I used to never ever ever close my eyes at a gig. I have attended tens of thousands of concerts – and I am positive that the live music experience is equal parts hearing and seeing. Why would I choose to limit my experience and shut my eyes?
(I am certain that regardless of advancements in technology and connectivity, people will continue to seek out in-the-flesh performances; momentary, unreplicatable, multi-sensory experiences. It’s not the same as listening to an album on vinyl or watching a performance on Youtube. But I digress.)
My greatest music discovery of 2019, The Comet is Coming, played one of my favourite London venues, Shepherd’s Bush Empire, in early December. I closed my eyes many times to their intense, bombastic music, played with passion and precision masquerading as improvisation. When my eyes were open, they were often misty. The music was evocative, definitely, but I was reacting emotionally because my best friend Desmond was with me and the gig felt like the culmination of an unpredictable, unprecedented and emotional year together. I’ve had to lean on my friends for support more than any previous year and Des has been my #1 supporter.
As weird as 2019 has been, I’m 100% better for all of it. Bring on 2020 with more and better weirdness and emotions. The best Josh is coming. My eyes may be closed at points yet I’m more open than ever.