I’m a music junky. Hard core. I generally have music on any time I’m in the car, or writing, or cooking, or exercising… or doing just about anything. If the music’s off, I tend to sing. I’m not the greatest singer, but I’m not the worst either. Any chance I get to go see someone I like, live, I grab. It’s not always easy; I have kids; there are things that keep me from just running off to attend a concert. The price of concert tickets, frankly, has made me pause more than once. I don’t know how teens do it! When I was in high school, a concert ticket ran about $25, which was big bucks for a primo act. I’m pretty sure I paid about that for The Police, in 1982. I’m guessing the Doobie Brothers were about $15 in 1979, and Journey might have been $30 in 1984. I may be off on these prices, but not by much. I was a starving college students in the 80s and I didn’t spend a lot on concerts. Frankly, $25-50 would have laid me out. I remember paying about $40 for the Eurythmics in a very small, intimate venue, and feeling like I might be sick… until they played. It was worth every penny! I could not take my eyes of Annie Lenox; she was electric!
Today, it’s not unusual to pay nearly $150 for top shows, if you want decent seats. Madonna set me back about that last year, and P!nk, this October, is more. Granted, my friends and I bought a private box for P!nk— the show sold out in the time it took to log on and start searching for seats. We reasoned that the extra money was worth the freedom to have drinks and food, tables and chairs as well… not to mention a room to dance in. P!nk requires some serious dance freedom.
I suppose I’ve always had a Concert Bucket List, but as I’ve realize that some of my favorite bands are aging just as fast as me, getting to see them has amped up a few notches in my priorities. I’ve seen U2 three times in the past ten years. The first time, I went with my 13 year old son. It was Middle Man’s (I don’t use my kids’ names here), first concert and we had a blast together. We drove to Vancouver and bought scalped tickets. I think I got extra kool points, in his young eyes for taking him, and for buying from scalpers. I took Little Man to his first concert: The Killers, also in Vancouver. I bought the “best tickets,” but was shocked to learn that we were in the “mosh pit.” I spent the entire concert trying to protect my boy from being crushed. Luckily, a giant of a man realized my kid was in the crowd, and he lifted him up over the crowd (literally), to the stage and then guarded him the rest of the show. I spent my time crushed against his sweaty back, but happy to know that Little Man was in heaven!
There are a few big names that I would still like to see, and a few that may not be as well known. Here they are, in no particular order. I’m including one of my favorite songs from each artist, for your listening pleasure:
1. Metric. I am dying to see this edgy, alternative group, but keep missing them when they come to our area. They’re young; I figure I still have time. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jq3-wZs64n4
2. Peter Gabriel. Ok, P.G. is probably my number one dream concert. I’ve been a fan for nearly thirty years now, and I’d do almost anything to see him live. This tops the list. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgaYgij-5TA
3. Arcade Fire– Love these guys. I love their sound, their lyrics and their ideals. I am their perfect bleeding heart fan. http://vimeo.com/17116744
4. P!nk– Love the girl! She can kick some rock butt and do it on a trapeze to boot! I have tickets for this October, but it remains on the list until the P!nk lady sings. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTCDVfMz15M
5. David Byrne– long, sad story, but my husband, Smart Guy, took me to see him this past January. He got the time wrong and we only saw the last 30-40 minutes from our amazing, third row seats. David was incredible! We got to hear Burning Down The House, We’re on a Road to Nowhere and a few other classics. He still has it! But, I’d like to see all of it. Oh, to see The Talking Heads would be the ultimate! http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x20vya_talking-heads-this-must-be-the-plac_music
6. Alt-J– newer group, I love them! Their music is edgy and clever and it’s amazing that two guys can make such a big sound. This is a luscious video and song; love it! http://vimeo.com/49588649
7. Black Keys– These guys are fantastic! Their lyrics are brilliant, their sound is a crazy mix of old Motown, Indie Rock, and Black blues. They would be fabulous in a small venue, and I’d love to be there. http://vimeo.com/36322610
8. Bon Jovi (big hair and all)- I admit it; I still have a crush on Jon Bon Jovi. He’s aged mighty fine. I’d love to be in a stadium and scream along to Livin’ On a Prayer, Wanted Dead or Alive, and and You Give Love a Bad Name. I happen to love his (newer) You Wanna Make a Memory. Hell, he’s just hot, and I’d like to see them live. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDK9QqIzhwk
9. Dave Matthews– Again, I saw him years ago, main floor, about 10 rows back. Smart Guy was post-call and slept through the entire thing, young girls screaming in his ears and all. It was so good though, and I’d love to see him again. Love me some Dave, and this is a very favorite song of his. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBT_u9YsmSA
10. Eddie Vedder– Acoustic, not necessarily with Pearl Jam. I love to hear Eddie with a guitar or ukelele. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVQEsKDcl2A
The Fantasy Bucket List— bands that are no longer together, or who have major members who’ve died, etc or bands I wish I’d seen years ago, would include:
Talking Heads (#1); Crowded House (#2); Michael Jackson; Queen; REM; Fleetwood Mac; INXS; The Police (again); Til Tuesday; 10,000 Maniacs; The Doors
Here’s a bonus: Arcade Fire and David Bowie. If this doesn’t move you, you’ve got ice in your veins. Stunning! Oh to have been there.
Who’s on your Concert Bucket List? Who would make your fantasy list? Share your thoughts; leave a comment.
Dawn Quyle Landau is a writer who prefers to “Free fall.” Her work has appeared in Tangerine Tango, Women Writers Share Slices of Life, edited by Lisa Winkler; Cascadia Weekly; The Outlier Collective; Bucket List Publications; and in her blogs, Tales From the Motherland and The Huntington’s Chronicles. Dawn is the mother of three mostly grown, amazing and adventurous kids; and best buddy to a studly lab, named Luke. She and her husband of 27 years, live a very good life surrounded by the spectacular beauty of the Pacific North West. She pinches herself every day, and ignores the bruises. She does not actually wear glasses, she’s just silly that way.
I’ve seen a lot of great concerts (121212 concert for Sandy Relief), Bon Jovi (several times), Fleetwood Mac, Robert Plant, Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, Billy Joel, Cher, Sound City Players, etc. but the number one concert on my bucket list is definitely Led Zeppelin with Jason Bonham on drums. Still hoping for a 2014 reunion tour! BTW, I saw Eddie Vedder perform with Roger Waters at 121212.
Wow! That’s some list of concerts… I’m jealous. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for the Zeppelin reunion. Thanks so much for taking the time to read my work, Joann. Much appreciated!
BTW, I also notice you have Fleetwood Mac on the “fantasy” list. I just saw them on this year’s tour, granted it was without Christine McVie but it was still one of the best live shows I’ve seen. They have one more US date in Vegas on 12/30.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVSObHWTBpU
http://www.flickr.com/photos/97813439@N07/sets/72157634245254941/
I would love to see Fleetwood intact, but admittedly, this might be worth a trip to Vegas! Thanks for the heads up, Joann. And no worries about the posting glitch. 😉
BTW, I notice you have Fleetwood Mac on the “fantasy” list. They toured this year, granted without Christine McVie. But it was still one of the most amazing live shows I’ve seen. They have one more US tour date in Vegas on 12/30.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVSObHWTBpU
http://www.flickr.com/photos/97813439@N07/sets/72157634245254941/
Sorry – I double posted that because my VPN went down and I didn’t think it went through!
Sweeeet video! Thanks for sharing. I may be headed to Vegas in December. 😉
I missed the on sale or I probably would have bought tickets to the Vegas show! I wanted to go again as soon as it was over. I saw Stevie with the Sound City Players too…I’m dying to meet her. But in addition to being a concert addict, I’m also a concert snob, and I want to be in the first few rows! But it is definitely worth the trip!!
Check out Craigslist… I’ve scored some awesome tickets there, over the years. If you’re really wanting to go, it might be worth the effort.
I’ve heard too many horror stories about Craigs List ticket scams. I would consider Stub Hub as much as I hate that site but at least with them you have the guarantee of tickets or a refund.
I’ve sold tickets on Craigslist and bought them several times… it’s never gone wrong. Use Paypal and it’s hard to mess up. 🙂
Wow, you’re so cool, Dawn. We’re seeing Rodriquez this week after loving Searching for Sugarman. Otherwise, don’t go to any concerts– our daughter does it all for us.
I’ve heard Rodriguez is fantastic live, and still haven’t seen Searching for Sugarman; so who’s cooler?! Thanks Lisa.
Love 80’s Hair Metal. I’m pretty lucky to have seen most of them with Motley Crüe being ranked number 1. I’ve seen Tom Petty and the Beloved Bob Dylan to Kid Rock and Madonna. The Chilli Peppers, ACDC and WAY back New Kids also rank high. Ill never get over not being able to see Nirvana or Blind Melon RIP boys. Lastly and I know it’s not the same but I plan to head back to Vegas to see the MJ One show. There ain’t nobody who won’t have an MJ show on their list of either Favs or regrets. I’d love to see Jimmy Buffet, Kenny Chesney, ZZ Top, and Tina Turner! Great Blog Post!
There’s a list! I was never a metal/80s hair band… except for Bon Jovi, hair wise. I was a wimp that way! I love your list thought, and agree completely that MJ would probably be on most lists. He may have become a strange dude later in life, but his talent was undeniable! I’ve also heard that Tina T is incredible!!
Thanks so much for taking the time to read and share your thoughts; much appreciated!
Cool list, Dawn! You got to see David Byrne??!!! Even 30 minutes would be great! And I’m with you about the fantasy list. Natalie Merchant is coming to our town in January and unfortunately I missed getting tickets. Moody Blues would also be on my list, as would Fleetwood Mac…
Yes, admittedly 30 minutes of David Byrne was absolutely electric! He was Burning Down the House (which we heard)! If you really want to see Natalie Merchant, check out craigslist; I’ve had a lot of luck with concert tickets, there. Moody Blues would be fun! Thanks for sharing your list, Cathy.
It’s funny because although I love music, I don’t really like going to concerts. That introvert-avoid-a-crowd thing probably weighs in to some degree. I do wish I could have seen Michael Jackson before he died. If I go to a concert, I like the works–singing, dancing, etc. But the “I love to hear Eddie with a guitar or ukelele” thing? Oh yeah, that would be great!
Really? Listening to music doesn’t even compare to live music for me! And the whole process, getting tickets, having a show to look forward to, etc., is all part of the excitement. I can even enjoy bands and/or songs that I don’t really like when it’s live.
I think part of it is I like to know the songs well. I get more impatient listening to the ones I’ve never heard before. Must be my short attention span. 🙂
I usually know all the songs. My head is just full of song lyrics!! My little cousins make funny of me because when somebody says something that resembles a song lyric I start singing!! Haha!!
For all I know, maybe you just sang your comment out loud. 😉
Haha!! You never know… 🙂
That is the story of my life (or the song of my life), as my sons can attest!
Which part, KJ? Hopefully your life is filled with sweet tunes. 🙂
I break into song at a moment’s notice – did it twice during dinner last night! Music = life
Oh! Got it… makes us birds of a feather. 🙂
No, I feel the same way… live or memorex. I like to sing along.
I can see how how concerts would not be for someone who’s an introvert. The huge crowds and noise, are not for everyone. I just love the music so much, that being there live is worth the discomfort of the crowd. I am also a devoted people watcher, so watching the crowd, is a bonus. 😉
Loved your artist/song choices, Dawn! I think you accidentally posted the link for “Society” to your Arcade Fire/David Bowie reference…I’ll have to search it myself, dadgummit. 🙂
Good eye, KJ! I have made the correction. It’s worth seeing… for some reason, the videos don’t show up the way they should, in the post. Generally, you should be able to see the video itself, not just a link. I appreciate you taking the time to read, and check out the links. Thanks for stopping by!
What a great idea to have a concert bucket list! I’ve off to put mine together right now, thanks for the great ideas!
I’m so glad you enjoyed this Heather! I am a music junky, so it seemed a no brainer. I’d love to see your list, once you do it. 🙂