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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!

 

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slaw's avatar
slaw
22,196 posts
 

Eric ..."my woman".....cool vanacular 🤘

stereo5's avatar
stereo5
6,496 posts
 

Chrissy Steele. Opening act for Jethro Tull in mid 90’s.   Best female rocker I ever saw and what a voice. 

dz13
270 posts
 

Deerhoof for From Montreal and REM for Gang of Four.

knotscott's avatar
knotscott
1,015 posts
 

My Morning Jacket, Syracuse, NY September 2025 was pretty cool. 

 

tony1954's avatar
tony1954
1,130 posts
 

August 7, 1972 The Eagles were the opening act for a double bill of Yes and Edgar Winter at the Pacific Coliseum in Vancouver. Ticket was $4.00

That same year The Rolling Stones started their North American tour in Vancouver with Stevie Wonder as the opening act. Stevie was "Wonderful".

November 17, 1974 Electric Light Orchestra opened for Deep Purple. Didn't stay around for Deep Purple.

August 4, 1977 The Little River Band opened for Nils Lofgren at the Orpheum Theatre and stole the show.

April 2, 1971 John Mayall was the headliner, but in one of the worst decisions ever, they chose Johnny Winter And as the opening act. Johnny at his peak, accompanied by Rick Derringer on guitar and Double Trouble on bass and drums, blistered through their high tempo set, got a standing ovation, but when John Mayall tried to follow up with quiet slow blues the atmosphere died.

March 18, 1973 Linda Ronstadt opened for Neil Young and so began my total love affair with her. A voice that touches my soul.

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