Favourite Gigs.
 

I know it will be difficult to say what your favourite gig of all time would be but I'd love to know what gig sticks in your mind as an special moment in time.

As I write I'm thinking back to a Yes gig at Wembley Empire Pool back in 1978. They played the concert "in the round" with a revolving stage and were showcasing the Tormato album.

A little way into the set they played a medley of songs including Time and a Word, Long Distance Runaround, The Fish, Perpetual Change and Soon.

It was during The Fish, with Chris hammering out the riffs that Jon was spotlighted and Sang "Survival, they take away and they give........." The orchestral keyboards of Rick soared out in a glorious sweeping chord and I really thought that things couldn't get much better than this. That moment has stayed with me ever since. A special moment in time.

There have, of course, been many gigs since that left me feeling elated but that particular moment..............WOW!!!!!:D

**********************************************

I've just noticed that this moment is actually on the playlist!!!!!

I can't believe it!!!!! I'm actually there in the Audience getting totally blissed out.

I can remember two which that are very special for some circunstance:

1.- Sep. 1993 Lima - Perú, Rick Wakeman: This was rhe first important concert played in Lima, because we always get third class (or almost dead) artists. Rick was here at 10:00 in the morning, but the instruments were not. Because a confusion with Iatta codes the instruments went to Paraguay (Pa) instead of Perú (Pe).
The concert was programed for 9:00 pm, with a full auditorium of 7,000 thousand fans, but the concert started at 1:00 am, the incredible thing was that nobody left the hall, Rick was so moved that played extra time (until 4:00 am) , and surely gave his best, he was so happy that he came back two more times.

2.- Oct 1994? Lima - Perú, Jethro Tull: This was the group's second concert in less than a year, and as he always does, Ian started to jump and play around the stage, sudenly he vanished, the stage broke and his leg also did. We thought the concert was over, but he asked for a chair sat down and gave one more hour of music. He must have been in great pain but sung as if nothing had happened. Really I never saw such a demonstration of professionalism in my live.

Iván

A dozen moments in time
 

Some special moments:

1) 1979 Tull - Ian Anderson in Pirate garb, with Dave Pegg just joining the band, watching a 14-year old puke during the flute solo, encoring with "Minstel In the Gallery". Cheers!
2) Seeing Randy Rhoads in 1981.
3) King Crimson 1982. The ultimate lineup. Robert Fripp is a god.
4) Return to Forever, 1983. I'm still in awe!
5) Seeing George Carlin and Pat Travers in the same evening at two different venues. If I play my cards right, I can see Carlin and Echolyn on 4/26. Now that's weird.
6) Ulrich Roth, with Clive Bunker on drums, at a hole-in-the-wall bar in 1985.
7) Seeing Crack the Sky 12 times, and having the privilege of seing Echolyn and Iluvatar in their infancy at very intimate venues. Long live prog!
8) Discipline at Progday in 100 degree heat - 1998.
9) Anekdoten at Progscape in 1994 doing a jaw-dropping version of "Starless".
10) Deep Purple 8/11/88 at Hammerjack's in Baltimore on a same day, previously unannounced free show. I waited 7 hours to get in, wore a mixed drink on my head, and loved it. Did not appreciate the 15-second tease of "Rat Bat Blue", but last I checked, I wasn't involved in the set list.
11) Tull on Veterans' Day, 1987 - a foot of snow, nothing else open in the city. Played Dun Ringill and Wind-Up. Ian wore the same overcoat in unbearable heat the ensuing summer. Entertained audience members on the couch set up on stage left.
12) And finally, Joe Satriani, Stu Hamm, and Jonathan Mover tearing up Hammerjack's in 1988 for $5. I have never seen a trio dominate like those guys. My ears are still ringing!

Great memories guys!
 

Some great ones there Ivan and Rick. I've seen Tull quite a few times myself over the years but ones that stick in the mind the most are:

1) 1972 at the Royal Albert Hall. My first Tull gig. They performed the whole of Thick as a Brick (still my favourite Tull album). It seemed to start late but then I noticed that there were a whole load of people wearing brown coats and tarten caps sweeping and cleaning the stage. After a few minutes they dwindled in number until there were only five of them left. All of a sudden off came the coats and caps and it was the band. Ian with his flowing Anderson tarten coat (Man, he must have been hot), tights and cod piece. Straight into TAAB with Aqualung, Locomotive Breath and a 20 minute Wind up as an encore.

2) The following year, 1973, at the Empire Pool Wembley, showcasing A Passion Play. Throbbing Heart beat sound with a pulsing spot of light that got bigger and bigger as the Heart beat got louder. The Story of the Hare who lost his Spectacles was hilarious.

I've never been disappointed by Tull live. They always put on a great show and I think it's terrific the way Ian has adapted his singing style to counter for his throat problems.

Long may they continue!!!

That's absolutely true Keith, the first time Tull came to Lima the concert also seemed to start late, until an old lady entered the stage with a broom and started to clean the floor, almost all the audience laughed when the "old lady" began to scratch her butt.

But then she turned around, broke the broom with her knee and the flute jumped to her hands as the old clothes fell off (don't ask me how he managed to do that in a couple of seconds). "The old lady" of course was Ian who started to play "With You There to Help Me" from Benefit album dressed as a medieval flute player.

The audience went mad, this guy really knows how to win the audience in a second.

Iván

Keith you old fart!
 

I really envy you, man. The heyday of those great bands were the 70-77 period. It's mind boggling the number of fantastic artists there were. There are so many bands I never saw, such as Gentle Giant. Tull doing the entire TAAB and also doing Passion Play the next year? Wow.

Please fill me in on any other shows from that period that stand out.

Fart-Yes!, Old-No!
 

Other 70s shows that stand out?
OK! Here goes:
1) Genesis live in 1973 at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. They were doing Selling England....that tour and needless to say encored with Suppers Ready. At the end, as they get into the "And it's...........hey babe" reprise, I was thinking that it was odd that Gabriel was still wearing his black cape but not for long. On the note of "Hey babe" the cloak dropped to the ground and PG flew up into the air wearing a silver suit. He sang the rest of the song hanging from the wires with a bright white spotlight. Rays of light bouncing off the suit in all directions. Stunning effect. Completely blew me away.

2) Genesis doing The Lamb at the Empire Pool Wembley. Great show! I saw the Tribute band ReGenesis do a performance of The Lamb a while back and while they were good, very good, it wasn't the same.

3) Yes showcasing Tales from Topographic Oceans at the Rainbow in November 1973. The album hadn't been released and the looks on the faces of the fans was amusing. some (like me) loved it. Others couldn't get their heads round it at all. They must have all been Music Critics. Some of the headlines in the press were very scathing "Yes-Close to boredom" is one I remember.

4) Yes at QPR football ground in 1975. Their one and only tour here with Patrick Moraz. It was great to here this incarnation play "Ritual" from Tales........Moraz's keyboard style was SO different to Rick's.

5) Focus at any of the Sunday Joints......every gig different from the last.

6) 1973 and Hawkwind do "Space Ritual Alive" to the nation. Wow! I'm amazed I remember it as well as I do..........if you get my drift!!!! Heady days.

I would have loved to have seen Return to Forever. The closest I got was to see them do "Romantic Warrior" on the TV in a Studio Gig.

And my greatest disappointment? Someone offered me a ticket to go and see Miles Davis at the Royal Festival Hall and I turned it down to get drunk with some mates. Miles died a while later and I never got to see one of the greatest musicians who EVER lived.

The Indie Rocker must speak up
 

I saw Appleseed Cast at a tiny club in Jackson, MS called Martin's last June. They played a mixture of songs from Low Level Owl and Mare Vitalis. It was LOUD, and there were only abouot thirty people there, but that's what you gotta do to catch the new wave of art-rockers - Shun the Radio.

It was a great show.

Thanks to both of you
 

for your experiences. I would have really like to have seen Focus. Great line about the "music critics".

I would have loved to see Focus also.

Actually, I had a buddy ask me to go see them (didn't even know they were coming to town). We arrived at The Omni (the old building where Phillips Arena is now) at 7:30. The concert was to begin at 8:00. We noticed there were only about 3000 people there. I never heard a radio ad for the concert, so it was no wonder. We noticed roadies coming and going on stage all this time. By 9;30, people were getting very upset. By 9:45, promoter Alex Cooley came out (lights had not dimmed- BAD NEWS!). The bands equipment truck had broken down in Alabama, the show was CANCELLED! ..."But our opening act, Lynyrd Skynyrd, will play over the Omni PA system for those who wish to stay. Just move around to the seating behind the stage."

This was a Tuesday evening. Their new album was just released to the local college station, and came out in stores that week. They played most of their debut album, and they really rocked. Free Bird was played in the studio album style, NOT with the frilly piano on the live album. A memorable moment was when Ed King's Fender Twin Reverb started smoking near the end of Free Bird. I've never heard that small of a crowd cheer so loud .

Another memorable show:
Listen to "Utopia Theme" from Todd Rundgren's Utopia. Now picture yourself listening to that show live in a huge castle courtyard with stars twinkling above in the night sky. Then, notice that it's played over a full-blown high resolution Quadraphonic sound system!

This show was a $5.00 general admission show at the Fox Theater. People were pushing up to the doors in the main foyer. Todd came out and got on some folk's shoulders to urge people to "move back"! He opened playing solo works from Something/Anything, A Wizard, A True Star (with backing tapes!) and his current album, Todd. Not bad.

The band came out and Todd announced they were doing a live recording of the band's theme song. "We've recorded in two other cities, so you have a one-in-three chance of becoming famous!" The sound quality was FANTASTIC! The quad system was used to great effect during the synthesizer break prior to the vocals. If you listen closely, you can hear me yell yeah (ya-uh) in the background.
The performance was perfect, no overdubs on the album.

Far out!!!!
 

Clactdj.

After the question about "Schizzy" in the quiz forum I went and bought 3 Utopia albums. I haven't listened to them yet but following on from this post I'm going to listen out for you.

Fame for clactdj!!!!!!!!
 

I heard you!!!

What I also heard was an amazing album.........Ye Gods!! How have I gone so long without knowing this album. I bought Ooops! Wrong Planet years ago and loved it, especially Love is the Answer.....being an old peace loving hippy at heart. But this!!!! I think it's going to be on my deck for ages.

I can only imagine how you must have felt sitting there with this whirling around your head. What a buzz.

Thanks man, you've done me a HUGE favour!!

Must go and start the player again.....see ya!
:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D

Keith-

I bet you'd like "Another Live" also. Not as good, but killer versions of "Do Ya" and "Just One Victory".

I really didn't care much for any of the other Utopia studio albums. I love the following Rundgren solo works:

Something/Anything
A Wizard/A True Star
Todd

I wish he'd do some albums like these again....{sigh}.

BTW.... my name is

Keith Ling

Todd, Todd and more Todd
 

Good to know you Keith.......there are more of us Keiths than people think!

I've got a copy of Something, Anything and love it too. My sister played me I saw the light (she'd bought the single) when it first came out and I thought that if the rest of the album is as good as that I'd be mad not to buy it. I went to the record shop only to discover it was a double album and I didn't have enough money. I did manage to buy it a couple of weeks later and still play it often.

I'll definitely look out for the others you recommend.

Take care man!

Ahh favorite gigs.....I base my criteria on SOUND and sound only. Although some of my favorite shows have been ones with elaborate staging,lighting,and visuals such as E.L.O.`s tours of the 70`s, some Yes tours with the Roger Dean staging, Pink Floyd`s mammoth stadium tours. I`m going to list the best SOUNDING shows I have been to.The best sounding concert by far was Supertramps "Breakfast In America" tour in 1979.It was almost like they put on a CD (even though they weren`t invented yet) and faked playing their instruments.They sounded that good. A close second was the Kansas "Left Overture" tour in 1977 at one of the true great concert halls in the U.S.A....the Tower Theater in Upper Darby Pa. Simply outstanding. I have seen them numerous times after this show and although they always deliver a fine concert....they haven`t come close to this tour. Other great SOUNDING shows were 3 Yes tours...the "Relayer tour of 1975, the "Solo" tour of 1976 and the "In The Round" tour of 1979. Near perfect sound on all 3 tours. I have seen Yes 15 times and I always get my $$$$ worth. Pink Floyd`s "Animals" tour in 1977 was also one of my faves. Great sound. It was probably the most anticipated concert of my life, and they did not disappoint.
That show blows away the 80`s and 90`s Floyd tours.Maybe it was Roger Waters. Genesis "Trick Of The Tail" tour was another truly great sounding concert. Alot better then the 80`s Genesis tours.I wonder how this tour compares with Genesis w/ Peter Gabriel tours? Electric Light Orchestra Part 2 with the Philadelphia Orchestra was near perfect. Better sound then the 70`s but with no elaborate staging or lighting. Although Jeff Lynn was missed on some songs. As you can see....after close to 300 concerts in my life, the progressive rock bands stand out as the best SOUNDING shows of my life. Other great sounding shows were J.Geils Band, Journey, The Kinks, Jethro Tull, Peter Frampton, Boz Scaggs,Night Ranger,Asia,Crack The Sky,Eric Clapton,Jefferson Starship,The Cars,Hall and Oates,Bob Seager and The Silver Bullet Band,UK,INXS,Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers,Rush,and Jackson Browne.

King Crimson, the Agora Ballroom, Atlanta GA, 1981, Discipline tour. I ate an entire sheet of LSD a half-hour before hitting ground zero. We sat at a table fifteen feet from the stage, drank overpriced Molsons, and after suffering through some wannabe U2/Big Country band, saw the most incredible set I've ever been privileged to see. Fripp is, indeed, a god, though he's chosen to lay back a good bit now and let Belew and Gunn provide much of the firepower for the latest incarnation (he still provides the structure and can let 'er rip when he chooses). But nothing can touch that foursome of Fripp, Belew, Levin, and Bruford. That group touched heaven.

The bunch of us, dosed, dazed, and beyond overjoyed, drove halfway home, stopped at a Waffle House where we were served omelettes that looked like footballs sliced lengthwise, made it another hour or so, and stopped around 4 am at some friend's house in Alabama, where we slept the clock round and managed to trundle back home many, many hours overdue. Fun!

Biggest dichotomy between "good" opening band and "great" main attraction was Saga and Jethro Tull in 1984 ? , Merriwether Post, Washington DC. Sorry, Saga fans, but they were the absolute gut-wrenchingly worst excuse for a prog band that I've had the misfortune to be exposed to. Everything that is wrong with prog music was demonstrated by that bunch of pompous larda$$es that night. Of course Tull (the Broadsword tour) blew them away. (Watching twenty or so guys in white hospital johnnies stalking each other around the stage during "Watching Me Watching You" was easily worth the price of admission.)

*edited to correct bad date

Merriweather
 

I was at the exact same show. Saga played two years later at the Bayou in Washington DC (a now defunct club, one of my favorite places). They were incredible. The Saga show we saw was not to be done in an open air ampitheater. sSrry, they are really good live - you can't like their stuff in a large crowd, wasted. That's no excuse to trash them.

If you have ever seen opening acts such as Hawaii (ELP), Satan's Three (Sabbath/BOC), you will understand what I mean. I've been to over 300 shows. I've seen bad.

Saga - They're far from pompous.

Saga: I've heard very little of their studio music and I've seen them live once, so I have little to go on. On that one night, though, they were execrable. (And I wasn't *nearly* as trashed that night.) Anyway, it's all opinion, man.

Worst opening band I've ever seen was whoever that was fronting Live on the "Distance from Here" tour. The rest of the band wore black and tried to imitate Bush; the singer had waist-length scarlet dreadlocks, a green PVC jumpsuit, and was channeling a combination of Johnny Rotten and Yoko Ono while indulging in an embarrassingly self-conscious set of stage, uh, gyrations. Give me Saga any day.

Execrable
 

cool word - what does it mean? I'd like to use it sometime. Anything to do with excretion?

Re: Execrable
 

ex·e·cra·ble
adjective.
Deserving of execration; hateful.
Extremely inferior; very bad: an execrable meal.

Says it all really!!!!

KC in Nashville
 

Mine would be seeing King Crimson in 2000 at the Nashville warm-up shows for the ConstruKction Of Light tour. Although they were full of train wrecks, the two shows I saw were the best concerts I've been to so far (well, excepting Rush on the Vapor Trails tour). The improvs in particular were amazing!

Tommy

Saw KC in February '03, in a converted aircraft hanger in western NC. Absolutely amazing. I saw them on the ConstruKction tour and thought that they were finally, sadly, going to fade into the sunset on us -- at that concert they were almost "doing it by the numbers," very rote and uninspired. Belew was trying to liven things up by mugging at the audience and Gunn was his usual splendid, Zen master self, but the show just didn't work. I thought they were done. Then I saw them a couple of months ago and was flabbergasted. Mastelotto has figured out his role in the band and is having fun, Belew came out stripped for battle and fought with his guitar all night (it was a draw, and an epic battle it was), Gunn was again his usual calm, splendid self, and Fripp looked...almost pleased, as if his recalcitrant pupils finally had it right. The energy level should have lifted the place right up off the planet, and the audience panted so hard for more that the band gave up 3, count em 3, encores. Interesting sidebar: they've completely excised everything pre-Thrak from their repertoire, and that only in the encore ("Vrooom Vroooom" and "Dinosaur"), and are focusing almost exclusively on music from their last two albums along with plenty of improvs and the occasional ProjecKct piece ("Deception of the Thrush"). Now, this is from February; no guarantees what you'll see if you go to see them now, but even if they're playing beer hall polkas, they're very much worth seeing.

(Note: I am aware that, like any other band, KC has their good nights and their bad nights. I'm sure they've come out limp as wet noodles once or twice on this tour, and I'm sure they raved some venues down on the 2000 tour. I've seen them almost a dozen times since 1981, and I've never seen them look so flat and uninspired as when I saw them in 2000. I honestly thought that they had finally reached the end of their rope. Thankfully I was wrong, wrong, wrong!)

Bob Fripp and the boys
 

saw them a month or so ago - very crunchy and even bluesy. Fripp's still got it. The night before (they did two nights) Belew was sick, so the other three played without him. I would rather see that and Belew as an opening act. That would be two better shows. Belew in the 80's-90's at intimate venues was his best. There's too much repitition in his vocal tunes nowadays. But he's still needed to liven things up a bit.

ProjeKct 3 was Fripp, Gunn, and Mastelotto. Overall, not my favorite of the 5 "ProjecKct" bands, but they produced some worthy music.

Belew is an integral part of the band, both live and in the studio. He, along with Fripp, writes the majority of the material, and on stage he provides a great deal of the energy and the "firepower." Though I would have been very interested to see how a Belew-less KC handled things.

Side note: I'm glad to see Trey Gunn is getting a following among Crimson fans. He was sorely underutilized and underappreciated in the "double trio" lineup. He's amazing.

I saw the "Double Trio" lineup at the Royal Albert Hall in Londaon and thought the same as you Black max. He was underutilized but it was still a fantastic gig.

I'm sure I've got a recording taken from the tour somewhere. I'll have to dig it out and have another listen.

Thanks for reminding me about that!!!

Definitely Not Leslie Gore
 

I can't believe I forgot about the Col. Les Claypool & His Fearless Flying Frog Brigade show I saw in New Orleans over Mardi Gras about three years ago (I think). That has to be one of my favorite all-time shows.

We got to the venue early (right by Lee circle @ the arts warehouse thingy) and were standing around the loading dock when this beatnik-looking guy with dark shades walks up and bangs on the loading door. It was only after he ducked under that we realized it was Les coming in from a parade. Unfortunately, the show itself was about 2 hours late. However, we got there early enough to be right in the front of the line.

When the gates finally opened, we managed to deposit our sad carcasses right in the front behind the barricades on the left side of the stage. It's maybe an understatement to say that it was just a good position, as we could clearly see Les & Eenore flailing about.

Probably the greatest thing about the performance was the seemingly free-form setlist. They went right into a cover of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (as Col. Claypool's Flying Frog Brigade), and segued into a version of With A Little Help From My Friends. Needless to say, I was in odd-ball heaven. That was shortly followed by Thela Hun Ginjeet. After that, it's all a blissful blur. I'm not sure if it was the huge green cloud or the music that took me under, but I'd love to get a copy of this one. The sound was absolutely horrible though. Oh well, it's nice to have, but a funky groove is better.

I'm pretty sure a few of the songs on there went on to be developed for Purple Onion, especially one that involved a single string bass with a hand crank on the tuner! Les would hit it with the drum stick and crank tighter or let it loose for the note & effect.

Galactic was supposed to come on after. By that time, it was about 1 and we'd been on our feet all day, so we just said 'screw it'. We'd already had our fill.

Tommy

I was born in 1980. Gah! It seems i have missed loads of good experiences by just being too young!

But i went to see Ayreon/Star one live last year. And it was an experience that litterary blew me away. It's definately the best concert i have ever been to.

Progressive rock seldom tours to Sweden it seems. I had to go to Holland to see the Ayreon/Star one koncert. (It was worth it, and then some!) A live cd/dvd from the very concert i was at has come out now by the way.

I think this was the first prog concert i have ever been to. I know that Jethro Tull has been here, and Spock's beard together with Dream Theater. But back then i still didn't know how good music it was. (Aargh!)

Anyway, the second best concert i have ever been too was King Diamond. I like to think that what he makes can be called progressive metal, but i tend to get outvoted on that pretty quick so, i don't know. It was a very enjoyable experience however that may be.

Then on third place i think i must place Moonspell. I tend to think that they have a bit of progressive touch as well. But i get outvoted on that just as fast as when i say King Diamond is so. It was good anyway.

Next, i am hoping to see Mind's eye live, they should tour Sweden sooner or later i gather.

The King
 

I dressed up as King Diamond for Halloween parties for a few years straight. Great Fun. Mercyful Fate was always pretty good. There's a ridiculous tune called "The Phone Call" that always makes me laugh.

Re: The King
 

Sounds a laugh Rick......you got any photos you care to post for OUR delight?

>>>I like to think that what he makes can be called progressive metal, but i tend to get outvoted on that pretty quick so, i don't know.

It doesn't matter what the label is, it matters that you like it. A lot of the thrash/punk/new wave bands I like would make the average "Prog Day" audience run for their lives.

Les Claypool
 

Now you've jogged my memory, Extended. The best concert that I have ever been has to be the first time that I saw Primus. It was the summer of 1996 in an arena in downtown Toronto. I went with a buddy very early in the day and decided to get slowly and thoroughly pickled in a restaurant/bar across from the arena. We finally managed to get up and glide into the arena for the concert. We got in when the lights were on and pushed our way to about 6 rows from the stage anticipating a lame opening act but wanted a good spot for Primus. The lights go down and when the first bass chord is struck we find out that we are in the middle of the mosh pit and we missed the opening act. My glasses go flying (I eventually find them and stuff them into my shorts), we decide to join the crowd and have a hell of a time. All this at the age of 36!! Les Claypool's playing has to be seen to be believed!!

Maybe some of you know about Frágil, a peruvian symphonic prog' band from the late 70's - early 80's, they have one great album "Avenida Larco", but back to the point.

This band started doing covers of Genesis, Yes, etc . Around 1977, when I was 13 only listened to radio music (and Roundabout), but a friend's older brother told me to go with a group of guys and see this progressive band that was the opener for the most popular pop band in Perú (You).

Honestly I went to see "You" but I noticed the audience was not normal for a POP concert, almost all were males with long beards and hair, almost as left oriented intelectuals.

The concert started with a guy dressed with a strange hat and a flower in his teeth singing a strange song named I Know What I Like, amazing a new world opened for me, then he started to tell stories while the other musicians tuned theit instruments, the next songs were 11th Earl of Mar, Close to the Edge, Stairways to Heaven and Supper's Ready, the crowd was really thrilled.

After a couple of hours the lead singer from You (the Pop band) climbed the stage and said: "Well guys you are here to see us so give a warm applause to Frágil and let's Rock with YOU!!!!!!!.

Bad mistake....the crowd went mad, they started to throw objects to the stage like cans, beer bottles, etc everybody was shouting the name of Fragil.

The poor guy from You started to sing "Silly Love Songs" and it was worst, 50% of the audience went out (included myself) and the other 50% was shouting and throwing things, 2 or 3 blocks away I could listen the name Frágil shouted by the crowd.

This concert changed my life and my understanding of music.

Iván

If I knew how to post a picture..
 

I have one picture. What makes it stupid looking is that I am holding an umbrella (not your standard Metal fare).

But the better ones are me dressed as a woman (on a dare, of course).

Primus is one band I've never seen and would have liked to!

Re: If I knew how to post a picture..
 

Avian, Is it possible to post pics up on the threads?

If it is let us know how and Rick could give us all a giggle.......I could do with a laugh right now!!!

Ivan, what a cool story.

I was at an outdoor concert in Chapel Hill, NC in 1982 with Grandmaster Flash, The Producers, U2, and Todd Rundgren (tells you how long ago it was that U2 was opening for Rundgren or anyone). The audience didn't understand or appreciate what GMF was doing, and the Producers (lightweight Cars wannabes) just bored them. Everyone was there for U2 and/or Rundgren, with the audience topheavy for U2. The Producers wound their way through their flaccid little set, obviously choosing to end with their one hit, "Lucy" or "Lucille" or something. Towards the end of their set, the front guy called out, "What is it that you wanna hear?" Besides channeling Lynyrd Skynrd, he was expecting all of us to yell back, "Lucy!" Instead, the crowd thunders out in one voice, "YOOOOOO TWOOOOOO!" Poor guy was rocked back on his heels, the band chugged through their last song, and they fled, never to be seen again (at least not by me).

U2 was tremendous, with Bono climbing the scaffolding during a lightning storm and doing "Singing in the Rain" (the entire concert took place during a monsoon). My girlfriend at the time got sick of being wet and insisted we leave before Todd got on stage. Like the whipped puppy I was, I gave in, and missed a chance to see solo Todd do his thing, urrgghh.

Turn it on again!!!!!!
 

We've had a lot of new members and posters join the forum recently and I'd like to get this thread going again. Mainly because I'm a Nosey S.O.B. but also because I like hearing about other people's good experiences. So..........the original question was:

I know it will be difficult to say what your favourite gig of all time would be but I'd love to know what gig sticks in your mind as an special moment in time.

C'mon you new AMers. Get divulging........

Probably the most ambivalent I've ever felt about a concert was watching Lou Reed on "The Blue Mask" tour. He played a terrific set, but the venue was all wrong -- an auditorium usually used for lectures and chamber music, so the audience was restricted to its seats. It was almost impossible to move, much less mosh, and Lou was visibly angered by the "unresponsiveness" of the audience. You could see him deciding, "Fine, we'll just run through the material like we're in rehearsal, and to hell with this bunch of dead asses." He played "White Light White Heat" for the encore -- tremendous energy, terrific rendition, nearly tore my head off, and all I could do was stand up and cheer. He and the band finished the encore and bolted.

I always felt the audience let him down, but I'm not sure how much was the audience's fault. We literally could barely move due to the cramped seating (I'm talking seats with the movable desks attached).

Anyway, maybe this thread will gain a little life.

After seeing a good number of the big name acts in the big arenas in the seventies, I became a bit tired of battling poor sound quality and endless streams of people more interested in getting another beer than in listening to the music (Pink Floyd, however, was an exception on the sound quality).
I saw the Tony Levin Band two years ago in a small venue where I sat directly in front of Tony, close enough to put my feet on the stage if I'd wanted. An absolutely fantastic night of jamming!
Close second: Flower Kings in the same small club.
Close third: Jean Luc Ponty in the same small club.
Support your local pub!

Agree with you there my friend..........

There are some GREAT bands out there playing the pub circuit who will never get a proper recording contract because they're not "trendy".

On the AM playlist is a band called Haze who are friends of mine. They played upwards of 200 gigs a year around the UK and europe for years and made SUPERB Music. They're still playing together but following a nasty road accident just as they were getting somewhere they don't tour as much as they used to.

Keep on checking out the pub circuit and you'll be amazed at what's out there.

Mine is... Sitting next to Carlos Santana and watching Miles Davis and McCoy Tyner at the Greek in Berkely. I didn't know Carlos personally he just ploped down next to me with his pass around his neck and nudged me and said are these guys great or what (and they were) we talked a little but the music was awsome!

Also Zappa when he came on stage with the Stanford marching band (after they were banned from TV for doing a tibute to the pill on national tv)

There were really so many since I went to concerts every weekend durring the 70 its hard to pick them out.