Before you answer that question take a good look at the crazy things you have done lately for your own kiddos and then answer me. Now maybe stalk is a bit of an overuse of the word. Maybe I should rephrase (but then how would my post stand out for SEO purposes) and say something like “follow” a boy band or maybe “show an interest” in said boy band. No, I think stalk is pretty close to what I have been up to lately. You are welcome Emily.
One Direction has taken the world by storm the past couple of years with their charming accents, their boyish good looks and their verifiable talent to sing and put on a good show. My daughter Emily has loved them since she first heard “What Makes You Beautiful” and watched the accompanying music video. I can distinctly recall listening to them and being transported back to the days of my own boy band crush, New Kids On The Block. Oh to be a kid again. Or at least the, ahem, young adult I was when NKOTB was the best thing to happen to me since Cabbage Patch Kids and Swatch Watches.
One Direction is a group of five (the magic number for a boy band it would seem) clean cut young men put together by the often acerbic Simon Cowell, record label owner and musical talent search dude. One Direction is comprised of Niall Horan, Emily’s favorite band member and all round cutie patootie, Harry Styles, Liam Payne, Louis Tomlinson and Zayn Malik. Of the five lads Niall is the only one from Ireland while the other four boys hail from various parts of England. They originally competed against one another in the British talent show The X Factor, in 2010.
Although the lads ( I love saying that) did not win The X Factor they went on to tour with other contestants in The X Factor Live Tour and their popularity only grew. The members of One Direction credit the dedication of their fan base during their time on The X Factor for making them the success they are today. Between the screaming, adoring fans and the power of social media, 1D rose to become the second wealthiest musicians under the age of 30, in the UK. That’s a pretty big deal! In the era of downloads, which are cheaper then buying an album, it is harder for musicians to see the same financial windfall of those gone before them like Michael Jackson and Madonna. I think these guys are holding their own.
So back to my stalking issues. It all started last year when I heard that One Direction would be returning to Canada, Toronto specifically, during their 2014 tour called the Where We Are Tour ( #WWATour ). I had heard Emily talk on and on about attending one of their concerts for two years already and I vowed right then and there to get those darn tickets. I pulled the car over and started Googling “One Direction, Toronto 2014 tickets” and almost immediately this great Facebook page popped up! The radio said the tickets would be going on sale in a couple of weeks and all I wanted was to find a way to get tickets before they went on sale to the public. We had tried to get tickets to see that stellar Canadian, Justin Beiber, on sale day and that got us nowhere. They were sold out in minutes and I did not want that to happen with One Direction. The Facebook page I came across offered the chance to pre-order tickets about five days before the public, but after a pre-sale for certain credit card holders ( I swear I am getting an AMEX for when William wants to see the 2020 version of 1D). That worked for me and right there, in the car, I RSVP’d to this group. I was as giddy as Emily has been since she got her tickets.
Emily with her tickets on Christmas morning, 2013
The next few days I was as nervous as all get out. The day of the pre-sale came and I had commissioned my hubby to buy the tickets as I would be at work. Doug worked his magic and secured four tickets. We got the tickets. We actually got tickets to see One Direction in Toronto in August 2014!!! Now we had to wait almost three months to give them to Emily for Christmas, but it was well worth it. She was over the moon, beyond happy with her surprise. Emily is not usually at a loss for words, but this time she was.
Getting the tickets was the first step in my new obsession with 1D. My next step was to find out the Twitter handles for the lads and I was delighted to see that Emily’s boy Niall was a frequent tweeter. I immediately started following him and tweeting every few days. I knew the chances were slim he would reply to my tweets, but if I didn’t try they’d be zero. My hopes that he would see my tweets grew whenever I saw Niall respond to a fan. I sent up fervent prayers to God, “Please oh please dear Lord, let him just retweet my tweet, please.” So far that has not happened, but as the concert date draws near I have upped my tweets to Niall and his boys to a daily message, or two. They all have twitter accounts so that has just increased my odds.
Twitter is a great way to connect to just about anyone. I have become “tweeps” with many other Directioners, which I guess I am one now, and we all share a common goal; to get noticed by the lads. But not for me of course, for Emily… Twitter has spawned a new way for fans of bands to connect before a concert and make plans. In the case of 1D, Toronto concert goers are encouraging one another to #TurnTorontoRedWhite by wearing only red and white to the show. Printable posters are being tweeted for everyone to bring to the show. I am looking forward to seeing how this fandom comes together.
Emily’s birthday cake (made by my mama)
Since I am a blogger I thought I would try to do the impossible and get an interview with 1D when they are in town. Mission Impossible, right? Well, for the most part, yes, but I have not given up hope. I have sent several media requests to Live Nation, the entertainment company handling the concert. I have been passionate in my message to them and assured them of great coverage should they grant me that interview. Twenty-two days until the big event and I have not heard a thing. It’s heartbreaking I tell ya. What is a mama to do?
So posters and birthday cakes aside (oh and did I mention that Emily and I are going to make t-shirts for the concert) at this point I will do anything to help make this experience as memorable as possible for Emily. I can’t afford front row seats; the souvenir concert shirt will be more then enough, so what else can I do? Maybe it’s time to sharpen my stalker skills and find out what hotel One Direction is staying at….
Feel free to share your suggestions as to what else I can do to get the attention of One Direction, my friends. Nothing is too ridiculous…
FT&PD
Suz
Wow, your post is so much fun, I really enjoyed reading!!! Yes, you are right, a loving mom is ready to do anything for the happiness of her kids. And, yes, my daughter loves One direction so much, too. You gave me a wonderful suggestion about her birthday cake in October!!! Never thought of surprising her putting print of her favorite band on a cake. Love it!
Thank you 🙂 The cake thing is just making a photo into rice paper and putting it on top! My mom made it and it was a great surprise for Emily 🙂
Here’s hoping Suzanne! As a tear runs down my face, I am laughing and praying at the same time for Emily’s sake that you get to talk to someone. Have fun!
Thanks Mom 🙂
This would of been me a few years ago – minus trying to get an interview. I hope it all works out, but either way you’ll have an amazing time.
thanks Pam. I know it will be the best night of her life and I am looking forward to seeing her happy <3
Awesome! Giggling because this reminds me of when I was a tween and in love with NKOTB! 🙂
Thanks Christine 🙂
I remember when I was IN LOVE with Nsync, I still rock out when I hear a song come on Sirius lol.
I am right there with you Randa 🙂
Not a fan of stalking myself, but I do remember my boy band crush days. Hope you and your daughter have an awesome time!!!
Thanks Katie!
Your passion speaks louer for this Boy ban 1D, an for sure you enjoy iolizing them.
Well my daughter is the one idolizing them, but I enjoy helping her!
haha! I love this post! Moms will do anything to make their kids’ happy. I like your style 🙂
Thanks Julie 🙂
Great job and I like boy bands too
Thanks Michelle!
love the post, hope the impossible happens, ether way enjoy!! Awesome cake!!
Thank you mamabear! Fingers crossed!
Thats so cute what you did! I saw them at Wembley last year, amazing performance. I’m sure you beautiful daughter will love it!
Thank you Francine, I know she will be over the moon that day!
This was fun to read Enjoy the Stalking the Bands are a great influence for Children everywhere to follow their dreams to see what they can overcome
That is so true Paula!
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with helping your daughter increase her chances of meeting One Direction. I mentioned in your FB page that you might want to try engaging in Twitter the media outlet folks in-charge of the interview or press conference. Good luck!
Thank you Karen and I took your advice! I am not sure what will come of it, but you have to love twitter!
There’s nothing that you are too old to do when it comes to pleasing your kids
Very good point Olla!
I guess not. I’m still in love with blue 🙂 ahahhah
Perfect answer Rita, thank you!
Haha. That’s definitely interesting. No one is ever too young or old to be passionate about music or guys! They are a fun loving bunch and I watched their movie too! As for how to get their attention, try going through the local media as well?
Great tip Tiffany, i will definitely try that out!
nothing wrong with helping her get to meet One Direction perhaps remembering your younger years
Oh there is no doubt about that Nikki 🙂
i dont like OneDirection boy band but i like your cake mama. nice pot, like it
To each his own, right? Thanks Alca!
You’re so funny! … but I don’t love this boyband! 😛
thank you 🙂
LOOL
🙂
This reminds me of 1989 and NKOTB lol
Totally!
glad to se this post and you are much passoinate to share such article
Good Luck i everytime find u great
Aww thank you 🙂 I appreciate that!
my 17 year old granddaughter adores these guys & has traveled all over the south to attend their concerts. Seems pretty harmless to me.
Thanks Paula, and I agree. We are not hurting anyone and just having some fun along the way..
I am so glad social media wasn’t around as much with my eldest – unfortunately I think I may become said “stalker” once my youngest gets into boy bands!!
LOL, I hear ya Crystal! Let me know if you need some tips!
Good Luck to you and I hope you get feedback! It seems that you are doing everything that you can and the cake was adorable!
Thank you! My mom is a great decorator 🙂
I never really was a stalker, although I did like the Back Street boys.
Oh they were some cuties there too!
Hahaha I love this!! I am the exact same way!!
Thanks Nicole, I am glad I am not alone!
Oh my gosh,I’m cracking up over here.Ha what we do for our babies,I hope all your efforts on twitter pay off,sounds like not just your daughter but you deserve it for all the work your doing and sounds like Emily is blessed to have a driving force of a mommy like you!!P.s keep up with the awesome site,you may need your bloggers to help petition to get out of jail your a loving mom,not stalker card lol
LMFAO Tara, too funny and thank you! I have not given up hope yet. We still have time!
When I was a teenager – huge crush on Bay City Rollers and flood pants *chuckle*. Enjoyed reading the truth and innocence in your post, brought back memories of first crushes and when life wasn’t so chaotic – for that thank you. I love to bake – made a cake with the same stencil for my son – with his school photo – however, band/actress/crushes would be great for his 11 th bday in December. Hmm Brittany Spears or Astrid on How To Train Your Dragon Two…great post.Thanks.
Eva Mitton-Urban
I loved the BCR too Eva! I had a shirt with satin and their photos…but I digress 🙂 I think doing a cake like that for your son would be great. Make sure to share photos!
Never to Old! When you lose interest in things you get depresses, keep on following!
Good point Sherry, thank you!
No one is old enough to admire, stalks (as you what you said) to any boy bands. I love hearing their songs.
LOL, thank you Earl 🙂
How wonderful! I don’t really like this band but my niece is Obsessed! 😀
It is a sickness I tell ya, LOL. But one I recall with fondness so I want to help my daughter with her boy band crush!
I really think it has to do with age, if it a sexual attraction “YES” it can be wrong depending on your age and on the other hand you can admire a singer for the lyrics that you can relate to…..
LOL, it is most definitely NOT a sexual thing Christina, no way, nada, not even close!
As long as they are over 18 then it’s perfectly sane LOL
LOL, thanks Michelle!
i think that is totally awesome!!!! i’m not much of a 1D fan, because they are pretty cute! do however remember NKOTB and i think i still have some of their sheets HAHAH
i hope you all have an amazing time next month!
Aww thank you so much!
I have heard of this group but haven’t heard them. Hope you have a great time and get your daughter/your:) dreams true.
Thank you Charity 🙂
You’re not alone! hahah
Good to know, LOL!
It sounds like a lot of effort but if it makes you and your daughter happy then carry on.
It has been fun Melody!
I love this group…I watched them on the X Factor and Simon was really amazing – to see these individuals perform separately and be able to somehow put them all together to create this group.
I agree Teresa. They are very talented and mesh well together..
It is amazing what we will do as parents and grandparents so that our children and grandchildren can experience something that they only thought was almost impossible. Bravo to you for securing those tickets
LOL, thank you Darlene 🙂
Ha! The things we’ll do for our kids, right?
LOL, sad, but true..
I expect Emily was over the moon with the concert, I wonder if you managed to get an interview with them? New Kids On The Block was one of my kids favourite bands when they were teenagers, mine was the Beatles – showing my age eh?
Loved this post,i remember my daughter being all crazy for the New Kids On The Block.
🙂