cgvt
Full Member
Posts: 906
First Name: Jim
Location:
|
Post by cgvt on May 8, 2018 19:47:56 GMT -5
The best show is hard to pinpoint, but maybe.......Little Feat warming up for Van Morrison at Armadillo World Headquarters in November of ‘75. My first date with a long since love affair, ...a magical night for a moondance. Never saw Van or Little Feat with Lowell. I am a huge fan of both. I did see Little Feat in a small theater in Cleveland when they got back together in the late '80s for the Let it Roll album tour (a damn fine album, BTW) and had Craig Fuller singing the Lowell George parts. They were really, really good. I've seen them a few times since. Still enjoyable, but just not the same. |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
Location:
|
Post by Deleted on May 8, 2018 19:52:26 GMT -5
The best small venue show I saw was Robin Trower in a nightclub in Portland, Oregon. It was a tune up gig to ready for concert support of his Bridge of Sighs album. There were 3 false starts, as he blew the club's breaker box three times. It was loud . . . . Who loud! A memorable night with probable hearing damage.  |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
Location:
|
Post by Deleted on May 8, 2018 20:22:31 GMT -5
Pat Metheny- Imaginary Day Tour
Maynard Ferguson 1976
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
Location:
|
Post by Deleted on May 8, 2018 21:20:20 GMT -5
John Prine in a tobacco barn outside of Bowling Green.
|
|
|
|
Post by Wolfman on May 8, 2018 21:49:38 GMT -5
In no particular order:
Summer, 1994 The Rolling Stones Voodoo Lounge tour at the Meadowlands.
Nassau Coliseum - February, 1998 Billy Joel
Early 1994, Albany, NY. Billy Joel/Elton John
MSG September, 2001 Michael Jackson 30th Anniversary Celebration.
Albany, NY Nov 1993 Jerry Garcia
|
|
peeps
Junior Member
Posts: 133
Location:
|
Post by peeps on May 8, 2018 22:05:32 GMT -5
Small venue show: In the fall of ‘76 I walked out of a frigging disco in Austin and walked across the street to an old ice house. One guy there, two stools. He sat on one and his pitcher of beer on the other, no glass. I was the only one there so I got my own pitcher, no glass.
Before I went back to the disco where my girlfriend and her sister were, I sat for 45 minutes and shared pitchers of beer and some good tunes with Lyle Lovette.
|
|
cgvt
Full Member
Posts: 906
First Name: Jim
Location:
|
Post by cgvt on May 8, 2018 22:10:12 GMT -5
Small venue show: In the fall of ‘76 I walked out of a frigging disco in Austin and walked across the street to an old ice house. One guy there, two stools. He sat on one and his pitcher of beer on the other, no glass. I was the only one there so I got my own pitcher, no glass. Before I went back to the disco where my girlfriend and her sister were, I sat for 45 minutes and shared pitchers of beer and some good tunes with Lyle Lovette. Wow! That's cool. I saw Lyle Lovett and and John Hiatt together in a small theater in Pensacola. We were in the 2nd row. It was a great show. Pretty intimate, but nothing like your night. |
|
peeps
Junior Member
Posts: 133
Location:
|
Post by peeps on May 8, 2018 22:29:43 GMT -5
cgvt -
He didn’t even have big hair then. 😎
|
|
sablebrush52
Full Member
Posts: 903
Favorite Pipe: Barling
Favorite Tobacco: whatever is in it
Location:
|
Post by sablebrush52 on May 9, 2018 2:14:36 GMT -5
One other memorable concert was a fundraiser that my friends and I attended at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium in the late 1970's, which featured Harry Chapin and Joan Baez. After the concert we were ambling along the beach toward home, and we heard this wonderful singing coming from behind us. We turned around to see Joan Baez walking along, just singing softly in the night, carrying a bouquet of roses that someone had given her. We ended up chatting with her, telling her how much we had enjoyed the concert and she gave my friend the bouquet before we parted company.
|
|
|
|
Post by simnettpratt on May 9, 2018 2:44:40 GMT -5
I don't generally like concerts because the music's too damn loud and the poor things have played their hits so many times they tend to sound bad (not even including the Columbian Jumping Powder and Jack Daniels), so I'd have to say seeing the Dallas Symphony was pretty special. They played a variety of hits, some of which I knew. It was powerful. Girl next to me was crying and I'll always regret not holding her hand. Wouldn't have said a word and would have totally gotten away with it  That said, got to see one of my all-time favorites, Pink Floyd with the big inflatable pig but without Roger Waters. Love me some David Gilmour, but I want Roger to sing. Think he was already in the looney bin at the time. Worst concert was probably my favorite guitarist: Billy Gibbons with ZZ Top. It was only the worst because there were no seats, we were all on the floor, and Leslie got so drunk he immediately started throwing up on everyone before ZZ Top even came out. I had to drag his sorry arse by his armpits outside, apologizing to all the people he was throwing up on as we went. There was no re-entry, so spent the entire concert out by the back door with the disapproving cop. While I'm not a Rush fan (sorry), Getty Lee was pretty impressive. Was playing hammer-on bass with the left hand, keyboards with his right, bass pedals with his left foot, standing on his right, and singing with his mouth. Not bad. Neil Peart hits too many drums, but as a drummer myself, is also damned impressive live. Sorry I don't like Rush |
|
cgvt
Full Member
Posts: 906
First Name: Jim
Location:
|
Post by cgvt on May 9, 2018 11:05:02 GMT -5
These concert stories are great! I have one that doesn't compare to drinking beer with Lyle Lovett in a Texas ice house, but... A few years ago, I went to see the Canadian band Blue Rodeo in a club called The Higher Ground in Winooski (Burlington) VT. If you are not familiar, they are an Alt-Country band that has a large following in Canada. I have been a big fan since I first heard of them in the early '80s. When they first came on stage one of the lead singers, Jim Cuddy did the standard, "It's great to be here, blah, blah, blah..." spiel. In the middle of it, a drunk guy up by the stage (not me ) shouted out, "Boston loves you!" Cuddy stopped and looked at the rest of the band and then said, "I don't know. We never seem to draw very well in Boston". That got a bit of a chuckle out of the band and crowd. They then proceeded to play their show and pretty much brought the house down. It was a great set. When they came back out for their encore as they were plugging in, the same guy, in a very forlorn, apologetic voice said, "Boston's sorry, man" Ha! |
|
|
|
Post by trailboss on May 9, 2018 13:25:32 GMT -5
David, (Simnettpratt)... an awesome show, David Gilmour endorses them... they will be here in Mesa in September, later that month in Irving Tx. www.aussiefloyd.comI went in sceptical, came out amazed how good they are. |
|
|
|
Post by simnettpratt on May 9, 2018 16:35:57 GMT -5
I've seen them a few times on PBS and yes, they're awesome. Also, they play the songs as they sound on the album and don't screw them up. Big band, too. The only bit of a downside is the lead guy can't Gilmour, but he is to be forgiven; they work hard on nailing the feel of the sound.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
Location:
|
Post by Deleted on May 9, 2018 17:14:11 GMT -5
I've seen them a few times on PBS and yes, they're awesome. Also, they play the songs as they sound on the album and don't screw them up. Big band, too. The only bit of a downside is the lead guy can't Gilmour, but he is to be forgiven; they work hard on nailing the feel of the sound. Altering songs for live performance is almost always a sin to me. There are a few exceptions, like when Springsteen reinterpreted Thunder Road as a slow ballad. I still prefer the original, but the slow one works sometimes |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
Location:
|
Post by Deleted on May 9, 2018 20:26:29 GMT -5
The best concert I've ever been to was Bruce Springsteen here in Denver in Oct 1980 during his The River Tour. He played for four hours. Fantastic show.
|
|
|
|
Post by Ronv69 on May 9, 2018 20:38:20 GMT -5
Some memorable ones: The Last Waltz, 1976. Monterrey Pop Festival, 1967. Big Brother and the Holding Company, Avalon Ballroom, 1968. Santana Blues Band was the opening act. You saw that Janis performance live? OMG, that's like the Holy Grail. What was it like? |
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
Location:
|
Post by Deleted on May 9, 2018 20:42:08 GMT -5
The best concert I've ever been to was Bruce Springsteen here in Denver in Oct 1980 during his The River Tour. He played for four hours. Fantastic show. Same here, though in St Louis. Waited early hoping to see Bruce. Limo pulls up. Van Zant gets out. As soon as we realized Springsteen wasn't in it, we turned and there was a lonesome figure in a jean jacket that walked down the ramp right behind us. Jackson Cage. Ties that Bind. The River. Wow |
|
|
|
Post by PhantomWolf on May 9, 2018 22:28:14 GMT -5
Typed up a cool list of shows before accidentally striking some kind of key combination that loaded a previous browser page- discarding my post. Guess I'll rage-quit for the night. haha
You guys' had some real cool shows though.
|
|
SCF Dan
Full Member
Posts: 524
Location:
|
Post by SCF Dan on May 9, 2018 22:34:24 GMT -5
OK, I'll go 80's.
Best show: OMD opened up for Depeche Mode. Compton Terrace. AZ. 1988.
|
|
SCF Dan
Full Member
Posts: 524
Location:
|
Post by SCF Dan on May 9, 2018 22:38:00 GMT -5
First concert: Neil Diamond. Philadelphia. The Spectrum. 1978.
|
|
|
|
Post by Ronv69 on May 9, 2018 22:54:40 GMT -5
Big venue,The Summit.
Heart on their first tour, opening for Starship. I was with 2 gorgeous women who were dressed in the same dress. I got as much attention as the band.
Large venue,Houston Music Hall. Yes, in 74 or 75. My first rock concert. Music starts and a flying saucer comes down from the ceiling. Smoke and rainbow lasers. Saucer opens like a flower and the band is already playing in the middle of it.
Large club, Million Dollar City Dump.
Jimmy Spheeris. He had the whole place dancing on the tables.
Small hall, Fitzgerald's in the Heights.
Edgar Winter and Leon Russell. We were about 8 feet from the keyboard.
And so many more.
Went to see Jerry Jeff Walker. He was drunk so a couple of guys named Waylon and Willie filled in.
Saw the Moody Blues the same day that Timothy Leary died.
Peter, Paul, and Mary with our 5 year old son.
|
|
|
|
Post by trailboss on May 10, 2018 0:04:13 GMT -5
I drove for a stint on the Springsteen tour LA> Boston.
Not impressed with him and how he acted offstage, Steve Van Zandt and Jake Clemons were two stand out individuals and went out of their way to make you feel like you belonged.
My buddy drove for Sugarland, said Jennifer Nettles was the same way.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
Location:
|
Post by Deleted on May 10, 2018 1:06:19 GMT -5
Big venue,The Summit. Heart on their first tour, opening for Starship. I was with 2 gorgeous women who were dressed in the same dress. I got as much attention as the band. Large venue,Houston Music Hall. Yes, in 74 or 75. My first rock concert. Music starts and a flying saucer comes down from the ceiling. Smoke and rainbow lasers. Saucer opens like a flower and the band is already playing in the middle of it. Large club, Million Dollar City Dump. Jimmy Spheeris. He had the whole place dancing on the tables. Small hall, Fitzgerald's in the Heights. Edgar Winter and Leon Russell. We were about 8 feet from the keyboard. And so many more. Went to see Jerry Jeff Walker. He was drunk so a couple of guys named Waylon and Willie filled in. Saw the Moody Blues the same day that Timothy Leary died. Peter, Paul, and Mary with our 5 year old son. Timothy Leary's dead. No no no no he's outside looking in |
|
|
|
Post by Ronv69 on May 10, 2018 13:47:42 GMT -5
For years, I always said that is was a Yes show at Cobo Hall in Detroit in the mid '70s. The show blew a young CGVT away, but a few years ago, my wife and I got fourth row seats in a small venue in Mobile to see Neil Young when was doing a solo benefit after the Gulf oil spill. It was absolutely amazing. He walked out on the stage with his acoustic guitar, wearing his signature hat and torn jeans and sat on a chair about ten feet from us. He started out with Heart of Gold and Hey Hey My My. It sent chills up my spine. Played a couple of songs on the Piano and did After the Gold Rush on a big pipe organ-very cool. Played Cortez the Killer and a couple of other songs on a Les Paul and did Ohio on a white hollow body guitar-amazing, amazing sound. He finished with Old Man. I have to admit I teared up more than a couple of times during the show. Ohio was so powerful live and Old Man...Wow! All I can say is if you ever get a chance, you need to see him... When it comes to Neil Young, "Southern man don't need him around anyhow". |
|
|
|
Post by toshtego on May 10, 2018 14:01:38 GMT -5
Some memorable ones: The Last Waltz, 1976. Monterrey Pop Festival, 1967. Big Brother and the Holding Company, Avalon Ballroom, 1968. Santana Blues Band was the opening act. You saw that Janis performance live? OMG, that's like the Holy Grail. What was it like? Avalon did not have seating. One just plopped on the floor. You got there early, you sat down front. Stage was maybe two feet off the deck. I was about 20 feet from Janis and the band. All of their performances back then were small venue. Monterrey Pop and Woodstock were the first large concerts. She would sing at Golden Gate Park and these small clubs. One could just walk up to her and talk, give her something. She was as regular as anyone could be. No "Star" mentality. Grace was a bit more "exclusive" but that was the way she was raised. Janis was a working class woman from east Texas with few illusions. She could wail in 1967 and 1968 and always put one one great show. |
|
cgvt
Full Member
Posts: 906
First Name: Jim
Location:
|
Post by cgvt on May 10, 2018 14:16:00 GMT -5
For years, I always said that is was a Yes show at Cobo Hall in Detroit in the mid '70s. The show blew a young CGVT away, but a few years ago, my wife and I got fourth row seats in a small venue in Mobile to see Neil Young when was doing a solo benefit after the Gulf oil spill. It was absolutely amazing. He walked out on the stage with his acoustic guitar, wearing his signature hat and torn jeans and sat on a chair about ten feet from us. He started out with Heart of Gold and Hey Hey My My. It sent chills up my spine. Played a couple of songs on the Piano and did After the Gold Rush on a big pipe organ-very cool. Played Cortez the Killer and a couple of other songs on a Les Paul and did Ohio on a white hollow body guitar-amazing, amazing sound. He finished with Old Man. I have to admit I teared up more than a couple of times during the show. Ohio was so powerful live and Old Man...Wow! All I can say is if you ever get a chance, you need to see him... When it comes to Neil Young, "Southern man don't need him around anyhow". Southern Man needs a lot more than Neil Young, but that is a discussion for another thread and forum. |
|
yaddy306
Junior Member
Posts: 142 
Location:
|
Post by yaddy306 on May 10, 2018 16:21:23 GMT -5
Maybe not the “best” concert, but one of my best memories...
The Rolling Stones played two sold-out back-to-back shows at our local football stadium in the middle of nowhere. Being the commander of the local bomb squad, I was nominally the “supervisor” of the pyrotechnics show for the two nights. So I was allowed to stay on-stage but behind the catwalk where the pyro was loaded, for the two concerts. Ten feet from fame!
|
|
|
|
Post by Ronv69 on May 10, 2018 17:39:38 GMT -5
You saw that Janis performance live? OMG, that's like the Holy Grail. What was it like? Avalon did not have seating. One just plopped on the floor. You got there early, you sat down front. Stage was maybe two feet off the deck. I was about 20 feet from Janis and the band. All of their performances back then were small venue. Monterrey Pop and Woodstock were the first large concerts. She would sing at Golden Gate Park and these small clubs. One could just walk up to her and talk, give her something. She was as regular as anyone could be. No "Star" mentality. Grace was a bit more "exclusive" but that was the way she was raised. Janis was a working class woman from east Texas with few illusions. She could wail in 1967 and 1968 and always put one one great show. Yer kill'n me. I am a lifelong Janis fan, and I watch the Monterey Pop performance 3 or 4 times a year. Mama Cass' expression says it all. The greatest blues performance in history. |
|
|
|
Post by haebar on May 10, 2018 17:54:32 GMT -5
Some of my more memorable concerts: - The Beach Boys in Atlanta (~1972)
- Deep Purple (~1971)
- UB-40 in Atlanta (~1984)
- Doc and Merle Watson in a small theater in Athens, GA in the early eighties (We had front row seats)
- Jim and Jesse McReynolds at the North Georgia Mountain Fair in the early eighties (Got to meet them and get albums signed)
|
|
|
|
Post by Legend Lover on May 11, 2018 1:55:34 GMT -5
Some great bands in that list, haebar |
|
