I fell in love with New York City on my first trip as a kid. My father was helping my Uncle Chris move to an acting school in Queens, and I was encouraged to go along for the ride. We left Boston early in the morning and crossed the East river on the antique, cast-iron bridge as the sun made first landfall on the island of Manhattan. I remember vividly the fiery reflection of the sun on the countless skyscrapers. As I wiped my eyes leaving the makeshift bed in the back of the van, I remember thinking, "I want to live here one day". My notion was fulfilled years later as I began my studies as an 18-year-old undergrad. During my four years living there, I developed a love/hate relationship with the world's cultural epicenter. I love the people, the action, the diversity, the freedom and hope, the reputation. I hated the consumerism, the cliches, the wealth, the envy, the hustle, and the gaudiness. I decided to leave there upon graduation, choosing instead the safer, familiar, more tight knit culture of Boston. Soon after, learn that the things I hated about NYC also existed in my hometown. I still think I made the right decision, but there will always be a part of me that wonders what would have happened if I bought into it. I still visit a few times a year, opting for a friend's couch and a short bender over the lifestyle.
On my most recent visit, I had an experience unfamiliar to me but common to many; I felt old. The cause for the trip was to see The Gaslight Anthem, one of the few rock 'n' roll bands still alive today. They were just finishing up a global tour and returning to their home state of New Jersey. They were headlining a music festival called Bamboozled that featured hundreds of bands at the New Meadowlands sports complex over a 3 day weekend. Christina and I bought my sister a ticket for her 19th birthday and figured we would take her to NY for her first time as an adult. After some daydrinking in the East Village with some friends from Fordham, we made the drunken and hurried voyage to New Jersey via bus. We arrived around 6. The sun was bright and warm, the crowd was large, and the music was loud; all characteristics for a good show. Unfortunately the $80 ticket didn't get us into the stadium. Rather, there were 5 stages set up throughout the concourse; no seating, little shade, and the same high prices for concessions. More discouraging was the face of the crowd; 14-18 years-old, plastic jewelry, skinny jeans, and exposed skin advertising "free hugs" in neon body paint. This could have either been a high school rave or a pedophile's (possibly a few of my firends') wet dream. A few hours went by of drinking, gawking, and self-amusement before Gaslight performed. In the meanwhile I took notice of the growing popularity of techno music. What first struck me was the look of the performer; white, suburban, young, awkward, similar to everyone in the crowd. Next was the equipment, undoubtedly expensive; no instruments but speakers and a few computers. I was amazed at how the simple, fierce, pounding beats manipulated the actions of the crowd. They jumped with their hands in the air in unison like a well-trained army eager to please their commanding officer. I almost joined in the fun until it hit me, I was too old for this.
Fortunately, The Gaslight Anthem didn't disappoint. They played non-stop with high energy for their entire set. They have been likened by many to Bruce Springsteen and his E Street Band, however they still lack the showmanship the Boss possesses. Maybe they were tired after their tour and just happy to be home, but I clearly see a future of success for them. Do yourself a favor and look them up, download some of their music, and enjoy. Maybe next time they will actually be playing in the stadium...
