I really should start a new blog as Rock Mama, but really, who am I kidding? Instead I'll just write the odd cathartic blog post here. When he's all famous and everything, you can say you were there at the start.
So the Man-Child, (who is now almost 17, 6'3" and in dire need of a new nickname) had his first real "gig" last Sunday (July 1st). His band, Uptown Mayhem, is a punk rock trio with the other guitarist and the drummer being even younger than he is. They are all talented musicians, with plenty of musical training and performance experience; this was their first gig as "Uptown Mayhem" though, supporting two other bands at that.
I don't think I ate all day, and if I did, it didn't stay in my system for long, if you get my drift. I knew they'd be fine; they were playing ten numbers and had been rehearsing for months in between homework and babysitting duties (bless!). I was just worried that no one could come. They got the gig only a few weeks prior and hadn't had much time to spread the word. I tried Tweeting it out, but when your Twitter followers are all about your own age and "type", and many are overseas, it's not really going to reach the desired audience is it?
So they went off to have one last rehearsal at the drummer's house, and then went to the venue for a sound check. And that's when it all kicked off. They weren't allowed in because they're all under 21; adults were needed. Not just one adult, but a parent for each child. (Could someone at the venue not have mentioned this beforehand you think?) Fortunately I had already changed into semi-rockish clothes (black) so hot-footed it over there, and helped unload the equipment, which FYI is called "Loading on" (or "off", I can't remember).
The boys were setting stuff up on stage and I was in the adjacent bar, waiting for friends and family. All of a sudden one of the dads came in looking anxious. It appeared that the main band had phoned and cancelled the gig - an hour before Uptown Mayhem were due to go on. Apparently they didn't think there would be enough people there to justify the cost etc.
I know.
Apparently it happens all the time in small-town Rock 'n Rollsville, but I was feckin' livid. So, we loaded on, (or off), and the boys went to hang at the drummer's house (how come he has a cooler house that ours?).
Meanwhile I took to Facebook, found the lead band and gave them a right tongue-lashing. I don't care. I get that it didn't make financial sense to do the show, but a phone call? These are young kids. Anyway, they took slight offense to me calling them "knobs" (sorry but I said i was livid) and tried to defend themselves but i was having none of it. In the end they admitted it was not good form and apologised.
But I'm not mentioning their name because that would be publicity.
Ah well. It's only Rock and Roll, and at this point, I don't like it.