Arcade Fire at the Greek Theater, Los Angeles | Sept 2018

Last night, Arcade Fire surprised us fans at the Greek Theater in L.A. by playing their first album in its entirety — something they’ve never done before.

They were celebrating the album’s 14th anniversary and in doing so, offered everyone in attendance a chance to do the same.

I know I’m not even close to alone in how much each track on Funeral means to me, or how many countless times I’ve listened to that record over the years.

Being in attendance for a show like that … sheeeesh. Today I am simultaneously beaming with gratitude, pinching myself, and reflecting on how wild and beautiful life really is.

Arcade Fire at the Air Canada Centre, Toronto | March 2014

Every song on Funeral makes my heart whirl, and — like all the best records — listening to it opens up a floodgate of memories and emotions, transports me to so many moments in time.

It reminds me of the independence I found in my early 20s. My first apartment. My first job. It makes me feel the streets of downtown Toronto, walking through the Annex in the crisp Canadian fall. It reminds me of my first trip to L.A. and my first Coachella, where Arcade Fire headlined and glowing spheres floated atop the crowd. I vividly remember raising my hands in the air and singing with the crowd, feeling young and free and full of hope and wonder.

Main Square Festival | Arras, France | July 2011

Next I’m transported to that spontaneous trip to Paris with a guy I wasn’t yet calling my boyfriend, and now call my husband. I was hesitant to go, but said “yes” when I learned of a music festival happening in tiny Arras, France. Three of my favourite bands would be playing, including Arcade Fire. I laugh at the memories of that roadtrip, getting stuck in one of those European roundabouts with 100 exits and going around and around in circles because we just couldn’t figure out how to escape...

And how on the plane ride home we cuddled in the seats and gazed at the clouds and decided that yep, he was my boyfriend.

Arcade Fire at Coachella | April 2011 (taken on an old digital camera because even just 7 years ago, we didn’t use our iPhones for everything…)

Funeral reminds me of some of the best dance parties of my life, ones filled with glitter and disco balls and people who know exactly what kind of energy to send off into the universe. From the Air Canada Centre in Toronto to the Forum in L.A., from grassy festival fields to my living room floor. And now, to that one show at the Greek Theater that I was somehow lucky enough to attend.

Knowing I was going to the concert last night, I chose Funeral as yesterday’s morning workout music. Little did I know that thirteen hours later, I’d be hearing it in it’s entirety—live. And today when I sat down at my desk, despite hearing the album twice yesterday… here we are. Yet again and again and again…

How one band and one record could mean so much goes to show the power of music. They say that smells are the most effective tool at bringing back memories, but man… music must be a close second.

Today I’m 22 and 32 and 62 and the world is good and my heart is full and anything is possible. What an unforgettable night to tack on to this journey.