Colonels - Brought up on '80's

Journey Unauthorized - another of our MWR events

As with any other location I've been deployed to, Bagram has its share of celebrity visitors. They come here to entertain the troops courtesy of the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR). It just so happens that the MWR directorate works for me. That means I have the inside scoop on all the incoming acts. Our most recent visitors were a Journey cover band appropriately named "Journey Unauthorized". Back in the '80's, Journey was a very popular band from San Francisco. They were known for their love ballads, which were belted out by the silky-sweet voice of Steve Perry. As the '80's came to a close the band faded as well - burned out I guess. But their music - just like other songs from the '80's - endured. It's almost impossible these days to go to a karaoke venue and not here somebody shredding Journey hits like "Don't Stop Believin'"or "Send Her My Love". When I first learned we had a Journey cover band coming I was skeptical. I was never a huge fan and, quite frankly, I was worried they might not be a big draw for the younger personnel. But my skepticism proved unfounded. Journey Unauthorized came and conquered Bagram young and old. They rocked.

The night prior to the concert was my normal cigar night with some of my counterparts from the Air Force. We always meet up on top of the old Russian control tower to smoke our cigars, drink near beer, swap stories, and enjoy the panoramic view of Bagram. This particular night was the coldest we've had yet so we stayed bundled up in our fleeces. Around 2000 one of the MWR folks came up and asked if we'd mind being joined by the band members, who had arrived earlier that day. They had flown in from Oman, where they had performed the previous night. We invited them up to join us. I was surprised to find them all very normal guys. It turned out that their stage personas were just an act - right down to the wigs. In reality, they were just some good dudes who enjoy playing cover music and do a great job at it too. The lead singer also performs in a Led Zeppelin cover band. The keyboardist used to have his own band and even released a solo album back in 1999. They were all very thankful to be in Bagram to spend time with us. We showed them the base from the tower and answered questions about the base and our operations (keeping OPSEC in mind
 of course). They visited with us for about an hour and then headed to their billets for the night. We continued our cigars, swapped notes on the band, and promised each other we'd all be at the concert the next night.

The show was held in "The Clamshell", which is a tent facility conveniently located across the street from my HQ. I walked over just before start time to find the place full of people of all ages. They were all eager to hear the concert. Colonels and Sergeants Major had VIP seating, which was irrelevant once the show began because we all rushed to the base of the stage. When the band kicked off I was struck by how good they were. They sound exactly like Journey in every way. I looked around and saw that all of us were singing along to every single song. Did I really remember every single Journey song? Apparently I did because I was enthusiastically bouncing to every tune. Journey Unauthorized rocked The Clamshell. The faux Steve Perry crooned the ladies as expected and everyone was enjoying the event. Just before their final song they called me and several other of the Colonels on stage to thank us for letting them perform in Bagram. Then they let us stay on to help them out with "Don't Stop Believin'". Each of us even got a chance to belt out a few words of the lyrics. It was really an awesome moment and the rank and file of the audience were thrilled.

Colonels hang with Journey Unauthorized

After the show the band patiently waited for every single person in attendance who wanted a photo or autograph. Once the long line of fans filed through the old Colonels made their way over for a photo. The band broke out their own cameras for this one. It was a night we'll all remember. Even in the middle of a war we can still be teenagers again for a few moments of fun. We Colonels are all products of the '80's. We proved it on this night. Thank you Journey Unauthorized for giving everyone at Bagram such a memorable evening. You put the MWR in MWR. You rocked!