November 09, 2006
Yet Another Question
QW is going to a Bob Seger concert, and Sissy, who's first concert was Alabama, is lusting after today's new country artists. Get rid of the country lust, and this was a discussion at the shop just the other day.
My aunt and our part time polisher were discussing concerts, and some of the artists that they had seen. My aunt had mentioned that she'd always wanted to see Bob Seger, and our polisher said that he had, and it was the best show he'd ever seen (hope it's just as good for you, QW!). My aunt's favorite show had been seeing Willie Nelson. They also talked about their first shows, but I wasn't listening by then... I was trying to figure out how I'd answer the question if they asked me. Unfortunately/fortunately, they didn't. Wonder why? ;)
So here's a question for ya:
What makes a show, or concert, "good" in your eyes? And who was your favorite?
Is it sound, energy, interaction... something different?
And another:
Who played your very first concert?
My answers below the fold.
My very first concert was The Statler Brothers, at the Winnebago County Fair, in Pecatonica, Illinois. I can't remember a whole lot about the show, as I was pretty young, other than the harmony... that was a very cool thing. At least to me.
I still haven't decided what specifically makes a show great. Sometimes, the artist's interaction with the crowd, and my proximity to them, plays a huge part. One of my best shows where this came into play was a Sepultura, Clutch, Fudge Tunnel, and Fear Factory show at R&R Station (no longer there) in Madison, Wisconsin. I was able to get right up against the fence, where I was handed picks and high fived by the different band members. I took a beating, and up until a few years ago, I still had the faint scars to prove it, but it was a blast.
I fondly remember another show where energy and the crowd reactions made it such a great time. Brown Airfield, San Diego, California: Metallica, Candlebox and Fight. The place was packed, and the crowd was nuts... dust filled the air when Fight started playing, and I don't remember it ever settling down. Kickass show, with a memorably horrible ending. Took us four hours to get out of the place...
When it comes right down to it, I could go on and on... and on, naming concerts and artists. I've had many shows that I've enjoyed, and they aren't all heavy rock. Hell, one of the guys I used to like to catch was Lance Appleton, a Christian artist. That guy could play a mean harmonica... while hammering out tunes on the piano.
Anyway, I'd have to say that my favorite show of all time was seeing SRV, and The Allman Brothers Band at the Wisconsin State Fair. I had to use binos to watch the show, but Stevie was just phenomenal. Never seen anything like that before, or since.
Posted by That 1 Guy at November 9, 2006 08:26 AM | TrackBackOkay- I must be a dork- because the first concert I went to was Kenny Loggins. (Yeah, shoot me now).
Of course, I've grown up some- my second concert was Alabama. As my tastes grew- I've seen great performances like AC/DC and Pink Floyd.
The AC/DC concert was kick ass. Lights, sound, audience energy...you can't beat that bass thumping in the chest to get your blood pumping.
I must be mellowing- my last concert was The Doobie Brothers and REO Speedwagon at the zoo ampitheatre....and I'm here to tell you- a concert in the open air with a few beers...life doesn't get better than that.
Talk about hair band days...
First concert: Ratt and Brittney Foxx at the Rockford Metro Center.
The best concert I ever went to was AC/DC. They put on a 2 1/2 hour show. It was awesome. A close second was Stone Temple Pilots (with Local H opening) at the Rosemont in Chicago. During one of the songs, a tall man dressed as Death came on stage and started (badly) singing with Scott Weiland.
Took off the mask: it was Dennis Rodman (he was on suspension from the Bulls for something). Scott got on Rodman's shoulders and they did a funky tandem chicken-fight mosh thing. It was cool as hell :)
Posted by: Graumagus at November 9, 2006 09:34 AMFirst concert - Def Leppard. Billings, MT 1989
Best?? Well, I guess I am required to say Def Leppard. I am deprived... And have only ever been to one concert.
But I'm not done yet!
Posted by: Richmond at November 9, 2006 12:32 PMFirst: Pure Prairie League when I was about 12. I had a blast.
Best: I don't about the best...probably Toby Keith. What makes a show great? When the band onstage doesn't forget about those of us in the cheap seats. I've seen Brooks & Dunn multiple times now and each time the play to those people in the first 30 rows and totaly ignore the rest of us. Keith Urban also puts on a great show. He is great with the interaction stuff. Lots of energy.
Posted by: drc at November 9, 2006 01:02 PMOK I am gonna have to do an entire post on this...
Posted by: armywifetoddlermom at November 9, 2006 02:06 PMFor years, I've said that my first concert was Billy Joel, but only recently, I've been corrected: My first concert was actually a Ray Stevens show at Dollywood, the first summer after it switched from Silver Dollar City to Dollywood.
I never thought of it as my first concert, because we didn't go For the Ray Stevens show...I think we got tickets because it was so bleeding hot.
I think I'll be the third comment for this post that says my favorite concert was an AC/DC show. Lights, noise...just a great show that Never Stops Moving. I've never been so worn out after a show.
Posted by: Tommy at November 9, 2006 02:53 PMI don't do concerts. I'm not going to say I've hated them all... but... I pretty much hated them all. I can't do the crowds.
I'm trying to decide if I should admit to you who my first concert was and I think the answer is... No. Heh.
Posted by: Bou at November 9, 2006 04:08 PMConcerts are kinda in the eyes of the beholder. First concert was THE ASSOCIATION(yes, I'm that old). Great band, vocals outstanding, straight forward harmony. True test is that they sounded as good on stage as they did on a 78 LP(yes, I really am that old). Later I got sucked into going to see the MONKEYS (yes, I really am that stupid but it was free, so why not?) It was horrible. Or it would have been horrible if I could have heard any of it above the screeching, screaming, wailing of several thousand teenage girls. They seemed to like it just fine. Had a chance to see KISS but I'd learned my lesson and passed it up. Funny thing, a lot of my friends who loved those kind of concerts are now complaining about their loss of hearing. Wonder why.
Posted by: Tbird at November 9, 2006 04:22 PMMy first concert was Bob Seger (main floor, row 14)
I've seen Seger 4 other times, this will be my 5th time.
I love Seger. I love his songs. They also hold some very good memories during my youth.
I can't wait.
Posted by: Quality Weenie at November 9, 2006 05:21 PMAll the musicians have to be great, and if each one almost steals the show...then they all are giving 100% and having fun - that makes for a great concert!
I hated to say who was first, 'cause then you know how old I am, but it Paul Revere and the Raiders!
I went to the last concert tour Seger had and it was a hoot. The guitar player was tops, the drummer wore leather gloves and was banging his heart out, and Alto Ray blew us away on the sax, all this a Seger's lyrics - what more could you ask for?
Posted by: Mushy at November 9, 2006 05:45 PMFirst Concert: Pink Floyd. Momentary Lapse of Reason Tour. That's an interesting way to start off that part of life.
Best Concert: Tori Amos. She was playing in an old church so the accoustics were incredible, one piano, one harpsicord, but was completely bonded with the whole audience. She went along with what we wanted to hear. She talked with us, a lot of us individually and the whole room just felt like a comfortable group. Add to that an incredible voice and no magic lights, pyro, etc. Her sound, her talent and her ability to interact with the audience and adapt to the crowd was what made the show.
Coolest moment: Stevie Nicks flowing over towards me and pointing at me while singing "Edge of Seventeen" right after my 17th birthday. She kept coming back. Must have thought I had some coke on me or something.
Posted by: RSM at November 9, 2006 06:08 PM... my first concert?.... Jimmy Buffett in Pensacola.... he set up on the beach and played as the tide rose... the best seats were when you were bobbin in the surf 20m out in the shark-feeding zone...
... my second concert?... James Taylor at The Edinburgh Playhouse.... January, 1999.....
Posted by: Eric at November 9, 2006 08:23 PMFirst concert: Journey and Loverboy.
Best concert: My kids' band performances. (I have to say that it is in the Mom's Code of Ethics).
Posted by: Sticks at November 10, 2006 06:17 AMFirst concert ? I think I get the Nerd Award - John Denver - mid 70's in Philadelphia.
Most interesting way for me to start a conversation ? " Hey, I've got a pair of Stevie Nick's used (yes - used) underware" Looong story.
My First concert was the fabeled but now defunct June Jam in Alabama, hosted by the group, Alabama. A Real Blast.
Best Concert was Tim McGraw in North Carolina back in 2001
Posted by: BloodSpite at November 10, 2006 10:31 AMI'm with Army wife... that's a whole post. It's gonna take a few days but I'll get there.
Posted by: michele at November 10, 2006 09:22 PMBTW, thank you for your having served your country! Happy birthday Marine!
Posted by: michele at November 10, 2006 09:25 PM
