I have seen so many shows it's really hard to say what or who was best. One of my first concerts was ZZ Top in 1976 on their Fandango tour. The Yes "In the Round" tour 1979? was one of the best shows, not a bad seat as the stage rotated 360. 1981 at the Los Angeles Coliseum was a show I'll never forget. George Thorogood was first act (excellent) and The J. Geils Band was the next band to play (so far this show just keeps getting better). Then Prince took the stage, played two songs with no problems, then he started singing a song called "Jack U Off", the combination of the lyrics, his hand gestures and the fact he was only wearing "Bikini" briefs. Prince lasted less the 15 minutes on the stage and he was booed, forced off the stage as the fans started throwing any and everything on the stage. We wanted to hear "Start Me Up" and not "Jack U Off", the first and only time I have seen a act forced off the stage. The Rolling Stones took the stage after about a 30 minutes, staff needed to clean the debris off the stage, the Stones made up for Prince by playing late into the night.
In 1986 in Toulouse, France I met Douglas Thomson, the bass player for Super Tramp. Was invited to a concert by "Dougie" was able to see how a concert is put together and learned a little about the business of Rock N Roll. The best part of that concert was the "party" after the concert.
As far as the "Sound" of a live concert, the best shows are outside shows. Here in Southern Cal. I prefer the Hollywood Bowl or the Greek Theater, smaller crowds and much better sound. I haven't been to Red Rock in Morrison, Colorado. that must be the best place to see a show and on my list of "must do".
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