Chris Cornell and the Foo Fighters were being nominated for awards. And, I had tix to the official Grammy’s after party!
Visions of grandeur swirled in my head. Would I finally meet Dave Grohl?! Maybe I’d catch a glimpse of Chris Cornell’s wife and sweet daughters! OMG - what should I WEAR?? Should I rent the runway?! This was my mental state for days leading up to the show. I soon found out that the Foos would be in Australia and that my body doesn't fit into anything “designer.” I made the vile mistake of going into Saks Fifth Avenue (they had a ‘sale’, ok?) and left the store both bank account shamed and body shamed.
When the day arrived, I sorted out the look - I felt chic AF in my black jumpsuit and blazer with gold studded sparkly shoes and gold accessories. Yas!
We arrived at the garden moments before “doors closed” and it was a sea of sequins, gowns and statement tuxedo jackets.
Staff rushed us to our seats since the show was beginning in 5,4,3,2…But, my tequila soda! I looked to the bar and…closed. Surely they would reopen once the show began, right? Nope. And so began the long, dry night.
We made it to our aisle. “Excuse me, sorry. Excuse me, sorry…” I repeat to the 10 people I had to pass to get to my seat. Not only did the bars close for the night, the concession stands closed too. Glori and I were starving since we didn't have a proper dinner before the show.
Kendrick Lamar opened the show with a bang - literally - staged gun shot sounds filled the arena as he performed his song. Sure, why not. I could really use a drink AND hot dog right now.
Overall, the show was fine. And, the performances were fine. Maybe it was the dull energy in the building (everyone was seated the ENTIRE time, even to DESPACITO - as much as I cringe at reggaeton, I welcomed the song and danced to it). I wasn’t particularly touched by any performance with the exceptions of Pink and Kesha. I am not normally a Kesha fan but I recognized her passion and pain coming through on stage when she sang “Praying” and it was nice to see other artists join her in solidarity on stage.
All night I wondered, WHERE was the ROCK AND ROLL? Turns out the awards for the rock category happened prior to the televised ceremony. Foo Fighters won for “Run.” Awesome, but like really? Why wasn't that genre broadcast? Rock and roll is very much ALIVE and WELL. I am reminded of this every time I dedicate an insane amount of time, energy and prayer to securing tickets to Pearl Jam & Foo Fighters concerts. The demand is insane and arenas sell out in minutes.
At the very least, a snippet of Black Hole Sun played during the In Memoriam Tribute. When Chris Cornell's picture came on screen we shouted, which sort of seemed weird (we definitely startled the suits next to us) but it was the right thing to do.
At the very least, a snippet of Black Hole Sun played during the In Memoriam Tribute. When Chris Cornell's picture came on screen we shouted, which sort of seemed weird (we definitely startled the suits next to us) but it was the right thing to do.
I was grateful for the experience but felt sadness for the younger generations that think this is the primary music that is cool, accepted and celebrated. They should listen to this music. I loved me some hip hop back in the day when it was artistic and lyrical but now it’s mostly cookie-cutter propagandized nonsense. Rock and roll is still real, raw and authentic rebel music and what better way to express oneself during these tumultuous times than to rock out? Too bad the academy doesn't agree.
Oh and the after party? Check out the video below for a recap to see how “glamorous” it really was…
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| Nile Rogers performing at the After Party. |
Video recap
*previously posted on my IG story*
