First and Foremost

Happy New Year! You know, after writing "2012" the first couple of times this year, all I can think about is how similar it is to "2112", the title of the 1976 album (and seven-part suite) by Rush. I sure hope I don't accidentally write that on a check because that could be a problem...

For my first blog post of the year, I thought I would celebrate "Suburban Rock Mom" style (no, I really don't know what that means) by discussing some rock-related things that I am looking forward to in the new year that have to do with "firsts".

1.Concerts: I am hoping that my first concert of 2012 will be the Red Hot Chili Peppers' show at the RBC Center in Raleigh on 1/27/11. No, I haven't gotten tickets yet. Yes, I should've asked Santa to put some in my Christmas stocking.

2. Books: Speaking of Christmas, my sweet husband bought me an e-book reader to help satisfy my voracious reading habits. I have already loaded some rock-related reading material including the memoirs Neon Angel by Cherie Currie (the first lead singer of the Runaways, one of the first all-female rock acts to be signed to a major record label) and Between a Heart and a Rock Place by Pat Benatar (the first artist and I think the only artist to win four consecutive Grammy Awards for Best Female Rock Performance from 1980 to 1983). I've already perused both books and they look like good reads. Great photos, too!

3. Albums: One of the most anticipated releases of the new year is undoubtedly Van Halen's first album with lead singer David Lee Roth in 28 years. While I haven't been able to find out what the new album will be titled, I do know that it will be released on 2/17/12. The first single, "Tattoo" is scheduled to come out in one week. A world tour is to follow and I am keeping my unmanicured fingers crossed that they will play a show in Raleigh. I had tickets for the last time VH came to town, but couldn't go to their rescheduled date. C'mon guys, come to Raleigh so that this mama can "Dance the Night Away"...

Welcome, 2012! Can't wait to have some great rock experiences!

Until next time, keep it on "11"...