Santa brought for Dale and myself tickets to the Jimmy Buffet concert in the Sydney Opera House 23rd January 2011.
He is a hero of ours and countless others. He has a lifestyle you could only dream of. Boats, Tequila, Planes, Music and FUN. We first saw him at The Mandalay over 20 years ago. There was a crowd of us. You bought a table and as with Jimmy's Concerts, it is obligatory to drink while you watch. I was a Jimmy Novice at that time but by the end of the performance... was in love. What fun, we were all up dancing. A friend of ours a Radio Host who shall remain nameless, was last seen dancing on his chair. A couple of years later, the same Radio Host was with us in New Orleans at the River Tent once again dancing and drinking to Jimmy and his Coral Reef Band. So we have a history with Jimmy.
We met at the Opera Bar with our friends Stu and Yvonne
The fans were gathering
From the moment after the Opening Act finished, she was good,
the promoter Michael Chugg announced Jimmy doesn't want to keep you waiting people. Only a 10 minute break just enough time to refresh your glasses Ladies and Gentlemen.
The Crowd went wild.
Beach balls appeared and were tossed around the concert hall. Don't think the Opera House sees many of these nights!
Around us brightly dressed Parrot heads, (The affectionate name for Jimmy's fans).
Already everyone was ready. Of course Jimmy's philosophy is Party Party Party, Fun Fun Fun and his fans all know about that. of course the average age is up there... as Jimmy says
"I'm growing older but not up
My metabolic rate is pleasantly stuck
Let those winds of time blow over my head
Id rather die while I'm living than live while I'm dead"
And we of the older persuasion, are with him.
By the way there were children and young people there but basically Jimmy's main fans are growing Older but Not Up!
The man came on solo and opened with "Changes in Latitudes"
and the pace never stopped.
The band were sensational.
Jimmy is a prolific song writer and is responsible for some beautful ballads.
'Come Monday', "He Went to Paris", and the nostalgic "The Captain and The Kid",
Its not all Beer and Skittles...He's a storyteller and Troubadour really.
It is great to see an artist who is having so much fun. He didn't stop smiling for the whole 2 1/2 hours they were on the stage.
If you have never heard Jimmy Buffet, put him on your wish list.
The song that started it all
"Margaritaville"
Nibblin on sponge cake
Watchin the sun bake
All of those tourists covered with oil
Strummin my six-string
On my front porch swing
Smell those shrimp they're beginnin to boil
Chorus:
Wastin away again in margaritaville
Searching for my lost shaker of salt
Some people claim that there's a woman to blame
But I know it's nobodys fault
I don't know the reason
I stayed here all season
Nothin to show but this brand new tattoo
But it's a real beauty
A mexican cutie
How it got here I haven't a clue
Chorus:
Wastin away again in margaritaville
Searchin for my lost shaker of salt
Some people claim that there's a woman to blame
Now I think
Hell, it could be my fault
I blew out my flip-flop
Stepped on a pop-top
Cut my heel had to cruise on back home
But there's booze in the blender
And soon it will render
That frozen concoction that helps me hang on
Wastin away again in margaritaville
Searching for my lost shaker of salt
Some people claim that there's a woman to blame
But I know it's my own damn fault
Yes and some people claim that there's a woman to blame
And I know it's my own damn fault
And a huge Favourite "Cheeseburger in Paradise"
If you can see this those fans are wearing Cheeseburger Hats
Thank you Jimmy we love you.
To top off an excellent evening, we went to Golden Century Seafood Chinese Restaurant.
Talk about fresh.
Above Salt and Pepper Mud Crab
Look at these Alaskan King Crabs
And the white version
It's a busy restaurant...took this when we left about 1.15 am
All go. A Great Night thanks to Santa, Stu, Yvonne and Jimmy.
Above
