It’s tough to write about hockey during the off season as my blog is a farce and really about my experiences watching it, or my kids playing it, ect.  I need to figure out how to incorporate the long off season.  So I will tell you that I knocked out my wife’s rear camera on her minivan with a wrist shot.  She was pissed.  I explained “what do you want me to do?  I’m a good shot.”  (Goodfellas)

Also, shout out to all those who saw the GNR show.  Sounded like a blast.  I love all the Axl made people wait news?  I mean, if he shows on time, it’s NEWS you morons.  People who go to his shows, know this.  Real fans anyway.  I believe I saw his latest show ever, January 1, 2001.  They took the stage at the House of Blues in Vegas for the first time in 8 years at 4AM.  Pitch black, all you could hear was “DO YOU KNOW WHERE THE FUCK YOU ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRE”

It was mind blowing.  People were so drunk and tired many were asleep or passed out in their seats.  I was sober and could not believe what a great show he put on.  The band was new and has been transformed several times since then but Axl was spot on.  His voice sounded great.  He was humble.  “I hope you enjoy some of this new music.” as he played a few songs from The Chinese Democracy.

“Welcome to our open dress rehearsal.” laughingly said Axl, when someone screwed up bringing the piano out, or tuning it or some shit.  One (people who read or speculate about the man) would expect him to throw a tantrum or walk off stage.  He seemed so genuinely happy to be back, so into to the music and the audience.  I knew it never left him but it was also good to see it be the beginning of great things to come.

Hockey players, many in the NHL right now, grew up working out and motivating themselves to GnR music.  I’d bet my life on it.  It’s quite possible they were the difference between a guy making the NHL or not.  Very possible.  I mean Bon Jovi isn’t going to get you there (I like them, but…..)

Axl “traversed a treacherous sea of horrors” to be with us there that night.  That night, was 3 months after my first baby was born.  I now have 4.  Axl has one more,  Chinese Democracy.  Which, by the way, if you haven’t heard it, is a goddamn masterpiece.  The music of Guns n Roses will continue to affect (or is it effect?) life for long beyond even what I can comprehend.  So if you have to wait a few minutes for them to go on stage, I believe Axl once said, how long would you wait up to get laid?

I can’t wait till hockey season and I hear my son say “dad why do they always play that stupid Guns N Roses” at hockey game.  “Why dad?  Why?”  Plus there’s nothing really on in the meantime except Porno on demand.