Genre-Switching!

I divert from my usual format to discuss another topic near and dear to me -- music. There are few genres I don't like or at least have some level of appreciation. But I have noticed a major shift in my music preferences as I edge nearer to the big 4-0.

An old college friend and I were having an email discussion today about the current whereabouts of Def Leppard. Now, Def Leppard was HUGE when we were in college. (Some of you have probably guessed my fascination based on the title of my book. A young colleague of mine emailed me the link to sign up for their fan club just today!) Now, I will always love Def Leppard. When I hear them on the radio, my heart smiles as I remember the fun days of my youth. And, of course, my kids must pass the "Okay, what artist is this?" test if they hear any lines of "Pour Some Sugar On Me." (I'm positive the sexual innuendo escapes them. I hope.) But I think my fan club days are over. As a matter of fact, not one Def Leppard song made my playlist. They're not even an artist on my IPod.

My college friends may be shocked to find Coldplay, Rhianna, Fergie, Pink, Fall-Out Boy, Linkin Park, Christina Aguilera and even Kelly Clarkson on my playlist. Oh, sure, there's still U2, Smashing Pumpkins and even Ozzie. But there's no Def Leppard, Aerosmith, or even Van Halen.

Often, (almost with guilt)I attempt to switch the radio channel if I hear the first few strums of a Bon Jovi song. (Sometimes Cole won't let me if he catches 'Livin on a Prayer' in time.) So, what happened to this girl who, with her chummy roommates, faithfully watched MTV's Daily Top Ten and Headbanger's Ball?

In 1984, I sat moping in my bedroom while Eddie Van Halen played what was to be his last concert with David Lee Roth. When they broked up in 1985, I vowed that if they ever, ever got back together, I would not miss the concert. Van Halen were my rock gods. I had every 'cassette'. I carried a David Lee Roth/Eddie Van Halen writing pen. Eddie was to me as John Lennon was to my mom. I grieved for years after their break-up. (Van Hagar was only mildly healing.) Fast forward twenty-eight years. David Lee Roth has rejoined his old pal for a Van Halen reunion in Omaha on February 2nd! Where was I?

In Disney World with my family -- the best vacation of our lives, by the way.

This summer Tom Petty is on tour. Oh, sure -- it will be a good concert. But it sure wasn't text-worthy -- like the concert announcement of Coldplay on August 3rd!

So, what happened to this spandex-obsessed girl of the past? Maybe I burned myself out on the prosaic, catchy guitar riffs that eventually copy-catted themselves to death. Maybe I don't want to be reminded of my big, frizzy hair. Or maybe I've just grown up.

But I do like to remember the fun days of the hair bands. But if I have a choice of a sentimental journey or the newest John Mayer song, what will I do? It probably depends on the day. But there's a good chance, Birddog, I'll select a "chicken band".