last night, more or less on a whim, i decided to go to the canal club to see thursday and dillinger escape plan.  the show had been on my radar for a few months now and i kept thinking “oh man, that would be fun.” but never really taking it too seriously.  well, the show was quickly approaching on the calendar this week and i have tons of shit going on, but i thought.. well, fuck it.  why not?

bill joined me and i met up with a few other friends there.  in fact, the amazing hugel got me in for FREE.  it had definitely been a solid 3 years since the last time i saw thursday and probably 5-6 years since i saw dillinger.  i’d say, for the most part, aside from freinds’ bands, i’ve left the world of “loud rock shows” ever since olympia broke up.

now that i’m almost 30, i’ve definitely become “that guy” at shows.  staying near the back, arms crossed, not really wanting to get anywhere near the gyrating sweaty kids, wanting a clear line of travel to the bar when drink refills are necessary.  enjoying the music, but not getting crazy like i used to.  last night, i made a conscious decision to NOT be that guy.

before thursday started playing, i inched my way up right up against the security barrier.  i was about 3 feet from the band.  and when they played, i totally sang at the top of my lungs, got pushed around, sang even louder, and got generally totally stoked out.  i haven’t done this in… god, years.  it felt totally awesome.  i was the bearded old dude geeking out to thursday like i did back when i was 19.  it was amazing.

if you’re the old bearded dude at shows like me, take the time to go see one of your old favorite bands and then pretend you’re 19 again.  it’s fucking awesome.