[airstreamingypsy]

Fun thread. My first was Ray Charles, my favorite was.... not sure I have a favorite.... but maybe Willie Nelson. Put me down as I also saw Vanilla Fudge, they were on a double bill with the First Edition (Kenny Rogers). I wish I had seen Elvis, Aerosmith and the Stones.

[sail33or]

I saw Gloria Esteban and The Miami Sound Machine in Port Arthur, Texas at a small festival "BEFORE" they were famous. (Late '70's)

I attended a private concert in the Robert Mondavi Winery, Napa by Air Supply. (2008).

[LiverpoolWalrus]

Originally Posted by John_W

I didn't mentioned my favorites. The best overall show was 1972 Jethro Tull, Savannah Georgia. I didn't think it could be so great. He had people dressed like giant rabbits hop across the stage, huge telephones would ring and stop and answer, and say wrong number. The lights, the costumes, the music, it should of been filmed.

Yup. That was the Aqualung tour and I saw it too, at the legendary Hollywood Sportatorium in Hollywood, FL. Thanks for the memories of that great show. It's definitely in my top 10. I'm sure there is film somewhere. Would love to see it.

[44Apple]

Originally Posted by Jazzcat

First concert, The Beatles at Suffolk Downs in Boston, circa 1966. Favorite concert was The Beach Boys at Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

I also saw the Beach Boys at SPAC back in the day. I remember that Dennis Wilson seemed lost, I don't even remember if he was the drummer. I know he threw his shoe into the crowd.

[macawlaw]

Originally Posted by 2newyorkers

First concert was Elton John. Best concert was a different Elton John concert. A really bad storm made the electric go out. It did not stop him from continuing to play and sing. He had everyone on their feet and joining in.

Harry Chapin would come into a bar that I occasionally went to. Sometimes he would sing. A nice memory.

Elton was high when I saw him in 1986. It was a bad show all around. Saw Harry Chapin around 1980. He had great stories to go with the songs.

[Troopie]

First: Barry Manilow, Capital Center in Washington, D.C.

Best: Pink, Verizon Center in Washington, D.C

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

First Concert: The Beatles, August 18, 1966, Suffolk Downs Racetrack, East Boston, MA

Best Concert: The Beatles, August 18, 1966, Suffolk Downs Racetrack, East Boston, MA

It was all downhill after that.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Originally Posted by Jazzcat

First concert, The Beatles at Suffolk Downs in Boston, circa 1966. Favorite concert was The Beach Boys at Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

I was at Suffolk Downs in '66. I was fifth row center. Where were you?

[macawlaw]

Fun thread!

First - The Osmonds at the Ohio State Fair sometime around 1973. I have seen various Osmonds in concert since, and the shows are always excellent.

Favorite - Billy Joel - NYE 2018.


Kenny Rogers always had local groups participate in his Christmas and Hits Tour. I am privileged to have sung with him 10 times.

[tophcfa]

Originally Posted by LiverpoolWalrus

Not dreaming at all. Before the pandemic, the Villages did bring some of these "bits and pieces" of classic bands to our corner of the universe. I've only been here a little more than a year, but I did see the Grassroots at the Savannah Center. Others that have been here include Peter Noone (Herman's Hermits), Fifth Dimension, Gary Puckett (who lives nearby) and many more. Maybe others can fill you in better on this.

Some other shows we have seen in the Villages include George Thorogood, Electric Light Orchestra, Beach Boys, Kansas, and the Guess Who. Also some good cover bands including Queen, The Beatles, and Led Zeplin.

[Hogfan55]

1st Concert
James Gang @ Mid South Colosseum in Memphis circa 1972
Best hands down was Bruce Springsteen @ Ellis Auditorium in Memphis when he was just getting big after Born to Run came out. Venue held around 5000 seats. No opening act. Springsteen played for 4 hours with an intermission in the middle. I never felt like anyone ever gave the audience all he had and then some more than he did that night.

[collie1228]

My first was Three Dog Night with opening act Led Zeppelin at an outdoor theater in Seattle in May, 1969. Absolutely unforgettable. It's both my first and best. But a close second are the several James Taylor concerts I've seen over the years, especially the one at the NY State Fair in the mid 90's.

[ronharvey2]

1st concert 1967 Steve Miller Band at a frat party - U Mass Amherst.

Best is a tie between Allman Brothers 1st album tour - Symphony Hall Boston 1969 8th row center and Aug 1969 Woodstock.

[BlackhawksFan]

Great thread.

First Buck Owens and the Buckaroos at the Big E in 1970/71. I was like 5 or 6 loved Hee Haw and my parents took me.

As for best it's hard, I worked in radio for 24 years and attended a couple hundred shows. Some of note:
Springsteen
Petty
KISS
Garth Brooks
Brooks and Dunn
Boston
George Jones
Marty Stuart
Journey
Dire Straits
Shania Twain
Reba
Tim McGraw
Faith Hill
Blue Collar Comedy Tour

I've also met nearly every band I saw in those 24 years. Best meet and greet was Alan Jackson. Actually sat with him on his tour bus with my wife (ex) and he treated us like lifelong friends.

[larrycrilley@gmail.com]

My first concert was Elton John at Madison Square Garden Thanksgiving night 1974. There was a surprise guest who played a set with Elton former beetle John Lennon. Memory of a lifetime!