What was the best concert you've ever been to?

Posted by: hungryhalibut on 10 March 2017

The best concert I ever went to was The Smiths in November 1983, at Leicester Poly. I went with my friends Keith and Hat Top, and Keith's two brothers. The older brother was a miner (the UK had mines back then) and I recall him wearing his miner's helmet, complete with torch. The band we just superb, and played three encores. They didn't have many songs written, so had to play a couple twice! It was just the most wonderful evening. 

The other best, and I can't really divide then, was Joy Division and The Buzzcocks at Bangor University, in October 1979. It was my first year at Uni and I want with my friends Tim, Frank and Marten. It was in the Refectory, and despite the sound being ropey and the fact that the full lighting rig couldn't be used because there wasn't enough power, it was just wonderful. Joy Division were such a high energy band live, very different to their two albums. It was so hot that the walls were running with sweat. Of course, we were all dripping with sweat and after turning out into the Welsh evening and walking back to our hall, we all ended up in bed with dreadful colds. But it was worth it. And only £2.50 too. 

A couple of years later one of my friends told be that he was having lunch in the refectory on the day of the gig and four mancunians joined him at the table. If was only when the band came onstage that he realised who they were. 

Posted on: 16 June 2017 by Drewy

Muse in my hometown of Teignmouth, South Devon. Was a great weekend in the town. 

Posted on: 17 June 2017 by AndyP19

1974 - Gordon Giltrap - Folkestone (Support Five Hand Reel) - first proper concert at age 13.

1975 - Alice Cooper Welcome to my Nightmare - Empire Pool Wembley- (Support Heavy Metal Kids) - Alice just going off the boil in 1975 but a great theatrical show released on DVD. 

1976 - David Bowie - Empire Pool Wembley (Support a Luis Bunuel film 'Un Chien Anadolu') - Bowie at his best as the Thin White Duke with the eye-ball cut with a razor blade Bunuel film.

1977 - Rory Gallagher - Hammersmith Odean (Support Joe O'Donnell Band) - Rory was on top form - lovely guy - wonderful stuff. Bunked off school to get to London to see him. 

1977 - Richie Havens - Folkestone (Support Josh White Jr) - billed as Richie still thinks he's at Woodstock and the way he played he could have been but ii was Folkestone instead!

1978 - The Enid - Folkestone - can't remember who supported them - they were promoting the Aerie Faerie Nonsense LP - wonderful encore of Wild Thing with Francis Lickerish on guitar.

1978 - Steve Hillage - Folkestone (Support National Health) - 1st May 1978 Steve said 'We'll be back' and we're still waiting.

Happy Days, then I got a job and went to many, many more concerts. Regret not seeing Lou Reed and probably regret actually seeing Bob Dylan! Best decision came in 1989 when it was either 10,000 Maniacs or REM, I chose 10,000 Maniacs at the Hammersmith Odean and I still think I made the right decision.

Posted on: 29 June 2017 by nicnaim

Again in no particular order, but all had an effect on me.

The Lyceum London - The Buzzcocks, Orange Juice, Joseph K, The Fire Engines and if memory serves The Thompson Twins circa 1980 (plus The Thompson Twins at numerous other venues, but possible the best was at the Marquee)

The Peppermint Lounge New York - New Order 1980/1

The Fan Club Leeds - Numerous, but The Psychedelic Furs, The Teardrop Explodes, Echo & The Bunnymen stand out

The Leadmill Sheffield - Adam and The Ants (special mention for biggest scrap involving both band members and crowd)

The Hammersmith Odeon circa 1980 - The Au Pairs supporting the B52's

The Rainbow - The Stray Cats their first UK tour 1980

The Sage/Womad - Tinariwen various dates

The Barbican - Oscar Peterson Early 90's

The Jazz Cafe Camden - The Persuasions Early 90's

The Blue Note New York  - Kenny Burrell 1999

The Sage - Nik Bartsch Ronin various dates

The Independent Club Sunderland - Go Go Penguin 2014 ( and many times since)

The City Hall Newcastle - PFM, Wishbone Ash, Uriah Heep, Penetration, Punishment of Luxury, Dave Brubeck various dates

The Mayfair Newcastle - The Ruts, Joe Jackson, XTC 1970/80's

.... and many more I cannot immediately bring to mind.  Too much music, too little time.