I used to enjoy going to concerts a lot when I was younger but I kind of soured on the experience over the years. It really bugged me that I had to pay sometimes upwards of $70 to sit politely in my seat while the band played on a massive stage surrounded by security probably playing mostly shitty songs off the new album nobody bought...no dancing, no drinking, no smoking...god help you if you lit up a joint or something. To me thats just not the spirit of rock. Now I tend to enjoy going to small bars/clubs and catching whatever act they happened to hire. More often then not some of the best shows I've ever seen are at places like this, sadly I often forget the name of the groups at most of these shows and never hear or see them again but who cares a great show is a great show right?
BUT in the spirit of this thread I'll list shows that I've enjoyed over the years.
Phish - The Great Went, Lemonwheel, IT; Loring AFB (97-03). Just a group of amazing shows overall. I'd never been a fan of Phish until a few friends dragged me to the Great Went, it was so much fun I became hooked. The music was fantastic, around 12-16 hours for the weekend under a northern Maine summer sky...great friends, great music, great drugs, great memories.
Sonic Youth - Portland, ME (2004ish); I'd seen Sonic Youth many times over the years but for some reason I found this show to be their best. Playing at the run down State Theater with almost no security made for such a great atmosphere and along side of some amazing opening acts the band was just on fire for this show. Just a great set.
Pantera/White Zombie - Augusta, ME (1996); I was never a fan of either band...and really I still don't like them but this was one of the best concerts I've EVER been too. A tiny crowd crammed into the equally tiny Augusta Civic Center, both bands were incredibly tight and the fans were going nuts. I got incredibly high, dived into the mosh pit and just had a great time. Really at 16 what more do you want?
Primus - Lewiston, ME (1995ish); Well it was Primus...need I say more?
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