My love affair with music started at an early age. At the beginning I had a tryst with pop music, followed by a lengthy relationship with Oldies, that eventually lead to my discovery of 'alternative' music. By the age of 12 I had discovered Nirvana, Green Day, and Weezer, but I had yet to find a band that was truly relatable. As much as I pined over Cobain, and Cuomo, I didn't identify with their struggles. That all changed when Gwen Stefaniskanked her way onto the scene with her platinum pompadour, red lipstick, and killer boots. I was completely obsessed with her because she was everything I wanted to be: a sexy albeit tough goofball, that hangs with the boys. No Doubt's songs played upon the same dynamic, with their power chords, chugging bass, and celebratory horns. At 14, I felt that Stefani sang about the same things I was grappling with, from romance and heartbreak, to the ups and downs of being a girl. The first real concert I ever attended was for their Tragic Kingdom tour, and I can still remember the excitement I felt as I watched Stefani prance, punch, and power kick her way through their set. It's hard to jump start a 14 year old girl's self-confidence, but I'm happy to say that No Doubt did that for me.
I think a bunch of us went to the epic Tragic Kingdom show. Where was it? The Forum or the Bell Centre? I remember Kristin and I spied you, Kim and Lauren on your floor seats. That was a great show!
I think that show was also when I fell for the Vandals. How silly!
Laura E. Marcus was born and raised in Montreal, Canada, leaving her beloved city for a Midwestern education in 2001. In 2006 she moved to New York City, putting pen to paper at various publications throughout the city. Her writing has been featured in TRACE, SPIN, Gotham, Los Angeles Confidential, Sur La Terre, Heeb and VenusZine. She lives on a quiet block in the East Village with her two cats Monsieur Petit Cochon and Mr. Littlejeans, but swears she's not a crazy cat lady.
I think a bunch of us went to the epic Tragic Kingdom show. Where was it? The Forum or the Bell Centre? I remember Kristin and I spied you, Kim and Lauren on your floor seats. That was a great show!
ReplyDeleteI think that show was also when I fell for the Vandals. How silly!