6/23/2006

What Hagen Does

The year Nina Hagen scared the shit out of my little sister, I was 23 and sis was 20.

I had maladjusted to life in the big city after moving from a small dirt patch and my most sheltered sister was visiting for the summer.

To liven up her visit, I bought tickets to Nina Hagen's show at the Concert Hall.

Nina, 32, burst ferociously onto the stage in a wedding veil proclaiming herself the mother of punk (so what the funk) and making sure we all knew she was serious about marrying her 18 year old punky boyfriend.

She invited us all to Ibiza to party with her. We didn't end up going but we did stick around for the show.

Nina had her big big blonde hair on, crazy make up and she just threw herself into performing for the crowd. It was a loud but short show clocking in at just over an hour. I guess she was anxious to get back to her young punk and press some more records.

Ms. Hagen fired off great versions of some of her hits like Russian Reggae, New York, My Way, Ekstasy and a solo version of Don't Kill The Animals, a song she'd recorded with Lene Lovich.

Sis looked mildly terrified for the first couple of songs, uncomfortable for a few and then bemused by the whole thing. Afterward, she said that she found the whole thing weird and that it was a bit extreme. What would the point have been if Nina hadn't been a bit extreme?

I did take it easier on her for the next few shows. Eurythmics, The Cure and Peter Gabriel.

11 comments:

Cup said...

You're a damn good brother to have exposed your naive sister to the brilliance of Nina Hagen. You continue to move up the musical ladder.

chelene said...

When I first read this I confused Nina Hagen with the actress Uta Hagen. Hilarity ensued.

Anonymous said...

Hey! When I was 23 I took my younger siblings to see the Cure, too. Oh, and Depeche Mode. And Duran Duran. Nothing as scary and trendy as Nina Hagen. You were cooler than I was.

Dale said...

Beth, you're right! What has she ever taken me to? Ingrate. I was talking to her about this the other night. I think she's still a little scared of Nina.

I thought I heard you laughing last night Chelene. Uta / Nina / Uma / Oprah.

Hot Hot Hot Holly! I would like to have seen DM and DD at different points but never managed it. I'm thinking it's almost time for a concerts I've seen post.

Cup said...

I could do battle with your concert list v. my concert list ... if I can remember them all.

nouseforaname said...

What a bitchin big brother you were!
My father took me to see Deep Purple when I was two. Lead me to become a rock n roll groupie and underage stripper.
Shit...

Dale said...

No need to battle Beth, I've seen some good ones but I know from your blog, there's bound to be some great ones on your list.

Deep Purple? And you turned out that good? Way to go Dad! Shroom-Monkey, when I look into your eyes, I feel dizzy.

Reese said...

okay dale, i finally figured out how to comment on your site. you may want to delete the last e-mail. sorry doll. i'll try again later in the day after I've had 20 coffees.

Dale said...

I'm on coffee #16 right now.

Jenna said...

Your sister isn't alone. Nina Hagen scares the hell out of me too.

Dale said...

She's harmless really. Just loud.