ZZ Top: 9/6/1981

This was my first time seeing the little ol’ band from Texas. This show was part of the El Loco-motion tour and I was pretty psyched to see them.

While I am not 100% sure of this, I think I went to see this concert with my friend and fellow guitarist Mike. What I do remember most vividly about this concert, though, was the laser light show.

Our seats were in the back of the Sportatorium. I confess that when the first blast of lasers erupted from the stage I was taken aback. ZZ Top was not a band I expected to have lasers. I equated lasers with bands like Blue Oyster Cult, Yes, and Pink Floyd. But I have to say, the lasers worked really well, especially during “Cheap Sunglasses.”

The band was totally rockin’ the entire show. I don’t recall any weak spots at all.

I have no recollection of an opening act. I read on Wikipedia that the Joe Perry Project opened for a bunch of shows on this tour, but Joe was definitely not at the Sporto show.

Anyway, here’s the setlist. Rock on!

Setlist:

• Groovy Little Hippie Pad
• I Thank You
• Waitin’ For The Bus
• Jesus Just Left Chicago
• I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide
• Ten Foot Pole
• Manic Mechanic
• Heard It On The X
• Francine
• A Fool For Your Stockings
• Nasty Dogs and Funky Kings
• Pearl Necklace
• Cheap Sunglasses
• Dust My Broom
• Arrested For Driving While Blind
• Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers
• Just Got Paid
• Party On The Patio

Encore:

• Jailhouse Rock
• Tube Snake Boogie
• La Grange
• Tush

Aerosmith: 12/17/1984

I had seen Aerosmith once before, but it was during their low point. Joe Perry was not with them and Steven Tyler was pretty messed up. But then the original lineup got back together and they were all clean and sober, and they booked the “Back in the Saddle” tour. They booked two nights at the Sunrise Musical Theater, a small venue, so I figured I would have to see both shows. This stub is from the first night.

The concert was awesome! They opened with “Rats in the Cellar,” which totally rocked. Joe Perry had his guitar slung low while Steven Tyler pranced around the stage, screaming into the microphone. It was exactly what I expected from an Aerosmith concert and light-years better than the first time I had seen them.

The band dug deep into their song catalog, playing some choice songs that I was surprised to hear, such as “Movin’ Out” and “Lord of the Thighs.” They also played the hits you expected: “Walk This Way,” “Sweet Emotion,” and “Dream On.” It was a totally satisfying rock and roll concert.

Now, I have to say that the second night was a little wilder. I have the stub ready and a juicy story to share about that show, so be sure to check back for that one.

I’ll leave you with a taste of the opening song from this show. Rock and Roll!