In the spirit of Christmas and Andy Cohen, I think this ratchet site could use one of the questions he loves to ask his guests. And also it is about me and a half nekkid Andy Gibb.
I was raised in a strict southern baptist family. I was also raised in Libya. Many people in Georgia were raised in Libya because Lockheed is a hop skip and a jump for Dobbins Air Force Base. And Lockheed makes a lot of plane there. So they sold a lot of planes to Gahdaffi. So I was raised to walk with confidence from an early age. In the souks of Libya you must walk through like you know where you are going. This was a good trait. I used to have a walk that would make Cynthia Bailey jealous. Now I sort of amble. I digress.
So my first concert was Toys For Tots.
I get it. It’s not a good story. EXCEPT Andy Gibb was there. I went with a girl who was older than me that I looked up to. And her parents who convinced my parents to let me go.
Maybe I have always been a loner, but I used my Tripoli (act like you are supposed to be there) strut to march my ass backstage. This is probably also why I have a hard time managing friendships because I totally blew off my friend and her parents who took us there. I was just doing my thing and knew I could get backstage and once I did I did not want to come out.
Somehow, I ended up Andy Gibb’s dressing room. He walked out half nekkid. He apologized for not knowing I was there. At some point his photographer befriended me. She invited me to his after party (supposedly at his request). In my high school eyes, Andy Gibb was totally in love with me. Sadly, I had to go home with my friend (who was pissed as hell at me and we were no longer friends)
I really wanted to go. But I had barely left the house under my parents supervision and was a virgin and fucking Andy Gibb and being a musician whore seemed to have more downsides than upsides. IN RETROSPECT losing my V cared to ANDY GIBB should have come first. I mean not that it was offered. Or that Andy would have done that, allegedly.
My very first concert was 1978 Black Sabbath. The opening band was Van Halen. In those days you tried to find out as much as you could about opening bands and there wasn’t much to find on Van Halen. They didn’t have an album out or anything. When Eddie Van Halen played our mouths dropped open! It was all we could talk about for days. I get goosebumps to this day when I hear Eruption. Amazing stuff! I have been to hundreds of concerts in my life. Seen almost everyone I ever wanted to see and that concert is still in my top five.
My first concert was Van Halen! I went with 3 friends and we ran into 4 other friends. We got drunk and high. I was sixteen and my friend was so drunk we had to carry her out to wait for out friend’s mom to pick us up. She threw up on a white Cadillac in the parking lot. We had such a good time.
Great memories, huh? I was only 14 the first time I saw them.
HOLY COW! The hot brother Gibb was your first, allegedly?
Did you also see Shaun Cassidy in person? He was my swoon man!
My first concert was at Norwestern University at the basketball stadium…General Public in ‘83 or ‘84. I was in junior high school.
My dead sister who was the queen of I BELONG HERE BITCHES AND YOU NEED TO STEP ASIDE and I went to NYC once and went to see Sean Cassidy and David Cassidy in Blood Brothers on Broadway. We bought some cheap ass tickets CLEARY MARKED OBSTRUCTIVE VIEW,
She threw a fit and somehow insisted that we sit in the box seats where the famous people sit.So both David and Sean were trying to figure out who we are the entire time and were playing to us. Everyone in the cast was looking at us. I still don’t get how she pulled this off.
AND THEN we met both of them outside. They were well past their peak then. And David came over to us to ask who the fuck we were and my sister told him as if we were the dual Queens of Sheba. That was my sister.
Has beens asking who are YOU? Bow down, Cassidys to TT and Sis.
I would totally tell a talll tale that Andy Gibb was my first…kiss! LOL
It’s true the totally thought we were someone important AKA RICH. lol It was my second Broadway Show.My first was a day or two before Something about Red Shoes.
I thought they were the most magnificent things I had ever seen.
And they were both shut down.
Then when I was forty I went to NYC again with random Internet friend (this too was a disaster) and at Phantom of the opera where we both sobbed the whole time, lots of people let me go first to pee at intermission.
BECAUSE THEY THOUGHT I WAS PREGNANT! So embarrassing but I REALLY needed to go so just played along. In reality. I have the world’s smallest bladder.
That’s a great story, TT! LOL
You & your sis were doing a better acting job than the cast you went to see.
I LOVE IT!
I love your sister!! I see some family traits that may be similar?? Thinking you’re the Queen of Sheba is like #lifegoals for me!!
Oh and no on Andy Gibb. I went home with my friend’s parents like the good southern baptist girl I was But they were all mad at me for being backstage the entire concert, But I could have been if I was not kind of a rule follower back then.
Aww! I sent TT a great photo of my hubs and David Cassidy! He was a tiny man!
Mine was Spice Girls, aged 6 at Wembley Stadium. Geri didn’t turn up at the show and a few days later they announced she had left the group.
OMG I know text talk not allowed but what else can I say ! My first concert was Culture Club. 17 gay Italian Catholic I begged my mother to let me go. She did only under the condition that I stay with great Aunt Philomena afterwards as the concert was out of town. The show was ncredible but my Auntie suffered from dementia so me coming in after midnight did not go down well. But it was amazing!
I wish I had an Aunt Philomena.
I love Boy George. Wish the whole their was no association with PK and what’s her name, Dorit. Kind of puts a taint on George, but…I still love him!
Bobby Sherman. I was 8.
Doobie Brothers and Eddie Money
Did u get two tickets to paradise
I’ve seen The Doobies twelve times!
LOL I’ve seen Zepplin six:-)
My first concert was Chicago at the Hollywood Bowl we were like 3 rows from the top for $3.50.
My Dad took me to my first concert for my 8th birthday…The Beatles when they came to Atlanta !! August 18, 1965…..ticket price’ Good seats – $5.50 each including taxes & fees. Dad set the bar kinda high…LOL
Wow.
Wow is right!
I hate that my first concert was Kiss in 1976. Most memorable part of the evening was burning a hole in my pocket from a still burning joint. And my friend falling asleep during the performance. Woot!
My last concert was Stevie Wonder. That was a joy.
The Bay City Rollers for my 13th birthday at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta.
The FOX is so spectacular.
Saw Prince at The Fox…his last public concert….just Prince & a piano……
YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH I TRIED TO WILL MYSELF TO THAT CONCERT>
But I have the crazy an no one to go anywhere with..
I regret it every day.
We were thinking…Prince & just a piano ?? Kind of low key…but omg…his concert was incredible…and at the last minute heblooks up at the vid playing of him…and he blows a kiss…chills….
I saw Gino Vanelli (sp?) at the Fox and it was magnificent!
Gino was a hot Italian (?) with long curls and unbelievable voice. One huge hit record in the 70’s and then he fizzled out. Don’t really know, but he was a sexy man!
O how you should have run off with Andy Gibb!!! My first concert was Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon tour. I was 15. It was 5.25. I had NO IDEA what I was witnessing-it was phenomenal. Growing up outside NYC meant many concerts in the 70’s!! Ah, those were the days!! I made a lengthy post re Christmas but it didn’t feed. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!!
I sat in the rain for 2 hours during Pink Floyd. It was worth it.
So jealous of you both.
U2 at Red Rocks ‘83. By older brothers were going and took me. Next was my first date Beach boys with three dog night opening.
Three Dog Night sang Happy Birthday and tried to get in my pants on a boat on Lake Lanier on a party I was going to. My boyfriend was in the other boat. He was a water ski competitor and we were on Lanier with all of his friends. He gave me the best swimsuit I ever had that year. and of course the gift of Three Dog Night singing to me in a boat.
Mother has lived…..
I love it.
TT, Three Dog Night was my first concert! LOL College, 1969 maybe.
I have found my people.
Three Dog Night was my first concert and favorite band growing up.
‘It’s for You’ that they sang a capella spoke to my heart. 🙂
ALL I can say to this is….HELL YES!
One of my favorite songs is Shambala…and Joy to the World before it was so-opted by JC Penney or something.
I was in rehab years ago with Chuck Negron’s 1st.law wife (lead singer) 🙂
(not outing anyone she had publicly disclosed it.)
Captain and Tennilly in the 70’s. My parents took my sister and I to see them at the State Fair.
Stupid auto correct. Captain and Tennille.
.My Dad worked security and took me to my first concert, IKE AND TINA TURNER REVUE!!! I was supposed to stay in the back but Tina started singing and dancing and I was gone!! I was down in the front dancing and singing and getting crazy!! My Dad had no idea where I was.
I have never forgotten Tina dancing with the Ikettes to the strobe light!! It was one of the most exciting things I ever saw!!
I still go to concerts, sill a HUGE live music fan.
Gave me chills just thinkin’ of being at that concert. Wow! Amazing first concert for sure.
Love me some Tina Turner.
Tina Turner is everything.
She was spectacular!! I was in this relatively small venue so close standing in front just moving wherever she moved. I was mesmerized! lol.
Can you imagine hearing HER for the first time AND seeing her dance to strobe lights. I was out of my mind!
Wow!
My first concert was The Beatles at the SF Cow Palace in 1965. I won two tickets on KYA. (I still have the letter FULL of typos!) It was the first time I had ever won anything just by chance and not a contest. It was so much fun screaming and seeing all the cool mod clothes the older girls were wearing.
Nanette – see my post above – also The Beatles 1965…not many can claim that !! ?
Frickin’ awesome! You guys witnessed true legends.
Remember Beatle Boots? Oh, yeah, loved their style. They were trend setters.
The British Invasion hit USA and it was ON!
Beatle boots and this sharkskin suits. Loved them both. I would love them if they were new styles today!
Because most of them are DEAD! LOL. What a great dad you had.
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA –
Mine was Duran Duran’s Seven and the Ragged tour at Madison Square Garden. I was 13 and my friend’s Dad took us. He looked miserable surrounded by all of the SCREAMING fans in the arena. ???
My first concert was Adam and the Ants…. 1983. I think. I wwas IN LOVE with him?
I was in 9th grade and my crush took me to see Santana. The concert ended up being much better then my date. He pretty much jumped me in his car and when I said no, he made me get out of the car and left me!
What a dick move, hey? awwwwwwwww. I’m sad that you have that memory, but GLAD you got to see Santana LIVE! I wanna go right now and see Carlo’s & his amazing band fill the stage.
Very first concert, with the grandparents, state fair…Donny and Marie!!! LOL
Okay, Andy Gibb was one of my early lady boner’s, but Donny?
I remember sitting staring at his face on albums, in Teen Magazine, OMG! Listening to “Puppy Love”. First lady boner, next was Davey Jones from The Monkee’s. LOVED THOSE GUYS!
My first concert was the Blue Oyster Cult/Foghat Go Go Godzilla tour around 1981 in Oklahoma City. I’ve been to hundreds of shows since but that was still one of my favorites
I was at that concert! Not my first concert but I was there. When I walked in some guy picked me up and threw my over his shoulder. Walked me to the other side, put me down without ever saying a word.
Those were the days! I did a bunch of crazy/potentially dangerous things in my youth but walked away unscathed. I can picture this scene perfectly!
New Kids On The Block. 1990. In the pouring rain at an amphitheatre in Denver. I was 13 and cried like a fool. Good times.
Jenny McCarthy talks about the NKOTB fans all the time. She goes on the “Blockhead” cruises with them. She says they are so nice, and a real community. The way she talks about them makes me a little sad I was a teensy bit too old for them.
Moody Blues & Alice Coopers Billion Dollar Baby in ‘72 at the SDiego sports arena.
I was tripping balls to the highest heights! A night to remember.
Mine was also at San Diego sports arena. But it was Doobie Brothers in 74 or 75. Also saw Peter Frampton there that summer, so it must’ve been 75. Both were fabulous shows. That same year I saw Eagles, Fleetwood Mac and Linda Rondstadt at an outdoor venue. It was great. Good times.
Peter Allen. And then I became friends with him til the day he past away. He would call my house when he was in town and my mom got a thrilled answering the his phone calls.
Oh, Wow! Cheers to Peter and You! Thanks for sharing.
Kenny Loggins. Long black hair and a cute beard. Before he began singing movie themes.
Black Oak Arkansas. Jim Dandy and Ruby Starr. He was sex on a stick to this southern girl.
The Oak Ridge Boys. It was the early 80’s, I was about 10 yrs old. I went with my parents and older brother. It was a dinner concert. If that does not count then my first concert was in the 8th grade maybe 1984 or 1985. My friends older brother took us to see Heart. We must of had good seats cause I remember my friends brother saying to his friend “Dude, I can see the sweat dripping of Ann and Nancy’s
tits.” It was a great concert but I was shocked by the wild behavior. I was very naive and had never been around an older party crowd
My father was a retired Navy Vet of the Vietnam war. (He was caught between a fork lift and an aircraft genorator broke his back).
He raised us Very strict. Spare the rod spoil the child “strict”, but wasnt overly religious, as my Roman Catholic grandmother, or catholic (of convenience ) mother. He was also slightly prejudice, but my sister and i broke him of that upbringing. And made him realize how wrong it was.
Anyway I was 17 and newly engaged. I had dropped out of high school at this point. Teachers and parents agreed I was a lost cause.(No I was just tired of the “clicks”, and wanted to get on with life as all my class mates graduated. Ater got my GED/6 months pregnant at that.) So I moved in with my fiancé (who gave me a lot of my trust issues today), across the hall from his high school friend.
We piled into his friends pick up truck. We road in the back of it in sleeping bags(you could back then), to and from the concert.
We saw Mötley Crüe, and the opening band was Tesla.
It was one of the craziest nights i had ever had, aside from meeting my ex fiancé.
I was also raised to never do drugs, and lived by it. Still do. But i think that concert if contact high or second hand high is a thing, then i did.people all around us were smoking it. (Now its legal in that state but it wasnt then)
But it was an awesome night. Since ive seen Bette Middler, Jet, hank Williams and a couple of others I cant think of. The only one I say was as good as Mötley Crüe but for different reasons was Bette.
Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson, although it was supposed to be The Elephant Club but my parents missed the date at the MN State Fair.
Chicago. Saturday in the Park…..
Do you think it was the Fourth of July? 🙂
Madonna Blonde Ambition Tour. I paid $1000 for two front row floor tickets. Took my lame boyfriend at the time. I was in awe of the production and of Madonna of-course. I went on the night that the Toronto police had threatened to arrest her as seen in her Truth or Dare movie.
No Doubt!! When Gwen Stefani was punk ?
If you want to laugh read “The Story of St. Keiffer”. It is a play of off “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas”. It is posted on another site that follows stories about reality shows and stars. It is hilarious. TT – I hope it is ok to mention this, if it’s not ok I apologize. I’ve read in one of your previous posts that you liked this site so Im thinking you have probably seen the story of St. Keiffer. Merry Christmas to you and all of your contributors and followers.
First concert was…Bob Seger with my mom, her bf and my bf. After that I blew shiz open and saw Pink Floyd and the Dead.
Diana Ross
Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
Virginia Tech
April 1976
He played in a small concert hall on campus and it was amazing. It spoiled me forever. We had great seats up front. He ran through the aisles and I could’ve reached out and touched him. Clarence Clemmons was powerful. Pure joy.
Sammy Davis Jr., in Ohio on a round rotating stage. Magical.
Damn, he could sing! I still play his songs in a mix for road trips.
Named my dog after him.
Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars, 1972, Carnegie Hall.
Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders From Mars, 1972, Carnegie Hall.
I saw Bowie on his Sound & Vision tour. Would have LOVED to see him during his glam rock years!
I believe it was 1969, Filmore East, John Mayall and the Blues Breakers. Clapton had already left the band…but if my memory is correct (not counting on it then or now) he did show up and did a song.
Bill Graham had a gift for putting unexpected acts together. I miss that man. Sweet Uncle Bobo.
Cuz I was a kid and it was a special event – most of my cousins and I with my Aunt and uncle – we all went to Michael Jackson! OMD i felt like a huge grown up! Remembering – this is before the world was aware of his disgusting history.
Buying my T-shirt – I was the BOSS!
Journey, May 11, 1982, Philadelphia. Not that that show and date are imbedded in my brain or anything… After that my bff and I learned everything about them including their roadies names. Always managed to get backstage passes after that ? My real obsession was and is with Steve Perry and that Voice. Saw him on his solo tour a bunch of times and found out were he was eating. Needless to say me and my fake foot injury hopped out another door on crutches and he let me through to meet him!!!
A footnote if my cousin from Washington NJ is reading… I WAS THE ONLY ONE HE LET THROUGH, YOU WERE BEHIND THE BARRICADES. You did not meet him and he sure as hell did not give you a hug psycho.
Carpenters May 13, 1973. It was at a university and my friend’s sister was a student. She PROMISED my mom that she would watch us. We were very young. She had seats on the floor. Our seats were in the nosebleed section. She deposited us with our babysitters for the night: a huge group of hippies smoking dope. They actually were good babysitters even though we did get a bit of a buzz from the second-hand smoke. I had no complaints. lol
Karen Carpenter. The voice of an angel. I had a major crush on her brother Richard, too. He wore a disco-esque white suit with a bright red shirt, white shoes, and bright red socks.
Also: WOW! Y’all have seen some majorly amazing concerts! I am in awe.
I get all weepy when I listen to Karen. That voice!
My husband loves her voice too. I just think about the anorexia and it makes me sad.
I love the Carpenters!
You mentioning Lockheed brought back memories. Hmm, first concert, I don’t remember who but the first time I got handed a joint, I was eight I think.
Wow!! Tamara, great question. I saw the Dead in Chicago in 77 and had no idea who they even were! I lost my hard contact in the aisle and I found it!! And no, I wasn’t on acid or even stoned. I was a good Missouri Synod Lutheran….
Guilty!! I was a hardcore Deadhead in the 70’s. Saw them 7 times in 11 days one tour in New England. BEST ROCK AND ROLL EVER!! THERE IS NOTHING LIKE A DEAD CONCERT!! RIP Jerry.
I saw the Grateful Dead 69 times in 1969! Some were iterations of the Dead, Bobby Ace and the Cards of the Bottom (Bobby wearing that cowboy shirt Nudie made too small for Ernest Tubb. ❤️) Surprised I have any hearing left.
Simon and Garfunkel…1966…NYC.
Earth Wind and Fire And The Commodores. Commodores broke the house down into sides. Half shouted B-R-IC-K and the other half yelled H-O-USEEE. Good times.
1965. The Beatles at Shea Stadium NY. Dad drove me and my older brother who wouldn’t let me scream.
OMG! So, jealous. Loved the Beatles! Who was your crush? Mine was Paul.
I started out with Paul, then I switched to George.lol I do love Lennon’s writing though
Tamara, I love your story about Andy Gibb. I saw him when he opened for Neil Sedaka. He was so gorgeous. I think it was one of my first lady boner, (in keeping with the Andy Cohen theme). He came out in white jeans with a white blazer, no shirt, dark tan, deep dimples, that smile, that hair, OMG! Crushin’ big time.
Anyway, my first concert was Rush opening for Aerosmith. Wore my elephant bell bottom pants, tucked Miller Mini’s into my socks, snuck them into the concert. Buzzin’ & drooling over Steven Tyler. He was something else on a live stage, especially when he was younger.
I had that boldness you spoke of. My little Bro wanted to see Bob Segar, who was playing in an outdoor concert in our home town. I said, you wanna see him, let’s go. No tickets, mind you. I walked him to the back area, told him to follow me, we got up to the gate, the guard told us to leave. I said, “the concert’s done, man. This is the fanfare. He let us in. I walked my bro up to the front, said, “you wanted to see him, well, look up.” Bob was within 10 15 feet from us. He did all his best songs. I was great and a memory that made me the greatest big sis in the world, in my baby bro’s eyes.
Merry Christmas, TT! Thanks for the Andy Gibb memory. Gone too soon, for sure.
Mine was Michael Jackson 1981 in Buffalo! I was 4 and totally remember it.
I was in my 30’s and my first concert was Janet Jackson. It was held at the Gorge in George, Washington. The stranger sitting next to me was eating spaghettio’s out of the can while everyone else was jamming but other than that it was amazing concert and an amazing night.
Back when the Gorge had fantastic concerts. Nowadays I wouldn’t cross the street to go see some of their offerings.
I can’t believe I missed Janet there!
I am in Janet’s “Velvet Rope” special filmed for HBO! Got tickets in the VIP section in Madison Square Garden. Waiters served us champagne cocktails and people such as the ladies of TLC and Colin Powell were sitting behind us.
We even got invited to the after-party. Janet stayed for just a few minutes—surrounded by bodyguards. She is tiny!!!
We met a fellow who claimed to travel in Janet’s entourage as her personal piercer. Allegedly.
Anyway, if you catch a rerun of the show, I’m in the front circle near the stage wearing a silver dress. Blink and you’ll miss me!
The Doobie Brothers. July 1973, Winterland in San Francisco. New Riders of the Purple Sage opened.
I was there too! People kept trying to get the New Riders to get off. I was there ONLY to see the New Riders, so I was livid. I broke down in Tower Records when I read Dave Torbert had died. But when John “Marmaduke” Dawson died … he was my favorite person of all the SF bands.
Feb 1976 David Bowie. It was so cool.
1970 Elvis Presley. Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. My friend Susie Peck and her Mom took me. We screamed the whole time as did all the other fans surrounding us. Many more concerts after that I hardly remember. YES, Allman Brothers, Pink Floyd, Willie Nelson, too many to count. It’s all kinda a blur. I do remember one particular concert at Hoffienz Pavilion where I was wearing a one piece jumpsuit my mother sewed for me it was cute until I had to go pee and the line for the women restroom was really long so I said fuck it and went to the men’s which had no line and went into a stall, had to pull down the jumpsuit to sit on toliet and was nekkid from knees up and some random guy opened the stall door I was mortified. He started whooping and hollering calling other guys to come look. It was quite traumatic. Actually I was lucky I got outta there okay. That’s all I remember from the concert.
We should start a book with all these stories. Tales from TT or something… I am in awe you saw Elvis. The jumpsuit story is hysterical NOW, but might have been traumatizing when it happened. Taking place in Texas, that asshole is lucky you weren’t packing! Back then, you could bring in guns, booze, whatever would fit in your purse.
We should start a book with all these stories. Tales from TT or something… I am in awe you saw Elvis. The jumpsuit story is hysterical NOW, but I can understand how traumatizing when it happened. Taking place in Texas, that asshole is lucky you weren’t packing! Back then, there were no searches, you could bring in guns, booze, whatever would fit in your purse.
In the early 80’s when I was around 9 years old my Mom took me to see BARRY MANILOW at the Concord Pavilion. Idk if they have lawn seats now but they did then and I remember sitting on a blanket surrounded by really excited women!
It still has lawn seats, but the name changes so often I can’t keep up.
MC Hammer in circa 1990. I wore MCHammer-ish pants and all just in case I was invited to dance on stage with them.
Julian Lennon at Constitution Hall, I was 15.
I saw Elvis Costello there last month!!
The Dead in ’73 at Madison Square Garden when I was 7….my cousins took me while babysitting me!!!
New Edition at age 8 or 9. This was the week after Bobby Brown left the group. I didn’t even know I was going. My parents and their friends all had kids around the same age so there was a huge group of kids ranging in age from 16 to 8. I think it was more for the teenagers but they had to take their younger siblings too. I am an only child but my parents wanted to make sure I was around other children. The concert was great. I would continue to go to New Edition concerts, Bobby Brown concerts, BBD concerts, and Ralph Tresant concerts.
Rolling Stones, June 1966 at Manning Bowl in Lynn, MA (fancy name for a high school football field). We sat in the cheap seats (the bleachers) and tickets were $5. Almost as soon as the Stones began to play a ‘riot’ broke out in the seats on the field in front of the stage and the Lynn police began teargassing everyone, including the band. End of concert. The next day the local newspaper quoted the Stones as saying they would never play in Lynn again.
Lynn, Lynn the city of Sin. You never come out the way you went in!
I have tickets to see The Stones in Washington DC in May. It’ll be my third time to see them but I still can’t wait!
I was so excited when I called into an L.A. radio station as a young teen and won free tickets to see the Rollingstones in San Diego. It was a spectacular show! but I think my Mom was more excited when she and my Dad got to ride in the elevator with them all as they were coming down to perform.
The one I remember the most fondly was The Eagles back in the day, probably my 2nd concert ever, but my first concert was probably The Doobie Brothers at the Illinois State Fair. I grew up living in a suburb of Springfield, IL, so the State Fair was always something we just did every August.
The one I remember the most fondly was The Eagles back in the day, probably my 2nd concert ever, but my first concert was probably The Doobie Brothers at the Illinois State Fair. I grew up living in a suburb of Springfield, IL, so the State Fair was always something we just did every August.
Fred Hammond
I used to attend the free concerts at Wingate Park in Brooklyn N.Y. every summer. The artist ranged from the Gap Band to New Birth and several Caribbean Bands. My final concert was in 1990, when Curtis Mayfield performed there during a storm. The stage collapsed and several people including Curtis were injured. After that the park shut down the concerts for a while and I wound up doing other things in life, then moving to Georgia. My older sister (rest in heaven Lian) would take me and my cousin every summer. Those were the best of times!! I
My music crush forever and always will be Prince. I still haven’t recovered yet. Not from.him.or Anthony .
Now,I really don’t have anyone I would want to.see in concert.
Curtis Mayfield gave an interview to Rolling Stone in the 2000s about that show. One of my favorite quotes ever was in that story:
“He [God] may not answer my prayers when I want him to … but he’s always right on time.”
—Curtis Mayfield
LOL! That’s so very true! I was researching after I wrote this and they started the free concerts back up again. If I still lived in New York, I would probably go again.
I was in the 6th grade and my parents took my best friend and I to see Kool and the Gang. I remember my Dad said, “I think someone is smoking a marijuana cigarette”….to this day I crack up.
The B52’s in Charlotte 1990. Graduation present from my Mom who was working the Ticketmaster machine at Belk and waited till she was first in the queue to pick up front row center tickets. I’ll never forget it. Thanks Mom!
The Monkees! I was about 7 and this was the 80’s. I loved their show. I wore a hot pink long sweater with a chunky necklace and big 80’s earrings. I thought I looked so grown up.
In the ladies room 2 older girls, teenagers probably, saw me and said to each other “look, she’s so cute!” and I’m pretty sure I shot them a dirty look because I thought I looked so mature!
First concert with no supervision? Depeche Mode 85′ Radio City Music Hall- Back when NYC was still it’s shady self…
James Brown and the Famous Flames, early 60s at the Apollo Theater, Harlem NY back when he would sing please please and would drop to his knees and get covered with a cape by Maceo. I saw lots of famous 60s and 70 groups there. My last one was Issac Hayes when he wore chains. Then they closed the Apollo for years.
First concert? Late 1970’s or early 80’s, it was Mother’s Finest.
Baby Love is one of the best songs of all time. True facts.
In other news, all y’all making me feel pretty young today, ha ha. 🙂
Menudo – back when Ricky Martin was part of the band and had long hair. LOL. Merry Christmas, Everyone!
John Denver in the round, 1978? Ft. Wayne, IN. Me and gf staked out the Sheraton where he was staying but never saw him there. I took my little sister, we were pretty protected as kids…
I saw Ray Charles somewhere in SF when I was like 11 or 12 and I remember thinking “this guy is blind? How is he playing the piano??
When I saw Ray in concert in Seattle (when they had concerts on the pier, until they realized the pier could collapse. Good times). It was 94, and he was awesome. I was afraid he’d fall off leaning back so far while on the piano!
Oh, and two old biddies behind me going “Green? Why is he singing about being green?” I finally said “He sang it with Kermit the Frog!” (I love this song
1985.. U2 in Corke Park Dublin…
*Croke Park*
Foghat and Blue Oyster Cult.
May 18, 1956 Elvis Presley at the Wichita KS Forum. He had not even appeared on TV at the time.
The King is dead. Long live the Queen. The crown is yours as you out rocked all of us. Keep on rolling.
1996 – Puff Daddy & the Family tour ? at the Target Center Minneapolis .. I was 16 and looking good in my tight Express jeans lol .. aaah the good old days ?
Frank Sinatra!! Pine Knob 1987!! He arrived by helicopter and was mesmerizing!! Nothing like hearing” I’ve Got You Under My Skin” Live!!
Slightly embarrassing, but my first concert was WHAM at The Vet in Philadelphia. God, I don’t know the year. Maybe ‘83? 84? Chaka Khan opened for them.
No reason to be embarrassed. Look up, I saw Monkees and Foghat mentioned
I’m jealous DaisyDana! I would have loved to see Chaka Khan!
ARE YOU KIDDING ME? BE PROUD!
the 80s were awesome.
Daisy Dana…the same bff i saw Journey with I saw Wham with twice! the Vet and the Tower! Awesome high energy shows as I recall. I was the one girl who liked Andrew Ridgely more than George Michael. I miss the 80s!
Beach Boys and Chicago, 1975, Madison Swuare Garden. I was 16. It was epic!
Back when the Gorge had fantastic concerts. Nowadays I wouldn’t cross the street to go see some of their offerings.
I can’t believe I missed Janet there!
Ooops! Weird duplicate!
I LOVE this question from Andy – I’ve had some great conversations around it in real life.
I don’t count the concerts I went to with my folks as a kid. The concerts we went to were THEIR choice, not that I objected. They were usually at the Puyallup Fair (our amazing state fair) where you also got in to explore the fair with the concert ticket price.)
My first concert without my parents (well they drove us there) and of my choice was in 1988. George Michael, Faith tour.
It was aaaahhhhmazing. One of my life regrets in terms of entertainment is never seeing George in concert again. I’m still upset he died.
I think my concert t-shirt is still in my old bedroom at my parents’ house.
I adore George Michael. Faith was played constantly but LISTEN WITHOUT PREJUDICE I still listen to. Have you seen GEORGE MICHAEL SYMPHONICA LIVE AT PALACE GARNIER? It’s on my DVD player you tube often. Such a kind soul. Charitable gentleman such a gifted lyricist singer performer. Sad about David Bowie & Prince but bereft at George Michael ‘s Christmas Eve passing.
My first concert was Elton John in the sprong of 1977 in Cincinnati. I drove my sister and best friend downtown (which freaked me out but I did it!) to the show and it was INCREDIBLE. No illegal substances were ingested but we were all high as kites from the show. For days afterward
spring of 1977!
My first concert was Janet Jackson’s janet. album tour. I was very grateful my mother let my older sister take me. I’m actually still surprised she let me go.
mine’s embarrassing compared to the star power above….The Outfield at the municipal auditorium in Sioux City, Iowa, lol….
The Jackson 5 right before Michael went out on his own.
The Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl went with my mom and older sisters I was in first grade. I remember everyone just screaming lol good times.
What a great thread TT. This shows the diversity in ages and geography; so many talented writers weighed in. What a wonderful Christmas gift you have given us. This, the celebrity brushes, and the best presents posts were a joy to read. Along with some tears. THANK YOU!
My 1st concert was Meatloaf.
Woodstock, 1969
WHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?
Have a few minutes before another round of holiday madness… such amazing stories, I’m honestly jelly of everyone’s but Damn Nanette! I bow down to you!! You my dear are my spirit sister!
Merry Christmas Tamara and Banjo! Not a day goes by now where I don’t learn something or belly laugh about something here!
Happy holidays to everyone! What a fun place we’ve all found where we can truly be ourselves, now that’s a gift. Kisses all!
REM with Sonic Youth opening. Sandstone, Kansas City. Not a bad start!
Frank Zappa capital theater Passaic New Jersey. Don’t eat yellow snow. Lol.
Concerts as most of you know them didn’t exist in my day. Think my first was Mavis Rivers in an auditorium at BYU in 1960. Her “Polka Dots & Moonbeams” had been playing for weeks on the radio in Provo. A few years later on a date I attended the last performance of the Kingston Trio at Melodyland, across from Disneyland. I think the next concert was Donny Osmond at Angel Stadium as a treat for my pre-adolescent elder daughter (now 57). Some elementary schoolgirl sitting behind me with her parents screamed hysterically through the entire thing, & every time I turned around to glare at her parents they just shrugged their shoulders at me like they had no control over their 8 year-old spawn who was piercing my eardrums. Later in life late husband Rocket Man & I became fans of Jimmy Buffet (Parrotheads), & not only attended his concerts ourselves, but eventually took the elder great-grandchildren with us in our motorhome so we could tailgate in the parking lot with Cheeseburgers in Paradise & (virgin for the kids) margaritas. When Rocket Man died nearly 8 years ago, instead of a funeral, we had a family gathering in a restaurant that served us Cheeseburgers in Paradise (prepared exactly according to the lyrics) & pitchers of beer & margaritas (virgin for the kids). At the head of the table was an empty chair for my husband with his cruising hat, walking stick, binoculars & sextant. We dressed cruiser casual & wore leis, & the table decor included miniature flip-flops. I made laminated bookmark keepsakes with his photo for everyone. Jimmy Buffet music played & there were games for the youngsters, including ring toss on the dolphin’s nose. I think I’ve described this family event here previously, but it may be new to some readers who might like to know there are (cheaper) & more fun options to traditional funerals. Although my own body has already been donated to a medical school (ever the scientist/prof), I’ve left family instructions to mark my passage with a sock hop. TT, in the fairly early 80’s husband & I took teen daughter to see Andy Gibb as Frederick in Gilbert & Sullivan’s “Pirates of Penzance.” Intentional or not, there was a tiny rip in his breeches that night & daughter & I never took our eyes off of it throughout the performance, just in case. I later saw a then-newly reformed British D’Olyly Carte troupe performance of the same operetta, & was sorely disappointed, as it seemed like a high school production in comparison
I’ve been to a Jimmy concert… you guys are crazy in an awesome way! (although camping afterwards, the sound of the battery operated blenders kept us awake!
Correction: It was the grandchildren, not the great-granchildren, that we took to see Jimmy Buffet in concert in the 1990’s. The great grands didn’t start arriving until 1999. In 1993 I flew the elder two grands with me to Panama where Rocket Man & I had left our sailboat, Yankee Rogue, for hurricane season, so they could transit the Panama Canal & cruise the San Blas Islands with us. One day while still on the mainland we made a field trip to a colonial Spanish fort & were trekking our way on a road by the jungle on the way to catch a boat back to Limon when we came upon a roadside palapa cafe named Cheeseburger in Paradise. We were ravenous, & teen girl downed two huge burgers before we met the bus. We played a lot of Buffet music while sailing, so the kids were primed by the time we got back to the U.S. & took them to a concert. BTW, last night I remembered that my very first concert was actually Polly Bergen in Las Vegas in June 1958. It was in a hotel dinner showroom (the only kind of concert back then was indoors), & comedian Jack Carter was the opening act. He made a dirty joke about Marilyn Monroe & Joe DiMaggio, who had recently married. Somewhere there is a photo of me with my parents & late younger sister taken at the table during the dinner. My mother didn’t know, but I was wearing my very first tampon.
You have the most interesting life of anyone I’ve ever known! You should totally write a book.
Right, you a have a few posters here, yourself included that could write some great memoirs!
My mom was weird about tampons too, I also have a family px that every time I see it it reminds me of my “secret” , funny!
TT, when we live this long, nearly everyone has interesting tales if they’ve done it right. I’ve left instructions that my tombstone is to be inscribed “No Regrets.” BTW, you haven’t heard the good stuff yet. Let us know if you ever get up Sneads Ferry way–we’ll fire up the hot tub, cool the wine & prepare to tell some of the tales that aren’t classified.
I’m that person who feels the need to correct the spelling of his name…two t’s. I love his music country and beach. I lost count of concerts and venues i’ve seen him at ages ago. My favorite shows were private shows because he could say and do and drink whatever he wanted and everyone knew songs beyond the yellow album. His bodyguard was super hot so that was a bonus!
I love his books too, they’re fun reads.
1987, Red Rocks, Denver Colorado….RUN DMC and The BEASTIE BOYS!! That night changed my life forever! Stood in line at the porta potties after the concert with my girls smoking a blunt, someone came from behind and said “let me hit that” it was Jam Master J!! He was standing in line at the porta pottie in his sweats looking like a regular dude!! We smoked and laughed our asses off!! It was a different time back then, been to many concerts since but that one was a younger innocent time, no cameras, no videos, but the memory is still so vivid in my mind…sigh…those were the days!!
Loving everyone’s responses!
Summer of 1986…. Mr. Mister with the Bangles as the opening act. $14.50 per ticket.
My first concert was Tom petty at jones beach theater. Best concert ever!!! Amazing live performer. RIP tom!
The Carpenters in Syracuse, NY.
I LOVE this post! I believe my first concert was the Beatles 1965 at the Atlanta Stadium, I saw Herman’s Hermits around the same time so I’m not sure which was first. The Stones did a surprise concert at the Fox in the late 70’s under a different name, a friend of a friend of a friend said it was the Stones so we took a chance and it was great! Saw them there again in early 80’s with Frank Zappa. The 70’s was a great time for concerts in Atlanta! Pink Floyd, Moody Blues, Fleetwood Mac, David Bowie and many more. I have a notebook with some of my ticket stubs, my 34 year old son so jelous. Tickets and pot were cheap. Allman Brothers (original) and Lynard Skynard use to play for free in Piedmont Park. I hope everyone had a great Christmas and enjoyed reading this post as much as I did. Happy New Year!
We were there together !!! ?
Did you see me? I was the 13 y/o blonde in the Mary Quant hat screaming my head off convinced I was going to be Mrs McCartney!
Rolling Stones 1972 at the Spectrum in Philly. What a trip down Memory Lane. Had been on permanent lifetime restriction and parents finally relinquished after incessant begging to attend. Concert was sold out but I decided I would get a ticket from a scalper outside the Spectrum. Smoked pot the whole way there, got out of the car (Volkswagen Beetle, what else), kicked a ticket envelope lying on the ground and voila, it contained a ticket…free ticket!!!! Life was good. If my memory serves me correctly, back in those days they were all general admission tickets at a cost of about $5.50.
I was pretty old! I was very sheltered as a kid. I went to see James Taylor as a freshman in university. I got really high before the concert, drank a bottle of red wine, threw up in the parking lot and never drank red wine again.
Once, in the seventies, a guy named Jim Croce played guitar and sang songs to us all night in a tent in Laurel Canyon. 🙂