Best opening acts

[progdirjim(Admin)]

I've got a lot that I wouldn't actually call "best", but were nice surprises at least.

All time best - Larry Mitchell opening for Eric Johnson - Larry is one of the best guitarists I've EVER heard, and he's become a good friend as well.

other nice surprises - Chris Bliss, a JUGGLER, opening for Asia in 1984 (I think) - this guy did juggling with lighted, mirrored, and other special balls, all synchronized to a cool soundtrack. As someone who can juggle, I was skeptical when this guy walked out on stage (I wouldn't juggle in front of thousands of people!), but I enjoyed it immensely

April Wine opening for Styx in 1977 or 78 - that was the first time I heard of them.
Humble Pie opening for ZZ Top in the 70's.
Ben Folds Five opening for Counting Crows
Iggy Pop and Santana opening for the Stones in 1984

that reminds me something that still amuses me. Twice a year there's a 50 mile bike ride just south of the border called, appropriately enough, the "Rosarito to Ensenada Bike Ride" - there's a big party at the end and typically those of us who ride and other friends spend the night in Ensenada drinking. One time, at the end of the ride, I'm looking for my friends (this was pre-cell phone days), and there's this band playing a Santana song. All of a sudden I stop, and I think "my god, these guys are good. they sound JUST like Santana." Turns out it was Santana - well no wonder...