Now that isn't me in '79 but it is the tree up on 8. Such a creation! Baba O'Riley-my favorite song of all time! Hmm there was something special about '79. I had found a job that was more than that; a part of me and my life. Working outside and breathing that fresh air and getting that dirt on your hands... who cares if ya got soaked in a rainstorm or the wind chill hit 40 below, it was all getting in tune to nature. And of course there was my tree! hahahaNow that isn't me in '79 but it is the tree up on 8. Such a creation!
The Who kept plugging away. With Keith gone they channeled their energies in a coupla interesting movies,a very English Quadrophenia, and in hindsight, a Moonie tribute, The Kids are Alright. And finding Kenny Jones, they took the show on the road to Cannes France and the Rainbow in London. A new Who. I was still pretty excited, a hint of things to come.
And how about softball! What a memorable summer! Victor Conte's took the world by storm and won their division. And on an August night in '79, at Wankel 2, the imfamous coffin!!!!Brian, will I ever see that video? 22 years later a part of softball lore! Only cause I keep the fading memory alive! hahahahaha Of course we weren't any good but I had so much fun. It was only a game to me.
So if ya ever here any one talk about the "legend" this is where it began. Thanks, John Penc.
That fall the Who hit America starting with 5 shows in MSG in NYC. I won't mention the Jersey shows cause I didn't know about 'em. This is Utica. Bummer. I headed to New York to see the Who for a week! What a moment in life! Never to be forgotten. Came home for a quick break to play softball then went back with Lump and E-man and Simon for Sundays show. Hey Si, tires always smoke after a long trip, eh! It was THE WHO! Kenny Jones was OK but as long as Pete was playing it didn't matter! Incredible!
Later on that year The Who toured all the US. The tragedy of Dec. 3 in Cincinnati changed rock'n'roll. It was not about people dying at concerts. I know the Who never recovered. BUT the show went on. The next night in Buffalo was dedicated to the kids in Cincy and was well attended by Uticans. Some were dragged out of dentists chairs and some forced to run on badly injured legs; Sorry, this is THE WHO!! But Marty and McCoy survived, spurred on undoubtedly by that potent Lump limburger!
And wouldn't ya know it! I finally came out of the old shell! All my life I had experienced the strictness of my father and it influenced me in a very negative manner. It made me so lacking in self-esteem and unsure of myself and uncomfortable. Wow!! Took the spirit right out of me on so many occassions. But my inner drive and determination persevered. And finally, I met Adele!!!! Wouldn't ya know it, after untold decades, I fell in love with this untamed spirit. I had kinda known her cause she worked at the peak a coupla years when I was there and hey, she lived behind James St. park, my stomping grounds in yesteryear. But that hippie kinda look and forlorn attitude swept this Gooch off his feet and took him on uncharted destinations. It was a romance of a few months but I really liked her a lot and to this day we are still good friends. Hey Connie, this story is for you!
And finally before the decade fades into the eighties, there is a new music scene in Britain, and the crap of the '70s is being flushed by the Clash, the Pistols, Elvis, and a coupla young bands just beginning....
What a year! Got me ready to greet the '80s and who knows what the future would hold. So take a chance of moving on or go back home