The best opening act you've ever seen & heard?


 

I have two:

 

In 1983 I went to see The Plimsouls (Peter Case’s pre-solo career band) at The Garage, a tiny little "club" on Ventura Blvd. The room had filled up (elbow-to-elbow tight), and the opening act started their set. My woman and I both looked at each other, our mouths agape. It was Los Lobos, and they were great! Their debut album How Will The Wolf Survive? had yet to be released, but I sure picked it up when it was.

 

I went to see John Hiatt at The Roxy Theater on Sunset Blvd. during his Perfectly Good Guitar tour, entering the room just as the opening act was starting her final song. The ads for the show listed her name, which was unfamiliar to me. As the song started and progressed, I was stunned; the song she and her band were performing was a great one, and I knew I had missed a quality set of music. It was Sheryl Crow, whose debut album had not yet been released. Damn it!

 

bdp24

Showing 3 responses by bassbuyer

Thanks for sharing the ticket prices of some of the shows.  I could afford going to concerts back in the day working part time at a grocery store.  Now the tickets cost more than a week’s groceries for the family.  My kids want to see Post Malone but it’s a football stadium and the nose bleed seats are more than they can afford.  I’m sure he’ll have a good opening act.  

Shea Stadium in New York October 1981.  The Clash opened for The Who.  They shot their video for Should I Stay or Should I Go that night.  Runner up, Montrose opened for Black Sabbath at the Providence Civic Center.  My 1st concert.  Ronnie Montrose and Tony Iommi.   Sammy Hagar and Ozzie.  A great start.  

Another that could fit this category is the Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers and Bob Dylan Alone and Together tour I saw outdoors in 85.  TP opened, then Dylan played, then Dylan played with TP as his backing band.  One of my all time favorite shows.