Time is on my side

After the overwhelming success of my first concert – the Beatles in June 1964 – I barely had time to catch my breath before my mother paid my sister to take me to my second – the Rolling Stones in January 1965. What a difference six months could make.

It was a metamorphosis. Not only had I traversed the timeline from primary to secondary school, I was no longer shepherded by godparents. I got to tag along in the hallowed presence of my older sister and her friend, and the friend's younger brother – in retrospect, it was almost a date. But of course I only had eyes for Mick, having also transferred my undying love from Ringo in same said six months.

I had also (thankfully) outgrown my emerald green velvet Beatle suit and this time was decked out in my black PVC Mary Quant raincoat – not that it was raining inside the Agricultural Hall at the Sydney Showground, but it was the kind of coat you had to wear rain, hail or shine. I particularly liked it when I had to pull the hood into play, with its clear panels running down the cheeks so I could see around corners. I'm pretty sure I wore my first lipstick – Mary Quant of course.

I love it that the Stones are performing in Melbourne tonight. I love it that Mick is 71 and is still strutting his stuff.

In 2009 at a Leonard Cohen concert I remarked to my son that at 74 I wanted to be like Leonard and to be able to effortlessly squat on my haunches and stand up in one movement. With the kind of honesty you only allow your children he replied, 'Wouldn't you need to be able to do that now?'

These great performers are great role models and Time is on my side, so it's more yoga for me.