OK I got to relate my most memorable concert, ever. (Not the best mind you but the most memorable)
OK, first I must set this up properly.
I live in Southern Ohio in a town that is stuck in a time warp. To say my hometown is "behind the times" is like saying "the Pacific ocean contains a bit of Saltwater". We are talking about at least an order of magnitude on the BUS (British "Understatement" Scale.)
Anyhow back in the 70s I was your average teenager and loved rock music. A friend gave me an Album called "Dressed to Kill" by KISS. I had never heard of the band which is not surprising. There was 3 TV channels and if you were lucky and had Cable, HBO. I didn't read magazines and all the local radio stations barely played rock, mostly country and easy listening. Remember we are talking almost thirty years ago and my town was still stuck in the 50s
I was watching TV when I saw an Advertisement for the Paul Lynde show and the were going to have KISS play so of course I watched. They played two songs and were dressed in some really bizarre costumes. I loved it! My aunt was visiting (she lived in Columbus) and remarked on how neat they all looked. And I quipped to her "man I bet they even look better in person." I was referring to the Paul Lynde Show not thinking about a concert.
A few weeks pass and I get a package in the mail from my Aunt. Two Tickets to see KISS in concert in Columbus. Now At this point I was somewhat of a veteran Concert goer. I had been to many concerts in Athens at the Convo and a few in Cicny and Columbus.
The seats were excellent Stage level 2nd row on what I found out later was Gene Simmons side of the stage.
Me and my Best friend Larry went to the concert expecting a good show. However, we were not prepared for what we saw. This was the Destroyer Tour, and KISS was really starting come into their own as Headliners.
See, you must remember the ONLY exposure I had to KISS was this Picture...:
And their single appearance on the Paul Lynde show. This is why we were not prepared.
See the Paul Lynde show was a special, in fact it was called The Paul Lynde Halloween Special. We assumed the band "Dressed UP" for the Halloween Theme of the show. We had no idea this was their modus operandi!
We were like two hicks on our first trip to the big city. I stood with my mouth open the entire show. I was HOOKED!
We sat so close to the flame spouts the hot gush of air from them would blow back my hair. The costumes BLEW me away. ANd their stage show was amazing! I decided on that very day to become a professional musician. It took me a few years but eventually I got to play in front of large crowds and get paid fairly well for it.
I had many happy years playing in front of crazed rock nuts like myself because I went to that concert.
Thanks to you Peter, Ace, Paul and Gene! That was a fun ride!