I would venture to say that everyone here has seen at least one concert in their lifetime. List one or two or three that you think would qualify as "best". Mine would be:
1. Kiss (Augusta 1983) - Not because Kiss were at the top of their game (they definitely were not), but just because I had been a fan since around 1976 and was very excited to see them. No makeup and only two original members, but it was still Kiss and I loved it.
2. Def Leppard (Atlanta 1987) - The Hysteria Tour. Opening band was Tesla (which was great in itself), but DL were awesome that night in the round. Great setlist from what I can remember and just an overall outstanding buzz for this show.
3. Night Ranger (Atlanta) - This was a mid to late 80's show, I can't remember the year for sure. These guys put on a great show. Blades and Keagy's vocals were outstanding. If I remember correctly, it was at the Fox Theatre.
1. KISS (Denmark-1980) - Mostly the same as you, RJhog: I had been a fan since the ending of 1976, and was very excited to see them. There WAS make-up, and THREE original members and "The fox". Iron Maiden was the support-act, and at that time, they had only released their debut-album.
2. U2 (Denmark- 1992) - The ZOOTV-tour. A great show and at that time, U2 had not made a bad album (but that would not last!!)
3. Queen (Sweeden - 1986) - The last tour with Freddy Mercury. Gary Moore was opening act.
Guided by Voices (Kansas City) - I may be biased here due to the fact that thay are my favorite band. This was their second to last tour before disbanding. Two hours, about 40 songs and not a duff one in the bunch.
Sonic Youth (Kansas City) - Again another one of my Favorites. The fact they played the "Diamond Sea" as a set closer was worth the price of the ticket.
Sugar (St. Louis) - Bob Mould post Husker Du band. Brutality at its finest. I think my ears may still be ringing.
Rush (Kansas City and St Louis) - Since this is a rock site I thought I should include the boys from Cananda. Was the "Grace under Pressure" tour, and they were completely on form both nights. Also they played/included the complete "Fear" trilogy, which was well amazing.
Kiss (Bonner Springs, Kansas) - "Hot in the Shade" tour. The only part of the show that I didnt care for was when they played "Forever", never cared for that song. Still dont. Sorry.
Honorable Mention - Other bands/ Artists - Joan Jett, The Church, Slayer, The Cult, Ministry, Robyn Hitchcock,............ etc. I have seen to many great shows to include entire list.
I think the best i ever saw was the Def Leppard/Telsla ( was there with RJhog) at the omni in atlanta. Great show. Def Lep was great, but I really liked Tesla. ALso, Loverboy, Augusta 1983 was my first concert. Light show ahead of anything anybody was doing. Also, Bon Jovi, 1989, Augusta, with Skid Row opening up...Bon Jovi has went downhill since. They WERE a great band. Saw them opening up for Ratt, Halloween night, 1985... Saw Van Halen 2004 in Atlanta, with Hagar on the reunion tour. Very apparent that he and EVH did not like each other and was doing the tour for the $100 ticket
Yes, we have been to many concerts together and yes, Ratt was a little raw that night. Stephen p said hello ashville!! To bad bon jovi has went so far down. I really like their early stuff, now they just seem full of themselves.
I would have to say Woodstock for both of us as it so dramatically changed mine and Lee,s life because we both fell in love with Stephen Stills and his music.