In the mini-van, with the latest from Bon Jovi cranked up on the radio, I thought I was being a cool dad when I told my son, "I used to listen to Bon Jovi when I was in high school."
"So Dad, Bon Jovi is old like you?"
Cue the Bryan Adams, because it cuts like a knife.
Actually, the older the kids get, the more I value our common love of music. Specifically-my music.
Early on, my wife and I ditched the kiddie sing-along CDs (sorry Cowboy Mickey) in favor of a batch of greatest hits collections. The Beatles CDs were early mainstays. Michael Jackson's death brought out his highlights. Elton John, Billy Joel, REO Speedwagon. Check, check and check.
Last summer as I was packing up for a trip to the beach in North Carolina, I happened across my Def Leppard music. A double CD with the band's biggest hits from the 80s and 90s. To quote a 1988 version of me-"Choice!" I had forgotten how many songs they put on the charts.
Turns out those same tunes play with today's kids too. If I had a nickel for every time we heard "Pour Some Sugar on Me" en route to North Carolina I could have hired the band to perform it in Grandpa Fred's back yard.
Now there is word the folks at the Minnesota State Fair are delivering the next best thing. The band is playing the Grandstand on August 26. And I can't wait to get tickets for my wife and me AND THE KIDS.
I look forward to the warm summer night when two generations of Olsens will be cheering as the band asks, "Do you wanna get rocked?"
Yes, please.
(Copyright 2011 by KARE. All Rights Reserved.)