Over the years I have been lucky to attend a fair number of gigs. Some are more memorable than others for different reasons. While most hold good memories, here are some that stand out for more than just the show itself.
You will note that most are 80’s bands/artists.
Duran Duran
In the 90’s I was due to see Duran Duran around the time of the 1992/93. The gig was rescheduled for a year or so later. Little did I know at the time until about 10 years later that my future wife Nadine was also in the audience for the same show. How funny to think that we may of crossed paths before properly meeting.
Michael Jackson
My sister and I attended Wembley Stadium for this gig. The support that included Rozalla and Kris Kross had already performed. When Michael was due on, the large video screens showed an official document advising the show was cancelled and Michael had been taken to hospital. The audience reaction was disbelief and many thought that this was part of the show before Michael would jump onto the stage. When the reality dawned, the atmosphere was quite tense with annoyance. It all felt a little troublesome as if a fight would break out. Thankfully it remained peaceful and calm.
For that show, my sister and I would have had a fairly decent view. For the rescheduled date, we rocked up just before the gig and stayed at the back. We couldn’t be bothered to make all the effort again.
Toyah/Girls Aloud
Most gigs require binoculars these days in arenas and stadiums. Therefore, these two gigs will remain highlights as I could see the artists up close. Very close!
Toyah was performing at the Mean Fiddler in London. I was looking down on the stage from a upstairs area and was only a couple of metres away from her. A good memorable experience.
When seeing Girls Aloud recently at the Resorts World Arena, I knew I had a good ticket as I was near an extended stage. It really does make a gig special when you see the artists close up, instead of being a mile away.
The Human League
I am due to see The Human league perform again this year for about the sixth time. One show remains memorable and it was possibly the second time I saw them at Leicester DeMontfort Hall. Phil came down off the stage and perched on the metal railings immediately in front of us. He was so close singing, you could have grabbed him if inclined. At the time, phones were more basic and we did get a photo. However, now lost. A memorable experience though.
Madonna
I got to see Madonna perform about 6 times. The most memorable gig was the first show in 1986 in Wembley. We were in front of the Royal Box and George Michael was there in close view in full on “Faith” look with glasses and leather jacket. While I have seen many 80’s performers, I wish I had seen George perform live. It made a good memory.
Pet Shop Boys
Pet shop boys is the exception that stands out as memorable for the wrong reasons. Though the band were good, we were absolutely surrounded by people pissed as farts to the extreme. Their enjoyment and fun was at the reduced pleasure of others. They really couldn’t hold there drink.
Texas
As a fan of Texas, the opportunity for a first row meet and greet ticket arose in Leicester a few years back. A signed set list, bag and VIP lanyard. Then, photo with lead singer Sharleen.
We had to wait a while for this to happen but was worth it in the end after lockdown.
We also managed to bag a ticket to a small gig in Coventry last year to see them that was also memorable.
Do you have any special concert memories? Please comment below.
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