# Your first concert experience? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [September 25, 2010, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-first-concert-experience/555010 "2010-09-25T15:32:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![seosamh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce7236/32.png) [@seosamh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/seosamh)\ **Post date:** [October 3, 2010, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-first-concert-experience/555010/121 "2010-10-03T17:05:31Z")
The Runaways at the Roundhouse, supported by the Suburban Studs, 2nd October 1976. Cost me £1.80. ---
**Author:** ![Fiddle\_Peghead](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fiddle_peghead/32/3506_2.png) [@Fiddle\_Peghead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiddle_Peghead)\ **Post date:** [October 5, 2010, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-first-concert-experience/555010/122 "2010-10-05T19:25:58Z")
The Outlaws, circa 1978, when I was fifteen. You know, The Outlaws. The Four Guitar Army? Hughie Thomasson. “Green Grass and High Tides?” Ah, just forget it. ---
**Author:** ![ladeda](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/bbe5ce/32.png) [@ladeda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ladeda)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2010, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-first-concert-experience/555010/123 "2010-10-06T01:56:31Z")
My first ever concert was The Moody Blues in the early '90s. I saw them at a small venue in the bustling metropolis of Salisbury, MD. I remember it was a really good concert and the place was rockin’! ---
**Author:** ![4LeafClvr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/4/8baadc/32.png) [@4LeafClvr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/4LeafClvr)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2016, 7:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-first-concert-experience/555010/124 "2016-02-05T07:28:55Z")
> [@gaffa](#): > > The loudest single burst of noise I have ever heard was NOT at a Ted Nugent concert at the height of his fame and assholery, but when Shaun Cassidy came on stage at Kansas City’s Municipal Auditorium (see above for why I was there). What year was the Shaun Cassidy concert in Kansas City? It was my very first concert, but I can’t figure out what age I was at the time. I do remember telling myself, “don’t scream, don’t scream, don’t scream”, but when he came out on stage, I did along with the other thousands of young girls there. ---
**Author:** ![HMS\_Irruncible](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hms_irruncible/32/7394_2.png) [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2016, 7:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-first-concert-experience/555010/125 "2016-02-05T07:31:20Z")
1987 - I was taken to Pink Floyd’s “A Momentary Lapse of Reason” tour. By the pastor of my Methodist church. I still don’t understand it, but nobody touched anyone’s pee-pee, so I won’t complain. It was a good show. ---
**Author:** ![JKellyMap](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jkellymap/32/15880_2.png) [@JKellyMap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKellyMap)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2016, 9:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-first-concert-experience/555010/126 "2016-02-05T09:32:28Z")
Glad this thread was revived – I missed it the first time around. First concert experience: **Simon and Garfunkel** ’s reunion in Central Park, NYC, 1981 (age eleven), with my mother. First one without a parental chaperone: **Jethro Tull** , Capitol Theater, NJ, 1984 (age fourteen). I found the show on YouTube recently – interesting to hear the playlist now, since the only album I had of theirs at the time was _Aqualung_. In the video, I can just about, I think, make out the moment when I was forcibly put back in my seat by a couple of bouncers, after I naively walked toward the stage just to innocently get a closer look during the encore. I was embarrassed for a moment, but luckily it didn’t ruin the show for me at the time, nor my memory of it now. ---
**Author:** ![edwards\_beard](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/7bcc69/32.png) [@edwards\_beard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwards_beard)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2016, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-first-concert-experience/555010/127 "2016-02-05T14:27:52Z")
The first concert I’ll admit to: AC/DC at Boston Garden in October 1988 with Cinderella opening. For the Blow Up Your Video tour. (my first real concert…Air Supply in second grade. UGH!) ---
**Author:** ![Soylent\_Juicy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/82dd89/32.png) [@Soylent\_Juicy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Soylent_Juicy)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2016, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-first-concert-experience/555010/128 "2016-02-05T14:56:23Z")
My first concert is kind of embarassing but it wasn’t of my own free will. It was New Kids on the Block. At Maple Leaf Gardens, March 1990. I was 16 and they were my best friend’s favourite band. My favourite band, The Cure, had toured the year before but my parents wouldn’t let me go because I was “too young.” I told my best friend “I missed my favourite band, you’re not going to miss yours. You buy the tickets and we’ll go.” (I did see The Cure a couple years later.) ---
**Author:** ![Pai325](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/c68b51/32.png) [@Pai325](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pai325)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2016, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-first-concert-experience/555010/129 "2016-02-05T18:22:50Z")
> [@Colibri](#): > > My first major concert was a notorious one: August 2, 1968, at the Singer Bowl in New York. > > The Who, who were still something of a novelty in the US, were the opening act. As had become traditional for them, they closed their set by demolishing their instruments and equipment on stage. > > Jim Morrison and the Doors were the headliners. Morrison caused a near riot when he walked into the crowd and then later left the stage abruptly. > > A few weeks later I saw an even more spectacular concert in the same place, with the Chambers Brothers, Janice Joplin fronting Big Brother and the Holding Company, and Jimi Hendrix. I know this is an old thread, but since it was not I who resurrected it, I don’t feel too bad posting. I also saw The Who and really enjoyed them. They were very well behaved, however. On this tour they were the opening act for Herman’s Hermits, so although I liked them and their songs, i, and probably 90% of the audience, was all squirmy wondering when we’d get to see Herman. ---
**Author:** ![Skammer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skammer/32/143_2.png) [@Skammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skammer)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2016, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-first-concert-experience/555010/130 "2016-02-05T18:36:50Z")
> [@edwards\_beard](#): > > (my first real concert…Air Supply in second grade. UGH!) I don’t think that’s anything to be embarrassed about. Air Supply is underappreciated, IMHO. I opened this thread to say “U2, 1985, _Unforgettable Fire_” and then I saw I already did, six years ago on page one. ---
**Author:** ![Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/6bbea6/32.png) [@Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Living_Well_Is_Best_Revenge)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2016, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-first-concert-experience/555010/131 "2016-02-05T18:40:53Z")
10,000 Maniacs in 1993. ---
**Author:** ![Doyle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doyle/32/439_2.png) [@Doyle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doyle)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2016, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-first-concert-experience/555010/132 "2016-02-05T18:50:05Z")
_Chicago_ at the Lakefront Arena in New Orleans - 1974. ---
**Author:** ![dracoi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/90db22/32.png) [@dracoi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dracoi)\ **Post date:** [February 5, 2016, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-first-concert-experience/555010/133 "2016-02-05T19:42:05Z")
My first concert-like event would have been Christian pop/rock at a Christian camp, circa 1993. I can’t remember the name of the performer or band, but it was one that people who liked that music from that era would recognize. The first strictly music concert was Tool. I went with my brother. Perhaps 1997? Hard to remember exactly. He was a bigger fan that I was. I’ve only been to three others: John Williams (yes, the movie sound track composer) at the Hollywood Bowl, and Dream Theater/Queensryche in Seattle. Also in Seattle, Pirate Fest, featuring numerous smaller bands and headlined by [Alestorm](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alestorm). That last was the first time I can say I enjoyed the live performance more than the recorded music. ---
**Author:** ![Clothahump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/51bf81/32.png) [@Clothahump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clothahump)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2016, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-first-concert-experience/555010/134 "2016-02-06T15:49:00Z")
> [@Alpha\_Twit](#): > > Pretty simple question really, tell us about seeing your first real concert. Who did you see and where/when were they playing? What, if anything, about the event was there that really sticks in your mind as being noteworthy? 1965, The Byrds. Pretty good live show. What really sticks in my mind, however, was the post-show action with my girlfriend of the time. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Charlie\_Wayne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4bbf92/32.png) [@Charlie\_Wayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Wayne)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2016, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-first-concert-experience/555010/135 "2016-02-06T16:41:42Z")
1978 Heart at the Pacific National Exhibition Colliseum in Vancouver. I was trying to impress this girl and so I paid way too much for an evening out. Upon reflection, I would have thought that eventually, I would have learned that was not a good way to impress girls. The concert was terrible. Heart was terrible. IMHO, Heart has always been terrible. The girl was terrible. Finally and most notably, my style was terrible and when it comes to women, it has remained terrible all this time. I have never been able to learn that lesson and stopped trying to impress women with stupid stuff. I know better. But I just don’t seem to be able to help myself. Lord have Mercy! ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Greenjeans](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mr.greenjeans/32/551_2.png) [@Mr.Greenjeans](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Greenjeans)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2016, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-first-concert-experience/555010/136 "2016-02-06T20:07:24Z")
With Parents in 1969: Bobby Sherman Without Parents in 1977: Fleetwood Mac (Rumours tour) ---
**Author:** ![drad\_dog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/aeb1de/32.png) [@drad\_dog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drad_dog)\ **Post date:** [February 6, 2016, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-first-concert-experience/555010/137 "2016-02-06T20:16:46Z")
Alice Cooper April 1975 Welcome to my nightmare Suzi Quatro opened. ---
**Author:** ![black\_rainbow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/d26b3c/32.png) [@black\_rainbow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/black_rainbow)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2016, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-first-concert-experience/555010/138 "2016-02-07T00:37:08Z")
You guys are old! My first show was at merriweather post pavilion in Maryland. I went alone because I didn’t know anyone else that liked pearl jam. Sonic youth was supposed to open but they had a family emergency at the last minute and didn’t play. I remember Eddie Vedder playing the ukelele before pj came out. It was an awesome experience. ---
**Author:** ![Hook](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ecae2f/32.png) [@Hook](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hook)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2016, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-first-concert-experience/555010/139 "2016-02-07T16:35:30Z")
I thought I had replied to this thread in 2010 but can’t find anything. First concert was in February 1965 at the old Sydney Showground (NSW Australia). A group from school went that night to see Roy Orbison. The box office told us that he had cancelled due to laryngitis and The Newbeats were his replacements. We discussed whether it was worth $2.00 to se them and the openers, a new English band - The Rolling Stones. We decided to chance it. My remembrances are that it was open seating and that little of the concert was heard due to the screaming girls. Still, a great experience. After the concert we went to Surf City in Kings Cross to see Billy Thorpe and the original Aztecs. 2 amazing shows the same night. Second concert was (I think) May 1965 at the Sydney Stadium for Gene Pitney. Both venues are gone now and probably not missed. ---
**Author:** ![Lucas\_Jackson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lucas_jackson/32/303_2.png) [@Lucas\_Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lucas_Jackson)\ **Post date:** [February 7, 2016, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-first-concert-experience/555010/140 "2016-02-07T17:54:39Z")
George Jones in '79, at his personal low point. I can’t convey how smooth and soulful his voice was. Still my best concert to date. And it was at a tiny no-name dinner club. Good memories. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-first-concert-experience/555010.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-first-concert-experience/555010.md?page=8)