Jan 4: First gigs

What was the first live concert you attended?

Who was playing and what was the venue?

What year was the gig?

What are your memories of it?

I've made a Google Form to capture these answers, and let's see which bands you managed to see.

I'll post in a week or so with some of the responses that I receive from the form... I already have some that were sent through earlier.

My first concert was Mike Oldfield on one of his first tours. 

He had previously toured the album 'Incantations' in a tour which led to the Exposed album. I really wanted to see this tour but I was just a little too young I guess.

The Exposed tour was a major undertaking and very expensive with a huge ensemble of musicians and choirs. The band for this second tour was much smaller, but included some of the same musicians. I had a ticket on the front row of the balcony of Sheffield's City Hall which was the perfect place to see the stage set-up. I didn't know anyone else who liked him at the time.

This was the programme for the concert. I still have my copy of it.

It was May 1980 and in support of his 'Platinum' album which was influenced by the work of another minimalist composer Philip Glass.

This page also has the details of the concert tour, and the musicians in the band at the time.

Musicians: 

Pierre Moerlen (drums) 

Nico Ramsden (guitar) 

Benoit Moerlen (vibraphones) 

Hansford Rowe (bass) 

Tim Cross and Pete Lemer (keyboards) 

Pete Acock (sax and woodwind) 

Mike Frye (percussion) 

Wendy Roberts & Maggie Reilly (vocals)

My seat was on the front row of the balcony, in the middle - a perfect view to see Mike playing the guitar. He was wearing his shiny t-shirt which he also wore at Glastonbury. The gig was awesome, particularly the guitar improvisations.

Pierre Moerlen's drum solo was so good I can remember its impact even now... The vibes with Benoit were hypnotic.

Here's a Set List.

Not bad at all... More on the 'Blue Peter' theme recording later in the blog, and the disco experimentation of 'Guilty'....

Please share your first gig memories below.....

Thanks in advance for any responses. Anonymous responses are welcome.