Readers write: excerpts from reader reviews of classic rock concerts

I don't know about you, but I find a lot more value in a concert review written by, well, somebody like me -- somebody who shells out some hard-earned money to be entertained, rather than a magazine or newspaper writer who writes reviews because that's what they're paid to do.

During a panel discussion at South By Southwest (SXSW) a few years ago, Elaine Liner (blogger and writing instructor) astutely observed, "If writers stopped writing about what happened to them, then there would be a lot of empty pages."

Thanks to reviews from About.com Classic Rock readers "writing about what happened to them" we have been able to experience concerts we wouldn't have otherwise been able to experience due to time or distance or finances. Our readers have shared their thoughts on everything from big arena gigs to intimate club dates to Woodstock.

Here are excerpts from a few of the many reader-submitted concert reviews we're been privileged to publish.

Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood
Madison Square Garden, New York City
February 25, 2008
Reviewed by Jim Smith

"A few months ago I was bored and flipping through the TV dial (you classic rockers can appreciate the reference.) Lucky me! PBS was airing some rare footage of the first public appearance of the first supergroup, Blind Faith at a free outdoor concert in London.

"I was struck by the cherubic faces of musical prodigy Stevie Winwood and the demure, shy, reserved guitar virtuoso, Eric Clapton.

"Almost 40 years after that "dry run" these two masters (accompanied by keyboard, bass and drums) put on a clinic in reliving rock memories.

"The cherubic looks have long since faded. They have been replaced by confident, grateful smiles and nods of mutual acknowledgment, kinship and respect."

READ FULL REVIEW

Bob Dylan
Les Schwab Amphitheatre, Bend OR
August 27, 2010
Reviewed by Lynette Sheffield

"Bob Dylan's performance (after The Dough Rollers and John Mellencamp opened) had the feel of a worship and adoration service. The moment he took the stage, the evening became one of unforgettable music. Some were overcome by it all, screaming 'Dylan!' or 'Bobby!' or even '[extremely bad word]-ing Bob Dylan!” repeatedly.

"And they each seemed to really mean it.

"The short show (due to the local curfew) of one hour and 40 minutes went without break from song to song, but was anything but mechanical. Every Dylan concert is unique and each seems to be less of a performance and more of a jam session that just happens to have thousands of people in attendance."

READ FULL REVIEW

The Who
Palace of Auburn Hills (Michigan)
September 29, 2006
Reviewed by Alun Williams

"The Who, live in concert. Sounds like a great prospect, right? Well, remember that there are only two original members left and that they’ve been playing for 40+ years. So, are they still any good?

"Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend are real pros and the answer is yes. True, it’s not the same incredibly dynamic band that created an awesome sound with four hugely talented individuals from 1964 until 1978 when Keith Moon passed on, followed by John Entwistle’s passing in 2002.

"I thought there were moments when Daltrey seemed to have hints of straining, but at his age, good for him, right? And Townshend was in excellent windmill form with his arm swinging. Sure would've liked to have heard so many other Who songs, but I heard plenty of good classic rock stuff and left feeling entertained."

READ FULL REVIEW

Woodstock
Bethel, New York - August 15, 1969
Reviewed by Iris Shapiro

"Finally, we approached the fence of the event itself. At the very point that we reached the fence, I witnessed the enormity of the crowd pushing forward. I saw the multitude actually trample the fence, pushing it over, and proceed through, like a stampede of cattle. Our tickets were no longer of any value. Of course, we followed.

"Once we were in, nothing changed much except that now people were more stationary. The stage was a long, long way off, down a hill. All of the audience was positioning on the hill, trying to get the best view. Our group found a spot next to a group of Hare Krishnas, complete with robes and peacock feathers. This was very exotic to me, a Long Island suburbanite!

"As the dark settled, the show began. Now my husband will find this abominable, but I don't really remember the music! I was so involved with the enormity and diversity of the audience and the general scene that I felt like Alice in Wonderland.

"I remember clearly that there were numerous announcements on the stage -- like "stay away from the pink acid, it’s a bad trip," and "Bonnie needs her medicine, so if Bob could meet her at the phones ...

"In the end, I am so happy to have had the short experience I did. You never know which moment of life will be defining."

READ FULL REVIEW

Now It's Your Turn!

Consider this your standing invitation to share your concert experiences with other About.com Classic Rock readers. You don't have to be professional writer, and there are no strict rules on length or style. It doesn't matter whether the concert was last week, 40 years ago, or anywhere in between. The only requirement is a willingness to share your thoughts and feelings with fellow classic rock fans.

Who'll be next to be our eyes and ears at a classic rock concert? I hope it's you!