What’s the best concert you ever attended?

Daily | September 17th, 2008 by Carrie McCarthy

“… everyone was using tiny brushes and doing watercolors, while Jimi Hendrix was painting galactic scenes in Cinemascope. Musicians are working in a field of mystical resonance, sound and vibration… that’s what makes people cry, laugh and feel their hair stand up …” - Carlos Santana

Carrie says: At 15 years old I saw The Divine Miss M, Bette Midler, at a dinner club, three waspy girls surrounded by beautiful boys all watching a raunchy, feminine and sexy Bette performing in sleeper pajamas.

$Sinead O\'Connor The Lion and the Cobra$ Danielle says: Sinead O’Connor. ‘95. Toronto. White tank, micro mini kilt, unplugged version of The Last Day of Our Acquaintance, flawless vocals. It was the most constructive, creative display of anger and girl power that I’d ever witnessed. Being in my early 20s, filled with chick rage myself, I thought “Shit, I need to do make some art outta my angst.” The result was some very bad poetry, and a deeper sense of self acceptance. Sinead is still tops on my music chart.

Read (and listen to!) Danielle’s Cosmic Chicks Playlist (Volume 1)

Viewing 147 Comments

Mary 09/18/2008 12:36 AM 1 point
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Prince on the Musicology tour. You would never think that a 5'4" androgynous man in a purple suit and higher heels than I would ever consider wearing would be so freaking sexy. He is an amazing performer and entertainer!

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Rachel 09/18/2008 12:45 AM 1 point
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hands down prince!

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Linda Borland-Fitzgerald 09/18/2008 01:08 AM 1 point
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I'd love to see Madonna, Tina Turner and Barbra! Guess I haven't seen the BEST one of my life yet. Oh wait! How could I forget that I saw the Rolling Stones in 1966 when Brian Jones was still alive. I screamed. I was 19 years old. You'll love this story - my husband was 22 when his parents showed up at his office job in downtown Toronto one day. They'd been at the King Edward Hotel having lunch with the hotel manager who asked them if they'd like to meet the hotels, high-profile guests. They said, 'no,' explaining that they were off to see their son who worked just around the corner. The hotel guests were The Beatles. He could have killed them, as he could have been there is seconds to join them at the hotel. I love telling that story...

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Kristin (The Goat) 09/18/2008 01:17 AM 1 point
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The best concert I ever saw was probably my first one - Tina Turner opened for Lionel Richie. It was so much fun. I was 16 I think.

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Steve 09/18/2008 01:21 AM 1 point
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Impossible to have a single favorite...Top 3?

1993: Soundgarden at the Commodore, Vancouver...it was a timing thing...and the debauchery.

1997: Capital Records industry show at the Rage, Vancouver - Radiohead...they were frighteningly perfect.

2005: Dead Can Dance - Seattle...for the magic.

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Jody 09/18/2008 01:24 AM 1 point
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Simon & Garfunkel at the Colosseum in Rome. The last weekend of our 6 weeks in Europe saw us land in Rome for the last of the free summer concerts put on by the mayor. Thousands of people were lined up in the streets surrounding the Colosseum with speakers and screens down each side of the street so no-one missed a thing. It had an amazing vibe and was a fantastic end to a fantastic holiday.

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rebecca walker 09/18/2008 01:52 AM 1 point
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Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, at the Beacon on Broadway in NYC, a few years before he died. People were dancing in the aisles and throwing twenty and fifty dollar bills onto the stage as the master took us higher and higher. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Full of ecstatic bliss. I'm so grateful I was able to share time and space with such a powerful force. Thanks for reminding me, C and D.

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Kath 09/18/2008 02:09 AM 1 point
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Ooh tricky one. I don't remember too much about being 12 years old but I remember every second of my first gig - seeing Spandau Ballet at Wembley Arena with my two best friends and my mum (who insisted on coming as chaperone but screamed as loudly as we did).

As an 'adult', seeing Amy Winehouse last summer in a tiny venue for 300 people was a definite highlight - she was at the peak of her game before it all started going horribly wrong and she was totally captivating.

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Tara 09/18/2008 02:15 AM 1 point
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Oasis at a festival in Sydney. We'd watched heaps of awesome bands throughout a hot Summer day, but as the weather cooled to a perfect December night Oasis played their set. Everyone singing along to Morning Glory the definite highlight - and then we moved to the stage next door to watch Powderfinger, fabulous!

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Ophelie 09/18/2008 04:08 AM 1 point
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José Gonzales in Montreal last winter. He played in a small concert room, curled around his guitar. It felt like a private concert. Amazing.

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Nancy 09/18/2008 04:18 AM 1 point
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My choice is easy. I have seen so many concerts, at one point in my life I was going nearly once a week! But Bonnie Raitte hands down won my number one pick. It was at an outdoor concert years ago in a huge field in the middle of nowhere, with thousands & thousands of people in attendance. She commanded the stage with such a strong feminine, girly power, it was beautiful. Her personality was so engaging & down to earth with the crowd, I almost felt like I knew her. We were just all there together & having fun! She was so confident, her long flowing red hair blowing in the breeze, a playful, warm & engaging personality, a bluesy, soulful voice that blew me away & she was just being herself & I thought wow! I can still see her onstage today. She was so amazing. That was the first time I ever saw a woman exude total cool. Whenever I think I want to be comfortable with all of me, I think of her. Bonnie rocks!

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Kelly 09/18/2008 04:22 AM 1 point
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My top 3 (I couldn't pick just one) -
Top of the list has to be Oscar Peterson at Carnegie Hall - on the 50th anniversary of his first performance there.
Tom Jones at Roy Thompson Hall - with a friend's 70+ year old mother pumping her fist in the air when Tom sang "are you going to go my way..."
October 12, 2009 Madonna at Madison Square Garden.

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sky 09/18/2008 04:36 AM 1 point
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Hands down, Paul McCartney. Wow!

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Jennifer Sage 09/18/2008 04:37 AM 1 point
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Is he the Muslim Sufi Mystic?

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Jess 09/18/2008 04:39 AM 1 point
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I loved Jason Mraz because of the context by which I went to the concert.
One of my first serious university relationships had just ended and I wanted to do something for myself. So I bought one ticket, went down on a bus by myself to Toronto, took a cab to the venue and watched the entire thing alone...but I didn't really feel alone because I was surrounded by a ton of people :) I love Jason's laid-back, humourous style of chatting with the audience and his upbeat songs.

Also...NSYNC when I was in...I don't know, grade 8? EPIC haha

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Joannie 09/18/2008 04:47 AM 1 point
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Years ago I saw Liberace in Sudbury! He was fabulous - all shining and glittery. A true showman.

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Jamie 09/18/2008 04:54 AM 1 point
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The Indigo Girls, each and every time I see them. I will never forget a summer night, on outdoor theatre, Amy singing Romeo - just her, a guitar and passion.

Going to Lilith Fair with my two sisters.

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Kirsty 09/18/2008 05:03 AM 1 point
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That's funny...I saw Lionel Richie open for Tina Turner at the ACC in Toronto about five years ago.

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Ashley 09/18/2008 05:09 AM 1 point
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Billy Joel and Elton John, together, playing each other's songs on two of the largest pianos I've ever seen. There was a crowd of about 50,000 but I felt like I was in a quaint piano bar after hours just listening to them joke around and play some tunes. I went with my aunt who is a huge Elton John fan- it was a fantastic bonding moment for us.

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Kirsty 09/18/2008 05:10 AM 1 point
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Oh, I like this question. But I echo others, it is too hard to pick b/c luckily, I've been to too many fabulous shows.

If I had to pick only one I'd say U2 at the old CNE Grandstand in Toronto on their Zoo TV tour. My friend at the time surprised me with fourth row tickets, and back stage passes. I've never met a sexier man than Bono in my life.

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SRead 09/18/2008 05:19 AM 1 point
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I haven't been to many concerts, but the one's I did go to were memorable. Peter Frampton at the CNE in Toronto - I was 16 and with some older friends. I hated the crowd - sweaty, strung out and doing lots of nasty stuff...... so in true Refined Adventure style I convinced my friends to break into Ontario Place next door where we could spread out and dance on the beautiful cool grass, under the stars and really enjoy the music. I still remember the excitement as we slipped through the locked turnstyles to escape the raunchiness of the crowd. My last concert was a hoot...while at a swimming training camp in Cocoa Beach, Florida we discovered the Beach Boys were giving a concert on the beach were we were staying. Our group was a mix of teens and adults...something about the Beach Boys seems to switch the roles up a bit.....middle aged mamas and pappas letting loose on the beach...the kids loved it! I think I would have preferred Jack Johnson for the music though!

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Jennifer Sage 09/18/2008 05:25 AM 1 point
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I don't think it qualifies as a concert but I did see the original Rocky Horror Show in London. Tim Curry well before his first facelift came dancing and singing into the audience throwing sweat in all directions. Skin tight tiny black briefs and black fishnet stockings and very high heels. He owned the audience and we would have followed him anywhere
OTT and very camp had us all up dancing and doing the time warp. Made Hair seem like a vicarage tea party.

Hearing welsh male voice choirs is pretty up there too.

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Pam 09/18/2008 05:32 AM 1 point
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Bruce Springstein- Glory Days Tour 1988 Toronto! He had no opening act, he just played for 3 solid hours and told amazing stories and just totally won my 17 year old heart forever!

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Amy 09/18/2008 05:34 AM 1 point
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Yes, Absolutely. Every time I see them it's like the first times. One night they will be all acoustic, mellow and introspective while another night they will rock the house. Always awesome. My best friend and I try to see them every time they come around.

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Kathleen 09/18/2008 05:35 AM 1 point
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Two of the best concerts I've seen are Barbra Streisand and Andrea Bocelli. They were both amazing shows, the kind of singing that gives me chills.

And I saw U2 in Tokyo and they were pretty fantastic.

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Kristen 09/18/2008 05:38 AM 1 point
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Michael Jackson Thriller concert....was there anything else for a teenage girl who kissed his poster picture before bed each night??!!!

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Chantal 09/18/2008 05:39 AM 1 point
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Iggy Pop - a true rock star...he made me just want to take off all my clothes!

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Kristen 09/18/2008 05:42 AM 1 point
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I've changed my mind....last Christmas, my 3 boys and my 3 nephews formed a band called "COUSIN ROCK"....they ROCKED!!!! Best concert...hands down!

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Traci 09/18/2008 06:12 AM 1 point
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Oh, yes! Prince is sex personified. He makes me proud to be a Minnesotan. First Ave (where most of Purple Rain takes place) is still one of the coolest venues in the world, I think.

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weezie 09/18/2008 06:15 AM 1 point
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My 50th birthday was spent with 3 other couples seeing Tina Turner in Dallas; Joe Cocker opened. I would give my pinkie to be one of either's back-up singers.

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Traci 09/18/2008 06:16 AM 1 point
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I'm lucky...I've been to so many great shows. I used to review concerts in the Twin Cities for a local Web site, so I really packed them in for a couple of years. I think, though, that my favorite live music experience would have to be Coachella in 2003, before it became young Hollywood's playground. I saw Radiohead (Steve's right--frighteningly perfect), The Cure (a personal favorite), The Pixies, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (another favorite), Kraftwerk, The Rapture, and so many more, all in a 2 day period. It was truly heavenly.

Last year I saw Damien Rice all by his lonesome. He was phenomenal. And much louder when he's alone.

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Traci 09/18/2008 06:18 AM 1 point
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Nope...the year I went to Coachella was 2004. It was 120 degrees one day. How could I forget?

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weezie 09/18/2008 06:18 AM 1 point
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Long before the emergence of Victoria Beckham, Mel B, et.al. my daughter and her two best friends formed "The Spices" - Cinnamon, Sugar, & Salt. A video of their rendition of "Santa Anna Was A Bimbo" (composed after a trip to the Alamo in San Antonio) still leaves me rolling on the floor in laughter. Thanks for the memory!

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Heather (Sophisticated Fresh) 09/18/2008 06:21 AM 1 point
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Paris Combo at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco (a very cozy, jazzy venue), January '05

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Elaine 09/18/2008 06:24 AM 1 point
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I saw Prince in 1997 in Memphis at the Pyramid. It was awesome but even better was the more intimate after-show he put on at the New Daisy club downtown. I was *feet* away from Prince!!! Rufus Thomas even came on stage and played the Funky Chicken at 80 yrs old. A night to remember for sure!

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Amy Guth 09/18/2008 06:34 AM 1 point
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I saw Peter Gabriel in 1993-ish. It was so theatrical and the set was so creatively utilized; he seemed to be operating on the same concept an opera would, and it was gorgeous. I liked him well enough, but wasn't a big fan until I saw that show.

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Natasha L 09/18/2008 06:35 AM 1 point
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Jill Scott on the pier on Seattle's waterfront. Great crowd, friends, venue, weather, vocals, band, message.

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Dena 09/18/2008 06:35 AM 1 point
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It was last June - a 'green' concert - my friend Oliver Whitehead is a composer and was debuting a piece commissioned for cello - Uhuru Peak - music depicting the Kilimanjaro climb. It was amazing how the music took on a life of its own. It was surrounded by other complimentary pieces - the Bachianas Brasiliaris and some Japanese pieces on odd instruments. I was invited out with them afterwards - it was so special to bask in the 'high' the composer and musicians had from such a successful evening!

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Amy Guth 09/18/2008 06:38 AM 1 point
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I might give second place to the time my mom and I saw Eric Clapton. She is a huge Clapton fan, and when he stepped out on the stage, she turned into a teenage girl. Was fun to see her in that mode.

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Tammy 09/18/2008 06:48 AM 1 point
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Of course, like all of you, I have a few favorites...The Rolling Stones 1989 Steel Wheels tour at the Orange Bowl in Miami. The Stones are my all-time favorite band, and the whole spectacle of it, the huge stadium, was so fun and fantastic. REM, again at the Orange Bowl in Miami, in the early 90's. They are and continue to be so totally great, I can't say enough good things about them, musically, socially, etc. In 1988 or '89 I went out on a first date with a guy who took me to see a band called the Church at a small club in our college town. They were terrible- drunk and a total mess, but the guy who opened for them was Peter Murphy. I did not know who he was. (He is the former lead singer for Bauhaus.) Peter Murphy put on probably one of the best shows I have ever seen, and his music was magical, moving, thrilling, energizing, sexy. To this day I'm still blown away by that performance. And last but not least- Elvis Costello at the Hard Rock in Orlando, when I turned 30 in 1999. It was just him and his acoustic guitar and a piano player, with dinner theatre seating. He was incredible, and we loved it so much that we have made an effort to see him every time he comes to our area- he's that good. If you get a chance to see Elvis, it's well worth it. :-)

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Melissa 09/18/2008 06:48 AM 1 point
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- Floor seats at Texas Stadium for the U2 Zoo TV tour. U2 is simply the best and most inspiring rock!
- Floor seats at the Cotton Bowl for the Rolling Stones. Concert was OK, but it poured rain the entire time and we got soaked. Ruined my clothes, but the combination of the people I was with and just the overall vibe made this a really memorable night.
- Oh, and the recent Dixie Chicks tour...just because they are from Dallas and I remember them from when no one knew who they were and because I just respect the heck out of them!

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Girl-Woman 09/18/2008 06:51 AM 1 point
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Quintessential Michael Jackson in 1988!

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licarrit 09/18/2008 06:57 AM 1 point
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I'm sooooooo totally jealous! I am convinced that my DD is warped from seeing the movie so much when she was a baby! But she is the coolest kid in her class!

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licarrit 09/18/2008 07:04 AM 1 point
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This is easy! I've been to a bunch of concerts (saw Bonnie Raitt, REM, Van Morrison,James Taylor) but the best was Dylan, 10th row floor, small venue, with my husband. I cobbled together a playlist of all the songs he did and burned it for my husband. Still makes me tingle!

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JoeM 09/18/2008 07:06 AM 1 point
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Mozart in the Vienna, 2004.

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kim 09/18/2008 07:12 AM 1 point
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Hands down, without a doubt, plugged or unplugged, Foo Fighters.

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Debbie R 09/18/2008 07:13 AM 1 point
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Best hands down was the free Burton Cummings concert in the park during the Festival of Friends in Hamilton Ontario. It could never be duplicated - perfect evening, sitting with friends on a blanket on the grass, song after song after song from my past - ans then, when I was sure he'd done them all, more songs.
And the people - I was so proud of my (then) fellow Hamiltonians. Not a rowdy in the bunch.
MMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmm..............

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G Wally 09/18/2008 07:14 AM 1 point
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Top 5, in no particular order: U2. George Michael. Dixie chicks. INXS back when Michael Hutchence, the hottest man who ever lived was still alive. Cheap trick.

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Krystl 09/18/2008 07:17 AM 1 point
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I've been lucky and have seen a lot of great concerts. Music is crucial to me and many of the peak moments of my life have been at concerts. I can't possibly pick one. Just this summer I've seen My Morning Jacket; Crosby, Stills & Nash; The Police & Elvis Costello; Robert Plant & Alison Krauss. Each one had its shimmering moments, each one lifted me out of myself and into that magic that is the focused attention of thousands of people listening/feeling the same thing... And that was just this summer. I've seen DeeeLite in a forest in the middle of the night. I went alone to a Fugazi concert and jumped in the mosh pit. I saw Parliament Funkadelic at SummerStage. I spun in the hallways as The Grateful Dead played at Madison Square Garden. Yo-Yo Ma at Carnegie Hall. Paul MacCartney both at Giants Stadium and at a rehearsal for Saturday Night Live. Orbital! Dubtribe! Sonic Youth! Nope, can't pick one. It is all a continuum of happiness, not to be ranked or divided.

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Cindy - Classic Creative 09/18/2008 07:20 AM 1 point
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Janet Jackson - she really put on a show! Amazing dancing, several costume and set changes - it was visual decadence! This was around the time of Rhythm Nation, when I think she was at her best.

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marn 09/18/2008 07:29 AM 1 point
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I have a top 3! But they are all very different....
1) Depeche Mode. Incredible.
2) Stomp. It literally moved me.
3) Joe Satriani. Whoa!

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marn 09/18/2008 07:31 AM 1 point
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Oh and also Tragically Hip in a little bar in Whistler when they were just starting out early 90's.... so cool!
Oh and one cannot forget the Barenaked Ladies! Pure Entertainment.
Ok, now I will stop - LOL!!

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Colette 09/18/2008 07:31 AM 1 point
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Okay... from the older crowd, not that Prince isn't all that.... Neil Diamond My Rock and Roll side loved Boston's Don't Look Back Tour although it may of had something to do with the air I was breathing....... Can't compare the two.

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Yvette 09/18/2008 07:49 AM 1 point
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It was a Christmas concert at the Chicago Theater with Peabo Bryson, Sheena Easton, John Secada, Christopher Cross and I sat in the Balcony with tears streaming down my face it was very beautiful and peaceful. They sang some of their standards coupled with seasonal music that all could enjoy. I thought it was great....

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anactoria 09/18/2008 07:50 AM 1 point
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A few years ago, Bauhaus (early goth) hit Atlanta. I was sick (and a four hour drive away) but desperate to see them. My boyfriend drove me, at the last minute, and we got there with barely a minute to spare--though we did spare a few, I had to catch my breath and equilibrium.

I stood alone, away from the crowds and cigarette smoke. They were part of my high school soundtrack and seeing them live was simply brilliant.

Not only that, the intrepid boyfriend stayed during the whole show, took pictures upstairs for me, and bought me a CD and t-shirt (my second one after 15+ years!). He later said he wished to never see them live again. Just not his thing. ^_^

I saw Prince too and he does put on an amazingly sexy show.

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Brenda 09/18/2008 07:51 AM 1 point
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I have always loved going to U2 concerts. the energy, the lights the sounds.

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JSuz 09/18/2008 07:51 AM 1 point
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Jethro Tull -- an acoustic performance in a Roman amphitheatre by the Mediterranean at sunset. The haunting notes of the flute on sea air, in an atmosphere so thick you could almost see its ancient patrons. We couldn't afford tickets, so my friends and I had a picnic on a cliff overlooking everything and I remember thinking: wow, this is a moment to remember forever. It helped "tune" me in to ancient places, and that has been invaluable in my life! "Night in Budapest" is one of the most smoldering/poignant songs ever written.

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Ellen 09/18/2008 07:59 AM 1 point
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I started going to concerts in the '70s and have seen true legends live. I could name so many. But in fact, the very best concert was last spring when I saw Carlos Santana. He opened his beautiful spirit and shared it with an outdoor audience. He also included a huge group of musicians, some local, and invited children from the audience to join him. The entire experience was Spiritual. Sexy. Sensuous. Alive. Affirming. Joyous. Human. Real.

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Ellen 09/18/2008 08:00 AM 1 point
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Jethro Tull puts on a fabulous show. I saw the Stormwatch tour years ago.

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Ellen 09/18/2008 08:04 AM 1 point
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Ive seen them several times - the last was with Brandi Carlile, who should be the 3rd Indigo Girl.

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Lisa D 09/18/2008 08:09 AM 1 point
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INXS 11/93
David Hutchence came out with a cowboy hat, sunglasses and jean jacket and slowly removed each of them throughout the song. VERY sexy. I remember I couldn't get anyone to go along with me so I went ALONE. A huge thing for me to do because I'm not a loner and thrive on company. But I just had to see him - glad I did. I loved his 'bedroom' singing voice...he was so sexy.

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MoJo 09/18/2008 08:18 AM 1 point
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80's - General Public, Massey Hall in Toronto
90's - U2 Achtung Baby, CNE Toronto & (strangely) Metallica, Copps Colliseum, Hamilton & Sarah McLachlan, Massey Hall
00's - The New Deal, Opera House, Toronto (best Livetronica I've ever heard...I lost 5 pounds just dancing for hous and it was the last time my best friend Mark and I went out dancing - he died 4 months later and I will always remember the sheer look of joy as we bounced around that night!)

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Danielle LaPorte 09/18/2008 08:19 AM 1 point
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I've seen him four times. I think he is a certifiable erotic musical genius.

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Danielle LaPorte 09/18/2008 08:20 AM 1 point
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I saw Dead Can Dance in Seattle in 99. I promoted them for a while. Transcendental.

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Susie Hutchinson 09/18/2008 08:23 AM 1 point
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I was in London several years ago attending a Jazz concert, when Bryan Ferry came on stage to join the band. It was magical.

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stella tinglin 09/18/2008 08:23 AM 1 point
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Prince in the late eighties. WOW.

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Danielle LaPorte 09/18/2008 08:30 AM 1 point
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Ahhh...Nusrat, my boy. Night Song is one of my most cherished CD's. I saw him in Seattle and I was amazed by the money-throwing tradition, and the Indian women doing their sexy little "I'm-a-Goddess-but-you-can't-touch-this," dancing. The intake that night was multi-dimensional. I was so high on the ju-ju my friend and I waited an hour in the back alley (in the rain) to see if we could glimpse him waddling out. All we got was his entourage climbing into Mercedes. Eddie Veder has done some work with Nusrat - it's beautiful.

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Danielle LaPorte 09/18/2008 08:31 AM 1 point
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Yes, yes, yes. Start with the Night Song CD if you're interested.

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Amy 09/18/2008 08:33 AM 1 point
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SO HARD to pick just one but my Toppers:
1. Rickie Lee Jones at Club Lingerie---smashed up against the stage looking up her dress because she was 12 months pregnant! She was wearing this bright red dress--knee length---with these giant clodhopper black army boots. I think she was over deciding what looked good because she was---BIG! She was amazing and funny and ethereal--her voice was crystal. And Paul Buchanen from The Blue Nile sang back-up.
2. Wilco at the Greek--- Jeff Tweedy's voice is like how the light changes in between summer and autumn. He was so endearing and genuine and each song was so gorgeous and his fragile/strong view of the world made me feel better.
3. The Jayhawks at The Troubadour----another small intimate show like Rickie. Just Jim and Dave on stools singing with voices and guitars. One of their songs is the reason my husband and I got married. My husband was crying one night when I came home and I asked him what was wrong and he said "this song describes how I feel about us so perfectly. We should dance to it at our wedding." And we did!

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Danielle LaPorte 09/18/2008 08:33 AM 1 point
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Liberace in Sudbury?! Sounds like a David Lynch film... Good for him, good for Sudbury.

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Danielle LaPorte 09/18/2008 08:35 AM 1 point
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ditto. They are saw raw and unpretentious. When I saw them in Vancouver, Emily's minister-father was in the audience and she sang to him - it was incredibly touching.

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Danielle LaPorte 09/18/2008 08:37 AM 1 point
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I actually translate some of Bruce's entertainment ethic to a business ethic: do it yourself, give 'em what they want, scarcely compromise, and play for a long and a good time. Power to that deep rockin' Catholic boy.

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Danielle LaPorte 09/18/2008 08:40 AM 1 point
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Okay, Damien Rice...he is intense. After I heard him on the Closer soundtrack, I got all of his stuff. He reminds me of a tortured-artist Englishman I was in love with. Totally intriguing. Totally dangerous.

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Danielle LaPorte 09/18/2008 08:42 AM 1 point
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I've always wanted to see Satriani...masterful.

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Danielle LaPorte 09/18/2008 08:44 AM 1 point
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I worship at the altar of Bono. When he donned a gold lame suit and cowboy hat, and did his best Elvis channeling...well, I seriously considered throwing my panties AND bra on stage.

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Danielle LaPorte 09/18/2008 08:45 AM 1 point
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I was at U2 Achtung Baby, CNE Toronto. Yum yum yummy. I saw Sinead and Van Morrison that same summer. True glory days...

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MelissaM 09/18/2008 09:01 AM 1 point
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LEONARD COHEN in Kitchener Ontario this past June. Pure magic.

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MoJo 09/18/2008 09:03 AM 1 point
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So we've crossed paths before (albeit amongst a group of thousands!) And I have to admit - Bono has the same shedding of undergarments effect on me. Too wild - I wanted to see Van Mo, but missed out on the tickets. Small world...

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MoJo 09/18/2008 09:04 AM 1 point
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GREEN with envy! That's a legendary one...

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Chrysilla 09/18/2008 09:06 AM 1 point
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Our Lady Peace, spring of 2001, Webster Hall. Favorite band (before they started to decline), and the first time I'd ever let myself get crushed up in front of the stage :-)

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MelissaM 09/18/2008 09:06 AM 1 point
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...and the shortlist after Leonard:
1) Radiohead on Montreal Island, August '05 ...yes, perfect.
2) Ani Difranco in Toronto a couple years back ...totally inspiring.
3) any and many JOSH RITTER shows...yum.

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Daniel Gibbons 09/18/2008 09:06 AM 1 point
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Beth Orton, years ago in a small venue in Vancouver. I think it was her first tour date after a long break.

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laurie_matthews 09/18/2008 09:09 AM 1 point
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REM - Portland, OR - Fall 1989
The Damnwells - Boston - Summer 2007

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laurie_matthews 09/18/2008 09:12 AM 1 point
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I like your style!! I haven't seen any of those shows, but know I would have enjoyed every last second.

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Jennifer Sage 09/18/2008 09:23 AM 1 point
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thanks Danielle
It looks like its about 9.20 am on Thurs at BC. LoooooNg too quiet night duty for me at the hospice 4.20am Friday here NZ.
i'll order that CD Night song ASAP. I just saw him singing on a documentary on Sufi sacred music. When you go to Morocco you may be able to get to the world festival of Sacred Music at Fez. i believe it is held once a year but am not certain.

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Danielle LaPorte 09/18/2008 09:30 AM 1 point
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Okay, may Leonard forgive me for not mentioning this earlier...I have to say, a TIE for first place (with Sinead in Toronto) was Leonard Cohen at the Paulo Solari in Santa Fe, under the stars, 3 hours of manna from man. It was a religious experience. I was high for days. It changed the way I looked at art and music...and men. Of course, LC always surround himself with angelic creatures and his back up singers were heavenly, almost untouchable in their grace. You're so lucky to have seen him so recently! I must start stalking him again.

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Lisa 09/18/2008 09:32 AM 1 point
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I agree with you guys - can't pick just one! Today I happen to have my ticket stub album with me at work, so I can actually put a date and venue to the best shows...

1. Manic Street Preachers @ The Troubadour, Sept. 1999 - For those of you in So. Cal, the Troub is a teeny little club, dark and slightly damp, standing room only. With their anthemic rock sound, I was wondering if the Manics could pull off that sound in such a small space. Well, they did - and then some! It was the loudest show I've been to. James Dean Bradfield's voice soared to the rafters and his bandmates made my eardrums bleed!... in a figurative sense, of course.

2. Primal Scream @ House of Blues Sunset, June 2000 - I'd never really listened to PS until I met my husband, but in 2000 when they released their "Exterminator" album, I was completely hooked. The fuzzy feedback bass sound alone make me want to dance my butt off! It was awesome to see these guys live. Unfortunately, I had one margarita too many, and so we missed the encore with Steve Jones from The Sex Pistols jumping on stage and playing MC5's "Kick Out the Jams". Damn!!!

3. Radiohead @ The Santa Barbara Bowl, June 29-30, 2001: I don't know how we got so lucky to get tickets for both nights of Radiohead! We stayed in Santa Barbara for the weekend. The Santa Barbara Bowl is a lovely outdoor venue, small and intimate, not a bad seat in the house. For some strange reason on the first night, we had seats in the Handicap section, which was a raised platform with chairs, very close to the stage. The Oxford quintet played a wonderful show. The next night's tickets were actually in the pit, so we were even closer to Thom Yorke! So magical.

Can you tell I love music?! :)

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Danielle LaPorte 09/18/2008 09:32 AM 1 point
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saw Ani in Baltimore. I was floored by her prolificness...she is a song-writing machine - and 5 ft of pure energy!

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Jen Spencer 09/18/2008 09:33 AM 1 point
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Hands down Jeff Tweedy at the Hogg Auditorium in Austin in 2007. He was surrounded by 15 guitars and was hilarious with the crowd. He was having a good night ;) Until then, it might have been Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 Thriller tour...The silver glove accompanied my first concert experience!

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Candis 09/18/2008 09:37 AM 1 point
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I saw Sarah Mclaughlin play a hundred years ago at the PNE-long before she was mainstream-I was blown away by the fresh new talent and her amazing backup singers.
The Ramones in Seattle at one of their last shows-(no wisecracks Danielle)
Playful and original-jumping around like a 12 year old girl in my turquoise mini- now that was FUN!!!!

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Lisa M. 09/18/2008 09:47 AM 1 point
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Did you know that the last time he played Vancouver, he went to Richards on Richards for apres concert drinks and partied with the locals? His road manager actually got on stage right after the concert and announced to the crowd, "after party at Richards!" to which most people thought, "yeah right. As if." But, his Purple Highness DID show up. If I was shipwrecked on a tropical island for 12 years with a limited music collection, I would hope to have some Prince along. Amazing, complicated, groovy arrangments. Sexy lyrics. So danceable. Danielle said it best: he's a musical genius. I've been lucky enough to see him twice, and both concerts rank in the top 3 for me. 100% entertainment. Love that little man who clearly loves women.

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Carrie McCarthy 09/18/2008 09:52 AM 1 point
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Elton John was my first big concert, it was art in the making!
costume changes, changing back drops and kids making out everywhere.

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Carrie McCarthy 09/18/2008 09:54 AM 1 point
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Elvis has his own TV show this fall, interview form, a must see!

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Carrie McCarthy 09/18/2008 09:56 AM 1 point
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I saw a Christmas concert in Vienna, lovely.

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Hilde 09/18/2008 09:59 AM 1 point
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My # 1 : U2 - Mexico city - Estadio Azteca
My runner up: (You should check this group from Argentina) SODA STEREO, they reunited this year and gave what I would describe just as "THE CONCERT", honestly this had the same level as U2's.
Still waiting for Madonna next November, but will never forget Michael Jackson's he was The One back in the 80s.

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Colleen Overman 09/18/2008 10:01 AM 1 point
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I just saw John Butler Trio in concert in Portland and was blown away. The lead singer John Butler is TRULY A MUSICIAN. I was very clear that I was watching someone in flow, it was unbelievable. Amazing voice, plays multiple instruments. Different musical styles. Ridiculously talented. MOST highly recommended.

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Hilde 09/18/2008 10:02 AM 1 point
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Tom Jones was an obsession for me since I was around 4... Finally I had the chance to see him last month in Las Vegas, also with my 76 year old mother, should have seen us going "sex bomb sex bomb..."

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Traci 09/18/2008 10:31 AM 1 point
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And...totally funny. Would have never guessed, but it's true!

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Elisabeth 09/18/2008 10:54 AM 1 point
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Best Concert Ever - Howard Fishman, bluegrass guitar, accompanied by a violinist who might as well have been a god. His music stole my heart. They played Mississippi Pizza, a tiny, funky little venue here in Portland, for a crowd of maybe 50. They were all plugged in on stage when they decided they'd rather play acoustic right in the middle of

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What’s the best concert you ever attended?

“… everyone was using tiny brushes and doing watercolors, while Jimi Hendrix was painting galactic scenes in Cinemascope. Musicians are working in a field of mystical resonance, sound and vibration… that’s what makes people cry, laugh and feel their hair stand up …” - Carlos Santana

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