Today we lost an artist who, in my opinion, transcended any particular genre. I put artists like Johnny Cash, the Beastie Boys, and Michael Jackson into the same category in that so many people are able to identify with their work that it would almost be a crime to say they are this or that.
I had the privilege of snowboarding with MCA several times when I lived in Utah years back—I even think David was with me one of the days we were all out. We have always been a fan of the Beastie Boys. Paul’s Boutique was actually the first CD I ever purchased.
Anyway, I think it was for my birthday or something, but David had gotten me tickets to go see the Beastie Boys at MSG. I was super stoked, as I had never ever seen them before. We were supposed to meet up at Bros. Jimmy’s before the show for a few drinks to get things started right. So that’s what we did.
I was literally a high schooler at an N*SYNC concert—or maybe I should say Bieber now to appeal to the younger audience—but either way, I was a giddy fat mess. I was about to cross an artist off my MUST-SEE list.
Of course, the person David was bringing was running late, and I was just stuck looking at my watch, watching the seconds tick off closer to what I guessed would be showtime. I finally gave up on the wait and was like, “Look, can I just take my tickets and go find our seats?” to which he agreed. I grabbed Jackie and hauled ass across the street.
We make it through the check points and what not, and as we were walking to our seats Jackie says to me,“I’m kind of hungry.” So we bee-lined it to the MSG concession stand where I tried to snag some beers and, if memory serves, some sort of foot-long hot dog. The whole time, I am a teenager with his parents just trying to get to the seats to see my idols and I can just feel like they are about to go on. Meanwhile, David is at the bar waiting on his friend to get there. Jackie is taking her time eating or preparing whatever salt-laden calorie monster at 100x the respectable price.
All of a sudden I hear, “HELLLLLLLLO NEW YORK CITY!” Lights out, crowd cheering. I MISSED THEM COMING ON STAGE.
At this point, I am Rage Against the Machine, and I chuck my foot-long hotdog at the garbage can and throw a temper tantrum a five-year-old would be proud of. (So embarrassed when I think of it now.) I am like, “Jackie, for the love of GOD can we please go to our seats now? I have never seen them before!” I think Jackie had been to a couple of their shows, so she wasn’t a virgin like I was and was able to keep composure knowing that “Brass Monkey” wasn’t going to be played for at least three songs.
As we finally make our way to the seats, I walk in and there is David, sitting in the seats looking at me. “BRO! Where you been, you should have seen the way these guys came out!” We pop-locked our faces off. The stage set up was amazing, and I think by the time they hit “Three MC’s and One DJ,” David and I were high-fiving and just dancing around like little kids. Remind me at some point to tell you all the story about Beat Street and when David and I made our own breakdance team as kids.
We walked out of the concert sweating our asses off. I could not have been a happier dude seeing this show. I don’t think David had ever been to a concert at MSG until that night, so he was electric as well. It was one of those nights you totally forget until something like the announcement of MCA‘s passing today drums right back up this amazing evening.
I’m glad we had the opportunity to have gone to that concert together. The Beastie Boys were one of those bands that crossed genders, ethnicities, and ages. I don’t think you will find a single person who could say they can’t stand the Beastie Boys, and their music made for an incredible experience that my brother and I were able to have that I am able to write about today.
Rest In Peace, Adam Yauch (MCA)
