Wednesday, December 12, 2007

I Must Be Allergic To Duran Duran

1982 was a pretty big year for pop culture. Both “Fame” and “David Letterman” made their television premieres, while we said goodbye to the “The Lawrence Welk Show.” At just seven years old Drew Barrymore hosted Saturday Night Live, while Joe Montana was the Super bowl MVP. TIME Magazine named ‘The Computer’ as its 1982 Man of The Year. And Duran Duran led the ‘New Romantic’ music phenomenon across the pond with the success of their ‘Rio’ album.

It was a fairly busy year for my family as well. Like Duran Duran we also migrated across the Atlantic, moving from London back to Texas. That year I lived in 2 different countries, 3 different cities and attended 4 different schools. We finally settled in Nashville in the middle of my sixth grade year and it didn’t take long to size up the social scene. There was this super pretty, slightly edgy, avant-garde girl named Katie who was running the show. Everyone loved Katie and Katie loved Simon Le Bon. And I mean she loved him.

A crush on Simon Le Bon…really? Wasn’t that eyeliner he was wearing? And what was up with that hair and those ruffly shirts? I didn’t get it. I was sweet on Willie Nelson and Captain Von Trapp for goodness sake. But I knew dissension would be social suicide so I bought the Rio album and threw myself in the mix. Katie was sweet and really funny so I was thrilled when she finally asked me to sleepover. We spun those Duran Duran tunes and danced upon the sand until the wee hours. I was feigning a deep love for Simon Le Bon and making a new best friend in the process. Life was great.

Until I got violently sick and my mom had to pick me up early.

My friendship with Katie sort of melted away after that. I switched schools, we lost touch. I saw her once in high school and she had cropped her beautiful blond hair into a punk-like bob and streaked it pink.

So here we are 25 years later and guess who played in Austin, Texas last night? Duran Duran. A few weeks ago a friend invited me to join a group of girls for a birthday outing…dinner and the Duran Duran concert. I was so excited! I have only recently come to know this cool crew of chicas and was thrilled at the chance to spend more time with them. Plus, after all this time I thought it would be fun to give Duran Duran another shot. I brushed up on my lyrics and charged the camera battery.

But apparently it was my fate, once again, to trade The Reflex for The Reflux. I woke up yesterday with a violent case of stomach flu and had to miss the show. After 25 years I think it’s pretty clear I’m just not meant to be a Duran Duran fan. I probably should stick with my Texas music roots…country, rock and blues. I’m a little old for the New Romantic music movement anyway. Nonetheless I was so blue to miss the chance to spend time with a fun group of girlfriends. It was like 1982 all over again. And isn’t time such a funny thing? A quarter of a century passes in the blink of an eye, but when you have the 24-hour stomach bug, time can’t seem to move fast enough.

But time does press on. My old friend Katie has ditched the pink streak and now hosts a television show called CMT Insider where she interviews country music stars like Dolly Parton and Brad Paisley. Not exactly my flavor of country music but I do think it’s funny I spent so much time trying to impress her with my fake Duran Duran and Kajagoogoo airs and she ends up making a splashy living in country music. Good for her.

And hey-- she may have a fancy career in television, but I have lost five pounds in 24 hours and my stomach is the flattest it’s been since high school. I am going to enjoy it while I can because I’m certain tomorrow I will once again be hungry like the wolf.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

I really love your blog - you've got a great way with words. I wasn't a huge fan of Duran Duran at the time, but I've seen them (through my job) two or three times since the 90s, and I have to say that they're really entertaining! Sorry to rub it in. Simon le Bon will never have the best voice in the world, but we do share a birthday so I guess I'll let him off!

Keep up the good work!

Dylan

TZT said...

I was a huge fan of Duran Duran when I was 12, and the fact that I was 12 at the time is the only excuse that I can come up with for it. I think your body is reacting appropriately!

Anonymous said...

My first serious GF was a big Duran Duran fan, it became my litmus test for crazy chicks. I happen to like them a bit but the girls that liked them all seemed to be insane. :-)

Audrey said...

All the girls at my school used to love Duran Duran and Simon Le Bon. Now, you are bringing back memories... I really feel old now! ;)

suchsimplepleasures said...

not only did i love duran duran in the 80's...i still have the same sickness for them, to this day. i love them. they make me feel like a teeny bopper, all over again! but...i hate their new album. hate it! i like one song on it! but...i love them. simon, john, nick, roger and whoever that new guy is...they are awesome and i'm so freaking stuck in the 80's...
i hope you're feeling better! i adore your blog!

Anonymous said...

You are truly a talented weaver of tales. I guess Duran Duran was never in the cards for you. Cool about your friend too - I've seen her doing many an interview. Seems like a really nice person. Ugh stomach flu - no fun. My last bout made me 10 lbs lighter in one night. I'll spare you the details...

esryan said...

The mention of "London" has me looking forward to a story that is destined hit CFT one day - "Zimbabwe".

frenzy said...

oh man! i remember Duran Duran! i used to love there songs before! ohh memories...

Anonymous said...

I love your blog, blah blah blah. You are a good writer, blah blah blah.

But WILLIE NELSON?!

Cafe Leone

Anonymous said...

I thought I would marry John Taylor back in the day. Yep. Married in the 7th grade. Thankfully my mom said no.

** Found ur site on Blog Catalog.. love it!!

mikster said...

While I can't say I was ever a fan of Duran Duran it's a shame that the flu got in the way of a good time.

josey said...

awwww man!! bummerino you missed the concert. it does quite seem you are very timely allergic to duran duran. haha!

oh and YES i was totally in love with Von Trapp, too!! LOL!

btw, clever last line. teehee. that song will be stuck in my head for a week now...:P

Matt Calonico said...

thats hilarious. I remember that era, that year I was jammin to Quiet Riot. Why did everyone suck in their cheeks back then?

Mandy said...

I'm STILL a huge Duranie to this day! I hate you had to miss the show. Just stumbled into your blog and wanted to say hello!

Anonymous said...

Thought you were going to say katie was Simon's wife.....