When I was going through my “Doors Period” like every red-blooded American teen who’s a fan of music is expected to go through, I did much more than just listen to the tunes of Jim Morrison and the boys. I read his poetry, watched old footage and read every book about the band I could find. I remember constantly hearing people describe a Doors concert experience as a “religious experience.” Their guitarist even described it this way, “It was a religious experience between us and the audience. We were all together. This sounds ridiculous, but we were all together, the audience and us. They just went crazy. Everybody was together – that was it. It was an incredible feeling of community.”
At the time this intrigued me, but I sure didn’t understand it. In my mind, I pictured a bunch of stinky hippies passing a joint, along with a communion plate, singing “How Great Thou Art” after “Light My Fire.” That was as far as I could grasp this idea of a “religious experience” at a rock and roll show. I loved the way it sounded, but just wasn’t sure what it meant.
Fast-forward 20 or so years, and I think I can get it now. At least, I can a little. I’ve had a few of those experiences where I was at a show and the crowd was singing in one voice, the band was passionately pouring out their emotions and it felt like we were all melding into one. It felt like something big was happening. It was as if I’d lost my personal identity and instead had morphed into some bigger existence . . . one of collective mind, heart, soul and love. Does that make ANY sense? If so, I think THIS was what was meant by the concert being a “religious experience.” I’ve experienced it a few times. Pearl Jam took me there first. U2 grooved me through it. Mumford & Sons drove it home. This past week, Wilco lit the fires again!
Image via Guus Krol on Flickr
It was my first chance to see Wilco live. I’ve been a fan since I heard first “Box Full of Letters” in college many years ago. I’ve followed them from varying distances throughout the years. I’ve listened as they’ve grown, expanded and explored. I’ve been fascinated with their lyrics and the relationship they have with the music industry as a whole and with their fans. But, I’d never gotten to see them live.
So last week, at the Fillmore Auditorium in Denver, I finally got that chance. It did NOT disappoint. …keep reading
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