FRONT ROW - CENTRE STAGE...

Well... second row centre stage, to be honest...



The Who were magnificent!




We rose early in the morning on Thursday 5th October 2006.

It was a beautiful clear day in the Rockies and there was a feeling of anticipation in the air.
The two little ones had their breakfasts and we saw them off to school.
I had made arrangements for a friend to pick them up after school and take them to where they were staying overnight.
Bobby and Jenny were looking forward to staying at Adriana's for the evening, as she was their babysitter for many years and the closest thing to a Grandma where we live.
But don't tell Adriana I said that...

Beth had the day off school and George and I both went into work until noon.
Once I was done work and had been seen off by my colleagues - they all know of my crazy passion for The Who - I sped home to finish packing and prepare to leave.
It's a three hour drive to the city through some of the most beautiful country in the world.

...tall granite snow-capped peaks with shoulders draped in evergreen velvet.
...verdant valleys with ribbons of vermillion foaming softly amid their folds.
...vast cobalt skies.

I consider myself ever so fortunate to have the opportunity to describe my backyard in those words!

We arrived in Calgary in time to face the rush hour traffic, but face it we did, as the flow was traveling in the opposite direction.
We arrived at our friends' house in time to put my make-up on (Gypsy) and have a sweet glass of wine (Anne-Marie).
I even bought myself a new sequined pair of jeans - seat intact - and a black rib knit sweater to wear to the show... just for Pete, of course.

Due to a series of unfortunate events, I had been unable to purchase tickets in the beginning, but we were very lucky indeed.
We have some friends with strong connections to Pengrowth Saddledome and it was no time at all before I was informed that we could pick up some tickets with our name on them at the main wicket.
I was nervous because I had no idea where our seats would be...
Imagine our surprise when we saw that our tickets had FLOOR - ROW 2 - SEATS 21/22 printed upon them. I was completely floored...

My hands were shaking and, even though my short little legs usually have a difficult time keeping up with George's longer appendages, I leaped ahead of him, nearly getting myself run over by a truck!
My enthusiasm unthwarted, I bounded on.

We purchased a couple of handfuls of beer and made our way through the crowds and descended down and down and down the long steps to the FLOOR.
At the entrance to the FLOOR we obtained our make-us-feel-important wristbands and pushed on toward the stage.
As we neared ROW 2 there was another security point where we proudly showed our wrist bands and ticket with FLOOR printed upon them.
I was feeling rather cocky by then.

Seats 21 and 22 were right smack-dab in front of Zak's drum kit!

I could hardly contain myself, but managed to enjoy the opening act - a very good young three-piece band from Winnipeg, with strong AC/DC and Who influences.
The lead singer was so proud to be opening for his heroes!
...I felt his pride.

The next thing I knew, there was my favourite sound man, Bob Pridden, and his staff running about testing this and testing that, tuning this and tuning that.
I just about died when he picked up Pete's red Strat and let a blast at it!

Then there they were! We stood up and cheered, yelled, sang and whistled!

Pete was at stage left and Roger at stage right - of course.
...we were at stage centre, looking right up their trouser legs!

Pino was tall and stoic behind Roger, holding it together with his powerful bass - he has some big shoes to fill and fill them well, he did!

Zak was tight and not a bit unlike Moon - but of course!
Keith was his childhood hero and close friend to his father, Ringo Starr - I smile to see things go full circle like that...

Simon was, well, Simon!
His trademark cap and tight nylon jacket making him a familiar sight for me.
His rhythm helping to lift and carry The Who through the evening.

Rabbit was having fun on keyboards and I have always had a soft spot for him.
He laughed and played through the entire concert.

After being in such close touch through Rachel and In The Attic it was like being with old friends!
I felt I was with family.
I wonder if anyone else in the audience felt the same... I'm sure on some level.

It was amazing to be able to see The Boys right there - singing to and for us!

... and Pete still has the most amazing Pete's Eyes!


End of installment number one.

* I nicked the photos of Chicago from Pete's site, as I have no pics of Calgary yet.