Aqua Net, Def Leppard & 30 Something Mamas - OH MY.

If I had to pinpoint when I fell in love with Def Leppard, I'd have to go way back. We had a neighbor boy who played drums (he was very cool, in high school, in the band - before I realized marching band wasn't THAT cool). He would practice to Van Halen (not Van Haggar), whom I also love, and Def Leppard. Of course, when I got into junior high and high school, it became clear that Def Leppard was NOT COOL. This was at the height of the grunge movement. So I proclaimed my love for Eddie Vedder, thought Kurt Cobain was a tortured artist, and wore lots of plaid and corduroy (wide wale, naturally). So, my Def Leppard obsession was closeted. I bet if you asked ANY of my friends from high school, they probably had no idea that I rocked out to Pour Some Sugar on Me while I was driving my little blue VW Rabbit. In college, I was going through a particularly bad breakup, and the Def Leppard flame was reignited. Love Bites. That song was set on repeat. Over. And over. Many tears were shed as Joe Elliot cried out: LOVE BITES. LOVE BLEEDS. IT'S BRINGIN' ME TO MY KNEES...

Seeing them in concert has been on my to do list for a long time. And finally, on Saturday night, my dream came true!
As any good hair band fan knows, any concert experience must begin with the gold standard:

We set off to the ampitheathre. It was 85 out and I was DYING in my super tight jeans (but I'm committed). All the windows were down and we were blasting Leppard out the windows. We got a few looks. One guy did take a photo of us with his cell. A lot of people refused to make eye contact with us. Maybe because we appeared crazy? Nah. Here are my three other partners in crime (from left): Stephanie, Tiffiny and Jenn. Yes, Jenn is wearing a bustier and a tutu. How cute is she? Best comment of the night (by a couple of HATERS): 'Rock of Love, much?' Some people have NO sense of humor! Once we were settled in on the lawn, it was group photo time! I don't smoke, but I totally brought a lighter. Here I am practicing. And the skinny jeans? The zippers = AWESOME! Poison opened the concert. They were pretty amazing. It would have been better if Bret Michaels were on the big screen. I wanted to check out his hairpiece. And then, Def Leppard. Oh. My. Physical. Lord. They were incredible. Everything about the show was kick ass. The energy, how great they sound live, THE ONE ARMED DRUMMER. Seriously. That guy is A-FREAKING-MAZING. Next year, we're going big time. As close to the stage as we can get. I'm saving my pennies starting NOW. I am the biggest dork ever, but luckily I have dorky friends too. Love you girls! LET'S GET ROCKED!