My First Concert Experiences: A Journey Through Time
Concerts are more than just performances; they are life-changing events that mold our musical tastes and create powerful memories. Here, I share some of my earliest concert experiences, beginning with Roger Whittaker and culminating in an unforgettable concert with the illustrious Pat Metheny Group.
The Age of Roger Whittaker, 1990-91
My first concert experience was at CMAC, Canandaigua, NY, in either 1990 or 1991, when the legendary Roger Whittaker came for a one-night show. My babysitter brought her car, which had an 8-track player, and played two albums: RCA’s Best of Roger Whittaker and Mirrors of My Mind. My favorites were the haunting melodies of River Lady and I Don’t Believe in If Anymore.
My mother was so enamored with River Lady that she wrote a letter to Roger Whittaker’s fan group, declaring it her all-time favorite song. During the concert, he famously dedicated the song to me.
Live Music with Roger Waters in 1987
In August 1987, I caught one of Roger Waters’ shows at Radio KAOS in Providence. The new album, The Pros and Cons of Hitchhiking, was playing, and I was already a fan of it. The live rendition of Nobody Home from the same album still resonates with me today. When Waters performed the line from In the Flesh mentioning someone smoking a joint, the crowd erupted in laughter, filled with a mixture of amusement and camaraderie.
BTS - A Memorable Night on the Love Yourself Tour
The first concert that I have vivid memories of is a BTS concert during their Love Yourself tour. I don't have any pictures because my old phone’s SIM card broke. However, I was right by the stage, and I managed to collect items from the performance. I obtained JK's and Taehyung's water bottles, which I cherish dearly. The bottles are kept on display, meticulously clean, free from any speck of dust.
John Lennon’s Guitar Solo at The Beatles 1965 in Memphis
Before I was a booming fan of the newborn K-Pop sensation, or even Roger Whittaker, I was enthralled with The Beatles. On June 26, 1965, I attended a concert at the Midsouth Coliseum in Memphis, Tennessee. The experience was heightened by my possession of a press pass, which allowed me to attend their press conference before the show. This event was among the best of my life, and I even had the privilege of asking John Lennon a direct question.
Genesis in London, 1972 - A Life-Changing Moment
At around the age of 13, I attended a Genesis concert in London with the help of an older cousin. The primary attraction was the incredibly cheap tickets, which came to about 50p. The show featured Lindisfarne, Van Der Graaf Generator, and, of course, Peter Gabriel and the rest of the band. It's a strange feeling to admit, but while The Beatles were my primary love at the time, this Genesis concert was a life changer. After the show, I eagerly borrowed and subsequently wore out my cousin's copies of Foxtrot.
The Pat Metheny Group: A Musical Odyssey
Finally, in 1987, I experienced the Pat Metheny Group's album tour, Still Life Talking. The concert took place at The Pavilion at Ravina in Highland Park, Illinois. The Pat Metheny Group's music has a timeless quality, making each of my concerts with them a remarkable evening.
From Roger Whittaker to Roger Waters, from BTS to The Beatles, from Genesis to Pat Metheny, my journey through concerts reflects a journey through music history. These experiences have not only shaped my personal tastes but also showcased the enduring power of live music.
Keywords: first concert, Roger Whittaker, Genesis, Pat Metheny Group, Beatles