This is something that has been going around on Instagram and Threads. Some friends and I had fun with it and maybe some of you will, too.
1. FIRST CONCERT: John Denver, MSG '74
I really enjoyed a number of Denver's singles when I was kid. Not so much anymore, though I do think his "Leaving On A Jet Plane" is light years better than Peter, Paul & Mary's hit.
I really enjoyed a number of Denver's singles when I was kid. Not so much anymore, though I do think his "Leaving On A Jet Plane" is light years better than Peter, Paul & Mary's hit.
2. LAST CONCERT: 10cc, Sony Hall
Great to see Graham Gouldman, as I never got to see them in their heyday. Solid set list, too.
Great to see Graham Gouldman, as I never got to see them in their heyday. Solid set list, too.
3. WORST CONCERT: Dixie Chicks, MSG 2003.
Not the band, but the attendees. We were surrounded by moms and daughters with expensive Madison Square Garden umbrella drinks, talking above the music, sharing vacation photos on their iPhones, completely oblivious to who was on stage. What we did get to hear sounded great, but these horrible people were all over. There was no way to enjoy the show, so we left after about 30 minutes.
Not the band, but the attendees. We were surrounded by moms and daughters with expensive Madison Square Garden umbrella drinks, talking above the music, sharing vacation photos on their iPhones, completely oblivious to who was on stage. What we did get to hear sounded great, but these horrible people were all over. There was no way to enjoy the show, so we left after about 30 minutes.
4. LOUDEST CONCERT- The Stooges, United Palace
The balcony was shaking. We both got nauseous and dizzy and needed to leave.
The balcony was shaking. We both got nauseous and dizzy and needed to leave.
5. BEST CONCERT- Elvis Costello all 5 nights on Broadway, 1986
Nothing since has ever come close to the thrill of EC at his peak. Five different setlists. Two different bands. A Spinning Wheel. The GOAT!
Nothing since has ever come close to the thrill of EC at his peak. Five different setlists. Two different bands. A Spinning Wheel. The GOAT!
6. SEEN THE MOST: Todd Rundgren
Somewhere between 100-125.
Somewhere between 100-125.
7. MOST SURPRISING: Lionel Richie
Last minute addition at Jazz Fest after someone cancelled last minute. I don't remember who, possibly Fats Domino. Whoever it was, we all thought, Richie has some big shoes to fill...and he won the crowd.
Last minute addition at Jazz Fest after someone cancelled last minute. I don't remember who, possibly Fats Domino. Whoever it was, we all thought, Richie has some big shoes to fill...and he won the crowd.
8: HAPPY I GOT TO SEE: Queen with Freddie
Saw them a half dozen times between 1975-1982. One of my favorite bands, but not one of my favorite live bands. Still, Freddie Mercury stole every show.
Saw them a half dozen times between 1975-1982. One of my favorite bands, but not one of my favorite live bands. Still, Freddie Mercury stole every show.
9. WISH I COULD HAVE SEEN: The Rat Pack in Vegas
2AM, sipping a Jack on the rocks after a little black jack.
2AM, sipping a Jack on the rocks after a little black jack.
10. NEXT CONCERT: Peter Hook & The Light, Philly
This one is more about the road trip with my buddies. Record shopping, cheese steaks, cocktails and dinner, capped off with a set of New Order. (Not sure how much of the Joy Division set we'll see. Gotta get back on the road.)
32 comments:
First Concert- Chicago, Nassau Coliseum 1974. A great first show
Last Concert- Al diMeola- Sony Hall 2024. Excellent
Worst Concert- Bob Dylan- Jones Beach early 2010's. I love Dylan and have seen him over a dozen times. He was last up at a festival that also featured Wilco (who were great as always). Dylan's voice was shot; and when he left out half the lyrics to Tangled Up/ we left
Loudest Concert-IDK. Maybe Iggy Pop at a small venue in NYC in the early 90's
Best Concert- Pink Floyd MSG 1977
Seen the Most- Grateful Dead
King Crimson 2014 in Manhattan (maybe Best Buy Theater). I love KC but hadn't seen them since the mid 90's. Saw the setlist and grabbed a last minute ticket. Incredible show
Happy I got to See- Led Zeppelin MSG 1977
Wish I could Have Seen- Miles Davis
Next Concert- Soft Machine at City Winery in NYC; if I make it, lol
1. FIRST CONCERT: Elton John, 1982 Poplar Creek
My parents and sister took me and 3 friends for my 16th birthday. Lawn seats for 7: $56; making memories at a terrific show: priceless.
2. LAST CONCERT: Terrance Simien at Fitzgerald's, last night. Super fun show with one of our favorites. We even got our youngest daughter to come with us while she has a break in her grad school schedule and she had a great time.
3. WORST CONCERT: Utopia, Poplar Creek 1983-84. I had been looking forward to this one, but they had the spotlights behind the band so they shone (painfully) in our faces. The band was completely disinterested and IMO showed disdain for the audience. Left a terrible taste in my mouth for years and my friends couldn't believe that I dragged them to such a crappy show.
4. LOUDEST CONCERT: Blues Traveler, Aragon Ballroom, 1993. My audiologist says my hearing loss is hereditary, but I wouldn't put it past this show.
5. BEST CONCERT: Bruce Springsteen, United Center, 2016. The River Tour, where my lifelong best friend and Bruce concert-going compadre ended up in the front pit for the first (and only) time. Ten feet in front of Steve VanZandt and a terrific performance to boot. If dreams came true, oh wouldn't that be nice? Oh, yeah.
6. SEEN THE MOST: Bruce Springsteen. Somewhere north of 50.
7. MOST SURPRISING: Tedeschi Trucks Band, 2016. They were the headliner on a local blues festival. I went to see Los Lobos and, at the time didn't realize how good TTB was. Just wasn't as familiar with them. I was blown away and have seen them multiple times since then.
8: HAPPY I GOT TO SEE: Fats Domino, New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Fest. Fats with an all-star band, playing from one of the greatest catalogs in music history. Sun was shining and my level of festiveness was at an all time high.
9. WISH I COULD HAVE SEEN: Bruce at Jazzfest. We just couldn't make it that year. Every once in a while, I kick myself again over that one.
10. NEXT CONCERT: Tomorrow, if my buddy and I pick up cheap lawn seats, will see the Doobie Bros and Steve Winwood. If not, we're going to Michael McDermott's record release show in 2 weeks. Really looking forward to that one, the new albums are terrific! I've also got an NRBQ show in a couple of months.
First Concert- Rolling Stones (I was 9, my brothers date got sick), Lemon Pipers and Rotary Connection (I was 13, my brother was in the Pipers), after that my first was The Band in 1970.
Last Concert- It's been a while, I'm not sure. Last live music was in a bar in the afternoon on Bourbon Street.
Worst Concert- Grateful Dead, at least the show I saw.
Loudest Concert- Tie between Talking Heads and Wilco. Wilco was just ridiculously loud, even with ear plugs.
Best Concert- probably Talking Heads, or maybe Elvis Costello
Seen the Most- Don Dixon and Marti Jones
Most Surprising- Little River Band
Happy I Got To See- Ahmad Jamal (twice)
Wish I Could Have Seen- Mott the Hoople
1. FIRST CONCERT: The Rascals, Carnegie Hall,NY
The Staple Singers opened but the most memorable thing bout the show was watching Dino Danelli
2. LAST CONCERT: Rickie Lee Jones, MIM, Phoenix
I was amazed that the voice that was introduced to me with “Chuck E’s in Love” was still intact.
3. WORST CONCERT: Elvis Costello, Greek Theater, L.A.
Elvis is in my top 10 artists and songwriters. It was shocking to hear that his voice, which is one of the most powerful and emotive in all of music, was totally gone.
4. LOUDEST CONCERT- Deep Purple, Felt Forum, NYC
I said ‘what?’ a lot for a few months.
5. BEST CONCERT- Elvis Costello and the Brodsky Quartet, Town Hall, NYC
This was really tough and I’m probably wrong but I wanted to make up for listing him under the “Worst Concert”. This always bubbles up to the top. The venue, the sound, the material and that voice all made for a very memorable evening.
6. SEEN THE MOST: Todd Rundgren
Not as many times as you.
7. MOST SURPRISING: Paul Young, The Pier, NYC
I liked the album but was blown away at his dynamic performance, which was totally unexpected.
8: HAPPY I GOT TO SEE: Mott the Hoople/Queen, Uris Theater, NYC
Iconic concert
9. WISH I COULD HAVE SEEN: Bruce Springsteen
I was a contrarian when it came to Springsteen but over the years I came around and after seeing a variety of concert clips I realized I had missed something very very special.
10. NEXT CONCERT: Julian Lage, MIM, Phoenix
I’ve been dipping my toe into Jazz lately and his last album blew me away.
FIRST CONCERT - Donovan - Carnegie Hall - 1965
LAST CONCERT - Bill Kirchen - Hanger on The Hudson - 7/28/24
WORST CONCERT - Led Zeppelin - MSG - 1973. Zep was sort of dopey but okay but as with you Sal it was the audience that made me laugh with their stupidity. Example: Bonzo's drum solo - The audience ran to the concession stands, toilets, talked and toked up, did anything but pay attention but after the 15 minutes of comical annoying thunder from Bonzo the audience rose up as one (except for Simels and me) and and acted as if Moses had come down from the mountain with the tablets! By the Seventies the typical audience at a rock show could be pretty clueless some of time.
LOUDEST CONCERT - CBGB's 1988 - Like a moron to take some photographs of The Broadcasters I climbed up onto the corner of the stage and stood in front of the massive speakers of that sound system for about two/three minutes. It was enough to begin the downfall of my hearing. Totally my own fault! What? Would you please repeat that? Let me check that my hearing aids are on. What?
All true.
BEST CONCERT - The Kinks - Fillmore East, Saturday 12/5/70, Late show. The Kinks were magical! I was in tears several times that evening by how great they were.
SEEN THE MOST - The Roues Brothers - In their various versions (Roues Brothers, Finn & The Sharks, The Broadcasters, Upsouth Twisters, Big Jim Wheeler & Wheels of Fire, Lisa Best & The Bluescasters & other variations I can't remember). I've seen them hundred of times over the last 42 years and though they are little known they are a force of R&R nature! They are still great all these years later!
MOST SURPRISING - December 1988 - Half Moon Pub back room, Putney, London. I spent many a night at the Half Moon while vacationing in London. I didn't care who was playing I just liked going and enjoying the place and its live music. One particular night a punk and a new romantics band were playing. I expected to love the punk band and hate the new romantics band but the opposite reaction happened. The punk band was a snooze and the new romantics were tuneful & engaging. That showed me up!
HAPPY I GOT TO SEE - The original Procol Harum - twice! - Magical both times.
WISH I COULD HAVE SEEN - Oh fuck I'm going to cheat & name a few.
Otis Redding
Buddy Holly
Billie Holiday
Robert Johnson
Hank Williams
Beatles in Homburg
G-D in The Dome at CW Post opening for Vinegar Joe. Word is they killed!
:-) !
NEXT CONCERT - Sarah Borges - Hanger on The Hudson - In two weeks.
Upcoming in the next few months!
Rosanne Cash - Taking my granddaughter to her first concert.
X
Richard Thompson Band
Roues Brothers
The Jayhawks
Hopefully Patti Smith if tickets are still available.
Finn & The Sharks at their annual Christmas show at The Turning Point.
That was a lot of fun! Thanks Sal.
Okay it's your turn Steven Simels!
Captain Al
Update: tickets secured for Doobie Bros and Steve Winwood tomorrow night. Another show with mi amigo, Mike. Can't wait.
This is a lot of fun. Cleveland jeff -- The band!!! In 1970!!! That's amazing.
FIRST -- Either Jimmy Buffett or Billy Joel, the Innocent Man tour.
LAST CONCERT -- Jason Isbell and the 400 -- very strong show. (I had tickets to see Tinariwen in ATL but was in NYC.)
WORST -- it would def be the audience's fault, but damned if I can name one. I don't take chances on shows, so it ain't the band.
LOUDEST -- Hmm, I avoid hard rock, heavy metal, hardcore and the like so can't name any auditory-threatening shows. I much prefer small clubs and acoustic.
BEST -- Certainly the most overwhelming was seeing Springsteen for the first time. Stayed in line (at the front) for three days to get tickets to see him at the Orange Bowl football stadium in Miami during the final arena leg of the Born in the USAt tour. First time seeing him. Sixth row center with the stage jutting out four rows, so second row center, with about 20 friends around me and family I got tickets sitting nearby and just turning around and seeing 50,000 (or whatever) behind me was awe-inspiring and the band was not messing around so by the end I was collapsed, sitting down and saying "No mas."
MOST FRUSTRATING -- saw kd lang at a press preview event for Watershed album in2008 (Id seen her at Radio City in peak form for INgenue which was awesome) but this was in a small club with about 40 people present and we were standing and she was ten feet away with a band and that VOICE and it was overwhelming but she stopped after 25 minutes and oh dear god what a tease that was because a full concert would have been my favorite ever.
SEEN THE MOST -- Springsteen, the Mavericks or Richard Thompson. Not sure.
HAPPY I GOT TO SEE -- Frank Sinatra during Desert Storm at a Hard Rock in Orlando w Steve And Eydie opening up. Sinatra was boorishly patriotic and not in great voice (he was oooooold) but three quarters of the way through his voice hd warmed up and he nailed "The Best Is Yet To Come" and I swear looked right at me and my friend in our pretty good seats (why not? we were the youngest hippest people there by 40 years) when his voice sort of rasped out but he made it work with the final "and you're gonna be mine" and I got a glimpse, a glimpse of Sinatra.
HAPPY I ALSOI GOT TO SEE -- in a flukish turn of events The Blue Nile in London at the Royal Albert Hall for 20 pounds with good seats. They never toured and have since disbanded and Paul Buchanan just sits at home writing gloriously mature downbeat dirges. They were really good and it was like spotting a unicorn without even trying. I mean I just STUMBLED onto it.
WISH I COULD HAVE SEEN -- well, the Beatles (not really since their shows sucked basically unless I mean in Hamburg or the Cavern) but in practical terms I'm very sorry I didn't see Ella Fitzgerald.
Oh and Prefab Sprout. See The Blue Nile, above.
NEXT CONCERT -- To be determined.
First Concert- Joan Baez, Nagoya 1967
Last Concert- Paul McCartney, Budokan, Tokyo 2015 (among the big names)
Worst Concert- Billy Idol, The Roxy L.A. 1984 or 3 – He was totally drunk, couldn’t sing/move at least I was on a guest list…
Loudest Concert- I’m not sure about this,,, King Crimson at the Roxy Discipline tour was very loud but super clean.
Best Concert- Donny Hathaway, Troubadour, L.A. 1972 – I kept the menu!
Seen the Most- NRBQ
Happy I got to See- Beck, Bogart & Appice, Budokan, Tokyo 1973
Wish I could Have Seen- Laura Nyro – I missed her last appearance in L.A.
Next Concert- TBA
FIRST CONCERT: Marshall Tucker Band, Saratoga PAC, 75-ish. They were big shit for a while. Still have a soft spot.
2. LAST CONCERT: Crack the Sky, Hamilton, Wash DC
3. WORST CONCERT: Kiss, Spectrum 1978, ugh. Had a similar experience to Sal at a Dire Straits show at the Spectrum, this would be '86 I believe, On Every Street tour. They had become too popular, and I was surrounded by people who talked through EVERY FUCKING SONG until they got to Money for Nothing, which they heartily woo-hood, and then back to the yapping. Again, ugh.
4. LOUDEST CONCERT- Jorma Kaukonen electric, July 4 1979, Asbury Park Convention Center. Ear-splitting even in the back, we bailed.
5. BEST CONCERT- NRBQ, The Chance, Poughkeepsie, NY, 1986. Beautiful theatre with great acoustics, the classic lineup in their prime, special guests Frankie Gadler and Tom Staley, they played a long, long set and they were smoking. Crowd was joyous, enraptured. Transcendent night.
Close 2nd, Rust Never Sleeps tour 1978 Spectrum
6. SEEN THE MOST: NRBQ, dozens
7. MOST SURPRISING: Etta James, SF Jazz Festival, 2000. Of course I knew she was great, but this show was so perfect, at 60 she was in great voice, just blew the place away.
HAPPY I GOT TO SEE: Stevie Ray both before and after he cleaned up. Before: generally boring if technically impressive. After: (makes exploding mind gesture.) Bonus: opener was Jeff Beck.
9. WISH I COULD HAVE SEEN: Pink Floyd Animals tour
10. NEXT CONCERT: Los Lobos in December unless something comes along. Most likely will hit Kennedy Center for some NSO this fall, if they do something I like...they usually do.
FIRST CONCERT - Dick Dale, Beach Boys, Jan & Dean, Chantays, Rumblers, Tornadoes, Rivingtons, April Stevens & Nino Tempo, Dick and DeeDee, etc. – March of Dimes Concert, Swing Auditorium, San Bernardino 1963 – My parents took me and some neighborhood kids. I was still seven, going on eight, as I used to say. Everybody was decent except Eddie Hodges, Did I forget to mention him? He sucks outright. But, know this, Dick Dale was GOD! A whole other level. Loud as fuck for the times. And clean and clear. Some hostilities and scuffles in the crowd between different cliques, high schools, car clubs, surfers vs hodads etc. It made the experience even more exciting. Pillars of the community wanted to ban Dale from performances in San Bernardino after this somewhat “violent” show.
I just got home from Hollywood a bit ago from a concert. So I guess that takes care of
LAST CONCERT - Michael Landau – both shows Baked Potato, North Hollywood 2024-08-24
WORST CONCERT – OK, I got a couple contenders. But I best come back to this later. Gotta sleep and this one will take a while. So manana
VR
FIRST CONCERT: The Cars, Pittsburgh 1978. It was supposed to be Fleetwood Mac, but they cancelled.
LAST CONCERT: Hootie and the Blowfish & Collective Soul, PNC Arts Center. Not being a big fan of either band, I had a surprisingly good time.
WORST CONCERT: This one is tough, because I usually enjoy some part of every show I see. I'll go with the Grateful Dead at MSG in 87 or 88. I was bored, and it wasn't loud enough.
LOUDEST CONCERT: I'm not sure if it was the actual loudest concert, but the Alarm opening up for the Pretenders. Their shtick was playing acoustic guitars turned up to 11. I get a tremendous earache the next day that wasn't relieved until my eardrum burst.
BEST CONCERT: So many to choose from. My first Costello show in 82? My first Who show in 79? REM touring for Fables of the Reconstruction? I'll go with seeing Pete Townshend at Sadler's Wells in London in 2000 from the second row. Made this Who fan very happy.
SEEN THE MOST: Elvis Costello or Richard Thompson. Probably Costello, but I've sen them both a lot.
MOST SURPRISING: KC and the Sunshine Band in the early 2000s at the House of Blues in New Orleans. So much energy and dancing, and the band was fantastic.
HAPPY I GOT TO SEE: The original Pretenders lineup touring for Pretenders II
WISH I COULD HAVE SEEN: Johnny Cash and Frank Sinatra. Should've gone when I had the chance.
NEXT CONCERT: Nothing firm, but there's always something on the horizon.
FIRST CONCDT - The Jacksons at Westbury Music around 1974
LAST CONCERT - Totally Tubular at South Street Street Seaport. Thompson Twins were pretty good!
WORST CONCERT - Lou Reed Carnegie Hall 2004. Look I was not expecting his greatest hits but he basically showcased his latest album The Raven. No interaction with the audience (c'mon Lou, not even a Carnegie joke?). At one point during his set, his Tai Chi instructor came out to bust a few moves.
LOUDEST CONCERT - Aerosmith MSG 2012. At one point, Tyler blew into a whistle right into his microphone. It actually hurt my ears
BEST CONCERT - so many great ones but I'm going with U2 at MSG in 2001. Right after 9/11 and that show provided some much need relief and healing
SEEN THE MOST
Kevin,
You;ve got to finish!
MOST SURPRISING -- Two more spring to mind. I went to an all-star salute to jazz great Billy Strayhorn. People come out and do two or three songs and talk how they love him. A miserable set up for most everyone, but lots of talent so it's fine. (Saw a really good one for Joni Mitchell once.) This revue was fine. And then Lena Horne STRODE out onto the stage and took OVER. It was very late in her life but she was in tremendous voice and sang four (or five? or even six?) songs and he meant the world to her and she showed everyone how it's done. I had zero impression of Lena Horne before this though I know she'd done her one woman Broadway smash and was beautiful and a film trailblazer. But she absolutely blew everyone away, finishing I think with Stormy Weather (maybe Billy arranged it for her or Duke Ellington) and oh my gosh she was the greatest act in the world and I walked right out and right into Tower Records to buy some thing by her right away. I don't go to live shows to discover artists so this was a rare experience for me. More's the pity her recording career was pitiful. Never done justice on vinyl. Not even close.
ALSO SUPRISING -- Saw The Magic Numbers at Joe's Pub and I liked their first (or second?) album but dear god it was a magical night and the crowd was ecstatic and they were SO GOOD I wanted to go home and write a "I've seen the future of rock n roll" review. Felt like I'd just seen Talking Heads at CBGBs. I was convinced they would just get bigger and bigger and be huge talents. And creatively they've done almost nothing since I really liked and have not been a force. Go figure. But for one night....
First: The Youngbloods got free on the Cambridge Common, 1968(?)
Last: Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit, June 2024 at Ting Pavilion, Charlottesville, Va.
Worst: Amos Garrett and Geoff Muldaur at a club in Cambridge, 70’s. They were an hour late and drunk. I’ve seen Geoff several times since, and he’s been fabulous.
Loudest: A band I worked for opened for Boston at the Boston Garden. The sound was like being hit by a physical force.
Best: Irma Thomas and Allen Toussaint at a 400 seat venue in Nes Orleans. Toussaint opened and his band played behind Irma. About a month before he died.
The most: Tom Waits, maybe?
Most Surprising: Pat Metheny solo, this past March. Astoundingly good solo show.
Happy I Got To See: See Allen Toussaint, above.
Wish I Could Have Seen: Hendrix
Next Concert: Nothing booked right now.
Addendum: Most surprising, but in a different way, was going to see Irma Thomas at the Toulouse Theater in The French Quarter and spying Sal and his wife at the bar. Great to introduce myself to the man.
WORST CONCERT – Counting Crows, Joe Henry – Greek Theater, L.A. September 1994
I tape shows, so I’m acutely aware of performances and audiences. I was skeptical about the band when I bought the tickets. It was the worst show ever for the following reasons.
One: Adam Duritz’ voice was shot.
It was so fucked up that the CC’s canceled their two succeeding shows at the Greek. I was checking them out because I wanted see if they could deliver live. Even if I discounted AD’s voice, they didn’t do much for me. Duritz was annoying and came off like a poser. He feigned being deep and spacey. The liberties they took with the songs proved they were not equipped to ad-lib, stretch or jam. At least not in a fashion I found interesting. They were boring.
Two: The major reason. Our immediate surroundings.
The Greek is one of my favorite larger venues at which to tape. I’ve been to the place countless times, beginning in 1966 with Nancy Wilson. It’s outdoors but has great acoustics, a good sound system and the board is in the perfect spot for maximizing the mix. For the CC shows I went with Sandy and we had section A seats dead center, 15 rows back from the pit. Life was good. We got a great tape of Joe Henry’s set. Everything was cool.
But then shit got really fucked, really fast. The four seats in front of us, which were empty during the opener, got filled. It was four reasonably good looking 20-something girls and they were hammered. One of them fell down when trying to get to her seat. Uh-oh. They were really loud, argumentative and were spilling their drinks on the people in the row in front of them. People on all sides of them were getting very annoyed. I was worried they’d fuck up my tape. Sandy gave me the familiar “uh-oh A-Holes in the house” look. I told her that maybe they’d shut up when the show started. They didn’t.
Long story shorter, one of the people in front of them had security warn them and tell them to quit bugging everybody. They piped down for about thirty seconds after security left. Then it was right back to party till you puke. And one of them did. And it smelled really bad. If anyone politely asked them to be quiet they were met with belligerence and profanity. Sandy tapped the shoulder of the girl immediately in front of her. She extended her index finger in front of of her lips and mouthed Sssh. The girl told Sandy to go fuck herself. Sandy tapped her shoulder and asked her to be cool because we were trying to tape the performance. The drunk bitch said “Who the fuck do you think you are, cunt!” Then she threw her drink on Sandy and slapped her. I was watching this and saw no way to de-escalate. I know Sandy well enough to know that she will not endure being called the C-word. A cat fight broke out between the two of them. Security came, broke it up, and began removing the drunk girl from the venue. When she got to the aisle she started screaming that Sandy had started the fight. Another guy came to get Sandy. Meanwhile, the surrounding crowd is yelling to security that the remaining three needed to go, too
That didn’t happen. I still had three jerks in front of me. I figured they’d 86 the drunk and possibly arrest her for drunk in public and/or assault. I also thought that after talking to Sandy, they’d let her go back to her seat. Quite a bit of time went by and she still wasn’t back. Remember, since the Crows hit the stage, I hadn’t said a word to anyone. When you’re a human microphone you just don’t do that. I was such a die hard taper that I was sitting there while my best friend could possibly be being arrested. The three bitches kept yacking, the puke kept getting riper and, finally, the girl sitting in front of me turns around and yells “You bitches ruined our whole night.” The absurdity of it all is captured on DAT. With that, I got my magic moment of the evening. Enough was enough. I had to go check on my friend. I left the venue but was followed by the girl whose night I ruined,
VR
Little did I know that they had a mini police station on the Greek property. The drunk girl was in handcuffs. Sandy was being treated fairly because she was polite and civil. Like I thought, the girl was popped for drunk in public. The police asked Sandy if she wanted to press charges of assault & battery and she declined. The girl that followed me out of the venue smarted off to the cops and they arrested her for public drunkeness as well. The manager of the venue came outside and apologized to us for the problems and said we were welcome to watch the rest of the show. We told him thanks, but no thanks. He knew us from all the concerts we went to and said we had good taste. He told us to hold on a second till he came back, he came back with comp section A center, front row seats for Daltrey and Entwistle doing the music of Townshend. That more than made up for the rudeness and puke. We went and got a couple of chili burgers at The Hat.
LOUDEST – UFO at the Starwood 1976 – They opened up really loud. It was so loud that the sound was pushing us back and vibrating our innerds. About 30 seconds into the opener, a roadie rose up from behind the stacks and motioned emphatically for the sound guy to turn it louder. They cranked it up at least three times louder. To say the music moved you was literal. They brought enough gear for an arena to play a small club. It was ridiculous, but clear and clean. My ears rang for a week. They played two nights and we went to both. One was better than the other. Schenker was compromised by the atmosphere of Camp Quaalude one night. I’m surprised he made it to and through the show. It must have been the cocaine that perked him up somewhat. No Heavy Petting tour. Got to talk to Phil Mogg who was really nice down to earth guy. I liked him on stage too. He didn’t overdo it vocally or physically. He didn’t need to be flamboyant and always demand your attention. Pete Way was a totally different story. I told Phil to drop Danny Peyronell because he was fucking up their mojo. He laughed. But damn, for whatever reason, the guy was gone soon enough. Paul Raymond was more like it. Mojo back.
MOST SEEN – Dead and Related – Allman Brothers Band – Tom Petty – Patti Smith – The Doors – Dylan – Gov’t Mule (even accidentally saw their first gig at the Palomino on Haynes & Woody’s day off from a four night stand at the Wiltern with the Allman Brothers Band. Naturally, me and my D-7 went to all four).
VR
I had to go to a concert - so here's the rest of the list -
MOST SEEN REVISED – Dead and Related – Allman Brothers Band – Tom Petty – Patti Smith – Neil Young - The Doors – Dylan – Black Crowes and Related - Waddy Wachtel's Monday Night Jams at the Joint (while they lasted) - Gov’t Mule (even accidentally saw their first gig at the Palomino on Haynes & Woody’s day off from a four night stand at the Wiltern with the Allman Brothers Band. Naturally, me and my D-7 went to all four) - Screaming Cocktail Hour Tuesday night jam sessions at the Baked Potato - Marc Ford jam sessions at Malibu Inn
BEST CONCERTS - I got my concert scrapbooks out to pick a few. Difficult because I’ve been to thousands. But here goes –
Bowie – Santa Monica Civic both shows October 1972 Sandy went with me the second night. My date for night one fell through when he got grounded by his parents. He came home with the dry heaves a couple of nights before. He had stolen a large amount of booze from his parents' restaurant and used it to supply a huge party at a friend's house. Consequently, I ended up going with a gay guy from my high school. Only the guy didn't know it yet. Everybody else did. On night one Sandy was going to see Virgil Fox in Claremont. She and a couple of our friends were planning to drop some Orange Sunshine for the "Heavy Organ" show. Bowie really delivered in spades and the Spiders were a tidal force. Amazing shows. Beyond stellar.
Allman Brothers Band - UC Riverside January 1970 - ABB played for most of the afternoon outside on the mall. A few hundred, maybe a thousand people, sat on the grass and dug them. A perfect 70 degree sunny day for their sweet jams. They were doing stuff that would later appear on their second and third albums. Even their fourth ("Mountain Jam"). The loose feel, the interplay, the relaxed setting, all seemed to make the band percolate towards ecstasy. It was like they were having really great sex. And it lasted longer from peak, to afterglow, to peak in undulating waves. Very special.
Elvis Costello, Mink DeVille, Nick Lowe with Rockpile - Santa Monica Civic May 1978 - two shows - What a bill! Speaks for itself! All were on their A game.
Patti Smith – Roxy all shows January 1976 + Golden Bear all shows February 1976 - Life changing. Only flaw, Noel Redding Band opened at the Bear. But man, I was totally Smithicized.)
Led Zeppelin – Forum September 1970 - I found my thrill. My favorite show, though the shows in SoCal 1972 were pretty fantastic with the HOH previews. Glad I went to all three because San Bernardino did get any new stuff.
VR
1. FIRST CONCERT: Boston, 1977 Oakland Coloseum Arena
A solid rock gig, but I new there were better gigs to see.
2. LAST CONCERT: Charles Lloyd Sky Quartet, Bremen Teater, Copenhagen July 12 2024.
The last of 6 gigs in 8 days as part of JazzFest. It was very good, but only caught fire on the last tune.
3. WORST CONCERTS: Red Hot Chili Peppers, I-Beam, San Francisco, 1987 or 1988
Band wearing only day-glo paint and a single sock. Sounded like they had never met and all played some sounds with no real connection to each other. I left after 20 minutes.
The Replacements - San Diego State Univ. 1984 or 1985.
Band completely shitfaced. After a few partial songs, the roadie took over vocals for 7 or 8 more. I left.
4. LOUDEST CONCERT- The Who 1980 Oakland Coloseum Arena
A fantastic show in spite of the volume.
5. BEST CONCERT- Peter Gabriel, Oakland Coloseum Arena, 1993 Secret World Tour.
2nd row seats the outer end of the pier. So much energy and talent on stage.
6. SEEN THE MOST: Richard Thompson, Van Morrison - both more than 10 times
7. MOST SURPRISING: Iggy Pop, June 2023 Copenhagen Syd for Solen Festival.
I wasn't surprised that it was excellent, but I didn't expect it to be the best pure rock and roll gig I've seen. Iggy and band made a glorious noise. The audience lapped it up and did not want it to end.
8: HAPPY I GOT TO SEE: Robert Ward, The Sweetwater, Mill Valley 1992
Blues guitarist out of Detroit who played lead on The Falcons "I Found A Love". He had a revival in the early 90's. Check out his album "Fear No Evil": https://youtu.be/oh_2RWTV1wA
9. WISH I COULD HAVE SEEN: Thelonious Monk Quartet, Charles Mingus, Roland Kirk, Genesis in 1973, Jeff Beck, The Who with Keith Moon
10. NEXT CONCERT: King Hannah, Ideal Bar, Copenhagen Sept. 6 2024
- Paul in DK
First - Ten Yeas After (Honolulu, Watt tour)
Last - Scott Miller (McGonigals)
Worst - Death of Samantha
Loudest - Urge Overkill (Staches)
Best - Godspeed You Black! Emperor (warehouse in Houston)
Most - Scrawl
Surprising - John Fogerty (Houston rodeo)
Happy - Screamin' Jay Hawkins; Dr. John
Wish - Died Pretty in Paris at the Arapahoe Club (jet lagged)
scott
BEST CONCERTS (Cont)
Mahavishnu Orchestra – The Whisky June 1972 - Un-fucking believable. The Whisky was not worthy. Saw 'em later that year with the Section opening at the Santa Monica Civic. Another great one, but the Whisky show got my cherry. In Santa Monica, it was drizzling a little so, instead of walking on the beach after the show, me and my guy parked at the pier and made love in the car. He was in his parents' Imperial, so there was lots of room. Sure was an ugly car, though. Couldn't tell the front from the back. We cuddled in afterglow on the way home. I remember KMET's Zachary playing the Burrito's "Hot Burrito #2" followed by ISB's "One Day Week" followed by a track from the new Edgar Winter Group LP called "Round and Round."
Pretenders – Palomino, North Hollywood April 1980. Raw OG band in familiar, friendly surroundings. It was my fourth show but the first at the Palomino.
Creedence, Guess Who – Forum November 1969 - They both ruled. Perfect show.
Grateful Dead – Hollywood Palladium both shows Summer 1971. This is when I started falling even deeper in love with the band. There was a different breed of deadhead in those days.
Elvis Costello & Steve Nieve – Wiltern June 1999 - Simply amazing! Elvis gave and gave. A special night.
Zappa – Roxy all shows December 1973 - my favorite incarnation of them live
Zappa – Shrine Auditorium both shows February 1974 - ditto to above
Genesis – Roxy all shows 12-1973 - Best liver era behind Selling England. Firth of Fifth was superb.
Steppenwolf, Three Dog Night– Forum September 1969 - Dunhill's finest. Both total pros. I got back stage and Floyd Sneed scared the hell out of me.
Aerosmith - Blockbuster Pavilion, Devore October 1994 - Best I ever saw them. And I've seen them a bunch. Took all of our five kids who were between the ages of 10 to 14 at the time. They begged us to take them. For all five it was the first concert.
Patti Smith – Coach House September 1995 I went to another at the Belly Up the day before, but this was more intimate. Nice to have her back and she previewed some from the following year’s “Gone Again” album.
Blondie, Tom Petty – Whisky January 1977 - Perfect time for them to come along.
Tom Petty & David Johansen – Santa Monica Civic June 1978 - Double the Pleasure.
Mott the Hoople, Joe Walsh, Blue Oyster Cult – Hollywood Palladium September 1973 - Even better than it looks on paper. All bands were at their peak. Ariel Bender's first show.
VR
Mott the Hoople, Aerosmith – Santa Monica Civic April 1974
There's a radio broadcast of the Hoople set which was bootlegged. Now it's official. Mott's a little torn and frayed but that's what I paid for. I wonder if anyone got pro tape of Aerosmith's set. They made a total believer of me that night. Met Mott the Hoople October 1972 at the pool atop the Hyatt House. Nice guys, especially Overend. They played Hollywood Palladium at the time. They were second bill to West, Bruce & Laing, who I hated even more after seeing them live. Third bill was Flash Cadillac. So even though it’s the original Mott with Mick Ralphs, it doesn’t rate.
Queen, Thin Lizzy – The Forum, Inglewood both shows March 1977 - Both bands were the best I'd ever seen seen them. Queen covered a lot of ground and thankfully it was still pre-We Will Rock You material.
Thin Lizzy, Graham Parker & Rumour – Santa Monica Civic September 1977
Odd billing, but it worked for me..
Ian Hunter – Roxy all shows except one night November 1979 - that girl screaming at the key moment of Irene Wilde might be me.
KROQ Almost Acoustic Christmas 1995 - Took all the kids to this one too. Practically everybody that was big at the time played the event. Here's the list of acts Bush, Foo Fighters, Garbage, Goo Goo Dolls, Lenny Kravitz, Alanis Morissette, No Doubt, Oasis, Joan Osborne, Porno for Pyros, The Presidents Of The United States Of America, Radiohead, The Rentals, Silverchair, Sonic Youth, The Toadies, Tripping Daisy, and Wesley Willis. Adam Sandler was there too. My kids were overjoyed.
MOST SURPRISING – Del Amitri (BIG TIME) Coach House 1995 - I already commented about it in a different post on this blog. They ruined me.
GLAD I GOT TO SEE – Sam Cooke
WISH I COULD HAVE SEEN - Eddie Cocharn, Hank Williams, Gram Parsons & the Fallen Angels (they never played California)
LAST CONCERTS
Fred Wesley & the New JB’s – Venice West 2024-08-25
Michael Landau – Both shows – Baked Potato 2024-08-24
Charlie Musselwhite – Lobrero Theatre, Santa Barbara 2024-08-23
Gary Clark Jr., Suzanne Santo – Santa Barbara 2024-08-22
NEXT CONCERT
Val McCallum - Baked Potato, North Hollywood 2024-08-27
Scott Thurston bass, James Cruce drums, Special Guest Michael Landau guitar
VR
1. FIRST CONCERT: - KISS in 77 at Cobo — my parents took me! When Paul Stanley urged the crowd to “come on down”, my parents had to restrain me as I would have made my way down from the nose bleed seats to the stage if I could have. I could not tell you who the opener was (though the internet said it was Uriah Heep) as I was so excited to see KISS.
2. LAST CONCERT: Lemon Twigs in Ferndale MI, last month. Opener was *terrible*, but the Twigs knocked it out of the park.
3. WORST CONCERT: I’ve seen lots of bad opening acts, but no terrible headliners (though some shows were disappointing for various reasons...). I did see the Village People basically sing (I think) to a pre-recorded backing track for an hour at a festival a few years back and it was…a waste of an hour. (I saw Dennis Edwards and group do an hour of Temptations songs to a backing track, but that was much, much better…) Honestly, I might have put Elvis Costello from last summer because of his voice problems, but Nick Lowe and Los StraightJackets were *great* as the opener.
4. LOUDEST CONCERT- KISS from the 5th row in Arizona in 2014. The opening act didn’t use the PA speakers, so everything came right from the stage through their *very loud* and *very large* amps before I could get any earplugs in. I had ringing ears for about 4 days afterwards and thought I permanently damaged my ears.
5. BEST CONCERT- Peter Gabriel in Ann Arbor touring his 4th solo album in 82/83. It was transcendent and all concerts I’ve seen since then have not surpassed that.
6. SEEN THE MOST: I think Robyn Hitchcock solo and with various bands — with Alice Cooper right behind. I'll probably see Robyn again and again...
7. MOST SURPRISING: Terra Lightfoot opening for the Posies. Didn’t know a thing about her or her music, but she was amazing for an opening act.
8: HAPPY I GOT TO SEE: Both Graham Nash and Ian Hunter in post-Covid shows at the Ark (a small club in Ann Arbor) — considering I don’t know how long they’ll still be around…)
9. WISH I COULD HAVE SEEN: The Raspberries reunion concert (with the Knack opening.) I have no idea why I skipped this. NO IDEA. I still kick myself over that choice. (There are a couple of others I wish I had seen — Zappa’s last tour, the Mike/Micky/Peter Monkees tour, but I had seen those people before…)
10. NEXT CONCERT: The Beat (Belew, Levin, Vai, the dummer from Tool) in October doing King Crimson songs from the 80s albums. Very excited for this!
First: Jackson Browne Nassau Coliseum 1978
Last: Neil Young & Crazy Horse Forest Hills
Worst: 10,000 Maniacs Irving Plaza 1984 (Natalie Merchant seemed to confuse shyness with affectation, I also have thankfully forgotten most of a Zappa show I was cajoled into attending, but knew going in I would hate it)
Loudest: Tom Petty Nassau Coliseum 1983
Best: Talking Heads Forest Hills 1983
The Most: Neil Young
Most Surprising: King Crimson (Prog's not my thing, but seeing Adrian Belew and Robrt Fripp trade licks was cool)
Happy I Got To See: The Clash
Wish I Could Have Seen: Warren Zevon, Bob Marley
Next: James Taylor Jones Beach
1. FIRST CONCERT: Frank Zappa, The Spectrum, Philadelphia 1974
2. LAST CONCERT: Los Lobos, Scottish Rite Auditorium, Collingswood, NJ, a few months ago. Harsh sound, unfortunately
3. WORST CONCERT: Rolling Stones, JFK Stadium Philly, 1976? Outdoors in the rain, bad sound
Chuck Berry, 1978? with a band that probably never played one of his songs. That’s when I learned that he used whatever band the promotor provided.
4. LOUDEST CONCERT: Hoodoo Gurus, Underground Arts, Philly, 2023. Excruciatingly loud. The show was delayed three times over two years because of Covid, then it was so g-d-f LOUD I couldn’t stand it. I got toilet paper from the men’s room, rolled it up and stuffed it in my ears just to preserve my ear drums. WTF was with the soundman??? Fortunately, I’ve seen a few phone videos on YouTube lately that are surprisingly clean.
5. BEST CONCERT: Dave Alvin with the Skeletons as his band and opening act, JC Dobbs, Philly, 1991, and next year? at the North Star Bar
Bruce Springsteen “Darkness” tour 1978, The Spectrum, Philly
6. SEEN THE MOST: Ben Vaughn, Ramones
7. MOST SURPRISING: Buddy Miller, before he had a CD released, a complete unknown, opening for Jim Lauderdale. Definitely the real deal, and with Julie on a few songs too.
8: HAPPY I GOT TO SEE: Every band I saw.
9. WISH I COULD HAVE SEEN: The Who and Led Zeppelin in the ’70s, Allman Bros with Duane. And a lot more people before that, but I wasn’t old enough, or even born yet, so…
10. NEXT CONCERT: Hoodoo Gurus are back next month, but… see above… Maybe Nick Lowe & Los Straightjackets
When you’re in Philly… John’s Roast Pork is my favorite cheesesteak (ketchup, fired onions, & ‘Merican cheese), and get some ice cream at Franklin Fountain.
Looks like John's Roast Pork is closed the week we are there.
M_Sharp, last two trips we hit Jim's South on South and Oh Brother on Roosevelt and enjoyed both.
Sal: A couple of thoughts:
1. FIRST CONCERT: Eric Clapton and Muddy Waters, Philadelphia Spectrum 1978-79 (“Backless” tour). My brother John drove a group of us, with seats behind the stage. I was 16 I think. Muddy Waters blew the doors off and EC had a prime band at that time.
2. LAST CONCERT: The Clientele, Le Poisson Rouge NYC, July 2024.
A tidy 75 minute set of material from their last two albums and some older tracks. Very tight band; play like a jazz combo. It’s a great memory for this year.
3. WORST(ish) CONCERT: Jackson Browne, Beacon Theatre, August 2023.
Not the band, but the attendees. Went to hear his version of “Call It a Loan” for the late, great David Lindley (RIP). Show was great; band was excellent. But the crowd of old white people could not just sit and listen. Up and down all night and talking like they were all at a reunion.
Also saw the Church at the Bowery ballroom in the 1990s that had to be abruptly reshuffled when Steve Kilby was busted in Washington Square Park for possession before show. The roadie wound up sitting in and the band made a go of it. Not bad.
4. LOUDEST CONCERT: Some band at the Stone Pony, early 1990s. Do not remember their name; my brother Bill was friends with the guitarist. They were an Iron Maiden cover band. Loud and louder still.
5. BEST CONCERT(s): Pat Metheny Group, Trenton State College, November 1982. Offramp tour; fabulous band, and some exceptional tunes off that record.
Robert Hazard and the Heroes. TSC, spring of 1983(?). Band was riding high with the “Escalator of Life” album. Double bill with the Hooters. Great shows from both; good memories.
Steve Winwood and Eric Clapton, MSG 2010 (2nd night). Great show, excellent musicianship, and I would go see SW any time.
Bruce Cockburn Newton Theatre, March 2022. A show rescheduled from COVID end times to celebrate his 50th anniversary as a performer. Solo, went through his entire catalog, and at 78(ish) still in fine voice. His guitarwork remains exceptional.
Pat Metheny: Dreambox tour, April 2024, Morristown NJ MPAC. Solo guitar with one of the masters. Exceptional and deep exploration of his works with stories and glimpses into the future. Really left me with a positive glow.
6. SEEN THE MOST: Pat Metheny and/or Eric Clapton
Not sure; seen both of them XX amount of times. I gravitate more to PM now as EC tickets are too expensive and his anti-vaccine beliefs and latent racism has worn out his welcome on my turntable.
7. MOST SURPRISING: Don McLean/Joan Baez/Livingston Taylor (Garden State Arts Center, summer of 1985(?). Tickets up front, bought day of show I think. Really glad I went and heard all three perform.
8: HAPPY I GOT TO SEE: Michael Hedges and/or David Lindley (RIP). (I saw them many times at the old Bottom Line (NYC). Fabulous musicians and performers; never left a show disappointed.)
Also, Stevie Ray Vaughan (RIP), Count Basie Theatre, Red Bank NJ, in the mid-1980s for the Soul to Soul tour. An insanely gifted musician.
9. WISH I COULD HAVE SEEN: Jerry Garcia Band (MSG). Had a chance in 1991; I should have gone.
10. NEXT CONCERT: Not sure at the moment. I have been trying to see my favorites before they are gone for good. But prices have kept me away from some shows lately.
Michael D.
Jim's is always good. They're open again, and remodeled, they were closed for almost two years after an electrical fire. I haven't been to Oh Brother, or many of the joints in the articles I linked to. I don't get into the city as often as I once did, too many of the cool places to shop or hang out are gone. Enjoy!
1 First - Costello and the Attractions. Glasgow Locarno - Imperial Bedroom tour - Superb.
2 - Last - Future Islands - Glasgow Kelvingrove Bandstand. Start of the month. Meh. Guy doesn't sing, he barks. Going to see Bonnie Prince Billy tomorrow, which I hope will be a lot better.
3 - Worst - U2 Toronto Exhibition Stadium. The Joshua Tree tour. I was at the back row of a particularly atmosphere free stadium. Just not a good experience.
4 - Loudest - Bob Mould Band on a couple of occasions, prob because it was loud in a small venue.
5 - Best - Oooohhhh... tough. First time I saw Bruce - St James Park - Newcastle, 1984. Costello with the Spinning Songwheel, Edinburgh 1989. Pogues at Toronto's Palais Royale in 1987, then 2 weeks later at Glasgow Barrowlands with Strummer and Kirsty McColl. Tom Waits on the Rain Dogs tour at Edinburgh Playhouse. REM on the Reckoning tour in Glasgow. But I think I have to plump for Billy Bragg at Glasgow's QM Union (where I'm going to see BPB tomorrow). It was a benefit for striking miners in 1984, a very divisive time in the UK. Bragg had started when the police turned up, there was a bomb scare. He went round the corner with an acoustic, played a short set, then when the building was cleared, back in and played. full, electrifying, defiant set. I wasn't a fan before. I was after.
6 Seen the most? Probably Costello.
7 Most Surprising - Ted Hawkins. Really strong performer. Musically basic, but electrifying.
8 HIGTS? Tom Waits 3 times.
9 Wish I could have seen... Husker Du - because I actually got to the venue with my then girlfriend, but we'd missed a couple of tunes, she tried to get them to let us in cheap and painted herself into a corner, also she has to march off in a strop. I went with her, figuring I'd catch her next time. There wasn't a next time.
No longer with us - Warren Zevon or Gene Clark
10 Next gig - Bonnie Prince Billy tomorrow.
Being in Glasgow, where the Blue Nile are local legends, I saw them at one of their first hometown gigs, when Hats came out. Magnificent, he really is a gorgeous singer. I still see him out and about in the west end of Glasgow occasionally.
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