Concert Comments - Did you see them live? Get the shirt?

TLB

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I just earned more "Good Husband" point than I will ever be able to use, but rather than bury you with tl;dr on how awesome a husband I am here (I'll put it in another thread), I figured we could have a thread on what concerts you have been to recently, or perhaps thoughts on some of the best you've been to and the ones you regret missing.

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Last night, I took the wife to see Don Felder (guitarist for the Eagles in the early days) with a fistful of backup performers who did all kinds of covers of Eagles and similar. That was the opening act, followed by REO Speedwagon (one of the wife's favorites), and ending with Styx (kinda on my bucket list, we both like them).

Don Felder was good in that you knew all the songs, even if they sounded a little different. They also brought out some of the members from the other two bands to 'help out' on a few tracks - most notably Tommy Shaw several times. If they are opening for a concert you're going to, it'd be worth it not to be late like we were.

REO Speedwagon....if the name makes you think of 3 hits from the 80's you'd be about right, but they had about 5 hits and they played all 12 of those tracks (yes, I'm hinting that half the set we didn't recognize). They've been going since 1970, and haven't had much new stuff since the mid 80's, so if you go to hear the songs you know - you'll get those, with some other stuff to fill 60-90 min set. I will say, they were high energy the whole time (maybe that's influenced by my not being to a concert in years). The lead singer was very interactive, talking things up with the crowd between songs, and rarely was there more than 30 seconds between songs unless they were bringing out some help on guitars or percussion. Their set took me through a range of thoughts and emotions:

1. During some tracks, the power is amazing and how are they are going strong after all these years.
2. When the lights shine on the crowd, there are a LOT of women aged mid-40's to late 50's. A lot of big boobs, a few by surgery, most by simply getting fat as they aged.
3. The crowd is OLD....(pause)...damn, I'm old.
4. During some tracks, you wonder why these guys are still playing (tonight, and in general) as it kinda sucks.

Big points for how they closed it out, however. Keep in mind, we're in Charlottesville, VA. The lead asks off stage if they have time for one more (yeah, ok...). So he gives a short talk about how the music people generally respect and support one another, but in his view there was one that stood out above his peers, someone truly special in the industry, so this is for them. That one guy from Gainesville, FL that we're all going to miss. Then they played "Listen To Her Heart" by Tom petty. Nice way to wrap up their set, even if it sounded kinda off.

Then we closed with Styx. I'd have been OK never seeing them, but I'm glad I did. I didn't realize they are still putting out new music. They released a new album last year, but only did 2-3 songs off it during the set as they knew the majority of fans were there for the old stuff. They promised to play at least half of Grand Illusion and didn't disappoint. And while REO left me with a sense of an "All Energy" performance, Styx simply left me overwhelmed by the "Power" they put out through the speakers.

I only ever knew the name of Tommy Shaw, and never thought it through enough to realize the different vocals across their hits. The keyboardist (Lawrence Gowan) was distracting, but very good. It was interesting to see them bring out original bassist Chuck Panozzo for several songs because they never let him near a mic, and when off stage it appeared the stage hands were trying to keep a blind drunk from tripping over cords. Anyway, nearly all you'd want from seeing them live was delivered, at about an 11 on the speaker knob. We were disappointed with no Mr. Roboto, but my God, their closing with Come Sail Away was everything you can imagine and more. I've never really made a bucket list, and I can't say if they'd make it on or be just off the list, but I am very glad we caught them live.
 

TLB

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As other filler for the thread, you can always reply to this:

First concert you went to, and any special memories.
Favorite concern you've ever been to and why.
The one you missed, and will forever regret.

=======================================

First Concert:
Bryan Adams, trying to impress a girl in high school. Concert was in Jax, and I missed the exit. Pulled over by cops half way to the state line. I never want to hear another Bryan Adams song ever again. I switch the radio off whenever one comes on.

Favorite Concert:
Lemme think a bit. I'm leaning towards ACDC.

The one I missed:
Depeche Mode at the O'Dome. About eight of us bought tickets together and I left mine on the light switch where I set my keys at home (realize this was early 90's before cell phones and I was living alone at the time, post college days). Well, the day comes, and I get off work and take a deep breath enjoying the fact that I have no plans. I proceed to drive around town enjoying the car for several hours only to arrive home around 9:30 and realize I'd missed the whole damn thing. Friends couldn't have called to ask wtf as it was pre-cell phones. Nope, I just pulled a total dumbass and forgot completely.
 

TheDouglas78

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A couple of weeks ago the wife and I saw Alice Cooper (my 4/5 time, her 14/15 time). This month we have Foo Fighters (Anniversary present to ourselves), next month Justin Timberlake with her girlfriends (I'm the DD), July we have the Smashing Pumpkins, August Imagine Dragons and Five Finger Death Punch (w/ Breaking Benjamin).

1) First concert was Michael Jackson after the Bad album in Jacksonville
2) Favorite concert: (Tie) Guns N Roses not in this lifetime Tour (Orlando) and Eddie Vedder Solo at Ruth Eckerd Hall. The energies at both shows were amazing for different reasons.
3) Missed Concert: Prince in (I believe) '04 and STP in '12 (because will never get a chance to see them again)
 

playzwtrux

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Felder, REO, & Styx will be in Tuscalooser on Sunday night. Have thought hard about going, but won't.
Styx played solo in my current home town last fall and I should have went, but didn't.

Last July the wife & I saw Jason Bonham, Cheap Trick, & Foreigner at an Amphitheater in Birmingham.

Jason's dad, I believe, was the drummer for Led Zeppelin back in the day. Now he runs around covering their songs while opening for bigger acts. Volume was 10x too loud for me & the Mrs., and I coulda skipped it without feeling any loss. IF you like Zeppelin, you'd probably like it, but don't make a special trip just for them.

Cheap Trick was great, really enjoyed it and would definitely see again.

We were there for Foreigner, and they put on a heck of a show. They're doing a lot of tour dates with White Snake this year, and were going to go see them again, but we opted for another concert this year since the two are only playing 6 days apart, and both are in ATL.

The same people that were at your concert TLB were at this one last year. Most of the hotties from those days appear to have been rode hard, and put up wet. Needless to say, they haven't aged well.
If you get a chance to see Cheap Trick or Foreigner, take it. Mick Jones can still rock that guitar, and the keys well into his 70's. Kelly Hansen can really sing.


July 1st we'll be catching Def Leppard & Journey at SunTrust park in ATL. We'll be sitting on the field, as I couldn't see paying nearly the same price to sit in the stands and need binoculars. The stage will be in center field and we'll be somewhere between 1st & 2nd.
Journey is my wife's favorite group from the 80's, soooooo, I'll be earning major brownie points.

We plan to hit another concert or 2 this year, we'll just have to see how the venues in the area fill their schedules.

First Concert: MC Hammer & Vanilla Ice at the O'Dome (some time in the late 80's / early 90's). Don't remember who opened for them.

Also saw SWV, Kid 'n Play, and some others downtown Gainesville at a Toys for Tots event mid 90's. Don't remember the venue, but it was right on University Ave., a couple of blocks west. Wasn't there an old theater down there somewhere?
Linear in the parking lot of the Oaks Mall Plaza a very long time ago, and some others sprinkled in here & there.
Haven't really been a big concert goer, but I'm enjoying them now.

I've never been a big enough bone head to buy tickets to a concert or sporting event and then forget to use them (sorry).
Can't say I've missed any that I regret either although there are more that I would have like to made.
 

MJMGator

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First concert was Van Halen...sometime in the early 80s.
Favorites were Van Halen, Rush and AC/DC...all in the 80s. Jimmy Buffet is always a good show.
Missed? Can’t say I’ve missed any that I’ve wanted to attend.
 

crosscreekcooter

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First real concert was probably the Blues Magoos sometime around 1967 at the Beaches Coliseum. They wore electric suits. Randy had stolen a fifth of his daddy's bourbon which we chugged on the way there. Randy then got sick and went up in the mezzanine to take a seat and then blew hot vomit all over the crowd below. :lol:
Saw the Allman's debut at the Jacksonville Armory in 69. Later that summer went to 1st Atlanta Pop Festival-2 days of solid music non stop.
pop_festival_posteraa-1.jpg
 

78

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First real concert was probably the Blues Magoos sometime around 1967 at the Beaches Coliseum. They wore electric suits. Randy had stolen a fifth of his daddy's bourbon which we chugged on the way there. Randy then got sick and went up in the mezzanine to take a seat and then blew hot vomit all over the crowd below.
Saw the Allman's debut at the Jacksonville Armory in 69. Later that summer went to 1st Atlanta Pop Festival-2 days of solid music non stop.
pop_festival_posteraa-1.jpg
Blues Magoos. Ohhhhhh, we ain't got nothin' yet.

My first ------> Grand Funk Railroad, 1970

Second ------> Led Zeppelin, 1971

Both at the International Amphitheater, Chicago.
 

78

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I found an 8mm clip of that Led Zep show, right at the release of IV. Plant and Page at the height of their powers.



The smoke from reefer was so thick in the bathroom, you could hardly tell where to go.
 
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crosscreekcooter

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My buddy Moochie and I went to a pop festival in Rockingham NC at the speedway in 72. Bloodrock, Alice Cooper, Three Dog Night, Rory Gallagher (dude could light it up), Black Oak Arkansas, Fleetwood Mac, many more. I remember the crowd was so large they flew the bands into the speedway in a helicopter, we were near the landing area . I think the same year saw Jethro Tull twice, once in Jax and once in Orlando and Zeppelin in Orlando once. So many and so long ago they all kind of run together. Debauchery at it's finest.
 

78

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You can't motivate fans to come out like that in droves anymore. Too many other entertainment options, many of them at home, and a lack of pioneering spirit in the music itself.

Those were really special times. I suspect we'll not see anything like it again in our lifetime.
 

Gatordiddy

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I’m almost embarrassed to say (but not really) that my first concert was TG Sheppard and Charly McClain at the Tallahassee fairgrounds.
Followed later that year by Hank Williams Jr and George Jones (man I sure miss The Possum).

Then in high school:
Billy Squier and Foreigner in Tally (81 or 82?)- and then Van Halen and The Rolling Stones in Orlando in ‘81 during the ‘Tattoo You’ Tour.
Saw Buffett numerous times in the 80’s too. Always a party.

Due to the radio job - got to hang out with Alabama, Conway and Loretta, Vince Gill, Randy Travis (on his tour bus, what a nice guy) and Dwight Yoakam (very cool and intelligent dude) and a late 80s group called The Desert Rose Band...Good times.

Just saw The Eagles a few weeks ago- very happy to finally see them even though it would have been awesome back in the day when Frey and Felder were still a part of it.
Sinatra in Tampa (1990) was phenomenal.
‘91 - Elton John opened for Clapton at Shea Stadium. Never really appreciated both until I saw them live.
 

MidwestChomp

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Prince put on a great show. I saw him twice in concert.

I am still kicking myself for not seeing Hank Williams III when he was in Gainesville circa 2008 I think. The other show I wish I saw was the Melvins in 2004 in Gville. Had tickets but the canceled due to a hurricane...pfffff.

One of the best concerts I saw was George Clinton and the P funk allstars. George came on stage at 9 and played until 1 am. It was nuts.

Of course now the only concerts I go to are my daughters school concerts. They did bring the house down with their performance of Three Little Fishies.
 

Swamp Donkey

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Blues Magoos. Ohhhhhh, we ain't got nothin' yet.

My first ------> Grand Funk Railroad, 1970

Second ------> Led Zeppelin, 1971

Both at the International Amphitheater, Chicago.
How olde are you?
 

BMF

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Sounds like a great concert. It's a shame Styx doesn't play w/ Dennis DeYoung anymore (I saw DD solo about 12 years ago w/ a symphony orchestra, really cool show, "Dennis DeYoung and the music of Styx").



Keep in mind, we're in Charlottesville, VA.

I'm taking the wife to Charlottesville June 16th to see JJ Grey & Blackberry Smoke, two of our favorites.
 

BMF

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Then we closed with Styx. I'd have been OK never seeing them, but I'm glad I did. I didn't realize they are still putting out new music. They released a new album last year, but only did 2-3 songs off it during the set as they knew the majority of fans were there for the old stuff. They promised to play at least half of Grand Illusion and didn't disappoint. And while REO left me with a sense of an "All Energy" performance, Styx simply left me overwhelmed by the "Power" they put out through the speakers.

I only ever knew the name of Tommy Shaw, and never thought it through enough to realize the different vocals across their hits. The keyboardist (Lawrence Gowan) was distracting, but very good. It was interesting to see them bring out original bassist Chuck Panozzo for several songs because they never let him near a mic, and when off stage it appeared the stage hands were trying to keep a blind drunk from tripping over cords. Anyway, nearly all you'd want from seeing them live was delivered, at about an 11 on the speaker knob. We were disappointed with no Mr. Roboto, but my God, their closing with Come Sail Away was everything you can imagine and more. I've never really made a bucket list, and I can't say if they'd make it on or be just off the list, but I am very glad we caught them live.

Tommy Shaw is very talented. He's not an original member of the band and is from Birmingham, AL. He did a solo bluegrass album several years ago that was really good. He also played w/ Damn Yankees (Ted Nugent and Rick Blades ("Sister Christian")). I saw Damn Yankees in 1991 (or 92). They didn't play Mr. Roboto because Tommy Shaw hated that song....and that album (watch "history of Styx"). Honestly, that album ruined the band....and tarnished their legacy.

When I was at UF, James Young ("JY") played at the Florida Theater in Gainesville, maybe April 94 or 95? It was the Thursday of finals week and the town was empty. I went to the show and about 50 people were there. He played all his Styx songs ("Miss America", "Snowblind", etc) and had other band members sing all the Tommy & Dennis songs.

Yes, Lawrence Gowan is annoying and (imo) acts like an ass-clown on stage.

Panozzo is near death.....and his brother died from HIV/AIDS many years ago.

(as you can tell, I was a huge Styx fan)
 

g8r.tom

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I have seen Styx several times. Great show. While Tommy Shaw isn't an original member, he was in the band when most of their hits were written.

Totally agree about Mr. Roboto. Debbis Deyoung forced that crap on the rest of the band, and it broke them up if I recall correctly.
 

BMF

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I have seen Styx several times. Great show. While Tommy Shaw isn't an original member, he was in the band when most of their hits were written.

Totally agree about Mr. Roboto. Debbis Deyoung forced that crap on the rest of the band, and it broke them up if I recall correctly.

Yes, Styx made about 4 or 5 albums on the Wooden Nickel label (from what I recall). Only "Lady" became a hit....and that was several years after it was released because a DJ in Chicago kept playing it. Shaw joined the band when they "made it big" for the Equinox album (which is considered their first "real" album....as it was released by one of the big labels (A&M maybe?).

Funny story, I was running the Army 10-miler in DC a few years ago and at the start of the race they were playing music real loud (waiting for the announcements and starting gun) and a Wooden Nickel label era Styx song came on. I was like, "WTF?" I said real loud, "I'll pay $100 to anyone who can name this band". People were all like, "Uhhhhh....."
 

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