David Cassidy on the Web
The Long Run: Memories of concerts past
January 27, 2009
By Amanda Winkle
The Florida Times-Union
http://www.jacksonville.com
Three little words that are music to a music lover's ears: live in concert.
The opportunity to see an artist you love play the music you love is something that most people simply cannot pass up, even in the face of a souring economy. According to Billboard magazine, the concert industry grossed just under $4 billion worldwide, up almost 13 percent over 2007. It shows that people will go to great lengths, waiting in lines overnight and/or maxing out their credit cards in pursuit of a golden ticket -- or a ticket that will at least get them in the building -- to see the artist of their choice.
Before I cross The Eagles off my "list of bands I must see" at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena on Wednesday with two of my T-U co-workers, I wanted to take a look back, with nostalgia as well as embarassment, at my favorite major concerts I've attended through the years.
1992: Paula Abdul, Marcus Amphitheater, Milwaukee - I saw the "American Idol" judge at the tender age of 7. My memories of this show are fading, as I can't remember if MC Scat Kat was there in live or cartoon form, but I'm still proud to say this was my first concert ever.
1993: Billy Ray Cyrus, Wisconsin State Fairgrounds, West Allis - Before Miley came along with her "Hannah Montana" phenomenon, it was all about the mullet and an achy, breaky heart. My cousin Elizabeth and I wore our matching cowboy boots to this one, I believe. Now, she cringes a little bit to admit that this was her first concert.
2004: Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken, St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa - I wasn't a full-fledged "Claymate," but I definitely had a deep appreciation for Mr. Aiken when I dragged my then-boyfriend, now-husband Jacob along to this one. Poor guy. At least Kelly's presence gave him a bit of eye candy.
2004: Cher, St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa - This was the first of the "Mom & Me" concerts. Going to shows has become our way to spend time together and bond. Personally, I can't think of a better way to spend quality time with Mom than watching Cher belt out "If I Could Turn Back Time" dressed the way she originally was in the 1989 video.
2006: Coldplay, Ford Amphitheater, Tampa - Chris Martin and his mates were supposed to come our way in late 2005, but they had to re-schedule when Martin lost his voice. They made up for it with a kick-butt show, complete with yellow balloons released during "Yellow" and an apology note on the giant TV screen that read "sorry Tampa. Coldplay love you."
2006: James Taylor, King Center for the Performing Arts, Melbourne - My mom told me to do "whatever it takes" to get tickets to this show, so I did and proceeded to empty my bank account. Since Sweet Baby James was playing small-ish venues during his "One Man Band" tour, the tickets went quickly, making the ones that were left super-difficult to get. I actually had to go on e-Bay to get them. But it was worth every penny and the tears in my eyes to hear him sing "You've Got A Friend" in person.
2006: David Cassidy, The Birchmere, Alexandria, Va. - You may be shocked to learn that this former teen idol's concert was actually one of my favorites of all time. Cassidy, aka Keith Partridge, truly has fun with his performances and doesn't take himself too seriously. My mom actually got to touch his hand when he sang "Cherish." In fact, we had such a good time that we want to see him at Busch Gardens in Tampa in July.
2007: Red Hot Chili Peppers, St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa - My honey Jacob and I went to this one, as RHCP is one of the few bands we can both agree upon. In true RHCP fashion, the show rocked. Best moment of the concert: Their encore performance of "Under The Bridge."
2008: Moody Blues, Florida Theatre, Jacksonville - I took my dad to see them the day before his birthday and even though I didn't know the words to many of the songs, these guys had me on my feet and dancing for "Question" and swaying and waving my arms for "Your Wildest Dreams."
