AIBU Les McKeown-Bay City Rollers, expensive tickets dilemma

[Zandra123]

A few weeks ago I went to a gig with a friend for a bit of fun and had the time of my life. I was dancing which I haven't done for years (usually too shy and reserved) was amazed what a brilliant singer he was and his band were brilliant. So I came home and found he does these live video periscope things through the day which have been keeping me entertained, found some you tube videos and started reading news reports etc about how he didn't receive any of the fortune he helped to create etc. He seems like a lovely guy with an interesting life, and brought back many childhood memories, I knew all the words to the songs still!

Anyway the AIBU question. I decided to book two vip tickets to a reunion gig three days before my 50th birthday at a cost of £283, and I'm getting loads of comments about how I could buy something proper, go on holiday with that money and how crazy I must be. But in reality I know I probably wouldn't be doing anything for my birthday if I didn't do this. But I can't help thinking they may have a point maybe it is a bit odd to want to do this at my age, I never spend money on myself, and although it may not be everyone's idea of fun I know I will have a great time.

I spend a lot of time alone, mum recently passed away, hubby away working months at a time, eldest child finished uni and moved out, youngest doing well at uni but due to autism it's meant years of fighting for support and helping him with many mental health issues. It won't cause any financial hardship to pay for these tickets. So please tell me what you think, should I do what I want and ignore the negative comments, do something for me and not feel guilty?

It's your money, you're an adult, you get to decide what to spend it on.

And that's the end of it.

Sorry for your loss and for the tough time you've been having

Ignore the comments. Do exactly as you wish. Dance and have blast! I spent my 50th on a ghost hunting adventure, much to the exasperation of people determined to toss me a party I did not want...

Fuck 'em. Your money, and you're 50, not 150. Enjoy it.

It's your birthday (happy birthday! X) you should do whatever you want to be happy. I am always surprised when 'people' tell other what to spend their money on. 'Don't spend that on a car, you could go on holiday ' etc.

Go and have a good time xx

You jolly well go for it and have a ball.

Go for it.
I'm having a look to see if there are any tickets about for my mum. She was/is a huge Bay City Rollers fan!

People whinging at the price of 2 tickets at £283 but probably think nothing of dropping £600+ on a phone every 2 years or so.

Fuck em and go enjoy yourself!

I went to see him in Dundee when he was on tour. It was fun but the tickets were cheap. I wouldn't have spent what you have on tickets.

That being said, if you loved the last gig and this is something you really want to do for your 50th, then you go for it. Don't let anyone put you off. Have fun!

It's your birthday, your money and a treat for yourself. Ignore them, enjoy the concert and have a great birthday!! Surely, by the time we hit 50 we're old enough to decide how to spend our money? Don't let anyone take the fun out of your day.

Sod em, your birthday, your money, enjoy

Your money, your birthday, your choice. Spend it on yourself and have fun. How rude of people to make negative comments.

You have had some difficult times, you can afford it, it will make you happy and it is your birthday. Do it!

of course you should do what you want, its your money. But why are you telling everyone what you spend on things? It's no-ones business and its a bit odd. People can't comment on what you spend on things if you don't tell them what you spend on things.

Saw him last year for a mate's 50th - initially planned as a big group night out it ended up just the two of us and her daughter. Everyone had an absolute blast [the initially aghast expressions on the faces of the many teenagers who'd clearly been dragged along to see 'a real boyband' - just priceless]. The lary audience were a riot and Les McKeown's skill at working the crowd into a frenzy is a masterclass. The venue was seeeedy - in keeping with a trip down memory lane - every surface you came into contact with you stuck fast to [made for interesting dancing] - only one thing could have bettered that night and that could well have been VIP tickets somewhere slightly less skanky. Great call I reckon. Wishing you a very happy one indeed.

I saw a programme about the Bay City Rollers recently. They weren't exactly bonny were they?

And the fans had an altogether more........scrubbed look than you see on the One Direction fans of today!

(obv the fans on this thread were gorgeous as teens)

Constance, why am I telling people? Well I'm talking family and friends not strangers, surely you communicate with people close to you, would be odd not to I think. I wouldn't care otherwise.

Silver I fancy the ghost hunting idea for another day, that sounds loads of fun. I will definitely be looking at finding something like that.

Thank you for your comments everyone, it's hard trying to find yourself after being a mum for so long, I had also spent a lot of time caring for my mum.

Zandra I spent £200 on a single VIP ticket to see Adam Ant a couple of years ago, and I don't regret a penny of it!

I didn't even have the "excuse" of a birthday, let alone one ending in 0. But I just wanted to do it, so I did.

DP was very supportive (though slightly bemused by the whole thing, as he's not a fan) and never once was the cost mentioned. Parents and DSis were fully in favour 'cos they know how long I've admired fancied him.

If you can afford it and it will make you happy, then go for it and have a blast!

Zandra123, meant to say also....sorry about your mum. It's really tough I know....my mum died when I was 49. You enjoy yourself x

I love my fave band like a 14 year old. I follow them on everything inc periscope- that sounds like a wonderful birthday present to yourself....

Zandra, it was great good fun! It was a private thing, arranged by a very good friend and I could not have been more thrilled! I had more people giving me unsolicited comments about foolish ways to spend a milestone birthday, blah blah blah...

I just decided that at fifty I'm old enough to spend my damn birthday anyway I please..and so should you, love.

Go for it, you'll have an amazing time! The best thing about turning 50 for me was discovering that at last I genuinely don't care what other people think. It's your birthday, do what you want and enjoy every minute!

Bathsheba I'm glad you're enjoying it too, it's great fun and love the flirting, with the 'how ya doin' girlfriends' although I think he'd make a great travel guide, not sure about the raw fish he seems to love though. ?? With the non stop travelling and performing he looks so tired sometimes but I've never seen anyone more determined and devoted to what they are doing, is it something like 74 gigs in 90 days plus other stuff.

TheRattleBag I did used to like Adam ant too, I'd forgotten about him, must have been in high school then, you got me thinking who else I used to like.

I certainly don't want the family party thing. So yes, I'm going to do go to this gig and find a couple of other things to do, my mum would have found it hilarious, poor thing had to go around with me dressed like a mini Bay City Roller when I was a kid, although my daughter turned into Little Goth Girl for a while so I have been more than paid back!

How can anyone think that money spent to watch Les and co would be wasted? (waves tartan scarf tied around wrist)

Have a fantastic time - hope you'll be wearing the too-short trousers and stripy socks

PS went to see The Specials last year and it was the best gig I've ever been to, so I know what you mean about enjoying it

Spotted he's doing live Facebook thingies of some of his gigs, very excited!