Yesterday's Concert

Dead & Co.: June 15, 2019, Chicago, IL, Wrigley Field

A thick fog hung in the air. It wasn't daunting or menacing, but "conductive of all things; of light and color and sound and excitement." The music poured from the stage, unlike the rain that never came. And when it was over a lady told me, "You know, Jerry was here tonight?" 

Miley Cyrus: May 5, 2019, Memphis, TN, Beale Street Music Festival 

It was like high school as whispers traded secrets between ears. The rumors ran rampant through the festival grounds. The "Party in the USA" singer was in Memphis. Fans crowded around the stage that alleged a secret and surprise performance that hit attendees like a "Wrecking Ball." 

Foo Fighters (October 13, 2018, St. Louis, MO)

Are the Foo Fighters a legacy act or the hottest band in rock ’n’ roll?

A bout of loneliness leads me to spontaneously driving four hours north to see the most consistent touring rock band put on a stadium rock show worthy of the classic rock legends. Grab your early plugs, we’re going to St. Louis to see the Foo Fighters.

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, August 11, 2010: Philips Arena, Atlanta, GA

The sting of Tom Petty's death is one that still resonates to this day. We lost more than songbird and a talented artist. It wasn’t surprising that David Bowie left us as a mythical figure or that Kurt Cobain left as a martyr, but Tom was never supposed to leave. He was the constant to Americana, the heart of this country. 

Slayer, October 11, 2019: Great Stage Park, Manchester, Tennessee

Faux blood splatters slashed across the massive banner that hung at the front of the stage. Even murder scenes weren’t this gory. The house lights were dim and smoke billowed from the corners of the crimson stained rag. Was this the setup of a heavy metal concert or an altar to the Dark Lord himself?

The Whigs, January 21, 2010: Proud Larry’s, Oxford, Mississippi

Walking through the venue doors, I felt like I owned this place. Security put their hand to my chest and try to stop me. Don't they know who I am? My name is on the guest list. The band requested my attendance. But when the Whigs want to hangout after the show do I live up to rock star expectations or do I fail the test? 

Kacey Musgraves, February 28, 2019: Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, Tennessee  

Nearing 130 years old, this room wasn’t fancy. There weren't state-of-the-art amenities, nor was it wallpapered in obnoxious and oversized advertisements. As a concert hall, its half-moon shape made the room feel small. Except nothing about this room was small. If anything, it was colossal.

Pearl Jam, October 14, 2014: FedEx Forum, Memphis, Tennessee

There's no time like the present when it comes to your favorite band. You don't want to waste precious years thinking I'll see them next time they come to town.  Was I really going to miss one of my favorite band? 

Widespread Panic, October 15, 2008: Mud Island Amphitheater, Memphis, Tennessee

They say marijuana is a gateway drug, but what they don’t warn you about is Widespread Panic shows are a gateway drug themselves too. A gateway to more jam band shows. This was the tipping point to more jam concerts and a refusal to use condiments in public.

September 9, 2009: Jackson Square, New Orleans, Louisiana

Judgment was passed out like Halloween candy. Snickering and uneasy laughter was heard above the murmurs that slipped through the crowd. We’d all heard about Taylor Swift. We all knew her name. There was more than enough negative media for any naysayer to latch onto. Her reputation preceded her. She was that girl. Yet it was through all that hate that I became a Swiftie for life. 

November 1, 2018: Minglewood Hall, Memphis, Tennessee

This should’ve been the triumphant beckoning of a new generation guitar god, yet there was little evidence for our new savior’s arrival. Where were those tasty licks? Why didn’t he take center stage and melt my face off? If this is how the king made an entrance, his throne was already up for grabs.

Paul McCartney, August 19, 2009: Cowboys Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Shifting in my chair, I tried to hide my face. The tears streamed down my face like a child with a boo boo. Paul McCartney opened his mouth again. He was unrelenting. What was he doing to me?