By Marlene, Newark, DE

In 1968 I had the opportunity to attend my first rock concert. Cream’s Disraeli Gears had recently become my favorite album, so I was very excited. Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention, who I’d never heard before, were the opening act. At 15 and not under the influence of any substances, they were a lot to take in on first hearing! Then there was a long break between bands, a very long break, a break that went on so long that I remember that it was almost 11 pm, and Cream had still not taken the stage. It got so late that we had no choice - we had to leave without seeing Cream! By the end of 1968, Cream had broken up, and I thought I’d never have another chance to see them. But… 37 years later, by some miracle, Ginger Baker, Jack Bruce and Eric Clapton had all survived to reach their 60’s and reunited for concerts in London and New York. On October 25, 2005 I saw one of the hottest bands in the 60’s, now the hottest band in their 60’s, play at Madison Square Garden. One of my biggest musical disappointments became one of my most memorable musical moments!