When we booked this trip, the intention was just to get back to NYC and spend a weekend just taking in the holiday feel of the city. Honestly, who hasn't wanted to see the "City That Never Sleeps' bathed in Christmas lights? Well, that intention quickly changed when I scored tickets to the Rolling Stones 50 & Counting concert in Brooklyn. I just knew this was going to be epic!!
We will get to the concert in a bit, but first I had another obligation to tend to. I would be lying if I didn't admit that the trip began on a slightly somber note. December 8 is a date that has significant meaning to Beatles fans everywhere as it is the day that John Lennon was gunned down outside of his NYC apartment. I knew that I had to pay my respects since I would be there on that date. So we headed to the Central Park memorial for him; Strawberry Fields. As we walked up 72nd Street I was I began to reflect on Lennon's music and the effect it has had on me over the years. It has brought me so much joy, it has helped to heal at down times in my life, but most of all it has served as a soundtrack of sorts for my life. I couldn't help to stand there at the gate of the Dakota, and stare. I had been there before and felt sad when I looked into that infamous entryway where one of the most heinous crimes took place. But today, the same sad feelings I felt those other times were magnified. It just never has seemed fair; not to me, not to music fans around the world, not to Sean and Yoko. It shouldn't have ended that way.
A fan holds a commemorative magazine with the Dakota in the background
Of course, no Lennon sing-a-long is complete without a look-a-like!!
After about half an hour, it was time to go. I was glad that I had made the pilgrimage to Central Park for this day. I had always wanted to do it, in some ways to personally say goodbye. Yeah, I know I never knew him or met him or even lived through much of life. But I think that speaks volumes to how much he has influenced so many people around the world. Wherever you are John, thanks for all you gave us.
What can be said about the Rolling Stones that hasn't been said already? Classic, timeless, ageless, iconic. It's all been done. Well, once again I can vouch that all these titles still hold true. After spending a small fortune to sit in the upper section, I was on cloud 9 at the prospect of getting to see the Stones on their 50th Anniversary Tour. I struggled to even call it a tour seeing as how their were only 5 shows and basically only two cities were on the itinerary; London and the NYC area. With only three shows being held in the US, it added a level of exclusivity to this evening, which helped to soften the sticker-shock to Laura. The Stones ripped through a blistering set of their most classic tunes; Get Off of My Cloud, The Last Time, Start Me Up, Brown Sugar, Satisfaction and Jumping Jack Flash. This being my 5th Stones concert I was excited to hear for the first time, gems like Before They Make Me Run, Paint It Black, You Can't Always Get What You Want (with a full choir), and Midnight Rambler.
Mary J. Blige duets with Mick on Gimme Shelter
Tumbling Dice
Final Bow
Once again the Stones delivered an energetic 2 1/12 hour set that left even Laura speechless. She was never too happy about the amount we spent on the tickets but did proclaim that it was worth every penny. I hope this wasn't the last time I get to see the Stones live. But if it was, I don't think I could have scripted a better live finale.
After spending almost the entire day in bed, Sunday, Laura and I made the most of a few more hours in the city before heading home.
Rockefeller Center
Laura at Macy's
9/11 Memorial
Wall Street
Federal Hall
After introducing Laura to the magic that is Shake Shack in NYC, we HAD to stop in New Haven, CT to enjoy this deliciousness just one more time before we got home. A great trip needs a great ending!!
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