When I was a youngster, the Beatles were ancient. Probably all the way in their thirties and five or six years defunct by the time my world took solid shape. But that was about it. Even the Stones were young and doing it then. It was the late 70s and rock 'n roll was young and brash and sky's the limit. Retro wasn't even a part of the language.

So, anyway, Nicolle and I decided to go to the OC Fair Saturday night. It's pure Americana and I hope you Euros have something like it. There were people head to toe with tattoos, fat women who get around in motorized wheelchairs, and toothless AC/DC fans. But enough about the ride operators. What could be better than a Texas BBQ, a ride on the Kamikaze, and hippies selling stained glass, you ask? Well, it so happens the Psych Furs and The Fixx played to a packed amphitheatre. I've never seen so many families at a rock concert!

Several things were brought to my attention. The crowd really enjoyed themselves. Standing O's, bouncing beach balls, and sing-a-longs. These were not the cool kids hanging out at the Troubadour. So why do middle aged fans prefer a quiet night out with Tom Cruise rather than going to a gig? My next observation was that these two popular 80s bands still put on a rather decent show. Richard Butler's cigarette voice still gets the job done, if just barely. And yet, I still said a word of thanks to no one in particular that the Pixies re-formed now, and not ten years from now. Whereas I still get a kick seeing the Bunnymen, the Furs seemed dated. Then there was me. What the fuck is an old guy like me still doing getting excited about music? I should be making babies or buying SUVs or something important. I don't think I've the dexterity for all of the above. All in all, I'd have to say the Peking Dancers (how the fuck do they get 10 people on a bike all waving flags??) was the highlight of the evening. That and the roasted corn on the cob, of course.

DiSers Thoughts On Middle Aged Rockers!