Thanks for all the great feedback from last week’s piece about great concerts you attended. I think I hit a nerve. Here are a few memories
Counting Crows
The one memory I will share is a two-parter with Counting Crows. When the band vaulted to superstardom with “August And Everything After,” I caught their show in January or February 1994 at the old Grady Cole Center. It was by far the worst concert I’ve ever seen. The band was totally stoned. Adam Duritz slurred behind his dreadlocks, the sound system was inadequate and the energy in the room evaporated by the third song, never to return.
I vowed to never see them again, even though I enjoyed their subsequent albums. But in the summer of 2023, Counting Crows did an outdoor show in Greensboro and, because I got free tickets, I attended with my wife and friends. It was amazing. The band was filled with energy and clarity; Adam was in total command of his lyrics and presence. Every song brought back memories stretching over three decades. And now, when I hear a Counting Crows song, I smile and reflect that the very best bands improve with time.
Jimmy Buffet
I don’t know how long ago exactly, but let’s say more than 35 years ago, I went to my first Jimmy Buffet concert at Carowinds. It was an outdoor venue, and they often had good bands play there. At the time, I was not a Jimmy Buffet fan, but I liked his music when it played on the radio. Even back then, he did not get a great deal of airtime. My sister and brother-in-law invited me to come to Charlotte for the weekend and go to the concert, so I went with no expectations.
About an hour before the concert was to start, there came a wicked lightning storm that eventually knocked out the power at Carowinds. No one from the park made an announcement that park attendees should leave or seek shelter, so 90% of the concert goers stayed. All were soaked to the bone and we all probably cheated death that day since it was such an awful storm. After the storm passed, Jimmy came onto the stage with a bullhorn and said how amazed he was that so many fans endured this storm, and when the power was restored he intended to sing for all who stayed.
I really could not understand this crowd. How good could this dude’s show be? Power was restored in an hour or two, and Jimmy came out and played every song he knew. I suppose the show lasted more than two hours, and the fans never sat down.
What amazed me even more was that almost everyone attending knew all of the words to his songs, so it was a giant sing-along. That is the day I became a Parrothead. I went home and purchased his albums and started learning his songs, so I could participate when I attended his next concert.
I went to a lot of his shows over the years, and sang my heart out. Too bad that can never happen again.
Elvis
As for your question, back in the 70s I was given tickets to see Elvis. The fact that they were given to me tells you a lot. While I appreciated some of his music, I could hardly have been labeled a fan. The arena in Charleston, West Virginia, was packed and electric. When the lights came up, after the tympani drums had rolled, he just stood there, one foot thrust out front with his arms in the air.
The roar of the crowd was deafening. He opened with “CC Rider,” and it was on. I’ve seen the Stones, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Garth Brooks, and countless others, but never have I experienced the raw emotions when Elvis sang. After singing “How Great Thou Art,” the crowd would not stop cheering/applauding. Finally, as they calmed down, he turned to the band and said, “I think they liked that, so let’s do it again.” And they did, to even great applause. While I understand the tears brought on by nostalgic memories, the tears I saw that night were nothing short of raw emotion. It was, at least for me, a truly once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Karen Carpenter
For me, I’ve always had a split life between rock and great vocalist from the soft rock/pop era. I have seen many great concerts in my 71 years, including Chicago (my first), James Taylor, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac (2), Neil Diamond, Billy Joel, Gene Cotton, Paul Simon (Graceland Tour), Barry Manilow…but my favorite will always be the lady who I believe for purity, emotion and intonation is the GOAT, Miss Karen Carpenter. May her soul forever RIP.
The Black Crowes
I attend a lot of concerts for the same reason! If you haven’t seen The Black Crowes recently, they’re on top of their game. The brothers Robinson actually seem to be getting along and it’s a beautiful thing to see. Drivin N Cryin opened up for them and they also had a lot of energy and knew to play the fan faves. As you said, it may have been because I wasn’t expecting it, but that was my top concert of last year other than the Shaky Knees and Oceans Calling festivals. It’s hard to compare a festival to a single concert.