BY MIKEY MIGO
A common discussion among music fans is the performances and experiences they'd had at the concerts of their favorite bands. You can get in a line to get inside a show and it's safe to say that somewhere in that line will be an individual telling a tale about a great concert experience. A lot of the time it depends on what show you're at to determine what kind of story you're going to hear. Most of the time it's someone talking about how they went to the first tour of whatever band you are waiting to see. It's always the "been there, done that" mentality and delivery of the story that makes those around them roll their eyes.
Then you can get with old friends and share in stories of concerts you went to together and individually. In many cases, the experience of a good concert is basis enough for a life long friendship. One enjoyment of being a fan of the arts is that the hypothetical discussions. One of my favorites is "bands I'd of loved to seen live". Over the years, I've had the benefit of seeing some of my favorite bands like Nine Inch Nails, Rage Against The Machine, Ozzy, AC/DC, Iron Maiden, Korn, Snoop, Manson, MSI, Motley Crue, Poison, The Dresden Dolls, and many many more.
Still, I have a void inside me for the concerts and performances I never had a chance to see.
Sadly Not Going To Happen
I have ZERO percent chance in ever seeing these artists perform live.
Led Zeppelin
Sure they "technically" reunited a little while back for one show and there are STILL plenty of reunion rumors out there that seem to be pulled out of uninformed asses. It's not a real reunion without Jon Bonham. His son is a fine drummer and was actually part of the VH1 "Supergroup" show that inspired my "Savage Animal" title for these collections of columns. Bonham passed away three years before I was born, but I don't think that would have made a difference. This was an era in time that I missed out on.
Nirvana
I was ten years old when Kurt Cobain passed on so technically this is the only band on this short list that I could have seen. I'd not go to my first concert until I was seventeen. Back in the day I didn't go to many record stores to get my music. I relied on four dollars each/3 for $10 bootlegs sold at Flea Markets or in some rare cases those "music clubs". You remember those, right? It was where the first fifty tapes were free but the shipping was like ten bucks a cassette and you LEGALLY HAD TO buy another dozen cassettes at their "fair retail price" of like forty bucks a piece. Sure I'm exaggerating. You had to buy two dozen and the price was only thirty eight dollars each. Any way, this was the hell I had to endure to get my hands on "Nevermind". Even as a kid, it was worth it. I'd go through a lot worse to of had the chance to get to one of their shows.
The Rat Pack
This pick could have been replaced by many other bands or artists, but the thought of being there for a Rat Pack performance is something I'd not pass up. Those old live recordings of Frank, Dean, Sammy, and the gang are time capsules into a world that I'm sure everyone reading this has never experienced. The idea of being in a dingy casino club chain smoking, drinking my weight in martinis, and enjoying the swagger of my surroundings while being decked out in my best fedora is only one part of the reason.
The Doors
The Doors is and always has been one of my favorite bands of all time. As a child I had "Greatest Hits" cassette tapes and eventually gained the trust of my father to mooch off his old vinyl collection. To this day I still have original prints of "LA Woman" and "Morrison Hotel" in my possession. The obvious reasoning would be to see Jim Morrison, one of the very best front men of all time. But the chemistry of the entire band and jazz club like embellishments seemed to of made each show it's own spectacle.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience
I've been a fan of Hendrix since I was a kid. As I've grown older into a somewhat mature adult my enjoyment for all that is Hendrix has also grown. Of course I was a fan of "Hey Joe", "All Along The Watchtower", and the other smash hit singles. The B-Sides, extended versions, and rawness of the live versions are what I seek out now. From the bootlegs, live albums, and live footage it's easy to see that no two Hendrix shows were the same. I can't think of many of my personal possessions that I wouldn't trade in a heart beat to of had the chance to see Jimi bust out "The Wind Cries Mary" in a live classic setting.
Could Happen If A Miracle Occurs
Reunite already.
Soundgarden
This is probably the most likely reunion on this list. Cornell is a good vocalist, but in Soundgarden he's a GREAT vocalist. The music and his voice is very complimentary and the only way I want to hear him. That being said, I'm sure more people are realizing this. Hopefully that includes Chris Cornell.
The Monkees
This one might seem silly to most, but I'd love to catch a Monkee's show. I'm not saying I'd go to a show to specifically see them, but imagine The Monkees at Lollapalooza. That would be an awesome attraction.
Faith No More
I've always thought Faith No More didn't get the respect it deserved. They should have been in the spot the Chili Peppers were in and in my opinion were a way better and more innovative band. I've recently heard rumors that this could actually happen, but I'm not going to hold my breath until I see a Chicago tour date.
Talking Heads
I've written about and asked for this more than a few times over the years. I mean it just as much as I first did a few years ago. Outside of "Burning Down The House", I completely ignored them growing up. It took a while, but I finally accepted the greatness of their music into my soul and I'm now an addict. I know David Byrne just toured for his solo stuff, but that's not what I'm asking for or talking about here.
Should Happen If They Come Close And I Can Afford It
I REALLY should have seen these artists by now.
Tool
I have seen Maynard with "A Perfect Circle", but as great as that was, it's not the same. I've been told by a few friends whose opinion I respect that it's a great show. Tool is one of those bands that I don't seek out on my playlists, but when I do hear them it's always this feeling of "what the hell am I missing?!" I will see them before it's all said and done.
Aerosmith
This is another "life long favorite" that I've still not seen. There have been plenty of Aerosmith shows that I could have attended in my area, but for some reason or another it's just never happened.
Prince
A few years back there was a tour that was said to be Prince's last tour of performing his back catalogue. Sure it was a lot of hearsay, but it got my feathers ruffled. I think at the time I was actually working a job and had expendable cash because I was ready as hell to go. The problem is that I couldn't find a friend who appreciated Prince's work as much as I did or as much as the eighty dollar ticket price.
David Bowie
The last time I remember Bowie being in Chicago was a few years ago. A friend and I were excited leading up to the "on sale" date, but by the time it came around we completely missed out. It sold out very quickly. I don't think there's any information out there about future works of Bowie so I'm a bit worried about not getting my chance to see Mr. Stardust.
U2
For some reason I've just not gotten to see U2 live. I can remember a few times calling Ticketmaster over and over again to be able to get through and order tickets. To think if my parents of ditched dial-up when the rest of the world did, I'd of probably seen these guys three times by now. The last time in Chicago I'm pretty sure they did three of four different dates. Why I wasn't at least one of them is a question that still haunts me. With a new album "on the horizon" (pun intended), I can't help but feel my time is coming.
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