Time Served

I'm in much need of a live show. I've been craving it lately, and I need to get my fix....soon. I've downloaded 5 shows this week, (mostly Phish), but it's not the same. It's been 3 months since Ramstein at Madison Square Garden, and although epic, wasn't really my cup of tea. Until I find something worth seeing, I'm gong to reminisce on the past.

I now present you, Nick's Top 5 Concert Experiences

5. The Wailing Wailers at Download Fest 2006 (Mansfield, MA)
I've always been a huge fan of Bob Marley and his music, but I didn't know what to expect at this show. I wasn't sure if they'd be playing some classic Marley tunes, or newer material with random singer #8. It was an outdoor show, and they were playing right after Black 47. During Black 47, the sky was black, and water came pouring from the skies. The entire crowd was soaked, and I was miserable. As soon as the Wailers came out, they busted right into 'Stir It Up' and the heavens opened. The skies cleared in a matter of minutes, and the entire crowd sang and danced with not a care in the world.



4. Disco Biscuits at Rothbury 2008
I had heard nothing but good things, but never really heard their music until before this show. They played last on the first night, and played well into the early morning. It was my first true "jam band" show, and definitely quite an experience. When the crowd forming around us was decked out with rainbow bracelets, glowsticks, pacifiers, and the occasional popping of unfamiliar substances into the mouth....I knew we were in for a good time. I was probably one of the few sober ones there, but with everyone else flailing around in unison to the music, it was hard not to join in. I've never been so physically exhausted after a show before. My arms and legs literally hurt from moving for three straight hours. Every time they 'peaked' and glowsticks were launched into the sky, it felt like...ecstasy.


3. State Radio at the Bowery Ballroom, NYC, 2007
I've seen this band...13 times? Maybe 12, I'm not sure, I'm starting to loose count. Regardless, they're one of my favorites, and never cease to put on a good live show. This one always stands out as the best though. There's something about cramming a room full of 500 sweaty, passionate fans at 11pm on a Saturday night in the city that never sleeps. From top to bottom, just a solid, high energy show.


2. DMB at "SPAC" 6.13.09
Amongst diehards, it will fall in most people's "Top 5 DMB Shows" of the past 10 years. It was night 2 of a 2 night stand. The Saratoga Performing Arts Center in upstate NY has become a destination spot for the Dave Matthews Band. It tends to be the biggest spot for East Coast fans year after year. People camp out all weekend, and are usually treated to some killer sets. This one was no exception, and I heard many classics for the first time. The encore alone left me speechless.

Encore:
#40 (partial)
Granny>>
Water/Wine (tease) >>
All Along The Watchtower>>
Halloween

It was the first #40 in over a year, (81 shows), last being played at SPAC 2008. After #40, the crowd busted into the infamous "Halloween" chant, as it's become a rarity, but a favorite among many. Granny got the place moving with the "LOVE/BABY"'s, and Watchtower (w/ Stairway to Heaven solo int.) blew the roof off. As soon as the song ended, Carter busted into his drum solo intro for Halloween, and everyone that was half way to their car turned around and bolted back to the pavilion. It was the first one in 357 days, and just about made my summer. The following link is the ending of Watchtower into Halloween, though really doesn't do the moment justice.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGF22lOfu3o



1. Roger Waters, The Wall, 2010

I already explained this show in detail here (http://wealldoitthesame.blogspot.com/2010/10/man-who-saved-my-life.html ) so I won't bore you with it again. Simply put, it was an emotional rollercoaster, and filled a void I previously had. When I roamed the halls of PSHS in 2005, I never would have predicted I would get the chance to see this show get resurrected.




Looking to the future.

Phish 6.7
Dispatch 6.25
Dispatch 6.26



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