Aging As A Music Lover: Personal Anecdote

Amidst the palpable buzz of anticipation, I find myself in the heart of the Starlite Room, a local music venue, a 1925 brick structure in Downtown Edmonton, Alberta. Standing near the bar at the Starlite room, I can see the entire room where everyone is excited and anticipating the band coming onto the stage, into the stage lights and giving us a show we won’t forget.

I’m standing in a crowd waiting for The Rare Americans to approach the stage. The venue hums with a diverse crowd, eagerly awaiting the entrance of The Rare Americans, the Canadian-Slovak alternative rock maestros, Juno Award nominees for Breakthrough Group of the Year in 2023. Comprising brothers James and Jared Priestner, guitarist Jan Cajka, and drummer Duran Ritz, the band promises an unforgettable spectacle beneath the glow of stage lights.

But this story is about what happened before their concert.

Positioned near the bar, I take in the panorama, the ambiance charged with a shared enthusiasm for the impending performance. The air is filled with a pre-show playlist, enticing the crowd into a collective rhythm of dance and sing-alongs. We’re waiting for the band, and people don’t wait to get into the groove of dancing and singing along.

“Teenagers” By My Chemical Romance

This song comes up. As the familiar chords of “Teenagers” by My Chemical Romance resonate, a wave of nostalgia washes over the audience. We erupt into a lyric chorus, pouring our hearts into the song. The realization dawns that this is a family-friendly affair.

Did I mention that this was a family-friendly event?

So, teenagers were out there while we were singing about the lyrics. It’s almost funny to think I was a teenager when I first started singing these lyrics. That was interesting, and then I noticed that many younger groups weren’t singing along. It becomes evident that not all are familiar with the anthem of teenage angst.

Wait. How old is “Teenager” by My Chemical Romance? I had to know when "Teenager" by My Chemical Romance came out. The classic track is now over 17 years old, released in 2006. The generational gap between us becomes a poignant reality.

However, any sense of age-induced disconnect evaporates as a young child, so very politely, moves to the front and maneuvers through the crowd to claim a coveted spot. I stepped to the side so the kid could get the whole concert experience. A subtle smile plays on my lips – perhaps I am getting older, but that’s okay, I think, as the small kid gets the best view they can.

I hope this is the first of many for the family and their children. I quietly listen to the song, knowing that this kid will love music and appreciate the artistry and camaraderie it brings. Maybe Aging As A Music Lover isn’t so bad.

Hits Of 2006

Listen to the song yourself for a chance to relive the nostalgia of 2006. Feel yourself aging as a music lover alongside me.

“Teenagers” By My Chemical Romance

But Wait, There’s More.

Yes, I did say the nostalgia of 2006. We’ve added some other hits of 2006 to continue the nostalgia. You’ll notice that Rare Americans aren’t on this list because their first song releases started in 2018.

“Waiting On The World To Change” By John Mayer

“Photograph” By Nickelback

“Bad Day” By Daniel Powter