Better than I Expected

I've never been a huge Kid Rock fan. Frankly, I've always thought he was over-the-top and obnoxious. He seemed to cultivate the white trash attitude, and everything I read and saw about him seemed to go along with that. My boyfriend, however, loves Kid Rock's music, so I've tried to see the appeal. Up until recently, I was doing mediocre at best... I didn't mind listening to it every so often, but I still wouldn't call myself a fan.

Then my boyfriend got wind of a Kid Rock concert here in Dallas. The rumor was that it would be a small, private show, invitation only. No mention of the concert could be found on Kid Rock's website or the website of the Granada Theater (where the show allegedly was), and no one could confirm or deny the existence of the performance. Still, my boyfriend swung into action, tracked down some tickets that were being resold by those who had received them, and the next thing we knew, we were driving to the Granada on a Wednesday night to see the show.

Sure enough, it was a real performance, and sure enough, it was packed. The Granada is a small venue, about the size of a single-screen movie house, and the show permitted just 1,500 people to attend. We waited in line while the skies threatened to open up on us, and then we finally got into the building. The show was put on by T-Mobile's Sidekick device, so there was T-Mobile swag and a VIP area for those who actually OWN a Sidekick (we, unfortunately, do not). We found a good spot to stand (there are no seats in this theater) and settled in.

The opening act was Gretchen Wilson, who is a talented singer but not my style... She's country, through and through. We fidgeted our way through her set as the crowd got thicker and rowdier, the people around us got drunker, and I got more tired of standing. As glad as I was to be there, especially since my boyfriend was so pumped, I really didn't expect to enjoy myself, and so far, it had been kind of a beating. Drunk douchebags were lumbering around like morons, my feet were killing me in my just-came-from-work boots, and I was starving since we'd skipped dinner to hurry to the theater.

But then Kid Rock went on, and it was all worth it.

The guy is a consummate showman. He came out in a rhinestoned track suit, and he leaped around the stage like a frog on acid. He was completely on his game, and despite the fact that he's used to playing amphitheaters and arenas, he put on an amazing show in the tiny space. We were the equivalent of maybe 10 rows back from the stage, and we could see and hear everything really well. Kid Rock seems to revel in his trailer-park persona, and it was obvious that it was just a bit, not a reality. He was having fun being that character. He sang all of his hits, and for the song "Picture," he brought Gretchen Wilson back out to the stage (and then proceeded to try to crack her up during her verses). The crowd was screaming, the energy was high, and I forgot completely about being tired and hungry and sore. It was one of the top 5 concerts I've attended in my life.

I probably won't rush out and put Kid Rock songs on my ipod right away, but now, I have a newfound appreciation of the guy and his talent for entertaining people. He's larger than life for a reason. We left that concert with our ears ringing and our steps bouncy (bouncier still for having to run through the rain to get back to the car). We were exhausted but stimulated, and now I just count myself lucky for getting a chance to see such a big star in such a small venue. My boyfriend accomplished something incredible by getting us those tickets, and I owe him one.