Concerts 1984-1988
N2 of two shows for me. I was a fan of the Clash and just loved BAD from the time their first album came out - as did many friends who were tuned into new music during the late 1980s. Their first couple of albums were popular at the time and you knew you were fortunate to see Mick Jones and BAD any time you could.
New Order was all the rage at this time. A collection like “Substance” shows what a large amount of well-loved material New Order released. I became and remained a big fan of Bernard Sumner’s work in various configurations, including the band Electronic which he formed later with Johnny Marr, but missed a couple of opportunities to see him, after this show.
Date is uncertain.
We somehow scored some amazing seats to this show, right down front and center. Ray Manzarek of the Doors played organ on a couple of tunes, including the Doors' song “Soul Kitchen”. Ian McCulloch did a lot of fancy maneuvres moving around in his leather jacket onstage.
“Music for the Masses” LP by Depeche Mode and related singles were very popular in this timeframe, and OMD was still coming off the Pacific Age album. Both are bands I appreciate a lot, and this was a great era for electronica/new wave and for both of them.
It had been ten years since I saw Little Feat with Lowell George, and this was a big reunion tour in support of the first studio album in a decade, “Let it Roll.” Very exciting to see them again, up close at the Ritz.
A friend who had an extra Orchestra seat invited me to attend. I primarily knew the videos I saw on TV before seeing the show. My next show would be a Dead show, and at the time I would never have imagined the possibility of a connection between Bruce and the Dead.
