Vintage? Me?

I’ve always considered myself lucky. Even though I’m not ashamed to admit my love for the music of my youth–synthesizers and hand claps rock–I’ve allowed my tastes to evolve. I enjoy many of the same acts my kids do, and their friends are surprised when I can talk about the music they like or let them plug their iPod in when they’re riding in my car. So, it was a little unnerving for me to be at a local concert venue/nightclub frequented by late teens/young adults to see one my favorite bands…and be nearly the oldest person in the room.

But let’s hit the rewind the button and flash on a conversation that happened before me, the hubby, and the kids had even left the house.  My daughter was all decked out in her trip pants and funky vest, classic emo pop-punk attire. My son, a true dynamic opposite was what he called ‘the business side’ of punk rock as he was pointing out the differences in their wardrobe.

So then Mom asked a silly question. “What does that make me?” What was I wearing? Blue jeans and a simple black shirt. It was a concert afterall, not a night at the opera.  “Old school?” I offered. “More like Vintage punk.” He answered.

Vintage? “That’s cool. In a Skid Row kind of way, Right?”

“Skid Row? Is that a band or something?” He shot right back at me. It hit like an arrow to the heart. Had I failed somewhere along the way.  Nah, the kid is probably just messing with me.

Some people might take Vintage as an insult, (I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t meant as one.) but I don’t. Vintage is cool. Vintage comes back in style. People design whole rooms around vintage, when something is old, they just throw it away. Right.

So, yeah. Fast forward to where I started. For about 90 seconds I was feeling really bad about being in a neck and neck race with about six other people for ‘oldest person in the room’.  That is until one of the contenders start with the hatin’: Hollering out disparaging comments toward the lead singer. (Really, you came all the way out here on  a Monday night to hate on the band?”  And then contender number 2 starts going ape-shit over the slam-dancing in front of the stage. (Dude. Where did you think you were going?)  That is acting old! For sure!  Vintage? Vintage was laughing, joking, and dancing with the modern and hip around her.

Yeah…Vintage…I’ll wear that badge proudly.