Still Rockin’ in the Free World
September 10, 2009, by Cathy Fischer
Tom Jones, photo by Cathy R Fischer
Cathy Fischer’s hot fun in the summertime means live music, good friends and not postponing joy.
Tom Jones knocked my socks off. He danced, he sang—soulful and sexy. From Prince’s “Kiss” to “Sex Bomb” to the classic “It’s Not Unusual,” Sir Tom (yes he is a knight) had the crowd in a frenzy. Those of you who scoff, think again. The crowd spanned teenagers to baby boomers—singing along, dancing and eagerly throwing multi-colored lingerie. Then when Tom pulled up his sweat-soaked shirt to reveal a very fit 69-year-old body, well, I…I digress…
Staying “hip to the groove” is a state of mind.
Recently I joined my 50-something pals Mara and Shelly and our friend Jeff at the Outside Lands three-day music festival in Golden Gate Park. Leading up to the day, I was certain we’d be the oldest ones there—me, with my salty pepper hair and all—but I was mistaken. There were other gray-haired folk, not just old hippies (not that there’s anything wrong with that). There were California girls sporting bikini tops and flowing skirts and toned topless boys donning dreadlocks and tattoos, all of us soaking up the summer fun with music ranging from small indie pop bands to big acts like the Black Eyed Peas and Dave Matthews.
While large crowds are not normally my cup of tea, the lineup was great and with good friends coming to town, not to mention VIP access, I was in. This well-planned festival had VIP level admission, allowing those who shelled out the dough (or in our case, knew someone) to have access to seats, a shaded bar area and most importantly, VIP bathrooms. If Port-o-Potties are coach, these toilet trailers are first class. There’s nothing like freshening up from time to time to keep you at your ten hour concert-going best.
Sometimes I forget that music is a healing force, especially when I get bogged down by work or chores, or driven mad by news of crazies who won’t let their children listen to the president talk about the importance of education. Going to this music festival reminded me that music is my refuge and that live music, especially experienced with other humans, reverberates emotion, recalling the joy of feeling and the essence of being alive.
Today, out of nowhere, my acupuncturist asked me if I had done something creative recently. When I told him about the concert, he nodded wisely, as he does, and said music is essential for my health. I guess my hunch was right.
I pleasured in all sorts of music that weekend. I swayed to reggae and Zap Mama, nodded to Pearl Jam and jumped non-stop to the Black Eyed Peas. Before the concert, I filled out an online questionnaire. The Outside Lands “picker” did the math and based on my birthday, it determined that I was 100% Tom Jones.
That’s right, I’m 100% Tom Jones and proud of it!
September 10th, 2009 at 8:16 am
And–he’s let his hair go gray too….Rock on, mamacita.
September 10th, 2009 at 11:31 am
AWE-SOME!!
Miss you Doll!
September 10th, 2009 at 11:31 am
Most people do scoff when I mention Tom Jones but there’s no denying the guy rocks the house!
September 10th, 2009 at 11:54 am
Sounds beautiful..I will have to listen to him again with new ears…miss you and love you.
September 10th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
Sir Tom is awesome… I recently saw a doc about some TJ fans who travelled by motorhome from Minneapolis to see the sexy chap perform at the Corn Palace in Iowa I think (you have to see the Corn Palace to believe it). Hilarious piece, I hope the filmmaker gets some distribution. Ah yes, music, it is absolutely essential to one’s health. Thanks, CC, for the reminder.
September 11th, 2009 at 12:37 am
Boy would I love to see that doc, Christie.
September 11th, 2009 at 5:11 am
There are two “geezer” rock songs I’ve sung to my boys since they were less than a year old. “What’s New, Pussycat?” is one of them. I recently downloaded Tom Jones’ version onto my iPod and the kids, now 14 and 16, were blown away that someone besides Mom knew the words. Next goal: let them see the world’s sexiest Welsh man belt it out in person.
Loved this piece!
September 11th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
Tom Jones is smoking. Lucky you!!!
September 11th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
Rock on… sister!!
A friend saw him at the Greek a couple of weeks ago, agreed he was sexy and amazing.. sorry I missed it.
September 11th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
And to think I waited all this time to see him live. It’s certainly not too late. Don’t miss it next time he comes to town, ladies and gents.
September 11th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
VIP tickets always make things better. I’m shallow I admit it. I love the VIP tix. My Mother had a big crush on Tom. I just eye-rolled her. Guess I need a second look. But the part about music doesn’t require a second look. LIve music outdoors in the summer is my manna (sp?). In fact I am off to hear a bunch of world class musicians from Nashville and Austin tonight. The Big Barn Dance. Yep I’m wearing my boots.
September 13th, 2009 at 8:39 pm
Some 50 year old friends and myself were just talking about Tom on Facebook. How we all used to swoon over him in the old days and it’s great to see he is still very swoon worthy today!
He was my first celebrity crush and I fell hard.
Love your blog!
Kelli
October 1st, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Takes me back to those Saturday nights watching our favorites, Fantasy Island,….
Oh the days of Jeopardy and All In The Family.
Tom Selleck – But, Cathy, Tom Jones was way too old for us! Be Real!
I guess we are older and wiser now. Long grungy hair isn’t cute like it was in 1974, and shorter curly is ok!
You’re the best!