What was the best rock concert you ever attended?
Posted at 5:00 AM on July 22, 2011
by Eric Ringham
(132 Comments)
Filed under: Culture
This weekend marks the first big outdoor stadium concert the Twin Cities has seen in decades, when U2 plays TCF Stadium at the University of Minnesota. Today's Question:
What was the best rock concert you ever attended?
Comments (132)
My favorites:
Led Zeppelin - St. Paul Civic Center 7-9-73 & Met Center 1-18-75
Jethro Tull - Met Center - Thick As a Brick 6-5-72 & A Passion Play 7-2-73
Yes - Met Center - Tales of Topographic Oceans 3-5-74
Emerson Lake & Palmer - Works Tour w/full orhestra St Paul Civic Center 1977...and many, many others in the 1970's
Jethro Tull- Cumberland County Auditorium,Fayettville,N.C. 1971
Neil Young Civic Center 1977?
Hoven Droven -Cedar Cultural Center 2000?
Kate and Anna McGarrigle 1998? Perfect
Brian Wilson- every time
Eagles at the old met outside and it started raining, my first concert with Ten Years After we were all singing I'm going home, the Stones at the dome, Lynard Skynard at st paul, the Deadheads and Dylan were good Very envious of some others Woodstock omg, Marley and Hendrix I wish. Thanks for reliving some old memories
could not believe my luck - dropping into vegas from australia random - led zepellin playing mgm grand - one night only in america - unbelievable show - disappointed no stairway played
I have been to many GREAT concerts over the past 35 + years. One that does stand out was Def Leppard at Met Center in 1988. There were many memorable and historic things about that concert. First of all, it was the 3rd night of a 3 night sold out stand (and the only 3 nighter on that tour). The stage was set up at center ice as a "sound in the round" format. It was later revealed that in the middle of the concert (during the drum solo) the rest of the band members invited lots of the women in front of the stage under the stage for some debauchery. And, it was the last time Steve Clark appeared in the Twin Cities with Def Leppard before his untimely death in 1991. This was the "Hysteria" tour and it was hysterical!
I have seen several memorable concerts. Yes, the Eagle's 1978 Hotel California stop at the old Met was impressive, as was Boston at the old Met Center.
In terms of raw talent, however, the best I saw was Sir Elton John with only a grand piano (and Ry Cooder on percussion) at Northrup Auditorium. Acoustic. No band, no backup vocals, no schmaltz. Just pure entertainment.
1. Woodstock--the original.
2. Joplin concerts in Mpls, ca. 1970
3. Hendrix concerts in Mpls, ca. 1969-70
4. PPM concert in Mpls, ca. 1969.
Lighten up, Raoul. If you have so much anxiety about the state of the world that you think every conversation has to be deadly serious and there's no time for light-hearted questions, don't you think it's time for you to take a break?
Two: 1) James Taylor at Red Rocks and 2) Crossroads Guitar Festival 2010 in Chicago.
Seriously, with all the crisis and relevant events impacting MN, we are being asked for our favorite rock concert? Do they know it is not 1970?
Last week's question was a slanted or poorly hidden attack to discredit Rep. Bachmann. The question of which medical diagnosis is relevant was right after the mainstream brought up a smear on presidential candidate Rep. Bachmann's migraines 2.8 million Americans have migraines from time to time_ jeeesh_)
Did anyone ask about Clinton's cardiac and high blood pressure? What about our president's admission in his 2007writings that he did a lot of cocaine in college and that he smoked? Well???
What about Gov. Dayton's diagnosed bi-polar mood disorder??
WHY does the media seem to over look these things when it is a DFL or Progressive application?
So why are we no asking questions that matter? Why not ask the Question: Do you think that raising MN taxes on corporations and small business affects anyone other than the stock holders and CEO's?
You want news? How about this_
Where is the media coverage on the Fast and Furious ATF gun selling scandal and Attorney General Holder's complicity and his lying to Congress? What about the emails between TAF that shows they were to connect every drug-gun offense to poor gun control so legislation can further restrict the Second Amendment? Check it out for yourself. Facts are there.
Just saying___ bias is often shown more on what is NOT covered in the news. Where is the coverage on the fill in host person for the MNBC pundit slot that was quickly fired after the White House sent a letter to MNBC saying his expressed views were not complimentary to the president and so he should be let go... or the comments from Mr. Wynn saying our president has done more to hurt business than to help stimulate jobs and then gives the numbers to back it up?
There are 2.5 million jobs now gone since Obama came into office. That says a lot about how an inexperienced minimal served Senator with no business resume has failed all of us, regardless of political affiliation. My own buyers remorse ( voter's remorse) is profound this year...but maybe a good rock concert will make me forget what is really most important at this time in our country....bah.
I have never enjoyed any concert of any genre more than when Peter Schickele was guest conductor of the orchestra, performing the music of P.D.Q. Bach.
Neil Young at the Target Center ?? years ago. When he came out, the energy of anticipation in the crowd was palbable and deafening. So. Much. Fun. And it was my first rock concert.
Sammy Hagar at the Omni in Atlanta,
Nov 16, 1984.
The red rocker was all over the place, full of energy, and while I wasn't a huge fan, it turned out that every song was pretty good and he played each as though it were his encore song.
R.E.M. at Midway Stadium - summer of 1999
It started raining and I'll never forget them singing "It's the End of the World as We Know It" while we all danced in the rain.
a few years ago
Janis Joplin Mpls Armory, emotional show - Crow warmed up
Led Zepplin old Met - Jimmy Page did an hour solo
Taj Mahal Wilkins - he invited a girl with beautiful voice up from the crowd to sing with him
Moondance Jam 12 (2003) Boston came on stage as the full moon rose over the treeline. Every song was performed perfectly and the weather was heavenly. My second choice would be Foghat, in their first stop on a reunion tour at The Waterfall Inn in Brainerd. They were all the original members, and didn't miss a beat or a note the whole concert. Our ears rang for 4 days afterward....maybe a little too much amperage for such a small venue......
A basement club in Greenwish Village.
Double bill: Janis Joplin & BB King
Late in the evening two musicians in the audience come to the stage.
Jimi Hendrix and Buddy Guy.
The jamming began.
We left when it finally ended.
Around 6.30 in the morning.
This was never topped.
The most remarkable concert was seeing Canned Heat at the old Met Sports Center in late 1969 or early 1970. Alan Wilson was still alive. That was treat enough, but one of the backup acts was Iggy and the Stooges, before he became known as Iggy Pop. It is safe to say that no one expected what we saw and heard in his performance.
They Might Be Giants at the Wild Rumpus Bookstore: it was a tiny space full of kids, and they were touring their first children's album (which isn't all that different from a regular TMBG album); they closed with "Constantinople," which seemed to puzzle the kids but please the parents. It was great to see them in such an intimate space: I'd seen them a few times before in club settings, but that little bookstore made it fun in a surprising way.
It was the Eagles Hotel California Tour in 1978. Outdoor at the old Met Stadium. Pablo Cruise, Steve Miller Band, and the Eagles.
August 1969, the Woodstock Music & Art Fair
32 acts, it was a nonstop music, peace, and love fest I'll never forget.
The early to mid 1980s Minneapolis music scene produced some great live shows. I particularly recall the Suburbs and the Replacements. Soul Asylum in their harder edged early days was a great show. And Trip Shakespeare at the 7th Street Entry was...a trip.
Big Head Todd and the Monsters, Red Rock outdoor stadium just in CO, 2003. Awesome music paired with an awesome view of the mountains. Best ever.
I had the privilege of being one of the attendees, up close and personal, for the U2 show at First Avenue on Feb. 21, 1982. The smaller venue, the young and rising rock stars, and an audience that, even then, knew every word to every song. Of the five U2 performances I was a part of, none compare to the incredible electricity of that evening.
This is like asking which is my favorite kid - they are all so different and each is special in it's own way! I can't possibly pick a favorite!
Grateful Dead RFK Stadium Wash DC 1992. As if the energy created by the Dead & the crowd escaped through the open roof and could spread out to heal the world.
Only went to one in my entire life, save for bar bands.
It was a Christian rock group. Ever since I refuse to go. Not sure why...
Guess they do not look at cool as their music video make them. So sad what happened to MTV.... so sad.... And it seems VH1 caught the same chronic disease.... so so so sad...... they will never be the same...... they now join the ranks of the walking dead.... so very very sad......
Actually hearing a band at a bar is not too bad, food and drinks in case they suck.
Not sure about being outdoors... mosquitoes and all.
U2, outdoors, Saratoga Springs, NY.
I can't decide if it was The Clash at the Fillmore in SF or The Talking Heads in the Greek Theater in Berkeley.
Most recent greatest concert: Arcade Fire last year at the Roy Wilkins, in spite of the crappy venue.
Eric Clapton, Elton John, Bonnie Raitt, and Queen - Wembly Stadium, London - 1992. A full day of true rock stars, under the sky, traveling overseas - an adventure.
The Talking Heads, 1981 at the Northrup. I love it that the whole upper balcony was bouncing up and down several feet!
Also enjoyed Devo at the same venue around the some time. It was winter and me and a buddy got lost outside on some soccer fields I think, for various reasons, but did find the auditorium eventually!
Seen U2 three times and been blown away.
Saw Springsteen twice and found that I was depleted from the four-hour shows that put on. That's a good kind of tired.
But my favorite concert was in Gulfport, Mississippi, when I lived down south. Small venue that looked like it had been a movie house. About six rows away, on a bare stage with minimal lighting was Steve Ray Vaughn and Double Trouble. Simply outstanding.
since the question is motivated by u2 at a large venue, i will list 4 concerts that i saw at the old guthrie theatre:
the grateful dead;
the mahavishnu orchestra;
miles davis; and
john mayall and the bluesbreakers.
oh, what times those were!!
The Black Keys and Cage the Elephant in Las Vegas at the Cosmopolitan - words can't describe how hard these guys rocked!
Tomorrow will be my 6th U2 concert - my answer is U2. From the 1st time I saw them in a small ball room in Chicago to the last time they were here in Mnpls. They are the best live.
1. Beatles concert - Metropolitan Stadium 1965 WOW! Lucky me!
2. Simon & Garfunkel concert - Parade Stadium 1983 AWESOME! The best ever!
Rolling Stones Denver 1972
Rage against the machine in minneapolis during the RNC was fantastic and a surreal experience.
Eddie Vedder with Glen Hansard just a couple weeks ago was amazing.
Mason Jennings at 7th St entry about 10 years ago was the best I have ever seen him.
Paper bird and Joe Pug at 10K lakes festival was really good.
my morning jacket at bonnaroo gave a 4 hour concert in the middle of the night in a rainstorm. Amazing.
It's hard to beat the Duluth Bayfront Blues festival when Buddy Guy is on stage. But two other shows have done that for me. The first was James Brown at the Pioneer Theater in the Duluth Convention center.
However, hands down the best concert I've ever been to?
Lollapalooza #1 (1991) on Harriet Island.
Mind blowing (in more ways than one =).
1. Led Zeppelin 1977 ST Paul Civic
2. Aerosmith MGM Grand Las Vegas
3. U2 ELevation Tour MPLS
Led Zeppelin played almost four hours incredible performance.
To once again sing the praises of Taste of Minnesota, Bo Diddley at Taste a few years ago. What a chance to see a legend. He played sitting down. Still had every bit of soul. During the show, a woman near the stage suffered an epileptic seizure. An ambulance rolled slowly through the middle of the crowd as it parted politely like the Red Sea. Throughout the episode, Bo strummed and sang, directly to the woman: "Everything's gonna be all right . . . everything's gonna be all right . . . " keeping the crowd calm and comforting her. Another beautiful night under the stars, with a wonderful, diverse crowd. Thanks, Bo, and may you rest in peace.
Roger Waters played the old North Stars arena shortly after he split with Pink Floyd. He had something to prove, and he did it! Simon and Garfunkle in the gym at either Augsburg or Macalester college (I forget) before they were anyone. I sat within touching distance of them. Joan Baez in Germany, 1971. She played outside, it was raining, she took no breaks and performed for 4 hours! Gerry Rafferty in Denmark, 1979, very intimate performance. Bob Dylan at the old Scholar coffeehouse when he went on impromtu for a single tune; "Sad Eyed Lady of the Northland." My personal highlight was Nana Mouskouri at the Orpheum in Minneapolis. I stood when she came out on stage. She looked at me a few times during her set (I was in the front row) and bent down from the stage and gave me a rose at the end of the concert.
Sammy Hagar 199?
Every time I drive I hear “I can’t drive 55”
Lots of smoke at that concert:-)
Van Morrison at St. Paul Riverfest in 1986. The chemistry between artist and audience was amazing, and Van played for over three hours, leaving his playlist behind. With a tip of the hat to St. Paul concert promoter Ron Maddox.
Not as stellar as some...
My top 5:
1. Ryan Adams at the U of Iowa, 2001 (before he started getting all pretentious, it was just all about the music for 2 hours)
2. Arcade Fire at First Ave, 2006
3. Devotchka at the Vaudeville Mews in Des Moines (a tiny club with maybe 25 in attendance, played on a weekday all added up to a wonderful and intimate show with this amazingly talented band).
4. Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, Fitzgerald Theater, 2011 (as a huge fan of hers, getting to finally see her was great this past Wed!)
5. (tie)
Cloud Cult at MPR Studios, 2010
Andrew Bird at MPR Studios, 2009
Getting to be so close and intimate with wonderful bands at MPR studios- there's nothing quite like it.
Smokey Robinson, free, outside, under the clouds and stars at Taste of Minnesota a few years ago. Entire crowd sang along to all songs, and Smokey divided the audience into sections and harmonies. It was beauty and joy. Sorry for anyone who missed it.
With a tip of the hat to St. Paul concert promoter Ron Maddox, my favorite concert ever was Van Morrison at St. Paul Riverfest in 1986. The chemistry between artist and audience was amazing, and Van played for over three hours, leaving his playlist behind.
It sure wasn't a U2 show!
The best concert I have gone to was my first...I was 17 and saw Radiohead at 1st Avenue, right before "The Bends" was released. David Gray was the opening band. The crowd was a little restless during David Gray's performance because no one new who he was. When Thom Yorke came out, he said something about how rude certain people were being to a great opening act, which I really respected because I was annoyed with how rude some people had been. He then proceeded to play a fantastic concert. I've seen Radiohead twice since then and nothing will compare with the intimacy of that show.
I will always remember my first concert when I was 4. My older brother, Eric, took me to see the Beach Boys, our favorite band. More than anything, just getting to spend time with him was more memorable than the concert itself
Great question, but tough to choose! Here goes, in no particular order: Rolling Stones 1987 Steel Wheels, Pink Floyd 1994 (entire Dark Side of the Moon during second set), Bruce Springsteen 1988 Tunnel of Love, Van Halen 1984, Eric Clapton 1990, Radiohead 2003, several mid-90s Phish shows, and for the audience, U2 1987 Joshua Tree (never seen a show quite like it - bigger than life)!
One More:
Eric Clapton with Phil Collins and Mark Knopfler - St. Paul Civic Center.
Here's a few: (I can't narrow it down to one)
Genesis - Metrodome
Dire Straits - Roy Wilkens Aud.
The Who - St. Paul Civic Center - 1980
U2 - Zoo TV Tour - Target Center
Bob Dylan - 4 out of 5 nights at the Orpheum.
Neil Young - Le Noise - Northrup
Rock the Garden - Decemberists, Calexico
Daniel Lanois - Fine Line Music Cafe
David Byrne - State Theatre
Steve Winwood - Riverfest - St. Paul
Never have been to one. But I sure wish I could have gone to a Led Zeppelin concert back in my 20's with a 1/2 ounce of weed in my pocket.
As a side note: Only in the People's Republic Of Minnesota is there a U2 concert and no beer will be sold in the stadium. If I were U2 I'd say to Minnesota, "What a bunch of prudes. If you are so pius, prohibitionist and that your Islam-like moral police won't let our fans have fun, we won't play your state and you miss out on all the tax revenue and a boost to local businesses. Hello, Wisconsin. Hey this is U2. We understand you sell beer at your college stadium. Yes, we're interested in putting on a concert...."
A little clarification for my previous post from Wikipedia. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Milwaukee_County_Stadium...
Also in 1975, Pink Floyd performed at County Stadium. An urban legend has sprung up around this show - according to legend, the dark and brooding clouds parted and revealed a brilliant moon just as the band was launching into the line "I'll see you on the dark side of the moon." (Eyewitnesses confirm that this actually happened, after the show had been interrupted several times by rain.) Pink Floyd returned to County Stadium in 1977, drawing an estimated 60,000. For a third and final time, the band returned on September 30, 1987, on the A Momentary Lapse of Reason Tour.
In February, 2008 I took a train to NYC and met up with an old army friend. We attended 1st and 3rd of the 3 concerts by Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood at Madison Square Garden; these were the first full Winwood-Clapton concerts in almost 40 years. We sat behind stage overlooking Winwood’s Hammond B3 organ.
A rare couple of jems.
The best concert I've attended was The Concert for Change at the Excel in 2004. The concert included REM, Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young and others. Lot of hope that night that Bush was history but Kerry was not able to pull that off.
Rage Against the Machine, Minneapolis, September 3, 2008. The band conveniently planned the show during the Republican National Convention, also in town. It was magical.
1) R&B w/Isiac Hayes near Pontiac, MI. A summer evening with nothing short of exceptional music. Isiac played [multiple instruments] to the crowd. Nothing short of mellow! 2) Celtic Women at Mystic Lake. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful vocals, dancing and instrumentals. Not to mention the lenght of the concert. Everyone got their monies worth. 3) Carol King at Northorup Auditorium. She began playing solo then one-by-one, brought additional musicians who she featured more than she featured herself. Three standing ovations where they returned to play again then choose to stay the next day for an unplanned concert.
Pink Floyd at Milwaukee County Stadium in 1977?. My first concert.
They preformed Dark Side of The Moon and Obscured By Clouds. The concert was rain delayed for about 5 hours periodically throughout the show. The concert ended at about midnight-ish. During the last song, as the band sang "and the sun is eclipsed by the moon..." the full moon broke through the ever present clouds and appeared above the stage for the first time in the evening. The crowd went crazy!
The White Stripes at the Orpheum in Minneapolis in 2005 was the best rock show I've been to. Jack White is an incredible musician and to see him work his craft and hearing them live made was mesmerizing.
Probably Zappa Plays Zappa at the State or Orpheum a few years ago.
Seriously.
I went in there not knowing what to expect, but thought seeing guests (and former Mothers) Napoleon Murphy Brock, Terry Bozzio and Steve Vai would be interesting. I left there stunned by Dweezil and the incredible band he put together, playing Frank's great music.
Probably Zappa Plays Zappa at the State or Orpheum a few years ago.
Seriously.
I went in not sure what to expect but thought guests (and former Mothers of Invention band members) Napoleon Murphy Brock, Terry Bozzio and Steve Vai would make it an interesting evening. I left there completely stunned by Dweezel's playing and the incredible band he has put together, playing Frank's wonderful music.
My best concert was the first American tour of the Beatles Sept 17, 1964 at the Municipal Stadium in K.C. Mo.
Prince, Purple Rain tour, Twin Cities. It sold out so they added another concert to the beginning. Bands usually start the show with "It's great to be in Minneapolis" or something like that. Prince said "It's great to be home." I sat there thinking he was one of us. Made the concert more personal.
I've enjoyed a lot of rock concerts over the years. Among the top are Jimmy Hendrix at the Minneapolis Armory in the late 60's, and The Who at the Civic Center in the late 70's. However, the top has to be the Rolling Stones at the Met Sports Center (where the North Stars used to play) in the early 70's.
Two college buddies and I got together to stand in line to buy tickets. The tickets were scheduled to go on sale at the Met on a Wednesday morning at 8:00, but the line had already formed when we joined it on Sunday (the three of us were a good line waiting team: 1) Because we were experienced at it, and 2) Because each of us worked a different shift, so there were always two of us waiting in line).
Although the tickets were supposed to go on sale Wednesday morning at 8:00, there were so many people in line that they opened up the ticket windows at midnight Wednesday morning. We got our tickets at 2:00am or so, and they were sold out by 5:00am (bad news for those who thought they's show up to get in line at 6:00).
The Stones put on an awesome show, as did their warm up act; an up-and-coming young musician named Stevie Wonder. Oh yeah, the cost of a ticket was $6.00.
Afro Cuban Allstars on their first visit at 1st Avenue. The performers and the full house crowd were so excited to break the blockade in the "small" space of first avenue. Sent the crowd into an absolute dance frenzy, trance during "Gandinga, mondongo y sandunga", then back into the sweaty frenzy. An amazing night.
They have never done anything for me in the large halls they have played since but that night was musical magic.
Janis Joplin, with Big Brother and the Holding Company, at the Guthrie Theater in 1968. It was the tour to promote the Cheap Thrills album.
The Beatles in 1964 at the International Ampitheater in Chicago, despite not being able to hear them due to all the screaming. Did not regain full hearing for almost a week!
1. Jethro Tull: Theakston Music Festival, Nostell Priory (12th Century monastery), Wakefield, Yorkshire, UK, August 1982. I was in the USAF and stationed in UK at the time.
2. The Grateful Dead: University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, June 1980. *Opening act: Warren Zevon.
3. B.B.King, Knebworth Park, near London, UK, 1982.
RUSH in Chicago at the World Theatre on the Test For Echo tour. The band and crowd was really into that night and the set lift was awesome!
And then they released most of that concert as a live disc and I can hear myself on the recording. Perfect!!
Foo Fighters, May 23, 2011, Council Bluffs, Iowa. It was an epic three-hour concert. The encore alone was ten songs long! Legendary concert!!!
The Dead at alpine valley, WI.
Road there in a VW bus, lots of good treats. Need I say more.
It has to be The Beatles at the old Metropolitan Stadium in Bloomington on August 23,1965. I was lucky enough to win a ticket from a local radio station which also included a ride from Fergus Falls in a yellow farm cart, and a meal from what then passed as a fast food restaurant in St Cloud.
The tickets were outrageously priced at $5.50 (!) and the the Fab Four played for only 30 minutes.
I was sitting several rows above the 1st base dugout, from which the Beatles emerged and ran out to the stage set up at 2nd base. John and Ringo turned and waved and the crowd went nuts! Quite a trip for a 13 year old!
Peter Gabriel at the Berkeley Greek Theater the Summer of 1983. Face paint on Peter. He was passed through the crowd during "Lay Your Hands On Me". I had just been introduced to his music that Spring. It was almost a religious experience to find/hear his progressive music. The view from the hill looking out over the San Francisco Bay with the Golden Gate Bridge on the horizon was breath taking. Peter's music is what I'd request with one choice stranded on a desert island! Thanks for the reflections/memories.
Far and away, the best concert I ever attended was Paul McCartney at the Xcel Energy Center in 2005. The Beatles have pretty much been an obsession for me since I was sixteen years old, and Paul has always been my favorite. Just knowing that I was in the same room as him, hearing him sing all those songs I'd loved for years, was a dream come true.
Grateful Dead with bob Dylan- Friday, July 10, 1987 JFK staduim, Philly. I was 23, hitchhiking cross-country on tour with the Dead. Jerry on the pedal-steel, Dylan doing his thing. BEST EVER, check it out.
The Eagles, Steve Miller Band, and Pablo Cruise, August 1, 1978. Until that time, said to be the largest public gaterhing in MN history. Fantastic concert -- and my first one.
Muse at the Target Center last fall. Muse is always amazing, fantastic musicians and a brilliant stage show,and I had a bunch of Muse fans visiting me for this show as well
Stevie Ray Vaugh, Eric Clapton and Robert Cray playing at Alpine Valley in Wisconsin.
Turned out to be SRV's last concert before he died in a helicpoter crash leaving the amphitheatre after the concert.
R.E.M. at Midway Stadium in the late 90's. It was a great atmosphere. They even beat Prince, who I am a big fan of.
It's either Pink Floyd at the Northern Iowa UNI Dome during their A Momentary Lapse of Reason tour - spellbinding - or Nine Inch Nails at First Ave in 1990 - raw, out of control chaos
The Cream
South Bend, Indiana
1968?
Sat 3rd row center. Ginger Baker was yellow. Eric Clampton was hot.
Couldn't hear a thing for about an hour after.
The best rock concert I've ever seen will be tomorrow night - U2 at TCF!
Rage Against the Machine @ the Target Center during the RNC. A-class virtuoso political group playing at the most poignant national political moment for this town.
1970's. Cobo Hall, Detroit. Yes, Deep Purple, and Black Sabath.
Peter Gabriel Secret World Tour Barcelona Spain Spring 1993.
Dylan- Dead with the Heartbreakers opening.
Gogol Bordello at First Ave in 2007. The band was roaring, Eugene Hutz, was electric, and the pit was completely in synch with wild positive energy.
I haven't been to a show in years. YEARS!
I guess they don't sell tickets anymore. I remember getting all my tickets at Northern Lights. Its's all done online and the day of the event you get a wrist bank. Part of the memory of the show was to have the ticket stub. Personally I don't think a wrist band leaves the same kind of memorial imprint, but that's just me.
I love Bob Mould. I would have to say Sugar at First Avenue.
This is the first time I've considered answering the question of the day.
I've been fortunate enough to tour the world, seeing hundreds of shows. Many memorable, one in particular. Annie Lennox opened for Sting at the Target Center years ago. She hadn't played MN forever and the response she got was electric. Following a remarkably moving performance of 'Why', turning that massive arena into an intimate hall, the audience applauded, applauded more and then the crowd roar began - feeding on itself, growing louder and louder. After five minutes of uninterrupted thunder, we were close enough to see Annie turn to her band, wipe her face, thank us again and start the next song.
Still moving, all these years later.
The Real-phonic 8th Commandment Revival Concert this past winter was amazing. The energy in the room was warm and friendly, the music was phenomenal, but most importantly, we helped raise enough money for Erik Koskinen to replace many of the things he lost when his truck was stolen just before Christmas.
I've been to a lot of big name concerts that were good, but they can't compare to a small venue with musicians who are playing for the love of music, each other, and the audience.
Tina Turner at Wembley Stadium in the mid-90's. It was a beautiful night for an outdoor concert. The ticket I purchased the day of the show turned out to be rock star VIP seating. Who knew!! And Tina Turner, without qualification, is quite the performer. What a show!
Bruce Springsteen at the Guthrie in 1975! A 25 year old Springsteen at the launch of his Born to Run Tour. He proved he was and still is the greatest live rock and roller of all time.
Van Morrison, June 3, 1999 Target Center. Met my Soulmate and future husband, Tom, and our "fabulous nights of moondances" began!!
volcano choir at the cedar, this last march. epic.
1970..Fillmore West, San Francisco...Grateful Dead and Hot Tuna...need I say more ! ;)
I was 17, with best friends Lorraine and Ellie, and of course the free pass arounds made for an amazing time.
shawn phillips at the old brick house memorial stadium.
jerry lee lewis at playmor ballroom rochester
Back in 1978, December 17th I believe, in St. Paul I was honored to see Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. The Big Man, the late great Clarence Clemens, came out dressed as Santa Claus while Bruce sane Santa Claus is Coming to Town.
Loved it!!!!
Bob Mould @ Club Babyhead in Providence, RI, doing a mostly acoustic show; late '91 or early '92.
Oh I know .... that one , back when I didn't have a mortgage or car payments and could load all of my possessions into a sub-compact, and then went to a concert where I had a great time, didn't get into any hassles, didn't have any problems, and just totally enjoyed it .... yeah ... that was a good day/night/weekend.
My FIRST concert was in 1964 at the Syracuse NY War Memorial...my mother took me to see Up With People.... I said it was my FIRST not the best. I guess my mom just wasn't into the Yardbirds.
As many others have said really too many answers for many different reasons but one that always stands out to me as taking you outside the whole concert experience was seeing Bonnie Raitt with the Jeff Healey Band at the Minnesota State Fair in 1990 either the day or the day after Stevie Ray Vaughan was killed. Bonnie had just been with Stevie and Jeff Healey was just getting big and they both were just broken hearted and the audience support for both of them really brought a level of emotion to the concert I have never experienced before or since. When Bonnie Raitt had to pause several times to collect herself the audience cheered her through it. Many tears shed that night.
MADONNA!
Way too many to pick one but certainly a life changer was the Grateful Dead at the Labor Temple in March 69. The Who in Fargo in 66 comes to mind as well as numerous performances at Woodstock...Also, not rock but Dave Brubeck at The Dakota was beyond fabulous!
Definitely some close calls on this one, but I'm going to have to go with Dec 31, 2010: The Hold Steady at Riverside Hall in Milwaukee! I brought my little brother and his friend, and we staked out front-row, center spots. Energy at a THS show is always nuts, but since it was NYE, it was just insane!!! Craig and the boys were in fine form, and played Living After Midnight to ring in the new year. It was a fantastic cover, a fantastic show, and one of my best memories of anything!!
Every time I get to see Mickey Hart.
I agree with Matt. Rage Against the Machine at Target Center during the RNC.
The Doors! 1969 at the Hollywood Bowl!! Jim Morrison is still the best!
The best concert I have ever attended was the "Vote for Change" concert in the fall of 2004. It featured Bruce Springsteen, Bright Eyes, REM's Michael Stipe, John Fogerty, and a surprise visit by Neal Young. It was at the Excel Center in St. Paul. My daughter was also in attendance and we had a great time.
Metallica hands down although Tom Petty is a close second.
summer of 1970: none of the concerts i've attended compare with the experience of travling from Ft Collins to Denver with a group of friends in a hippie van and seeing Woodstock, the movie. It was a deeply emotional experience which crosses my mind often.
Ryan Adams at the 7th Street Entry. It was on the Heartbreaker Tour, and the album was starting to get really big. The entry was packed with people. It was just Ryan Adams up on stage, no band, and he was extremely energetic. He did 3 or 4 Rolling Stone songs with someone from the audience on guitar while he did a Mick Jager impression. In the middle of the set he did encores, just to highlight how ridiculous they normally are. Great show that I will never forget.
It was an outside concert with Fleetwood Mac. I dont't recall what year, but she'd just written Rhianna. It had been sprinkling off and on and suddenly there was a downpour. All the music stopped as we sat with our heads covered. It didn't last long and they came out and she began to sing Rhianna. As she gestured her hand to the air the wind caught her dress and blew it up toward the sky and as we looked up we saw aa huge rainbow had completely spanned the stage from end to end. On she sang framed perfectly within the rainbow, the wind blowing her hair and wind like magic. No stage effect could have been more impressive.
Bob Marley & The Wailers at The Uptown Theatre, Chicago, IL 11/13/79
It was like going to church.
Jefferson Airplane at the U of Iowa Armory in the early 1970s. One continuous concert from 7pm until about 3am. Not loud just long, long sets. Wonderful musicians and singers.
Hard to say which one is best.
I did see U2 at the Minneapolis Auditorium on the Unforgettable Fire Tour in about 84/85.
Jimi Hendrix Live at the Fillmore East in New York City, New Years Eve 1969. His band was the Band of Gypsies. I like today's question. Hopefully it will encourage people to get out more to hear live music.
There are too many to pick from but one of my favorites was the Voodoo Festival in New Orleans. There were so many great performances especially a killer set by DJ Tiesto. Rage Against the Machine ended the festival with a great performance.
Metallica Never Never Land Tour at the Bison Sports Arena in Fargo North Dakota, walking distance from my Dorm room
Bob Dylan's homecoming to Duluth in '99with Paul Simon. First time he played there in 20 plus years. Absolutely amazing.
Not rock, but the best concert in recent memory was Honeysuckle Rose (gypsy jazz) at Lake Harriett in 2009. It was beautiful summer weekend night. Rose was back in town to sing, and she was amazing. Gary Schulte filled in on violin. It was fun to watch him get lost in his solos, and more fun when Dean Harrington matched Gary's fast improvisation note for note to pull him out of his long solo trance. The band was on that night, the crowd was into it. A perfect summer night!
The best concert I have seen, to date, was Jimmy Buffett, in Maui, Hawaii. It was Absolute Paradise and a dream come true for any level finned parrothead!
By the way, it is beautiful once again in Duluth today... almost like Hawaii & the water in Lake Superior is very warm right now... but we don't have sharks.
Aloha!
Jethro Tull, Passion Play in the early 70's at Met stadium. Amazing interaction of music, video and theater. Way ahead of it's time!
This is easy for me. Without a doubt the best concert I ever saw was Phish's Midnight to Sunrise (7.5 hours) set at the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation in the Everglades on 12/31/99 - 01/01/2000. My wife and I sat in traffic for 17 hours just 1 mile outside of the site before getting in to the campground for two days and 5 sets of music. The midnight to sunrise set was bliss, we will never forget that show.
A few years ago Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings played the free stage at the fair. The amount of energy and talent they had was amazing. I became an instant fan and felt a little guilty about not having to pay for the pleasure.
Trying again to find a question that can't be policized, huh? Let's see if this works any better than asking about the weather.
Anyway, I'm not a big fan of rock concerts, but the one I enjoyed most was my neighbors' garage band in their back yard.
bobby marley at the northrup many many moons ago
I have seen MANY great concerts in my lifetime, but U2 at Northrup Auditorium around 2004/5 was perhaps one of the most incredible concerts I have ever witnessed.
When Bono brought out the White Flag during "Sunday, Bloody Sunday" the whole venue felt like a small room-everyone felt connected.
Truly, a spiritual experience.
Crosby, Stills and Nash, at the Orpheum a few years ago. Why do CSN fans get addicted to seeing them again and again? It must be that their 'Music gets you high', as Graham sings.
Rage Against the Machine @ Target Center during the RNC. Hands down.
Devo at The Vic in Chicago
Or
Caribou at First Ave
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