COMMENTARY
COURTESY NANCY ARCAYNA
Nancy Arcayna still has her rocker girl within her.
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A grown-up rocker girl can get tongue-tied around the boys in the band, too
Once a rocker girl, always a rocker girl.
I've learned throughout the years that you're never too old to have fun ... never too old for the things you once enjoyed. I've recently learned that a teenage part of me is still very much alive -- the rocker girl.
When I heard that My Chemical Romance was coming to Honolulu, I knew I needed to go. A couple of friends snickered, saying it would be a "teeny-bopper" show, but I held my ground that this mainstream band has a varied fan base (OK, so teens do fall at their feet; they are rock stars, after all).
For months I dreamt about what I would wear, how much fun I'd have dancing the night away to some of my favorite songs. I was definitely ready for some major stress relief -- which head-banging seems to provide.
As a girl, I'd imagined meeting a band before the show, and I was finally afforded this opportunity prior to the Dec. 14 concert. I wasn't crying or nearly fainting, like a couple of younger fans, so you'd think that I could have found something intelligent to say.
But I, too, was star struck and managed a mere hello. At this moment, I realized I'd become delirious. I was back to my teenage self.
I'd rehearsed my conversation with the boys in the band in my head, over and over, perfecting the words. I wanted to explain that I had dealt with so much loss in recent years and tell them how their music speaks to me, eases my mind, soothes my soul. I wanted to talk about the strange households they grew up in and how those experiences contribute to their creativity.
I wanted to tell Ray Toro that I was impressed with his biceps and how he manages to keep working out on the road. And how his friendliness toward fans -- with his brilliant smile and totally down-to-earth personality -- demonstrates that fame hasn't gone to his head. Or, to praise his energetic stage presence.
Frank Iero has been in bands since age 11, so you would think it would be easy to talk about his talent and successes. I could've ask him about one of his more famous quotes: "I would date Gerard ..." That would make for great conversation. Again, I just gawked at him. He seemed very sweet.
Bob Bryar, the band's drummer, was not able to make the Hawaii show. I could have asked him about his wrist injuries. But, I'm pretty sure I would have remained speechless.
Mikey Way, well, he is just way too cute. I think I just stared at him and said nothing at all. I should have asked about his kitty cat, Bunny Marie Way. Or about his willingness to eat his body weight in sushi or his love for unicorns. Again, no words.
Then there's Gerard, who has overcome some pretty tough obstacles, from living in a pretty scary neighborhood to surviving spiraling addiction and depression, and his grand road to fame. I could have talked to him about how the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks affected his music. As my friend would say (and, yes, she is an adult), he is just too hot. So, definitely, no words uttered, once again.
OK, so the words might not have come, but I did learn something about myself that night. I still have lots of head-banging left to do.