Introduction: A Personal Journey to the Concert
Kicking off my musical journey wasn’t just about hitting the stage; it began with attending that first unsupervised concert. Let's delve into some of the pivotal moments that shaped my life through the power of rock and roll.
1980 - The Unforgettable Night at Madison Square Garden
Madison Square Garden, 1980
As a faithful fan of Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band, my time at The River tour was a revelation. I was a junior in high school, sitting in the VIP section at age 16, surrounded by a sea of famous fans. My experience was a mix of awe and excitement, sitting among fans who had been waiting eagerly for years. I received tickets from Danny Federici's mother, a bandmate who I grew up in our small town. The VIP section was brimming with VIPs, and the energy was electric. This was an incredible night that has stayed with me all these years. I have been a huge fan since I was 14, and that concert remains one of the most incredible nights of my life.
2004 - Driving to the Venue
Road Trip to the Show
In 2004, upon receiving my learner’s permit, I ventured out on a small road trip to attend concerts. One particular night sticks in my mind, where I experienced the fire and chaos that often accompanies rock concerts. I remember standing in the parking lot after the show, with my new best friend Paul, worried about the fire and the destruction that had taken place. My first show consisted of a small venue with couches for seating, filled with stinky and sweaty teenagers ready to mosh. The show was impactful, and I couldn’t wait to see them again in a couple of months.
1989 - Tesla and Great White
Young Driver, First Night Out
My teenage years were a mix of excitement and newfound freedom. In 1989, Tesla was my favorite band, and seeing them in White Plains, New York, was a memorable experience. Although I had just turned 16, I didn’t have a license yet. My brother, who was 14 years older, loaned his car to my eighteen-year-old brother to take me. The show was great, but the real takeaway was the sense of freedom and responsibility that came with it. I went on to see them again in a few months, cherishing every moment amidst the thrill of driving and rock music.
1976 - The Group of Friends in Rochester NY
Acoustic Clemence in Rochester NY
In 1976, my group of friends and I were dropped off in Rochester, NY, without adult supervision for a Billy Joel concert. I was about 14 and living in Connecticut, near New York. One of my sisters brought us, and she may have gone shopping while we were there. The night was filled with camaraderie, and we shared an unforgettable experience. It marked the beginning of many such adventures, each memorable and meaningful in its own way.
The Very First Concert Without Parental Supervision
Unsupervised Experience in 1965 - Connecticut
My first unsupervised concert was a memorable event that shaped my outlook. At the age of 11, I attended a Billy Joel concert in 1965 in Connecticut, a place close to New York. My parents took my younger brother and sister and me to a long low building made of white brick. They gave us three pieces of cardboard to show the adult at the door, and left us to find our seats. The nerves were palpable, and I was responsible for my younger siblings. Eventually, the curtains opened, revealing a bunch of old guys in tuxedos. The moment marked the start of many concertgoings and taught me the importance of trust and responsibility.
Conclusion: A Life Shaped By Music
My journey to the concert hall has been filled with joy, freedom, and personal growth. Each of these experiences taught me valuable lessons about life, responsibility, and the power of rock and roll to bring people together. These concerts, either supervised or unsupervised, have become milestones in my life, defining moments of my youth, and forever memories within my heart.