Earlier this year, Mike and I had some credits on StubHub and I put Mike in charge of spending them. I did have one caveat: no sports. I obviously love me some sports, but we go to a lot of baseball & college football games and I thought we should do something different. Mike spent some time going over the LA-area calendar and then said, “I found the perfect event – Fleetwood Mac.”
I became a music fan listening to my dad’s records. I used to grab the albums that looked interesting and sneak them up to my room to play on the record player I shared with my brother. Because of this, my musical tastes can sometimes skew somewhat…older. Like any good eighties kid I worshipped The Go-Go’s, Debbie Gibson, Wham, and Madonna, but I secretly knew all songs by Billy Joel, The Eagles, Led Zeppelin, Joni Mitchell, and Fleetwood Mac.
I love Fleetwood Mac. My sophomore year of college, I was at a USC football game and during the halftime show, Mick Fleetwood (the drummer) came out to perform with the USC Marching Band. I leapt to my feet and went totally crazy. I looked around at one point and while every single student around me was sitting, the older alums were all standing and rocking out. Mike thinks that’s a hilarious story, so when he suggested we go to a Fleetwood Mac concert, I thought he was teasing me. Then he showed me there were seats available in the twentieth row, and I hit “purchase” so fast I almost broke the keyboard.
The concert was last Wednesday, and I was almost as excited to have a night with just Mike as I was to see the show. As we walked into the arena, it became very obvious that once again, I was one of the Mac’s younger fans. I didn’t care, though – I told Mike it was like hanging out with my parents’ friends. What I did mind, however, was not thinking to wear my mystical scarves à la Stevie Nicks:
It’s ridiculous how much I wanted this woman’s outfit.
After grabbing some snacks (and having someone ask me when I was due, grrr), we made it to our seats right when the show was starting. The women behind us (and I say this with only slight exaggeration) lost their minds. Mike looked mildly concerned. I could see him mentally calculating how he would carry the two of them out of the arena when their brains inevitably liquified. Meanwhile, I was like, “YES! I am with my people!” And that was never more evident than when the music started and the entire concert became the Fleetwood Mac Sing Along Hour. You may remember that singing along at a concert is my idea of a good time, and Mike’s worst nightmare. It seemed like every person in that arena was singing with Stevie and Lindsey – except Mike, of course.
This is a terrible iPhone photo, but it does show how awesome our seats were:
We were on the floor, which I normally am not a fan of because everyone stands on the floor during the entire concert, and since I’m short I can’t see the stage. But, most of the people around us were on the older-side, so there was a lot of sitting! One Grumpy Gus even yelled, “Sit down!” at everyone sitting in front of him. I never saw him but in my head he looked like Ron Swanson.
The older crowd started to rub off on me, because towards the end of the show I started saying things like, “Why does it have to be so LOUD?” and “I really should have worn shoes with better arch support.”
Despite the rampant singing along and aching feet, Mike and I had a blast. We didn’t get back to our house and my parents (who generously baby-sat) until after midnight, which is well past this newborn mom’s bed time. It felt great to get out for a few hours with just Mike – hopefully we don’t have to wait for another “oldie” concert before we do it again.
Bianca says:
I LOVE Fleetwood Mac. I’m seeing them in Paris in October My sister and I are 24 and 27 respectively so am hoping we won’t be surrounded by old fogies :p Great choice!!
Auntie_M says:
Fleetwood Mac in Paris??? Lucky girl!!!!!!!!!!
Bianca says:
Hehe yep I live just outside of Paris Enjoying it
Tracy says:
Didn’t realize Billy Joel fell into the same category as the others – lol! I can’t believe some idiot asked you that – you look great!
Margo says:
I was just at their show in Tampa! I’ve been a huge fan since I was a kid for the same reasons- mom’s old records. They still rock after all these years– good thing for use younger generation
wendy says:
How wonderful I love Fleetwood Mac
Renee says:
I Fleetwood Mac! I was trying to see them when they were here in Chicago a few months back! So glad you and Mike had an awesome night out!
MissyK says:
LOVE Fleetwood Mac! But I can’t say it is from my parents records. It is from me being old & in the same era. LOL! Oh & I don’t blame you one bit for coveting that womans outfit. Stevie always wore the coolest clothes.
Kathryn M. says:
Awww, yay for you guys and I love Fleetwood Mac too! Right now their favorite song of mine is Sweet Girl
Allison says:
I’ve always said I was born in the wrong decade when it comes to music. I’m 30 and was sheltered from 80s music and listened to oldies as a child. In high school, in addition to 90s music, I got really into classic rock. I love every band you mentioned! You are not alone!
Sara Mc. says:
I too love the old stuff. My parents catered concerts when I was younger so I was around a lot of various musicians. What I think is even greater than that, my nephews, 16 & 12, like music from the “older days”. It’s always great when I hear Brady singing Journey, Fleetwood Mac, or someone from that era. Glad you had such a good time!
Kim says:
I went to see Fleetwood Mac a couple months ago & that was by far the best concert I’ve been too! I’m 35 & was definitely one of the younger ones in the crowd & was also the only one in our section that was dancing & singing the entire time!! Happy to hear you had a fun night out!!
Susana says:
Glad you had a great time… But so jealous! My husband and I have tix to see Sir Paul McCartney on Friday, but we might have to miss out my 6-month-old cries like a banchee whenever anyone other than me tries to lay her down to sleep, which would mean hours of torture for her and my mother-in-law while I rock out with a Beatle. We’re trying to get baby used to the idea in he next few days… But any advice would be welcome!
It’s my Mother’s Day present, 2 days after my birthday, I need a date with my husband, plus it’s a freakin’ BEATLE. Help!
Glenda says:
Have MIL rock her to sleep! She should be fine.
Heather says:
Oh gosh, I don’t have any experience with this because my kids have always gone down easily for their grandparents. But I think, if your MIL is willing to deal with the crying, you should let her. Otherwise, you’re ALWAYS going to have to be the one to put her down, and that’s not really fair to you! Plus, like you said, it’s a BEATLE and you definitely need and deserve a night out. Maybe try having your husband start putting her down so she gets used to someone other than you doing it, but if she gets upset pop your head in so she knows Mom is nearby.
Good luck!
Mommy says:
Does she fall asleep in the car? If your MIL is desperate, she could always take her for a drive to get her to sleep!!
Also, she might surprise you. My kids are always super easy for my parents, and save their crying for mommy and daddy only!!
Good luck!!
Lisa says:
Looks like fun! I wouldn’t mind seeing Fleetwood Mac! Nice that you guys got to go out, alone! My favorite retort to the “when are you due” question when you are not preggo is: Do NOT ask me that question unless you knocked me up! If nothing else it confuses both women and men and I do not have to answer. And hopefully they will not ask anyone that question again. Stupid heads!
Maris says:
My husband & i I have been a huge fan since the dance cd came out (in 96 or 97) when we were 14. We LOVEEE them! I remember when I bought that cd and I as OMG finally a CD where every song is good instead of just 2 or 3! Glad you guys had fun! I’m jelly.
Maris says:
Oh, did you also have the dirty dancing soundtrack in HS…or was that just me?
Donna P says:
I am of the generation that remembers when “Rumours” came out. It doesn’t seem all that long ago. Glad to hear they are touring again, although I understand Christine is not with them. She had such a marvelous voice. Anyway, glad to hear you and Mike had such a lovely night out!
Heather says:
You’re right, Christine wasn’t there – she retired a few years ago. I definitely missed her, some of my favorite FM songs are hers. It was weird to hear Stevie sing Christine’s part on “Don’t Stop!”
Stacey says:
They were just in Iowa almost two weeks ago; they move quickly!
I’m younger than you (29) and I LOVE Fleetwood Mac and all other ‘old’ bands. My husband and I went and saw the Eagles a few years ago in Des Moines and it was one of the best concerts I’ve ever been!
Kim says:
I love it!!!! I am a big fan of older music because of my Mom – but as a kid I could have sung any Carpenter’s or Barry Manilow song you asked me to
Love Fleetwood Mac too – I bet that was a great concert!
Allison says:
Too funny! My husband and I went to see Barry Manalow and Neil Diamond last year. It was so funny because I am 32 and everyone else was super old. I really wanted to see Fleetwood Mac this year but we went to Bob Seger instead. It was great! But I was so tired being out that late!
Trisha says:
Unless someone hears a woman talking about being pregnant you never ask when a woman is due! I just don’t get it at all. I think you look great! Glad you and Mike had a night out and enjoyed the show. I’m only a little older and I love me some Mac.
Glenda says:
LOVE FM! I saw them in Vegas in May.
Landslide is my fav.
Sounds like a much needed date with Mike. Glad you enjoyed it!
Katrina says:
I love FM. I’m a fan of all kinds of music, too….and especially music from the 60’s and 70’s. When I sing my babies to sleep, the songs I usually sing are the older ones: “Songbird” by FM and “Blackbird” by the Beatles are two of my favorites. Okay, maybe I just have a thing about birds?
I’m SO envious of your night out with Mike! How fun! Wish I could do that. But Mike doesn’t even know me, so I guess I’d have to take my husband. Ah well.
KaraB says:
I’m a HUGE Fleetwood Mac fan!! My mom had the Rumors and Tango in the Night when I was a kid. I love the song Tusk!
Mommy says:
Good for you guys for having a date night!!!! You are so cute and funny too. Love the story of you jumping up and everyone around you staying in their seats. Lol!!
MG says:
Ha ha….I just assumed everyone my age somewhat rocked out to their parents music….Billy Joel, Jim Croce, Fleetwood Mac, Phil Collins…etc etc etc! I saw Fleetwood Mac when I was, maybe 8 years old at Summerfest in Milwaukee. Probably the first time I smelled “wacky tabaccy” shall I call it?!? Yikes. And, wth on the preg questions?! I’ve gotten it but it’s because I’m fat. I wish I could blame it on “just” having a baby (she’s 10 mo) or having had 4 but it really is not truthful. PEOPLE…you don’t ask it you don’t know FOR SURE!! Glad you had a good time!
Kylene says:
Ron Swanson!
http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_maogyciqhD1r5pjkqo1_500.gif
Jennifer Dawn says:
You sold me with your blog due to your love of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and The Beatles… now Fleetwood Mac?! We might be twins.
(Also, I saw Paul McCartney in concert last year and I also think I was the youngest person there.)
Paula says:
I always wonder: Why do some people think it’s OKAY to ASK women how far along they are? Yeesh. It drives me BATTY that people do that when, in fact, the person IS NOT pregnant.
MG says:
Crap…as if some twist of fate had to happen, someone DID ask me if I was pregnant tonight! It was a kid, but still. And then when I smiled and said “no, I’m not!” his sister whispered “it just looks like she is”. Thank you. Very much.
Lisa says:
You look way too skinny to be asked when your due.
Jacque says:
Oh my gosh Heather! I feel like I could’ve written this EXACT post! My husband and I saw them in Chicago last month, and our experience was almost entirely the same! I too saw several women wearing epic Stevie outfits that I was jealous of, we also had some women nearby lose their minds, we too were the youngest BY FAR in our area (early 30’s), and I too was happy about the unusually large amounts of people who stayed seated (which is unlike me!). It was such a good time out without the kids. Glad you guys had fun too!!
akl says:
LOVE ME some Fleetwood Mac! I went to see their show about a month ago when they were out on the East Coast. I actually went WITH my mom. AMAZING.
Auntie_M says:
I grew up with Fleetwood Mac playing in our house too (my parents’ music–though I am a decade older than you) and still love them!
What a wonderful night! Glad you both had fun! And someday, some day, Mike is going to surprise you and jump to his feet and start singing along with someone…I just know it! But, knowing Mike, it’ll probably be at some kid show with either Annie or James! LOL