Thursday Thirteen: My George Michael Concert Experience
Oh yes. I finally got to see my musical soulmate live and in person. It was everything I thought it would be and more. His voice was crystal clear, the band was amazing, and I lost my voice screaming and singing to every single song. Even Chris agreed that this was an awesome concert.
My husband bought me tickets after we saw him on the American Idol Finale. I hadn't heard that he was touring in the US until that night...so there was simply no way we weren't buying tickets that very same night - Happy Birthday to Me!!!
I have loved George Michael through every step of his career. (My very first .45 record was Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go.) I was a seven year old dancing to his Make It Big album (cassette tape). I ran out and bought Music From the Edge of Heaven when it was released in the US. My friend and I had the video of George singing "I Knew You Were Waiting for Me" with Aretha Franklin on a VHS tape that we watched over and over again until it fell apart. I was a preteen loving the Faith Album. But, Listen Without Prejudice is my favorite of all. Every single track reminds me of different times in my life - and hearing him sing Waiting (Reprise) at the beginning of the concert gave me chills. I also had an unexpected reaction to I'm Your Man. I started crying! (picture the teenage girls falling apart over the Beatles in the 60s) But I quickly pulled it together - reminding myself that I'm now a 31 year old stay-at-home mom.
As an adult, I have bought each of his newer albums as they've been released. I still haven't found a song I don't like! I wish he had played a few songs that weren't on the concert playlist (Waiting for That Day) - but then again, I'd probably want him to sing his entire repertoire and that's just not practical for a two hour concert.
I've followed his entire career, but I'm not obsessed with his personal life - just his music! His voice is incredible, and he really gets down while singing. I'm talking about the shameless, fantasticly fun kind of dancing that makes you want to get up on the stage and join him....but don't worry, I didn't.
Here are my 13 favorite songs that George sang on July 14th in Houston. (I ranked them with #1 as my favorite) In case you want to hear/watch the song, click for a youtube link!
13. Feeling Good
12. One More Try
11. Flawless
10. Father Figure
9. Too Funky
7. Amazing
6. Faith
4. Star People
3. Hard Day
/
That's so great that you had a good time seeing someone you admire. :)
I saw my favorite a few weeks ago! Brad Paisley! It was one of the best times of my life! Haha!
Posted by: Chelle Y. | July 16, 2008 at 03:04 PM
The worst part is I wouldn't know George Michael unless someone told me who it was. I keep telling people I'm out of touch, but that's ancient history with him!
SJR
The Pink Flamingo
Posted by: SJ Reidhead | July 16, 2008 at 03:10 PM
The worst part is I wouldn't know George Michael unless someone told me who it was. I keep telling people I'm out of touch, but that's ancient history with him!
SJR
The Pink Flamingo
Posted by: SJ Reidhead | July 16, 2008 at 03:11 PM
I'm glad that you got the chance to see your boy! Although I've only seen George Michael perform on TV, I can still tell that he's amazing. I really liked what you said about not being obsessed with his personal life, only his music. When it comes to George Michael, I "listen without prejudice".
Posted by: Malcolm | July 16, 2008 at 03:19 PM
I never really got into George until the past few years. I like to listen to him when I'm writing. Very inspiring. Glad you got to go for your birthday. Happy T13!
Posted by: Adelle Laudan | July 16, 2008 at 03:34 PM
When my father died, he was one of two people I could tolerate listening to. He's just so real to me - maybe because we're close to the same age. Anyway, I played him so much I'm a little done with him - but he was really helpful for almost 2 years. (The other was the Counting Crows - again real)
Posted by: On a Limb with Claudia | July 16, 2008 at 05:24 PM
Good for you! Sounds like a great time. He was amazing on American Idol.
Posted by: SandyCarlson | July 16, 2008 at 06:29 PM
He's very handsome AND a great singer. Happy TT:)
Posted by: Lori | July 16, 2008 at 06:55 PM
Lucky!!!!!!!!! Happy TT.
Posted by: Pamela Kramer | July 16, 2008 at 07:20 PM
Sounds like you had fun!
Happy TT!
Posted by: Lisa | July 16, 2008 at 07:22 PM
My sister loved George Michael, but I never got into him. I was just too old when he was really popular.
Happy TT!
Posted by: Denise | July 16, 2008 at 08:46 PM
Sounds like you had a great time.
Posted by: Alice Audrey | July 16, 2008 at 08:55 PM
I haven't been to a concert in soooooooooo long! I so jealous right now.
Happy T13!!!
Posted by: Karen of Sillymonkeez | July 16, 2008 at 09:17 PM
Wow it sound like a awesome concert. I have enjoyed his music too. Happy TT
Posted by: Tammy | July 17, 2008 at 11:19 AM
Wasn't he awesome!!! My daughter and I saw him July 2nd in Seattle. The encore with Freedom was FANTASTIC!
Posted by: Starrlight | July 17, 2008 at 12:05 PM
Hmm..I used to love George Michael but I thought he looked terrible on American Idol. When I was a senior in high school, I dated a guy who looked like him (and knew it and was conceited about it), who ended up being a jerk, so now I tend to equate George Michael with this guy and was somehow pleased he looked so old on AI. Obviously I have issues. :-P
Glad you were able to go and enjoy the concert of someone you've enjoyed for so long though! That is awesome. :-D
Posted by: Lori-NotSoSuperwoman | July 17, 2008 at 12:11 PM
sigh, I just typed this whole long story and it never showed up. So I guess I will forget the story and just say- glad you were able to see him in concert! Awesome!
Posted by: Lori-NotSoSuperwoman | July 17, 2008 at 12:13 PM
I know this was before he was solo, but I still love 'Careless Whisper'.
Posted by: Tuppence | July 17, 2008 at 08:29 PM