Categories: uncategorized
Date: 24 May 2008 22:38:09
I didn't tell you, did I, of Smudgelet's End-Of-SATs treat. Well, he'd worked so hard and kept so calm and sensible about his SATs tests that I thought he deserved a special treat, even though he had a special weekend planned for his birthday. So, as he'd asked for a CD of QUEEN on his birthday list, I booked tickets (at great expense) to take him to a concert by a tribute band called Mercury.
I felt a bit out of place. Outside the door were loads of real fans, dressed to the nines (many of them smoking and many more were drinking in the bar). I like Queen's music, but I'm not really the sort of person who gets all hyped up about rock concerts - I prefer a nice bit of classical, me. And I'm really not into tribute bands. Seems a bit sad, really, these people prancing around pretending to be someone else rather than having the confidence to use their musical talent to make it as themselves. The guy who was "Freddie Mercury" prompted a rather giggly reaction from me. But the music was amazing. The chap on keyboards was particularly good as he had one arm in plaster and was playing literally single handed. And the effects were really quite atmospheric.
Did Smudgelet enjoy it? I kept looking at him and he looked more and more pale and miserable. He held my hand tight and wouldn't let go. As I got more and more into the music and the atmosphere, he slumped in his chair in distress. The reason? Well, even with earplugs in, the whole experience was just too too loud. I'd forgotten that he has a bit of a hypersensitivity to sound. (Since taking the battery out of the smoke alarm I haven't witnessed the tears and distress for a while). He begged me to let him go home. :(
Compromise: a word in the ear of a kind and considerate steward, and we find ourselves sitting in a dark corner of the floor just outside the theatre by the icecream stall. We couldn't see, and had to promise we wouldn't try to peep round the curtains over the doors. But we could hear. And it was just the right volume, with the soundproofing of the theatre and these thick thick curtains. All of a sudden my boy's eyes brightened and he really enjoyed the remainder of the concert. The souvenir salesman felt sorry for him and gave him some souvenir posters free of charge. As for me, I got pins and needles!