I could go to a concert and NOT sing. What’s the point??
damaris says:
same here. I went to a Stevie Wonder concert and the people next to me asked me to not stand up or sing along, HELL-O, STEVIE WONDER. I totally ignored them and felt o.k about it because after 2 seconds everyone was singing along, those guys ended up leaving half way through the concert
.-= damaris´s last blog ..Less =-.
Kelly says:
I’m a sing a longer too. My husband is a stand with hands in pockets staring intently at everything kind of guy. He used to be a sound engineer, so is very critical of how any concert sounds. Very annoying. Good luck getting Annie to sing, start singing to her now, and you’ll win for sure!
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..Birds Do It, Bees Do It, =-.
Jenny says:
I mean no disrespect – the point is – you want to hear the performer sing and not some drunk sitting next to you (not that you Heather or Dysfunctional Mom are drunks) – but I always sit next to some stinky, drugged out drunk – singing loudly and badly – that isn’t fair. Do you at least see our non-singer’s point?
.-= Jenny´s last blog ..Now he sleeps…. =-.
lacey says:
EXACTLY!!!
Heather says:
Hee hee, yes, I totally get it.
Leiah says:
If they didn’t want you to sing along, concerts would be held in libraries. I’m just saying. Sing it loud and sing it proud sista!
.-= Leiah´s last blog ..True Story Tuesday – 03/30/10 =-.
susie says:
i’m with you. my favorite part of concerts is when the artist wants you to sing along and just holds out the mike and all you hear is thousands of people singing along. That must be a treat to them: all the fans singing their songs.
Gale says:
Sing your heart out, girlfriend!
I guess it turns out that Mike was a keeper. Isn’t it funny the goofy things we adapt to in marriage?
.-= Gale´s last blog ..Vegetarian Update: The New Normal =-.
Natalie @ Hope Springs Eternal says:
I sing so much, my husband tells me “it’s okay, you don’t have to sing all the time.” I can’t even help it. When you have a musical ear, you can turn literally anything into a song. My motto is “Life is just one big song cue waiting to happen”. It sounds really stupid and cheesy but it’s true.
Have you ever thought of joining a chorus? I bet there’s a Sweet Adelines chorus somewhere near you. I’m a Sweet Adeline and we sing 4 part a capella barbershop harmony. It’s pretty much the most fun and amazing thing ever, especially if you like to and can sing harmony.
.-= Natalie @ Hope Springs Eternal´s last blog ..When Mommy Met Daddy: Part One =-.
Heather says:
I was in plenty of choral groups growing up but I never thought of joining one now! I am going to look into that!
Natalie @ Hope Springs Eternal says:
Ah do it do it! Sweet Adelines and barbershop is SO MUCH FUN. Seriously, I was in chorus and choir all through high school and I’ve NEVER had as much fun as I do when I sing barbershop. Let me know what you find out!
.-= Natalie @ Hope Springs Eternal´s last blog ..When Mommy Met Daddy: Part One =-.
Kim ~ CraftyMamaof4 says:
I’m a sing alonger too bad part…..I can’t sing!
.-= Kim ~ CraftyMamaof4´s last blog ..Your Shape Chat with Laurel House =-.
charlane says:
Oh I sing, I sing poorly, but I sing. I also dance, shout, and really just all around enjoy myself. I’m not sure if I would have as much fun if I didn’t sing. I will never know because I am not really willing to try the whole “not sining while in concert attendance” thing.
.-= charlane´s last blog ..May I Have Your Attention Please… =-.
defendUSA says:
That would never happen for me. If you take away my “sing” I am an absolute B!!! But, I am lucky, I guess. My husband no longer enjoys the crowds, so I will go alone or find another music fiend who also likes to sing.
Music soothes my savage B. What can I say? And, Rufus? LOVE. Rufus and I actually played April Fool This morning!!
Fairly Odd Mother says:
Wha? No singing along at concerts? What would Lola by the Kinks be without La-La-La-La-LOLA. Or, anything live by Bruce Springsteen? The best thing about singing at a concert is the music is so loud, you can barely hear yourself anyway.
Don’t even get me started on the dancing. I’ve been too close to too many mosh pits to know that you gotta move or what’s the point?
Mike is going to lose this argument, you know that right? ; )
(singing right along with you)
Angie says:
LOL! It reminds me of the first getaway trip with my husband when we first started dating. About an hour into the trip, he asked me, “Do you ever stop talking?” Oh, you bet I do and refused to say a word for the rest of the way there. I think he learned a valuable lesson. : )
Mary says:
OMG! I am dying laughing at these responses! But this one takes the cake!
.-= Mary´s last blog ..Magic Ointment & Creepy Stuff =-.
ClassyFabSarah says:
I just don’t understand why you’re going to a concert if not to sing loudly and badly. Makes no sense otherwise.
.-= ClassyFabSarah´s last blog ..Why Do Trolls Have All the Fun?? =-.
Jenni Williams says:
Does he sing along in the car? My husband is MORTIFIED that I do. Wth dude, I can actually SING. It’s not like I am murdering songs here. I absolutely slays him that I have taught 2 or our 3 sons to do the same. The third kid is a hold out who thinks its dorky.
.-= Jenni Williams´s last blog ..Am I Crazy? =-.
Heather says:
hmmm, now that I think about it, he hardly ever sings along in the car when I am there! But he knows that is a battle not worth taking. I will NEVER not sing along in the car!!!
Mary @ Holy Mackerel says:
Good plan, setting Annabel up. Love it.
As for concerts with hubby, I don’t. Tried it once to see Dire Straits, and he whined through the whole damn thing like a sorry little baby, and I decided then and there that I didn’t need that at a concert. Imagine, whining at a concert! I know.
MissyK says:
I LOVE to sing along. Granted I do it badly, but the concerts I go to (KISS, etc.) you can’t hear yourself think let alone sing. LOL!
Mary P (Barnmaven) says:
NOT sing at concerts? {{SNORT!}} That’s like going to a restaurant and being told not to eat!
.-= Mary P (Barnmaven)´s last blog ..Screamfree mornings =-.
Meg...CT says:
Excellent plan…who could say “no” to that sweet wonderful face??
Johanna says:
Even if I couldn’t sing I would. I suppose I was doomed – my parents adore doing duets of the corniest songs you can think of and some of the more tormented childhood memories I have are of my parents putting on Rocky Horror Picture Show and singing at the top of their lungs.
Its no fun if you cant sing along…Ive even been guilty of accidentally bursting into song while I’m listening to my ipod walking down the street lol
Heather says:
I do that too! I remember I did that once with my DISCMAN on an airplane, and I thought my brother was going to murder me!
britt says:
my husband and I have a similar situation, but it involves singing in the car. Hilarity has ensued, but I try not to sing aloud if he is there. If I had kids they would definitely be sing-alongers as well, go Annabel!
Java says:
Everyone sings at concerts! Its a given! Its usually so loud that you can’t even talk let alone hear anyone singing! Sing your heart out Heather….its a good stress reliever!!
.-= Java´s last blog ..Males all around me… =-.
Catherine Lucas says:
Amen Sister!!!! She WILL sing!!!!
.-= Catherine Lucas´s last blog ..testing for april… =-.
cindy w says:
Could be worse. You could have a husband whose social anxiety flares up at concerts and who ditches you and leaves you at the concert ALONE so he can walk around outside and get some air.
For the record, you are totally correct. You are *supposed* to sing at concerts. That’s like the whole point.
.-= cindy w´s last blog ..learning curve =-.
Heather says:
I’ve got to go with Mike on this one! But it depends on what kind of singing it is. There are the “I AM A SUPERFAN I KNOW ALL THE WORDS LOOK AT ME!” singers, and those are the ones I want to punch, because that’s not what I paid to see! To me, that’s like talking through a movie and showing total disrespect to those around you.
But if you’re singing at a normal volume and the only person who can really hear you is the person you’re with (and they can still mostly hear the band, not you), then dude, SING!
Jannette says:
I am on Mike’s side. I pay money to hear the band. Unfortunately, the non-singers are in the minority.
Aunt Becky says:
How could you NOT sing at a concert? Mike is clearly wrong here.
.-= Aunt Becky´s last blog ..Das Boot =-.
megryansmom says:
I notice you use pwned a lot. How does one pronounce that?
.-= megryansmom´s last blog ..Make Room for Bella =-.
Heather says:
hmm…I think “Powned” but I don’t know, actually! hee hee.
Linds says:
according to all my 6th graders, it is pronounced “powned”, and it is preferably said REALLY REALLY LOUD!
.-= Linds´s last blog ..Chills =-.
Jenn says:
Hi Heather,
Another thing we have in common…. I LOVE to sing and dance at concerts. The last concert I saw was PINK with tle Ting Ting’s Opening. I went with my best frind and her dautghter. All we did was sing and dance!!! You would of have had a blast!
I am constantly making up somgs for my kids. They love AND hate it which makes it all the more fun for me! But the very best part is….now they sing and dance without even knowing it…they (especially my daughter) will break out in song without even realize it!!
Just keep being your amazing self and sit back and watch….Annie, just like Maddie will be singing. dancing,& making the best expressions b/c she learned it from a PRO and Mike won’t mind b/c that is probably one of the 1000 000th reasons why he fell in love with you in the first place!
Keep having fun honey….you derserve it and I KNOW Maddie would have wanted you too b/c… thanks to you….she had the BEST life filled with love, fun, laughter and even diaper hats!!! She was one special kid b/c of two insanely fun and special parents and Annie will be the exact same way….lucky liile girls!!!!
Lisa says:
Going to a concert and not singing along, I believe that is impossible. I don’t think I could do that, not even for love
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..Just Call Me Mrs. Clean =-.
Mary says:
I have to say, I may be a little on Mike’s side here, depending on your ability to stay on key. While I always liked having Jim sing TO me if it was a special “to me” song, having him sing along a little off key to a song I liked? It was sometimes all I could do not to tell him he was sharp, flat, or just straight out off.
And don’t get me started on the dancing…our wedding first dance was a running joke for us years after because he swore I wasn’t letting him lead. To which I say, dude, if I’m the one with the rhythm, I SHOULD get to lead!
Jenny says:
What is the point of going to a concert if not to sing along to every word, whether you know the right words or not?? You married the crazy man.
.-= Jenny´s last blog ..A Side of Adversity =-.
MOMMA UNCENSORED says:
debbie gibson was my first concert as well. totally agree she was more talented then that mall singer tiffany.
GIBSON FOR LIFE!
Angi says:
Awesome. Just. Awesome.
Sing…like no one is listening, Annie.
J+1 says:
I don’t get people who CAN go to concerts and NOT sing along. (And/or dance!)
Assuming, of course, that the person singing can carry a tune and actually knows the songs they’re trying to sing along to…
.-= J+1´s last blog ..Questions, answers and HOLY CRAP I have a lot to do =-.
Diane says:
I don’t mind the singing along so much at concerts, as long as it’s not IN MY EAR or anything. What really irks me, that I cannot BELIEVE people do, is singing at THE THEATRE. Makes me want to go all stabby.
.-= Diane´s last blog ..The one thing I just can’t handle =-.
Heather says:
GASP! People do that?! OK, when I am at the theatre….I AM THERE TO LEARN! Hee hee.
Keri says:
Heather, this is so funny “I sang into my scarf” HA HA. Does mike mind if you sing in the car? I was belting it out here yesterday and my 4 year old started booing! HA HA
Heather says:
He has learned that there is no point in telling me not to sing in the car. There is noooo way I won’t sing there!
Ginny says:
I have to admit, I get frustrated when people sing at concerts, too. At least I do when it’s loud enough for me to hear it. I don’t have big bucks to spend on extras, so when I pay $50+ to attend a concert it’s for a performer I really love and I want to hear HER/HIM, not everyone around me. I have read interviews with several artists who commented about how they want people to have fun but not at the expense of other concert-goers. I think dancing is fine and maybe singing sort of under one’s breath works, but like someone above said, I have often ended up next to someone who was drunk and singing quite loudly (and not even well), which hugely detracted from the show for me! Although I can’t claim I’m there to learn. LOL That’s kind of funny!
Krissa says:
Geez, I’ve heard Mike’s songs on his website and I don’t know what else he can learn, but that’s just me. I’m not musically talented at all so I guess that’s why I don’t know what more he could learn. It’s good you guys worked out a system. My husband and I need to work out a system like that for a couple things. Ha!… When you mentioned your first concert, it reminded me of mine. I went with my grandpa to see the Osmonds. That Donny was a cutie! Oh, I think I liked the music, too.
Sharon says:
How does your singing interfere with his learning? Isn’t everyone around him singing anyway….whats the difference if that one more person singing happens to be you???
Jen R says:
It’s one of the things I love about Pete Seeger. He knows that that’s the whole point, and he MAKES you sing along.
Natalie says:
Hahaha love that you will be teaching Annie to be ‘sing alonger’ I too sing along…I don’t know how I couldn’t! My fiance on the other hand, is a air drummer…so I think we’re even. Gosh, I couldn’t believe what Mike would say if he saw/heard me singing and my fiance air drumming hee hee
Gemma says:
i used to sing along at every single concert i went to, then i went to see my favourite band and took a video of every. single. song; when i got home i watched them and realised that i’d ruined all the videos because you only hear me and not the band .. so if i sounded bad in the videos how bad did i sound in real life? i was so embarrassed i’ve never sung out loud again .. lip-synching ftw!
.-= Gemma´s last blog ..the fear that made me old. =-.
Janette says:
I don’t mind people who sing along, because I am a sing-alonger myself. It’s the drunks a-holes who HOWL into my ear 5 times a song that ruin my experience. My husband always says, “You don’t want to be someone’s memory from that concert.”
Meghan (AMomTwoBoys) says:
WAIT. “TO LEARN” was his answer and he was serious??????
Is he trying to give me stuff to make fun of him about?
.-= Meghan (AMomTwoBoys)´s last blog ..The Truth =-.
Kelly says:
I’m a total sing alonger too. How could you not? I sing along to the radio, I’m going to sing along live. Less people would actually hear me at a concert.
I went to see Cher’s first farewell tour with Cyndi Lauper. When Cher got on stage this row of men behind me stood up. One of the men said, “I can’t believe people aren’t standing and singing. It’s Cher! She’s like the freakin’ National Anthem.” Ever since then it’s been my motto at concerts. Even non-Cher concerts.
.-= Kelly´s last blog ..Will You Join Me? =-.
Heather says:
that is the BEST THING I have EVER HEARD!
Rhonda says:
Oh, only in my dreams . . . . as real it may seeeeem, it was only in my dreams!!!!!
AAAAHHHHH!!!! Debbie Gibson in my head for the rest of the DAY!
I mean I”m sure there was an important point here, but after I saw the name Debbie Gibson, I lost coherent thought
Domestic Extraordinaire says:
You are an evil genius and I will gladly follow you when you take over the world.
Anna says:
HAhaha, that is awesome.
Molly says:
Oh, I love this. Relationships are so funny!
PS: I’m on your side
amy says:
You two are such a sweet couple
And SING IT LOUD Annie!!
Chris says:
I’m laughing here Heather because he will NEVER be able to say no to that sweet little face. I’m looking at her pictures and I’m thinking no way will he be able to tell her to stop singing. She’s just too cute, I look at her pictures and want to just kiss a chubby little cheek (sorry, I just adore precious chubby little baby cheeks, and I don’t have any of my own to kiss so I have to admire pictures from afar) .But I look at those and I think no way will he be able to say no to that sweet little face, so train her well!
Katrina says:
Oh my gosh, I love it. You guys are too cute.
.-= Katrina´s last blog ..Happy Birthday, Baby =-.
Amy --- Just A Titch says:
I saw The Eagles with my dad once and I tend to like singing along, and also since I’m a musical person, occasionally commenting on musicians, their skills, etc. and this HORRIFIED my father, who finally told me to STFU in the middle of my favorite song. And then I cried. And then he spent the rest of the show trying to console me. I think he wished he would have just let me sing!
Mary says:
OMG~hysterical! Yet sad!
.-= Mary´s last blog ..Magic Ointment & Creepy Stuff =-.
Just Jiff says:
I sing along, but no so loudly that other people around me can’t hear the performer. At least I don’t think so. lol.
Sing along and have a good time.
.-= Just Jiff´s last blog ..Random Stuff. =-.
valeri says:
This is hysterically funny… but OMG, Heather, I would be glaring at you SO HARD!
There are concerts where it is appropriate – anything big and in a stadium, for instance. But RUFUS?! NO!!!!!!!
Incidentally, if you love to see a bunch of drunk grown-ups singing along… check out The Sound of Music Sing-a-long at the Hollywood Bowl. They are also doing Grease this year. So much fun! And sanctioned singing along!
Heather says:
When I’ve seen Rufus at small clubs I DEFINITELY don’t sing along. Small clubs are not cool to sing in. This particular concert was at the Beacon in NYC…much bigger.
But still. You’re right. SIGH.
Susan says:
hahaha!! I was raised in a family where my dad and his brothers got together a few nights a month at our house, and played guitars and drums and my sisters and I would sing. We learned cool old 40’s songs and harmonized.
Then we were early teens when rock and roll went into the Beatles, then Motown….how could we NOT keep singing???
My kids remember me turning things they said into songs (to their horror), and knowing all the words to “Rocky Raccoon”!!
My daughter is now a teacher, and if kids aren’t paying attention….she is known to burst into song and shuffle across the front of the class….which rivets them back to her…and they remember her fondly for her dedication, which includes starting the day with music.
Rock on, Heather and Annabel!!! Mike, learn from your wife
Erin says:
Hahaha, I so enjoyed reading this morning That’s awesome. I’m totally a concert-singer, too. Ya just gotta rock out sometimes!
.-= Erin´s last blog ..Time to step it UP =-.
Trisha Vargas says:
I saw Debbie Gibson at the Tacoma Dome for my first concert. I danced and sang to every song!
I love singing. I can’t resist the urge at concerts either. It’s uncontrollable and the beers just add to it!
I have to say though, that if you are singing at a concert make sure you know the lyrics. It does irk me a bit if they are blasting in your ear with the wrong words!!
Awesome that you and Mike have worked out a set of rules
(((HUGS))) from Florida
Alexandra says:
This was fantastic. I loved it. I’m going to read it over again, it was so adorable.
Love it all, especially the singing into the scarf. You were just born cute, Heather.
.-= Alexandra´s last blog ..And It Made Her So Very Happy =-.
Patti McKenna says:
LOL, my family hates it when I sing, no matter where we are. Tells you something about my voice, huh? Oh, and rest assured, by the time Annie is a teen, Mike will be more than happy to tell her what she can and cannot do!
.-= Patti McKenna´s last blog ..So Do I =-.
CRYSTAL says:
I have to admit, I am a singer too! Im even worse in the car with the radio on. Well my husband hates it and would always complain, Now I laugh cause my daughter does the same thing! So now he has two of us
Tara says:
I’m pretty split on this argument. It really depends on who and where it is. If you’re seeing a Britney Spears type performer who just lip syncs then I say sing as loud as you want. Someone should be singing live. If it’s a real musician and it’s a huge venue, then there can still be singing along but not too obnoxious. If it’s a small intimate venue, then I can only tolerate a singing under their breath type of singalong which means I won’t really hear it. Unless the musician sings an upbeat hit song of theirs and it’s expected for the audience to singalong, then one can sing loud.
I agree with Mike about the learning aspect of watching a concert. My husband is a professional musician so I may just be hyper polite about being quiet during a performance. I also want to listen to only the musician since it’s almost always going to be a little different than the recorded version. Although, the fact that you had to sing into your scarf to control yourself is just so sad that it’s making me rethink my positions.
Bridget says:
Heather, you are so right in this instance. Concerts are for fun. The crowd dancing and singing along is what the performers feed off of to make an exciting show. If everyone where there to learn it would be b-o-r-i-n-g! No matter how much he thinks he’s annoyed by it, the crazy excited fans are the ones that make the atmosphere what it is. Without the dancers and singers in the crowd all concerts would be like the symphony. And let’s face it; symphonies aren’t exactly selling out stadiums these days.
Jenny @ http://motherlawyercrazywoman.blogspot.com/ says:
To learn??? Really? Am laughing at that. And how can you NOT sing along at concerts? I would find that almost physically impossible.
.-= Jenny @ http://motherlawyercrazywoman.blogspot.com/´s last blog ..A Big Announcement =-.
Alison says:
Start ’em young!! My first three concerts (I don’t remember them in order) were Backstreet Boys (aaaaw yeah), Seal, and Cher with Cyndi Lauper in late elementary school, early middle school. There were LOTS of singing and dancing, and it has been that way ever since.
Except the shows I went to in high school were more the mosh-and-sing type then the dance-and-sing type. Same principle!
xoxo
christi with an i says:
hardcore sounds awesome.
Laura says:
“I’m like Britney Spears, but on weaker crazy drugs.”
HA!!
I love dancing and lip syncing. Once at a Radiohead concert in Boston (where everyone was just standing around all proper like, while Thom thrashed on stage…HOW CAN YOU NOT THRASH ALONG!?) the people next to me and my friend (who was thrashing and singing with me) were complaining about the “high schoolers” in attendce. I was 23 at the time.
.-= Laura´s last blog ..Registered! =-.
Ashley Hast says:
This is funny (and sounds similar) to my husband. He gets mad and tells me to stop acting stupid when I sing in the car and bounce around dancing. Lol. Debbie Gibson *totally* rocked too. When I auditioned for the Mickey Mouse Club in 8th grade in Dallas, Tx, I sang Debbie Gibson’s song “Only in my dreams, as real as it may se-e-em, it was only in my dreams, woah oh oh.
Shannon Kieta says:
Sing yer heart out Annie! You go girl! I am glad you stand up for what you believe in. Just think… if you would have broken up w/Mike over something so lame…there would have been no Maddie or Annie. The world would have never known those two beautiful souls! Sing on girl!!!!
.-= Shannon Kieta´s last blog ..Please Stay Sober =-.
AmazingGreis says:
I’m with you. Singing at concerts is a MUST!!! I’m a hardcore concert singer, and until today had no idea some people thought it was wrong.
.-= AmazingGreis´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday – Busted… =-.
Rebecca says:
My first concert was a New Kids on the Block concert, my next concert was a Nine Inch Nails concert. I sang at both, but was in the mosh pit toward the end for the NIN concert. Concerts are for singing!
.-= Rebecca´s last blog ..What On Earth =-.
Amanda M. says:
Ah, you two are so cute.
Sarah P says:
I’d say compromise makes the world go ’round, but who the eff are we kidding? Singing makes the world go ’round. Team Heather. Have T-shirts made.
.-= Sarah P´s last blog ..Because of You, Kelly Clarkson =-.
Jennie says:
My favorite is when the person next to you is acting out every word to every song. Cracks me up. I sing and dance while my hubby just sits there. Probably because I drag him to see Depeche Mode and Erasure Sing your heart out Heather – you deserve it!
.-= Jennie´s last blog ..My First Product Giveaway =-.
Mary says:
This just made my morning! Heather: you are hysterical…and a great writer! Hard to pick my favorite lines…the “singing into your scarf” or lip syncing Spears comment.
As for Annie: come on, we all know she’s going to be a sing-alonger!
And I’ve loved reading people’s comments: y’all are too funny.
I grew up w/a mom who could & WOULD sing about any and everything. Seriously: you could throw any random word out to her & she’d find a song to go with it. When she’s not singing, she’s often whistling. I think it’s cute. However, I think my dad hated it. He was always trying to shut her down, but it never worked.
Today, after I read your post to her, she got this horrified look on her face & asked me if I mind when she sings (NO!). Then she said, did I mind if she sang during movies…I said, “No, Not if they’re musicals. Otherwise it would be a little creepy…”
.-= Mary´s last blog ..Magic Ointment & Creepy Stuff =-.
Ray says:
“I tried my best not to sing along, but when I got an uncontrollable urge I sang into my scarf. I’m not a machine!”
^^LOL! You are too freaking funny Heather. Hehe. =P And I love your cute little rules you have for each other. You two are a great team.
I’ve never been to a concert (sadly) but I think I’m more like Mike. I’d rather enjoy the singer doing what they do best, than have other people ruin it for me by singing loudly, obnoxiously and off-key (not that I’m saying that, that’s you). But if you sing low enough as to not annoy others, “I feel it’s okay.” Then again what do I know? Maybe I would sing at concerts from the excitement. Just an estimate: how many concerts would you say that you’ve been to? Just curious. ;o)
Crystal S says:
I’m with Mike, I HATE sing-a-longers! I didnt pay to listen to the person next to me sing badly. I paid good money to listen to the band without the dude next to me belting out the lyrics off-key.
Glenda says:
I love music…love concerts…and singing is a must. Mike will never say NO to Annie… so train her right lol
Jen L. says:
There is no way to ask this question without souding kind of like a jackass, which is not my intention, but what does he learn? (I’m seriously interested–I feel like I’m missing out on some other plane of concert-going!)
Debbie Gibson rocked my world. I proudly wore Electric Youth perfume for like 3 years.
.-= Jen L.´s last blog ..Comfort Food Saturday: Easy Stir-Fry =-.
Kristin says:
I suck at it but I love to sing along too!
.-= Kristin´s last blog ..Spring has sprung… =-.
Jenn says:
There is this movie with Ben Stiller and Michele Monahan called the Heartbreak Kid. During one scene, they are driving to Mexico and all these different types of songs come on. Ie, reggae, hip hop, country, rock, you name it. And she sings along to every single song. THAT IS ME!! Mike would absolutely hate to be sitting next to me at a concert!
Not only do I sing along to every song, but I’m tone deaf! or so I have been told
.-= Jenn´s last blog ..Away =-.
Jen Rew says:
Sing it like you wrote it! There are just some battles that men will not win and sing-a-long experiences are one of them
.-= Jen Rew´s last blog ..Merry Christmas and all that jazz… =-.
Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba) says:
Debbie Gibson was my first concert, too. 1989. I was 14.
.-= Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba)´s last blog ..“Happy Birthday” greetings from my nephew Francis =-.
Cheryl says:
Oh Heather… Sing, girl sing! And you’re very very smart to teach little A to do the same. Two against one? He’ll have no powers whatsoever.
PS I miss the Forum. Saw many a concert there in the 70’s and 80’s. Not to mention many a Lakers game. One of which I got to go upstairs to the Forum Club, and, wait for it, I met and had drinks with Shawn effing Cassidy! Ok, you’re too young to appreciate the momentousness of that… but I digress.
As usual. I dig your bloggin’ mama. Peas out.
.-= Cheryl´s last blog ..Surprised While Running =-.
Clemmiesmom says:
Your hubby goes to concerts to learn? Hahahahahahaha! That is the stupidest thing I ever heard. Please tell Mike he’s a big giant dork.
Jodie Brooks says:
I’m a singer ALL THE WAY!! This post was hilarious!! Totally agree with starting Annie early!!
Marti from Michigan says:
I also sing at concerts, I hope Annie will too. I saw Tom Petty one time when I was lucky enough to get a ticket, and sing along I sure did, so did every one who was in my row. Way back when I was a teen, there was a show broadcast from England called “Shindig”, wonder if anyone on here remembers that show? Sort of like American Bandstand, but British. They sponsored Gerry and the Pacemakers (popular when the Beatles were), to come to Grand Rapids, Michigan and I was so happy to go see them. It was great and even though I was in the nosebleed section, I sure had a good time.
That’s what concerts are for!
Susan says:
I remember Shindig!!! Do you remember the Lloyd Thaxton show?? Also mid-60’s. Kids used to go on and dance and hope their friends saw them on TV!!
Janet says:
HA HA HA, that last paragraph is exactly something I would do too
.-= Janet´s last blog ..soccer balls and bubbles =-.
Linds says:
singing at concerts is AWESOME!
the only time i will say otherwise is when it is a small, intimate, quiet setting. i saw greg laswell at space (AWESOME show) a few months ago, the group was maybe 50 people? and his songs are really emotional and powerful, and there was this OBNOXIOUS lady who would.not.shut.the.F.up who drove me nuts. if the waitresses are whispering, then you probably shouldn’t sing at the top of your lungs.
but, when i leave a foo fighters concert half deaf with my ears ringing, you better believe i’ve lost half my voice too from singing along!
.-= Linds´s last blog ..Chills =-.
Mary Ann says:
I personally am a sing-a-long kind of a gal – however I do kinda hate when someone who is tone deaf is sining in my ear – of course I am tone deaf but that’s ok. Its usually so loud anyway what’s the big deal about singing along?
Susan says:
If someone is singing next to my sister-in-law at a concert she says “I didn’t pay to hear you sing.”
.-= Susan´s last blog ..Ramble On =-.
Kim says:
WHAT?!?! Who doesn’t sing at concerts??? That is insane. Good thing Mike is lucky and you kept with him and his craziness anyway
You teach that girl to sing and to sing LOUD
Colleen says:
Debbie Gibson all the way baby! And SING!!
.-= Colleen´s last blog ..Mock Fighting =-.
Miss E says:
This is the funniest thing. I love that you have rules around singing at a concert. I sure hope my husband doesn’t catch wind of this or he’ll ban ME from singing
.-= Miss E´s last blog ..Moments =-.
Amy says:
OMG!!! I ALWAYS sing along (and REALLY badly at that), and I have never EVER thought about what anyone else around me thought. OH NO! I am the annoying person beside you that you talk about for weeks after for ruining the concert. Thanks for the heads up. Tell Mike I’m sorry!
Amy says:
Ok. I love you… I do. But if you were near ME at a concert that I paid for to hear the person sing who is on stage and I had to listen to YOU the whole time. You’d be wearing my $8 bottle of water before the night was over. There has only been one exception. The Paul McCartney concert I went to where he directed us to sing along the whole time. Other than that… it’s only at the time and during the songs that everyone is asked to sing. Like Pearl Jam and Black or Dave Matthews and Satellite. Other than that… shut up. When your name is on the marque and people have paid their hard earned money to hear you sing… then you can sing.
I love you… I do.
.-= Amy´s last blog ..Stitch Therapy =-.
Jill says:
Sing Alongers UNITE!
I was asked not to sing, stand or dance at a Prince concert. A. PRINCE. CONCERT!
I love that Annie will be a Sing Alonger.
Al_Pal says:
I *love* singing along. But I don’t go all-out unless it’s a song they want to have you sing for. I’ll sing quietly otherwise.
Also love dancing. Must dance! Will chair-boogie if it’s a sit-down show. ;D
Katie says:
I am a singer-alonger (HI!) And to the folks griping about not hearing their band over someone next to them I must ask, how loudly can they sing in a stadium to drown out the band? Who are you guys seeing? Lawrence Welk?
DebFan says:
I was there that day too !!! Oct 15, 1989 Debbie Gibson at the Great Western Forum of Inglewood !!! SHE ROCKED THE HOUSE !!!