My first concert was Cliff Richard in 1960. I have little memory of it but my big sister tells me I ran up and down the aisle singing at the top of my voice.
And so I've written about best concerts ever from time to to time. My best? probably Peggy Lee at Carnegie Hall, followed by Sleater Kinney at summerstage. And best moment? Patti Smith and Bob Dylan singing "Dark Eyes" at Beacon Theater. I was fourth row aisle and Dylan actually turned up the lights in the 90s and didn't wear a hat so I got to actually look at him.
Anyway, I got in touch with my friends and asked them the same question. What was their best concert ever.
My former editor at Creem, Bill Holdship made me insanely jealous almost immediately: "That's a really tough question. Given the anniversary of today, I would say that nothing has ever been more exciting than the four times I saw Elvis walk out on a stage. Not saying they were the best concerts – I always was wishing he would rock again like he did in 1950s – but when he walked out on the stage of an arena, I've still seen nothing like it before or since. You may not like this answer but I've seen a few Concerts by Bruce Springsteen & the E St. Band – most notably in the mid-to late-'70s that rate among the best I've ever seen. Truly classic. Maybe the first time I saw Elvis Costello & the Attractions in Detroit. Dynamic. The first several times I saw Patti Smith – again in the mid-'70s. Damn, Iman! I've seen a lot of shows and 55 years. Those are the first that come to mind – but let me think about it a little bit more and I'll get back to you if I can think of other things to add. I've seen Bob Dylan do some great shows as well."
The hottest Grandma of all time, Pat Caudwell, answered on her sister Cathy's behalf: ""iman hun, cathy saw the stones in 2005, she forgot."
Cathy answered on her husband, Andre Dupuis (a good friend of mine who I haven't seen in years) the Who at MSG 1982 | ACDC with Bon Scott opening up for Ted Nugent MSG 1979 | The Ramones at the Paladium 1978 |U2 The War Tour West Side Pier 1983 |Bruce Springstein at MSG 2000 My Chemical Romance Hamburg Germany 2006 | Roger Waters, The Wall MSG 2011
The lovely Sandy deBellis said the Stones October 29th,1989! IAt Shea Stadium!
Joihn Duffin, who needs to take me to lunch next time he's in town, "Victory Tour- Jacksons. JFK Stadium, Philadelphia. U2- Vertigo Tour, Wells Fargo Center Philly. Elton John- Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Tour, Spectrum, Philly. Bruce Springsteen- Darkness on Edge of Town Tour, Spectrum Philly. Earth, Wind and Fire- Spectrum Philly (approximately 1978.), Those were my all- time faves. When I narrow it down, top 2 are Elton John- Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Tour, Spectrum and Victory Tour, Jacksons. Nod at this moment goes to Victory Tour. Even seated what seemed like 500 miles away, show (and especially Michael THEN) were riveting.
Rhonda Shore, who did PR for Chrysalis back in the day, offered this: "Neil Young at MSG Rust Never Sleeps tour; Gang of 4 at Irving Plaza in 1980, and the Clash in Brixton in 79 or 80. Springsteen and Prince whenever."
My pal Bert Contestible: 1972 Rolling Stones Tour with Stevie Wonder(Buddy Miles on drums) as the opening act… Both shows of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 25th Anniversary.'
And Amy Freeman, who actually introduced me to a band I didn' tknow with her reply: "The Waterboys–their energy is astonishing live. Liz Phair, ditto! She played at the Mayan Theater in LA: it was breathtaking."