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Lessons in Fatherhood from My Love of Def Leppard
As a child, I was captivated by Def Leppard’s debut album, High ‘n’ Dry. Even today, it remains one of my go-to records, never overshadowed by the band’s later pop-metal phase or their foray into clichéd hair metal. The raw energy and authentic rock sound of High ‘n’ Dry resonated with me deeply during my middle school years, pulling me into a world of loud guitars and powerful lyrics.
The album’s opener hit me like a jolt, compelling me to embrace a new level of musical expression that was far removed from the softer melodies of bands like Journey and Styx. The bold lyrics, especially the title track where lead singer Joe Elliott sings about indulgence and living in the moment, were both exhilarating and shocking to my youthful sensibilities. It evoked a sense of rebellion that I had never experienced before, making me feel alive while I played air guitar and belted out the words.
Growing up in New York City, I was fortunate to attend numerous concerts featuring the bands I loved, but Def Leppard always eluded me. Their absence only intensified my longing to see them perform live, making them a sort of elusive goal during my teenage years.
Recently, while driving through Paso Robles, California, my wife and I spotted a billboard advertising a Def Leppard concert at the California Mid-State Fair. The excitement of potentially fulfilling a long-held dream sent my mind racing. With our son away at sleepaway camp, the stars seemed to align for us to relive those carefree, pre-parenting days—free to indulge in corn dogs, ride the Ferris wheel, and rock out to one of my all-time favorite bands.
However, when morning arrived, my enthusiasm had faded. I found myself torn between the carefree spirit of my youth and the responsibilities of adulthood. The thought of missing work and the inevitable fatigue of attending a late concert began to weigh heavily on me. Was I sacrificing my desires for the sake of fatherhood? Or was it simply the realities of being an adult?
It became clear that my reluctance to attend the concert stemmed more from adult responsibilities rather than parental duties. As Rich Cohen articulates, fatherhood often transforms our roles from leading characters in our own narratives to ensemble players who must adjust their aspirations. Yet, I realized that if attending a concert was truly important to me, I could still make it happen, irrespective of my parenting status.
Ultimately, I chose not to go, but this decision was liberating. It underscored a valuable truth: fatherhood does not inherently limit my choices; it merely reshapes them. My priorities may have shifted, but the desire to pursue my passions remains intact, even if the allure of seeing Def Leppard has somewhat diminished over the years.
In conclusion, the lessons I gleaned from my youthful enthusiasm for Def Leppard serve as a reminder that while my identity as a father is significant, it doesn’t negate my personal interests and desires. It’s about finding a balance and understanding that fulfillment can come in various forms, both as a parent and an individual.
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Summary
This article reflects on the author’s nostalgia for Def Leppard’s music and how it intersects with his experiences of fatherhood. It emphasizes that while parental responsibilities can reshape priorities, they do not eliminate the ability to pursue personal passions. The narrative illustrates the balance between adulthood and the desires that linger from youth.