1970 Something - KISS

 It was 1970 something.  My friend's brother, Brian, was a KISS fanatic.  I grew up in a home with "that's devil music" - I'm not sayin' it ain't - however, one song changed it for me.  

I was a chubby little thing, riding my bike over to my friend's house.  As I pedaled closer, I could hear it...the loud music...coming from the open, upstairs, corner, bedroom window.  Brian had KISS and other "devil music" blaring all summer.  My friend and her siblings were locked out - we couldn't get into the house for any reason.  What can I say, we are Generation X....these things were normal to us.  

 As I got closer, I heard it...."Beth, I know you're lonely, but I can't come home right now" I dropped my bike on the grass below that window.  I yelled up there, "hey, who is that?  Turn it up"  I was hooked - that song - created my love of rock ballads!  It was at that, that Brian now thought that this chubby "kid sister's" friend was cool....ahahah....

Now, fast forward to 2023....doesn't time sometimes feel like it goes that fast.  Anyway, I saw that KISS was coming to the Crandon Brush Run.  I was sure that our tribe, that supports many events in that area was going to be somehow involved.  So, I called the elder department...."are you going to be giving KISS tickets away?   If so, I want one!"  He wasn't sure at that time, but yes, eventually we did get KISS tickets.  I was given 2 VIP area tickets for FREE as a tribal elder.  

Our area was so nice!  We were very close to stage.  

That is the VIP balcony.  I didn't try to climb the steps.  I wanted to stand by the gate anyway.  

It was a big deal up here in the Wisconsin north woods.  Thousands of people, the lines were miles long.  Thank goodness my brother-in-law, Duane, found the VIP short line.  We didn't wait in a line at all.  I have other cousins who live in Crandon, who are not tribal members.  They saw Paul and Gene getting ice cream at the local shop - called Yeti.  They were out and about in the public.  Our casino in Carter partnered with them and their "Rock & Brews" restaurant - arrangements were made for ground opening, concert and brush run weekend - Crandon and surrounding areas packed.  

I was waiting to hear Beth, then we could start walking back to the van.  Al ran ahead, as I am slow.  We heard the last 2 songs was we left.  Al got out of the field we parked in, drove out and waited on the side of the side road..not main road..it was a long walk for me.   I almost stopped and asked a police officer to drive me to my van...but, I walked on.  I was so happy to see the hazard lights.  Al called me and said, "keep walking, you're almost here.  You did it!"  Yes, it was that bad!  By the time I got there, everyone was getting out of the field and I was glad Al ran ahead.

Anyway, thanks for the tickets.  #FCP

Blessings from Ringle, WI.