Having slowly recovered from the total of 22 hours on two Amtrak trains (our train was 3 hours behind on the return)and the excitement of one of the best Heart concerts I’d ever attended, I now have the energy to sit here at the computer and reflect on the Dallas trip.

All that time on the train on the way to Dallas, I completely ignored the book I brought to read. Instead, I opted to write. I don’t keep a journal, but what I wrote was pretty much that – a journal of my thoughts during the train ride. I had every intention of writing something Heart related, but kept going off on tangents that had absolutely nothing to do with Heart, but some of you may find entertaining none the less. I have pages and pages of thoughts, all hand written, in a notebook I hardly ever touch. My hand writing is bad enough from non-use as it is. Add to that the rocking motion of the train, and I wonder if I’ll ever be able to figure out what I was writing or bother transcribing it for others to read.

First, let me tell you about my experience with my constant companions once I hit Dallas. I called Boogie from the train and told her we were running about an hour behind. My train was supposed to arrive at 3:30 but, as I would come to know on the return, it is quite common for them to “lose time”. I was talking with the conductor on one of the smoking stops, and he explained that it’s because Amtrak doesn’t own a lot of the track their trains are on. The right of way always goes to the freight trains and so they have to pull the train off at some juncture and wait for the oncoming train to go by. Sometimes, the delays are caused by having to slow down due to idiots trying to beat the train. For all those explanations, he could not tell me why exactly this time we were running late. He guessed it was because we were going through farm land, but didn’t bother to explain what that had to do with anything.

I told Boogie I would call her when I had a better idea of what time I’d get in for sure. Nicole (Rhianon) got on the phone briefly and narced on Boogie because Boogie was sleeping while she was driving. Apparently Boogie flew into Houston instead of Dallas so Nicole wouldn’t have to drive it alone. I smile as I think how much I know Boogie loves a good nap, in a car or otherwise.

I was concerned that the train was late. I hate imposing on anyone. And while Nicole and Boogie were troopers about the whole thing, inside I just felt bad about it.

I called again when the train stopped in Fort Worth. We were assured by the faceless voice over the p.a. that it we would be arriving in Dallas, “In 50 minutes – that’s five zero minutes.” True to his word we made it and Boogie and Nicole were minutes away from the station. I got off the train and made my way to the street corner where I figured they would have to enter the station.

Boogie, gracious host that she is, hopped in the back so I could ride shot gun. The next 20 minutes were spent laughing at Nicole’s expense as she listened to the sexy voice from her GPS and still managed to get off track. Boogie and Nicole traded barbs and sounded like an old married couple. When I think of how many shows and how much traveling they’ve done together, it makes sense. You can only be that comfortable around someone you know and love.

A quick stop for gas, then a bite to eat and finally to the hotel. Two beds and a sofa sleeper. We were all set. I settled in and hopped on Boogie’s computer while Boogie hopped in the shower to begin what I would be told was phase 1 of the primping process. I’m not a stranger to the ways of girly girls. Mary’s a girly girl and takes forever to get ready to go anywhere. So I’ve learned patience over the years, but still never understand how it can take someone so long. Admittedly, it’s easier for me since I’m your typical jeans and tee-shirt, wash and wear hair, kind of girl.

I teased Boogie the whole time. Nicole took less time, but still qualified for Girly Girl in my book. She had a few heart necklaces she was laboring over trying to decide which one would go best with her vintage 1985 Big Hair Heart tour tee shirt. I believe this was the tour affectionately referred to by the band as “Leave it to Cleavage.” I told her which necklace I thought looked best. However, she was concerned it wasn’t big enough for Ann to see. At this point, Boogie pretty much warned Nicole that she’d better watch herself around me, as anything that goes on in my proximity may very well wind up part of a Wind post. Clearly, she was right.

I commented that Ann was admittedly near sighted, and even if she bothered to wear her contacts on stage, which I doubted she would, I’m sure the last thing she would notice was any necklace Nicole was wearing. She looked deeply crushed. Apparently there’s also a whole makeup ritual of trying to have “Ann eyes”. I did notice at that point that Nicole’s eyes are the same color as Ann’s, a detail I’m sure Ann would never notice right along with the necklace and the make up. I loved their ritual however. I loved that they cared so much, whether it was really for Ann to notice or simply because it had become part of their Heart concert routine. It was sweet and they were cute in their primping.

Jeff (Badmanimal) had decided to buy my extra Heart ticket for his Mom. I called him and we estimated arriving at the Nokia theater at around 7pm. We wouldn’t leave the hotel until 7pm. As we were pulling on to the street leading to the theater, we all suddenly realized no one had money to park. No cash anyway. I told them to drop me off, I’d hook up with Jeff, collect the money for the ticket and come back and pay for parking.

They wouldn’t let you drive up near the entrance, all drop offs had to be done on street level. It was literally an uphill climb all the way, partially up a hill, then up what seemed like the steps Rocky climbs up during his training. Finally at the top, I turned around and looked how far I’d come, and in a short amount of time. I imagined myself arms raised in victory, theme from Rocky playing in my head.

I hooked up with Jeff, got my tickets from will call, and walked, downhill thankfully, back down to the street where Boogie and Nicole were waiting. Back in the car we pulled in the line to park, and this very nice woman hollered from a large white SUV next to us, “Do you need a parking pass?”

We all looked at each other puzzled.

“What do I have to do for it,” Nicole asked at a level only Boogie and I could hear.

“You have to go kiss her.” I teased.

Nicole had to do nothing for the parking pass, and as we all yelled surprised thank yous through the window, it hit me that my whole running up the hill and the endless stairs ordeal was for naught.

We made our way into the lobby.

From my original post:

quote:

As I always do, I looked around in the lobby for Motley Sue but she wasn’t around. That would be one of the biggest disappointments of the night. We never did see her.

However, I looked for beacon Chewie and spotted him surrounded by beautiful Monger women including Gracie. Is he charming or what.

I’m not naming everyone who was there, or that I saw for fear I will do what I always do and leave someone out. Lets just say that there were many familiar faces, and I met some Mongers I’d been hoping to meet finally.

Another circle sort of formed around Connie, who has become as common a sight at any Heart concert as the roadies or Heart themselves. I don’t know how she does it show after show. But I’m glad she does.

I paused for a moment and took in the sight of these two circle of Mongers, excited about the show, catching up, getting ready to share another Heart show. This is what being a Monger is all about. I felt privileged. I felt happy.

By now, a lot of people have commented on the Dallas show, and the OKC show which apparently was just as kick ass.

Here are some of the thoughts I remember having during the show. I’ll use the set list as it was posted by Tallulah to guide me here.

• Mistral Wind
  This is the first time I ever remember them opening a concert I’ve attended with Mistral Wind. The sight of Nancy appearing from the darkness, bathed in a soft spotlight, cradling her signature Martin and hearing her play the opening notes of my all time favorite Heart song – it was emotional. I looked over at Paula and grabbed her hand – needing someone to share the moment with – someone who I knew probably felt the same. That moment is frozen in my memory. They were flawless throughout the song. And Ann’s vocals – there’s almost nothing I can say. Perfection!
• Magic Man
  It was during Magic Man that I first started really paying attention to Kori, all wide eyed and rocking her little heart out. I remember Kori more than the song. I remember thinking Nancy noticed her too, and hoping she’d get a pick.
• Little Queen
  Wow. I’d heard about them adding this to the set list. I think Nancy played the blue tele on this. I love that guitar. I paid a lot of attention to Nancy’s fingers trying to match what I saw her play with what I was hearing. Being that close, I always tend to try and squeeze in an involuntary Nancy guitar lesson while I’m at it. This is the point when I distinctly remember thinking in my head – this is definitely a trade off. Being this close, right in front of Nancy’s amps, or in front of Craig’s as I have also been in the past, is a trade off. The sound is great, coming out of that particular amp. But it’s hard to hear the band as a whole. I could hear Ann most of the time, but even Ann can get lost when Nancy’s guitar is exploding out of her amplifier which is aimed directly at my ears. I concluded, as would Boogie and Nicole when posed with the question of whether you’d rather stand at the stage and not hear them very well as a whole, or be back far enough to where you heard everything clearly – which would you choose – the trade off is worth it. I’d choose the stage experience every single time.
• Straight On
  Again, I watched Nancy’s playing here. She was dancing and really enjoying herself as she was playing a funky little riff before Ann starts singing. Again, she played the blue telecaster.
• Love Alive
  When Love Alive started playing I tried to remember when the last time I’d heard them do both Love Alive and Mistral Wind in the same show. I feel these are the two most definitive Heart songs – and I’ve recently added Lost Angel to that. They combine what Heart does so well, hard ass rock and roll and the sweet tender acoustic side – all in one song. I leaned over and commented to Paula, “Mistral Wind and Love Alive – LIVE – in the same night! I think I can die a happy woman.” I’m not sure Paula heard me. But she politely smiled and shook her head. I looked over at Kori when I saw Nancy look her way again. I’m pretty sure it was during Love Alive. When Ann started singing, Nancy stopped playing long enough to kneel down and hand Kori her pick. Kori’s Mom and I were so excited. Kori showed me the pick, which I couldn’t really see in the dark, then Mom took it for safe keeping. It made Kori’s night. It made me love and respect Nancy even more.
• Bebe Le Strange
  Nancy introduced Bebe Le Strange by telling about how they’d received a letter from a fan etc. etc. We were all rockin’ out to this one. Nancy became more energetic, which is not to say she wasn’t energetic before. She was more relaxed than anything and very playful, looking over at Ann several times. I can just imagine the conversations they have without ever saying a word, just by the looks they give.Ann wove her way around the stage, stopping in front of different sections, and singing for a bit. She seemed to come over where we were standing a lot. It probably just feels like that.
• You Wreck Me
  This is where I’ve had a complete change of Heart. I never really cared much for You Wreck Me. I always felt Nancy would have done better singing one of her own songs. Three shows last year and I couldn’t shake that. But on this night, I realized Nancy has made it her own. And she seems to have so much fun singing it I’ve come to embrace the song as well.She broke a string on the 12 string Tak. I would comment later to Boogie that I don’t recall ever seeing Nancy break a string before, though I had heard of it happening quite a bit – always impressing the guys who played who never broke strings. She said I included that in one of my reviews before. LOL. I guess I’ll have to go back and read my own stuff, because I really don’t remember it.Anyway, she never missed a beat when the string broke. It never seemed to phase her. I broke a string on my 12 string once, same string – don’t laugh – the G String. You would think when you break a string on a 12string it wouldn’t be that big of a deal. I mean you have 11 other strings, right? But when I broke one, it totally messed me up. But then, as much as I wish I had Nancy’s talent, I’m clearly NOT Nancy – and Nancy never seemed phased by it. Ann noticed it however, and walked over and tried to pull it loose, but it broke still tightly wound around the machine heads and wouldn’t come off. It dangled there until the song was over. Her roadie Jeff noticed it broke as well, but what could he do. At one point it got tangled up in the Nancy’s sleeve, but not to the point of impeding on her playing. I wanted that string. I can’t tell you how much I wanted that string!

  At the end of the song, Nancy threw her pick down, which we all would eye until the roadies came to strike the stage. I gave Nancy a huge thumbs up and got a nod and big smile from her.

• Dog & Butterfly
  I don’t remember if Nancy played the Sig Martin on this one. It was sweet and toned down enough I could hear everyone perfectly. I think this is where I reached back and pulled Timmy close for a Monger hug. I don’t know. Something about this show – this whole experience, made me feel the love not only for Heart, but for my Monger friends. Tim wrapped me up in a sweet hug which seemed to echo the feelings I was having.
• These Dreams
  Nancy did something on These Dreams I’ve never heard her do. There’s a part in the third verse, or maybe the third chorus where she usually goes high. This time she went low. OH MY GOD! It sounded soooo coool. My ears were expecting one thing and she completely caught me off guard and did something else. And I realized that even the most subtle change can make a huge difference. She was also just freakin’ awesome on the little old man.I would re-tell this part today when I returned to work and said the concert was kick ass. My friend Melissa asked how it could be so kick ass when I’d seen them so many times, playing the same songs each time. There are a lot of reasons. This was one of them.
• Alone
  ANN ANN ANN! Nuf said. She nailed it. I even saw Nancy with a huge smile on her face after Ann did the signature wail!
• Love Reign
  This is another song that Heart has completely made their own. They’ve ruined The Who version for me. Debbie’s piano the foundation on which they build. Ben’s drums and Rik’s bass pounding in my chest! Craig’s sweet guitar solo. Nancy rockin’ her ass off with the acoustic – almost becoming part of the rhythm section. Musically, the band kicks total ass on this song. And as tight as they are, as perfect as they are, nothing compares to what Ann does the second she opens her mouth and sings. I get chills every time. This song is epic!After the song was over, and the lights came back up, Ann looked my way, and I said, “You f*c*ing kicked ass!” She smiled and nodded an understood thank you. It’s one of those moments where you have to rethink things. Was she really looking at me? Did we really lock eyes? No matter how many times I play it over in my head – the answer I come up with is yes.
• Barracuda
  Nancy seemed to really have a lot of fun with Barracuda in Dallas. And her playing was stellar.
• Crazy on You
  Ok, now most of you know that Boogie’s birthday was last week. When Boogie picked up her tickets from will call, the envelope said, “Happy Birthday Boogie.” No doubt, a gesture from Motley Sue. During the intro to Crazy on You, Nancy moved over to Craig’s side of the stage and stood right in front of Boogie and Nicole. She did the intro and the requisite Nancy kick, not 10 feet away from Boogie. It occurred to me that it might be possible that Nancy was aware it had been Boogie’s birthday. Boogie was so quick to dismiss this, saying she is sure that Ann and Nancy have no clue who she is. I told her that I would bet her anything that they do know, for she is the keeper of the sacred Boogie Banners. They notice the banners. They notice the same woman holding them up. They know who Boogie is. And I didn’t think it was a stretch, if Motley Sue may have mentioned it in passing, that it might have been a little BD gift for Boogie. I couldn’t convince her no matter how hard I tried. If I’m wrong, Motley Sue, I don’t wanna know. In my mind, she was playing for Boog.After the intro Nancy attempted to go back to her side of the stage, but Ann had planted her foot firmly on the guitar cable, rendering Nancy virtually stuck for a bit. This was somewhat entertaining for me. I’m sure Nancy was concerned about Ann getting tangled up in the cable, or tripping. But mostly, when she moved and the cable didn’t budge, she just looked stuck. Imagine Nancy, playing Crazy On You, and not really being able to move. Where Nancy didn’t miss a beat when her string broke, Nancy was well aware of Ann standing on the cable. A few times Ann shifted her feet, and Nancy tried to free the cable, but no luck. Nancy kept looking at Ann, no doubt hoping that DNA / ESP thing would kick in. Finally, before the 1st chorus, Ann shifted again, as roadie Jeff, who’d been watching from the side, yanked the cable and freed The Whiz.This was a concert full of little things that amused me. Like when Ann polished off her drink and tossed the cup to the back of the stage instead of putting it back down on the drum riser. Like when Ann flicked her pick AT Nancy. Like when Nancy through her pick on the floor at the end of You Wreck me, as if to accentuate the ending. During the first encore, Nancy returning with Pale Ale in hand and a smile that implied she was going to enjoy the heck out of that beer.

  And touching moments too. Nancy kissing Ann before they left the stage before the first encore. The looks they traded throughout the night. These are not things that happen the same every time. And it’s in those little moments that I always feel like I’m witnessing something truely special.

  Encore 1

• Black Dog
  KICK ARSE! ANN ANN ANN!
• Misty Mountain Hop
  Nancy and Ann played off of each other, trading strange looks through out the song. They were having fun. We all were.Encore 2
• Dreamboat Annie
  I noticed what appeared to be statuettes of two hands and one hand with the rock n roll sign on Jeff’s roadie crate. He handed Nancy her thumb pick which was on the finger of one of the hands. Even Jeff seemed to be having fun.

When the show was over, Ben made the rounds giving out drumsticks. It was dark, and I know I had my hand on one, but had no idea who had the other end. It was Rocknmom, who happily gave up her end as a thank you for my promise of giving a pick to Kori should I be fortunate enough to get it. Thanks Ma.

We made our way to the lobby, and I helped pass out the Ann Wilson snipes. And who would spot me but Jamie Dyan! Jamie and I were at the Ann and Nancy show in 99. She and her sister were supposed to be on the Meet n Greet list for that show but somehow their names were left off. It was the only black mark on a perfect evening. She disappeared on me and now is back on the BB. Welcome home, hon.

A few of us were standing at the top of the steps when I noticed Rik walking around. I yelled, “Hi Rik! Great show.” He waved to us. A few of the people who were out there didn’t realize who he was. “Come join us,” I invited.

He did. We talked with him for about 15 minutes. He’s such a sweetheart. An Aussie with a sexy accent and a sweet disposition. When I introduced myself, I told him my screen name. He got the play on words right away. A lot of people don’t. I told him that the show was probably one of the best Heart concerts I’d been to and that they looked like they were having fun all night. He said they were. The last concert they’d done before the Dallas was Rock Honors, where you only get 4 songs and you never really get comfortable. He said they loved playing their whole set again. He also said Ann and Nancy said they had a great time tonight. He told us a about the songs on which he plays on Hope and Glory. Boogie pointed out that Ann seemed to like him, always touching his arm or interacting with him. He agreed and said he and Ann get along great. He said he has had the privilege of playing with the two best singers in Rock n Roll, Chris Cornell and Ann Wilson. He said he would get chills listening to Ann in the studio.

We said our goodbyes, and I reached out to shake his hand, but his time, HE was the one who took a hug. “Take Care, Ms. Tralwind.”

I hope he sticks around. I like him. I’m used to seeing him now.

We met Gracie and Chewie at Denny’s and Tallulah and guitarmaven showed as well. That was cool. They are both sweeties.

When we got back to the hotel, I was wired. I hopped on Boogie’s computer intending to write a full review, but ran out of steam before I finished. At one point, probably about 3 am, I was still awake and Boogie said, “You don’t sleep, do you.” I reminded her of the Wind Song Boogie tour and how I drove 18 hours straight after coming off an overnight shift, slept for 2 hours in the hotel, then went out exploring Vegas! No, I don’t sleep. Too afraid I’ll miss something.

Eventually, though I had to lay down. I woke promptly at 7:30 am – an hour an a half before our wake up call would be coming in. I showered, grabbed some breakfast and a smoke and by the time I returned, Boogie and Nicole were starting to stir. By 9:30 they were deeply engrossed in trying to decide if they wanted to do OKC, return to Houston, or stay in town for the Stevie Nicks concert. Briefly, I entertained thoughts of hanging with them one more day. I called Amtrak and found out my train was running two hours late. I was supposed to depart at 12:00 but would not not be leaving until 2:00. Boogie called for a late checkout and they managed to grab breakfast, secure Stevie tickets, a new hotel room, and pack up all with enough time to be out of the room by noon.

I didn’t like the idea of them waiting around for me to find out what time the train was really going to leave, and they didn’t like the idea of me sitting at the train station for hours. They were kind enough to take me to the bank, and then Boogie wanted to stop by some store the name of which escapes me. They were so cute, excited to go shopping, and completely excited about the goodies they bought. All of which would be lost on me, since not only do I not like to shop, I couldn’t tell you if what they paid for those goodies was a good deal or not. They may as well have been speaking a foreign language.

At this point, I couldn’t help but tease Nicole about the Stevie Nicks concert. I said she wasn’t a true Monger. A true Monger would have gone to OKC, and not opted to see Stevie. Of course I was teasing. Nicole is a hardcore Monger. But Nicole doesn’t know me well enough to know when I’m pulling her leg yet. This is something it took Boogie years to figure out, and even now, I can still get her going. Sometimes, I break first though, not being able to keep a straight face as I’m piling the BS on. Nicole was fresh meet though. Boogie jumped in and followed my lead and we both had Nicole believing she had gone down in her Monger status.

“Ok, here’s the true test,” I said.

“Heart and Stevie are playing in the same town, on the same night. You have front row center seats at either show. Who would you go see.”

This was a trick question. I knew the answer, but how she answered was as important as what she answered.

“Well, I think I’d have to say Heart.”

“YOU THINK! Forget it. You failed. You’re not a true Monger! If you were a true monger, there would have been no hesitation.”

She tried to explain she doesn’t get that many chances to see Stevie, but again, I know the Heart fan Nicole is. The more she protested, the more fun I had at her expense, Boogie, sitting in the back seat laughing right with me, practically egging me on.

I looked around Nicole’s car, and noticed there were several Heart related items hanging from the mirror, and not a single Stevie Nicks item. I noticed the bag she bought when she went into the store with Boogie had Hearts on it.

Eventually, I would let her off the hook, but not until I said it was like she was cheating on Heart with Stevie, and that how we approach our favorite band often reflects the relationships we will have in life. I said she was probably cheating there too.

“I’m not cheating on Heart!”

“You are sooooo cheating on Heart!”

LOL

I finally convinced Boogie and Nicole to drop me off at Amtrak. I could wait an hour for the train. I didn’t like the idea of them being stuck waiting on me to find out when I leave. Reluctantly, they agreed. Big hugs from both of them, and they were off…

I missed them both immediately.

The train ride home would be 12 hours of pure hell. The last 4 spent with a guy who would not shut up! I kept reminding myself that if it wasn’t for that train, I wouldn’t have been able to do the concert. But the bliss I felt on Thursday and Friday morning was giving way to the irritation this guy was causing and it almost seemed like missing the concert would have been a better proposition.

It is now 4 days post Heart concert. I miss my friends. I miss Heart. I miss the live experience. I think I’d see them every night if it were possible. It was a great trip. All in all I have to say it was worth it. I’d do it again in a Heart beat.

Take Heart,

Andrea

Dang… I almost forgot. Some drunk guy spilled beer right down Paula’s back, arsehole. I thought Paula was gonna kick his butt! LOL My money’s on Paula. You don’t mess with Paula at a Heart concert. Heck, even I knew not to get in her way when we were heading for the stage.