At some point, everyone comes around to the Beatles.
In addition to consuming the basics (songs, discography, biographies), I also explored the academic (musicology, social impact). I had a buyer’s guide for collectors and “invested” in original albums and memorabilia. I impressed/scared those around me with my steel-trap memory of minutiae.
Over the years, the collection has sputtered and stalled and the impressive steel-trap has transformed into the somewhat embarrassing steel-sieve. But the songs will always be with me, and, in the last 7 months, two very cool things have happened in my Beatledom.
Cool item #1: On Dec 24, 2009, I received a top-tier piece of Beatles memorabilia from mom and pop. I’m not one to brag, and this piece is not yet covered on my homeowner’s insurance, so all I wish to say is a) I have eight and b) they are all authentic.
Cool item #2: On Saturday, July 10, 2010, I sang Beatles tunes with Sir Paul himself. As I had never seen a live Beatle before, this was a very special treat. He looked magnificent in his uber-tailored Beatle suit and heeled boots and he sounded marvelous singing through his celebrated history. And, at 68, he rocked solid for 3 hours!!!
What an experience.
But even more touching for me is how I came about this once-in-a-lifetime event. A very good (now even better!) friend of mine has a birthday in July. To celebrate, she thought it would be great to take ME to see the cute one in SF. And she went big, braving the auction sites and successfully procuring 2 field tickets, stage left.Her thoughtfulness and generosity are testimony to her character and what kind of friend she is. It’s difficult to find the words to adequately express how much this gesture means to me.
For the rest of my life, a smiley (Paul) face will forever follow any thoughts I have of this fantastic gal...
