Carter turned 10 on May 7. His birthday present from Mama was tickets to see Bon Jovi. Mama saw them a few years ago in Newark, NJ, with Carter's aunts and uncles, and Carter has never forgiven her for not including him.
We headed to nearby Hersheypark Stadium with three of our friends and got there in time to catch Fuel, whom Mama is pretty sure she saw many years ago at this same venue, opening for someone else. Of course they played Shimmer and Hemorrhage, which pleased all the people in the crowd who were Mama's age.
Mama: I was more excited to watch Carter watching Bon Jovi than I was for the actual show. But I forgot how good these guys really are. They've been doing this for ten forevers, and it's clear that they truly love what they do. So say what you will about Bon Jovi, but they're doing something right if they're still around (and loving their jobs) after all this time. Seasoned performers, massive but straightforward production.
Carter: It was awesome. But when we heard "Bad Medicine," there were silhouettes of ladies in just lingerie in the background, which was very disturbing.
Mama: It wasn't that bad. It was a very family-friendly show. Jon Bon
Jovi doesn't curse and most of their newer songs have a positive message.
Carter: Yeah, but I didn't know the newer songs, so I felt a little left out.
Mama: I liked when Carter jumped up out of his seat and sang along to "You Give Love a Bad Name."
Carter: Holy crap! My whole childhood flashed before my eyes! My favorite part of the show was seeing my assistant principal. He had his sweatshirt tied around his waist, not looking very principal-y-like.
Mama: I didn't like that part. I knew I was going to let you sleep in and take you to school late the next day, so I felt like our cover was blown and like I was going to be sent to the principal's office.
Carter: Ha ha, Mama, you had a flashback!
Mama: Easy now... I also liked watching you play air guitar. You know what I've noticed? People no longer follow the "that guy" rule...about not wearing the shirt of the band you're going to see? (Like in the movie PCU). It's especially bad at larger shows at stadiums and arenas. Of course, I don't mind when Carter does it.
Carter: Yeah. Cause I'm a kid. Yay, childhood!
Mama: I guess that's why I don't mind. I am happy that you observe the rule about not listening to the band we're going to see on the day we're going to see them. Cause then we'd be the kind of people I used to make fun of in the parking lot. Anyway, what was your favorite part of the actual show?
Carter: The encore was awesome. We totally called what songs they were going to play for the encore. They played "Wanted: Dead or Alive" and "Livin on a Prayer." Jon Bon Jovi held out the mic and everybody sang along to "Livin on a Prayer."
Mama: The loudest I sang along was to "I'll Be There for You." I sang it right in Carter's ear.
Carter: Overall it was my favorite concert I've ever been to in my life (even more than Maroon 5 and Passion Pit!).
+5.19.2010.jpg)
