Originally Posted by
Sturgeon's Lawyer
Interesting ... all what I would call more "recent." I went with shows that were instrumental in shaping my musical tastes (though by that logic I should have included the 1972 Chicago show I saw... Allentown Fairgrounds, a hot August night...)
If I were to pick more recent shows -- say, post-2000 -- I would have a completely different list.
1. Starting with Nearfest Trenton NJ, 2002. Just a great set of acts; the only one that bored me was Echolyn, and that was probably because I wasn't ready for what they were doing. But Miriodor, Isildur's Bane, Spaced Out, and Caravan -- none of whom I was familiar with -- blew me away, one and all; and of course we were there primarily to see Nektar and Hackett, neither of whom disappointed me in the least.
Yes, I count it as one "concert."
2. King Crimson, Winterland, December 2001. Of the five Crimson shows I've seen, this was the most energetic.
3. Steve Hackett (again), Orpheum Theatre, Los Angeles, 4/1/16. The "Acolyte to Wolflight" tour, meaning one full set of Genesis material. The real stunner, though, was the first set closer, "Tower Struck Down/Shadow of the Hierophant," during the climax of which my friend and I were utterly stunned by what Gary O'Toole was doing on the drums. Plus, Roine Stolt on bass and second guitar.
4. Cat Stevens/Yusuf, Masonic Auditorium, San Francisco, 12/12/14. A greatest hits kind of show, but soooo good, and his voice was still as amazing as ever. He changed a couple of lyrics (notably on "Another Saturday Night") to not offend his own religious views, but it was still a hella great show.
5. Vienna Philharmonic, Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley, 2/8/23. Christian Thielemann conducting, two Mendelssohns ("Hebrides Overture" and the "Scottish Symphony") before intermission; after, one Brahms (Symphony #2); the encore was a very lively polka by Eduard Strauss, "Mit Extrapost." I have heard complaints about the sound in Zellerbach; I must have been seated in the exact sweet spot, because I could hear every instrument beautifully.
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