Tagged by @ropeandcoffee since I paid $500 a ticket once to see Jimmy Buffett from the second row. Found out that the people who are in the expensive front seats are mostly party poopers.
First concert: 1969 - Sammy Davis Jr in the hotel lounge in the Bahamas when I was eight. I begged my Dad to take me. He was everything I had hoped he’d be.
Last concert: The Meat Puppets in Boston (Brighton Music Hall) with the gentleman last year.
Best concert: Rammstein at Madison Square Garden in 2010. It was their first show back in the US after being banned for obscenity years back. I went by myself. And it was completely amazing.
Also, Elvis Costello in Alexander Hall at Princeton for the “Armed Forces” tour. He played, “Green Shirt”, and I was in heaven. The Rubinoos opened. Late 70s.
Also, 1987 - the Ramones at Obsessions (previously known as, “The Final Exam”) in Randolph, New Jersey. My friend and I were the first ones there, so we got spots right against the stage between Johnny and Joey. Amazing time. I only got to see them three times (possibly four; my memory is a bit foggy). I wish I’d seen them more.
Also, Depeche Mode at the NJ Meadowlands in June 1988. The Music for the Masses tour. First time seeing them. And they were fantastic.
Also, I almost forgot. Van Halen (original lineup) at the NJ Meadowlands for the 1984 tour.
Also, Queen at Madison Square Garden in September 1980. Amazing show.
Worst concert: Unfortunately, Cheap Trick opening for Heart in the 90s. The sound for Cheap Trick was absolutely terrible until they played, “The Flame”, their encore. Heart’s sound, of course, was perfect. It was definitely one of those “you don’t want the opening act to upstage the headliner” things. I’ve seen them since then, and they were awesome.
Loudest concert: Boston with Sammy Hagar opening at Jadwin Gym at Princeton. I’m thinking 1978? Fifth row, right in front of the speakers. The show was incredible; my first real rock concert. Fog machine, capes, and explosions. But I knew nothing of ear plugs. I literally could not hear for at least three days after.
Seen the most: I’m not sure with this one. It’s either Diamond Rio (my favourite country band) or Jimmy Buffett (too many times to count). Depeche Mode would come after those.
Most surprising: Liberace with Maureen McGovern at the Garden State Arts Center with my parents. I wasn’t all that impressed with Maureen McGovern (she sang “the Morning After” from the Poseidon Adventure). But Liberace, and his dancing water fountains and his outfits, were fantastic. Mid 70s, I think.
Also, 1991 - Bob Hope, Rosemary Clooney, Ben Vereen, Marie Osmond, and the Rockettes at the Garden State Arts Center. Everyone was ridiculously good.
Next concert: I’m hoping for Rammstein at the Meadowlands; but I’m currently completely broke, so concerts come after being able to feed myself.
I tag anyone who wants to do this. Please tag me so I don’t miss your answers! 🤘🏻
