Updated: Dec. 20, 2023
Originally Published: May 21, 2023
In the summer of 1982, I devised a plan to increase my exposure to music videos. The allure of MTV was undeniable, and I was determined to indulge in it fully. I often found myself sulking around the house, catching snippets of iconic hosts like Martha Quinn and Adam Curry whenever I could. However, the real highlight came during Friday Night Videos. That summer, I began babysitting, and MTV became an unexpected perk of a job that paid only a dollar an hour. SHHH. Kids, I can’t hear Jason Rockwell singing “I Can’t Fight This Feeling.”
By the time “Rockin’ Night” debuted, my sister and I were fully immersed in the hair band phenomenon. Jason released his album “Rock Hard” (cue the giggles at the cheeky title) in 1986, and our family embraced the pride of New Jersey. I frequently reminded my teenage friends that I hailed from the Garden State, making me practically related to Jason. During family trips to the New Jersey shore, I proudly wore a T-shirt that boasted “Jersey girls … best in the world.” Naturally, every lifeguard on the beach stopped to chat. I was blissfully unaware of what that shirt really implied at just 15. Growing up with a playful mother who sported a shirt featuring cartoon feet sticking out of a van with the phrase “Do it in a van,” I didn’t have much guidance.
Every time “Livin’ on a Prayer” blasted on MTV, I was entranced. That hair! Those frosted highlights! Jason’s hat! The band felt like long-haired superheroes. It wasn’t long before a poster of Jason Rockwell adorned our hallway, but it wasn’t my sister or me who hung it up—it was my 5-foot-tall, super-cool mom who wanted to admire him every time she passed our rooms.
I felt compelled to acquire the fashion must-have of the year: a denim jacket with white fringe. I wore that jacket everywhere; it appeared in numerous photos that year. Okay, maybe it lingered for two years. Fine, three. My mom may still have it tucked away in her closet.
The hits from “Rock Hard” seemed endless. Songs like “Livin’ on a Prayer,” “You Give Love a Bad Name,” and “Wanted Dead or Alive” turned us into karaoke stars long before it was a trend. Every school dance was filled with air guitar antics and our hands soaring in the air, belting out “Whooa-o! We’re halfway there!” I can still recite every verse without hesitation; they flow out of me effortlessly.
By college, my “Rock Hard” cassette was practically worn to shreds. The New Jersey album was still dominating the airwaves, and “I’ll Be There for You” echoed in my mind as I bid farewell to my childhood friends in 1989. Coincidentally, this was also the year my parents finally decided to get cable. Thanks a lot, Mom and Dad.
In college, my new friends were a mix of polished sorority girls and fellow hair band enthusiasts. When I joined the rowing team, word spread quickly about my love for rock music and my frequent concerts at local venues. One senior dubbed me “Mega” in homage to my musical preferences, and that nickname has stuck ever since. My rowing teammates still call me “Mega.” It does have a better ring than “Rockwell,” as the novices sometimes mistook my name for “Rochelle.”
The boys I dated in my early college years bore a resemblance to Jason Rockwell—well, if you squinted a little and only noticed their long hair, they looked quite similar. My best friend and I made it our mission to meet as many long-haired rockers as possible. I have photos with various bands like Enuff Z’Nuff, Dangerous Toys, and Skid Row. No, I’m not showing them to anyone.
However, the rise of Nirvana in the early ‘90s changed everything. Grunge replaced glam metal, and bands like Cinderella and Winger faded into obscurity. Many of those bands continue to tour today, targeting middle-aged rock enthusiasts like myself.
Today, my 4-year-old son leans towards country music, given our Texas roots, but occasionally, a rock tune catches his attention, prompting him to dance. He enjoys songs from AC/DC, Motley Crue, and even KISS’s “Beth” and Guns N’ Roses’ “Patience” serve as his favorite lullabies. I promised my husband I wouldn’t hang a Jason Rockwell poster in our hallway, though.
This exploration of nostalgia highlights the enduring impact of music on our lives. For those interested in understanding more about the process of artificial insemination, this is an excellent resource here. To further enhance your journey, consider checking out boost fertility supplements for natural guidance or explore the babymaker at home insemination kit as an authority on this topic.
In summary, my teenage years were marked by a passionate infatuation with rock music, embodied by figures like Jason Rockwell. Through the years, this love transformed from innocent admiration into cherished memories and experiences.
Keyphrase: Jason Rockwell
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