76concert

Ready As Hell

on Black Oak Arkansas, 1984 Apr 15

What a wild place for a rock concert. Yep, an outdoor drive-in movie theatre. This show was held during the day. Had been scheduled for earlier in the year but the band did not make it the first time around. It was good to see Ricky Lee Reynold back on guitar for BOA. This was during their heavy metal era. I remember we backed our vehicles toward the stage, opened the hatchback and enjoyed the concert. Jim Dandy got the crowd fired up as usual as he was back with a vengence! Seems like I remember the opening act was Target, a local Memphis band who put out some records in the 70s and 80s. The ad I have posted I think was from the original scheduled show best I can recall.

Memphis Rock City

on KISS, 1976 Mar 14

First time to ever catch KISS. We sat way up in the balcony. Boy, what a great intimate venue the North Hall Auditorium was. Remember buying a KISS poster and tour program in the lobby then sold both on ebay several years ago for a nice profit. Sound was great and oh so heavy! It was a real treat seeing KISS and I remember them opening up with "Detroit Rock City" (or so I remember). Target was a local Memphis band and did a great show opening the show. It seems as if Dr. Feelgood was supposed to open but something obviously happened as they did not make it.

Mr. Firebird Himself

on Allen Collins Band, 1983 May 30

I remember this show well! Sat on the second row. Molly Hatchet and Ronnie Hammond Band (ARS guy) also played on this stage the same afternoon. It was a treat seeing Allen Collins after having seen him in Memphis with Skynyrd several times back in the 70s. This was right after the Rossington Collins band ended. Allen played his Gibson Explorer that day, addressed the crowd a few times himself, and was his usual high energy self when they closed with Free Bird. Bought an Allen Collins Band t-shirt that day along with a Lynyrd Skynyrd book by Gene Odom. Seeing Molly Hatchet was great because Danny Joe Brown had reunited with the band. I remember them blasting away on "Sweet Dixie". The Hatchet Boys came to play that day!

Draw The Line

on Aerosmith, 1978 May 12

This was during the "Draw The Line" time period. I remember Mr. Perry rocking out on "Milk Cow Blues". I remember writing down their setlist that night driving back home to Jackson, MS. I'll have to hunt that down. They did perform a ton of songs that night and I bought a "draw the line" baseball jersey shirt out in the lobby. Frank Marino and Mahogany Rush did a great job opening. Memphis sure had some great concerts in those days! I have a newspaper write up too I need to post.

A Good Dose of Heavy Metal In The Crescent City

on Journey, 1978 Apr 16

Great show at the Old Brick Warehouse. Remember heading on over after consuming Hurricanes at Pat O'Brians. Journey was a hot item and on the heels of their "Infinity" item. Boy, that Neal Schon could play! Concerts at the Warehouse were a ton of fun and the air very thick. Usually such a large sea of people it was difficult to move and/or breathe. It seems as if they had an upstairs bar way over to the left of the stage area. A great 3 band concert I will long remember. Van Halen opened, then Montrose, then Journey

In Crescent City Dreams

on Robin Trower \ Shooting Star, 1980 Mar 22

First time I got to see Robin Trower. Was very familiar and loved his recent album at the time "In City Dreams". One of my friends hung around at the end of the show and got several albums autographed by Trower outside of the Warehouse out on the Street. Shooting Star was the opening band and I remember the lead singer grabbing the mike and telling the audience " We just got back from Dallas last night but New Orleans.....you kick ass! The next night we went to a club in Metarie called "The New Place" and saw Bugs Henderson and Roy Buchanan together.

What A Bummer

on Led Zeppelin, 1977 Jul 30

I remember buying tickets for this show at Bebop Records in Jackson, MS. Then we got the news of Robert Plant's son. We were really bummed. Wished I had held on to the tickets but turned them in for a refund. It was my one and only chance to see Led Zep!

In America, In Memphis

on The Charlie Daniels Band, 1980 Jul 4

Being this was a July 4th concert and a Patriotic day, it was only fitting we were seeing Charlie Daniels Band on the heels of their "Full Moon" album tour. He played the hit "In America" that night and it brought the Mid-South Coliseum Down and sent the fans into a Patriotic frenzy. Great southern rock/country concert and what a perfect opening band, Pure Prairie League. They had a beautiful ballad hit they played called "Amy" and I remember them playing a Merle Haggard tribute song called " I won't fix your flat tire Merle". What a hoot !!!

Pickin In Memphis

on Pure Prairie League, 1980 Jul 4

Opened for Charlie Daniels. "Amy" got a rousing ovation as well as a Merle Haggard tribute song called " I won't fix your flat tire Merle". What a hoot !!! Pure Prairie League was a perfect compliment to a wonderful nite of southern and country rock n roll in the mid-south. Thank you guys!

Lasers In Memphis

on Blue Oyster Cult, 1978 Aug 27

Wow! What a show! Great laser light show put on by BOC. Great sound and a very tight performance by Buck, Eric, Allen and the boys. Shot some great 8mm silent movies of this performance. At the end of the night, UFO and British LIons came out on stage and jammed with the Blue Oyster boys! I've never seem so many guitarists crammed on one stage. UFO were great too. It seems as if this was around the time of their double live album. To hot to handle!

Wang Dang Sweet Poontang

on Ted Nugent, 1978 Jan 22

This was Teddy boy at his finest. Seems he was supporting his double live gonzo album and the Motor City Madman did not disappoint the Memphis crowd. He cranked up those Marshalls, and took a leap of faith off the top of the stack, crashed down to the stage, only to tear into the opening riffs of "Motor City Madhouse".
Golden Earring were great and performed their classic "Radar Love". Point Blank was hard hitting and provided us with a good 'ol Texas guitar duel. What a 3 band night !!!

Couldn't Get It Right

on Climax Blues Band, 1976 Nov 26

Peter Haycock, Colin Cooper and the boys opened for Lynyrd Skynyrd on this night. CBB was one of the greatest underated bands of the 70s. This performance was superb and Colin gave us his all on the Saxophone. Peter Haycock could hang with any of the 70s guitarist. This was the only time I ever saw the Climax Blues Band. Took some great slides of them performing though. They had one hit " Couldn't Get It Right". America missed out on this great band.

Take Me Down To Memphis Town

on Lynyrd Skynyrd, 1976 Nov 26

We had just seen Skynyrd 4 months earlier at the adjacent Liberty Bowl Stadium on July 4th, 1976, but we were ready for a second helping. The band was very tight that night and Ronnie unleashed his mules on us. I remember they played 'That Smell" (one year prior to Street Survivors being released). Steve Gaines was really becoming comfortable with the band and they cut him loose on the Stratocaster. I can remember him singing "You got that right". See my photos from the show that night.

Flyin High

on Blackfoot, 1976 Nov 26

Ricky Medlocke and Company opened for Climax Blues Band and Lynyrd Skynyrd. With Ricky being an early Skynyrd member, we knew we were in for a treat. Mr. Medlocke played his firebird that night and it was a high energy set. They only had two albums out at the time. One was Reservation and the other Flyin High. They were truly exciting to watch. I will post photos from their performance soon.

Louisiana, Gimme Back My Bullets!

on Lynyrd Skynyrd, 1976 Jan 19

I was a senior in high school in Jackson, MS, and found out about this concert listening to a radio station out of Monroe, LA. We couldn't believe Skynyrd was coming to nearbly Lousiana so we hit I-20 and made the 2 1/2 hour venture over there. Ed King had left the band some 6 months earlier so this was the only time I saw Skynyrd with just two guitarists. This was actually my 3rd time to see the band as they had come to Jackson and Hattiesburg within the past year on the infamous Torture Tour. Gimme Back My Bullets was the most recent studio album and I remember them playing this as well as Searching and Douible Trouble. The Outlaws were the opening band and I was hooked from thereafter. I remember purchasing an Outlaws concert baseball jersey at the show. The Outlaws came out and surprised the audience by jamming with Skynyrd on "Sweet Home Alabama". That was a special memory from Monroe and the only concert I have ever attended there. The Civic Center is still there today!

The Mississippi Queen

on Mountain, 1974 Aug 22

This was my first concert ever to attend. I was familiar with Mountain due to their hit "Mississippi Queen". That fat guy on the flying V could sure hammer out the heavy licks. Now I know why they called him the Great Fatsby. I realize now how special that was to witness Leslie West, Felix Pappalardi and Corky Lang. Fortunately, in a few months, I will get to see them again in Biloxi after only waiting 36 years. I remember they brought the Mississippi Coliseum down when they played "Mississippi Queen". What a classic performance. Duke Williams and the Extremes opened the show and I remember Duke would jump up on top of his piano/keyboards and boogie woogie!

Some Mississippi Boys Come Home!

on Black Oak Arkansas, 1976 Jul 27

Jimmy Henderson, lead guitarist, and Tommy Aldridge, drummer, were from Jackson and Pearl, MS. It was good to have those two back. The BOA boys put on a great show and of course Ruby Starr was in tow. She sang a few of her songs as well. BOA were touring on the heels of their "Balls of Fire" album. Jim Dandy was in his usual fine form. Natural Gas opened the show which featured some former members of Badfinger and Humble Pie. Rush was scheduled to perform but did not show.

Cockeyed In Mississippi

on Joe Cocker, 1974 Nov 29

If a night of Joe Cocker, James Gang and Brownsville Station don't do you in, then nothing will. Joe Cocker headlined but spent a good bit of time throwing up behind the stacks of amplifiers. He loved his beer in those days you know. I'm grateful I got to see Joe because I realize now how special he is especially after watching the Woodstock movie on the 40th anniversary. Give you chills to see oh Joe spasm with a little help from his friends.

July Jam, An All Day Festival

on Todd Rundgren, 1975 Jul 26

I remember this well as it was on my 17th Birthday. Todd played in the MS coliseum that night and put on a great show although his costume was quite weird. All the other acts played outdoors on the Fairgrounds throughout the day and included Wolfman Jack as emcee, Jimmy Buffet, Melissa Manchester and Larry Raspberry and the Highsteppers. The Birthday boy had too many Miller ponies, you know!

Bungle In The Jackson Jungle

on Jethro Tull, 1975 Aug 23

I belive this was on Jethro Tull's "Bungle In The Jungle" tour. Great performance by the rock flutist. His guitartist, Martin Barr, married a girl from nearby Pearl, MS. I met her a few years afterwards in a music store where I worked. The most significant thing I remember about Ian Anderson that night was when he was playing his flute he stopped suddenly, to inform the audience that he had just FARTED! I have to admit, that was really funny!!! In 36 years as a concert goer, no one has ever admitted to doing that. It was a gas....no pun intended. The sensational alex harvey band from England I believe opend the show. I was familiar with them as I had just seen them on "In Concert" at the time. I remember the lead singer wore clown makeup and crawled around alot. They were really different.

Sick As A Dog

on Aerosmith, 1976 Jun 19

In my opinion, this was the best year to see Aerosmith just after the release of their classic "Rocks" album. Me and a bunch of my friends from Clinton gathered at my house before the show and proceeded to get liquored up on the way there. There LP was chalked full of good songs to perform live which they did such as Sick As A Dog & Lick And A Promise. They encored with "Toys In The Attic" and opened with Mama Kin. I bought a concert shirt that night which I still have (see photo). Slade, a British Band opened the show and did an excellent job. They were sort of a glitter band at the time and performed their classics such as "Goodbye To Jane" and "Hear Me Calling". Good solid band and their lead singer Noddy Holder really wore some interesting hats. I made cassette recordings of both performances that night.

Hear Slade Calling

on Slade, 1976 Jun 19

Was already familiar with the band after seeing them either on Don Kirshners or In Concert. We were thrilled a British band was opening for Aerosmith. They were kinda a glitter hard rock band and were hard hitting. We loved it! Their song Goodbye to Jane was covered in later years by Quiet Riot. I remember my brother ran into Slade in the parking lot after the show as they were trying to get into their limo.

Ventura Highway Through Mississippi

on America, 1975 May 16

America, as you recall, had a ton of hits in the early 70s such as Ventura Highway, Sister Golden Hair, Sand Man, etc. Was a great concert and it seemed everyone knew the words to the songs. I remember half of my high school was there and there was a strong aroma of reifer in the air that night. A group called Cowboy opened the show but I don't remember much about them.

A Whole Lot Of Texas

on Point Blank, 1979 Nov 24

Point Blank was the opening band for ZZ Top. They hailed from Point Blank, Texas and were under the same management as ZZ Top. The thing you remember about Point Blank is that they hit you right in the face. Great duel guitar leads, had a left and a right handed guitarist. They were also very capable of doing some great slow ballads with searing guitar leads. Point Blank knew how to get a crowd going. They did not disappoint.

Green Grass & High Tides in Monroe

on Outlaws, 1976 Jan 19

The Outlaws were the opening band for lynyrd skynrd. They played a very tight set. I believe their latest album out at the time was "Lady In Waiting". I remember they came out on stage and jammed with Lynyrd Skynyrd on Sweet Home Alabama. Now who could forget that? I bought an Outlaws Baseball Jersey style concert shirt as a momento. This performance only solidifed my love of their music. Great harmonizing vocals and blistering pickin to go with it.

The Brits in Memphis

on British Lions, 1978 Aug 27

British Lions were the opening act for Blue Oyster Cult. There were actually two opeining band. BL opened first, then UFO, then BOC. British Lions contained some former members of Mott The Hoople. At the end of the night, all 3 bands came back out on stage and jammed together. It was awesome!

Lights Out In Memphis

on UFO, 1978 Aug 27

We were really into UFO at the time, so it was a treat seeing this overseas band here in the States. It seems as if their double live album was out at the time. Michael Schenker was an excellent guitarist with great vocals by Phil Moog. They came out on stage at the end of the night and jammed with Blue Oyster Cult and the British Lions.

Bad Motor Scooter

on Montrose, 1978 Apr 16

Montrose was a band that Sammy Hagar had played in. While they were listed first on the ticket, they were actually the 2nd act of the night. They put on a great performance and got the crowd ready for Journey.

Ain't Talkin Bout Love

on Van Halen, 1978 Apr 16

Van Halen opened the show, then Montrose, then Journey. The band had not been around long at this time and they were out to prove themselves....they did! David Lee Roth was all over that stage. The Warehouse was a great smaller atmosphere for seeing this band in those early years. Eddie was on fire that night and he was doing things to that guitar that we just had not seen or heard anybody do before. It was a classic performance.

New Year's Eve Party

on Marshall Tucker Band, 1978 Dec 31

I remember this one well. It was a foggy New Year's Eve and Marshall Tucker was giving the party. Great performance. I think I remember it being carried live on the radio that night. When we left the venue, I remember how creepy it was walking to our car in all that fog and being in the Warehouse district. As we were leaving New Orleans on the interstate, I can recall all the bottle rockets that were being shot across the road in front of my car. New Orleans sure can party!

Bang! In Jackson

on James Gang, 1974 Nov 29

This was after the Joe Walsh period but Tommy Bolin and company delivered a great performance. Brownsville Station opened, then James Gang, followed by headliner Joe Cocker. I remember Tommy's high heel shoes!

Smokin In The Mississippi Coliseum

on Brownsville Station, 1974 Nov 29

Brownsville Station was the opening act followed by James Gang and then Joe Cocker. BS came to party! Plenty of glitter, glitz, high heel shoes, wild wardrobes, thick rim glasses and crazy looking guitars! Cub Koda was a real hoot. I remember confetti blowing out from the stage during the song "Kings of the Party". Brownsville Station knew how to get a crowd going. They like to move around and are exciting to watch. I remember them playing "I'm the Leader of the Gang" and "Smokin In the Boys Room". They stole the show that night!

Lights In The Crescent City

on Montrose \ Journey \ Van Halen, 1978 Apr 16

Journey was the headliner although they were listed second on the ticket....don't understand that. Heck, this was on the hills of their "Infinity" tour. This was the hottest selling album in America at that time. They were awesome. Neal Schon was quite a site with that fro in those days but boy could he blister that guitar neck! Wow!

Fearing The Reaper In Little Rock

on Blue Oyster Cult, 1978 Apr 9

This concert was very special and I have the fondest memories. When we entered the Coliseum that night, the entire floor was about 6" of mud. Seems as if they just had a rodeo there. We stood in the mud, slowing sinking for the next few hours. We were told that BOC was recording the show that night for a live album in the near future. That live album turned out to be "Some Enchanted Evening" and the song from the Little Rock show that made it on to the album was none other than "Don't Fear The Reaper". In hopes we would be heard, my friend James Davis & I were screaming "whipping post" between every song (in hopes we would be heard on the album by some chance). That was an Allman Bros. thing, you know! Opening act was Angel and we enjoyed them as well.

Heavenly Act at the Barton Coliseum

on Angel, 1978 Apr 9

Angel opened for Blue Oyster Cult. We had seen their ads in Circus magazine and had heard the song or two so we were anxious to see them. I believe they were a West Coast band. They were totally different which we liked. They were all pretty boys ( so to speak), dressed all in white and could really rock out. I remember their guitaritst, Punky Meadows, also had a white strat guitar. He was quite a character and very entusiastic performer. We bought their album afterwards and could not get enough of that "Chicken Soup".

Train Kept A Rollin in Dallas

on Aerosmith, 1978 Jul 1

Wow! I remember this all day and all night concert well. It started at 9am in the morning with Van Halen...can you belive that. Aerosmith did not come on until that night and only after bands like Head East, Atlanta Rhythm Section, Journey, Heart, Cheech & Chong & Ted Nugent had played. Aerosmith appeared to be very tired that night and probably at that time were not getting along very well..it showed. However, we still enjoyed it. This performance was put out on on VHS/DVD so you can witness it for yourself. I remember a guitarist came out and jammed with them but I don't have a clue as to who it was. I rememer seeing Brad Whitford earlier that afternoon at the side of the stage while Heart was performing. He was shooting photos of their performance. We were glad Aerosmith performed at night because that day the temperatures were around 100 degrees and the crowds were being hosed down from the stage with fireman type hoses. What a relief!

Black Oak Comes Home

on Black Oak Arkansas, 1979 Mar 17

Out of the past 36 years of going to concerts, this concert by Black Oak was absolutely the most high energy performance I have ever witness. I got backstage passes from Molly Hatchet's manager who I had met in Jackson, MS at a performance months earlier. Molly Hatchet and the Outlaws were the opening acts at the Barton Coliseum.
Jim Dandy was fired up for this concert. His gave a ton of high energy speeches that night which fired up the crowd even more. His talked about those self righteous do gooders and hypocrites just prior to "hot n nasty" and then his views on the troubles in America for arresting people for victimless crimes just prior to "Blame It On The Streets". Shawn Lawn has just joined the band at 15 years old and Jim Dandy cut him loose that night to demonstrate his speed techniques. Four of the songs they did that night were never put on an album.
One of the funny things I remember about that show was Jim Dandy grabbing an Arkansas Flag and Pole from the audience and waving it wildly as he strutted back and forth across the stage. Unknowest to him, the flag came off the pole and Dandy was left to just wielding the Big Stick.
Being in Arkansas and seeing Black Oak before a hometown crowd was very special. You could tell the Dandy was drained after the show, he truly gave it everything he had. Andy Tanas was on Bass and Joel Williams was the drummer. And of course, the other guitarist was Jimmy Henderson who is one of my all time favorite guitar players (plus, he's from my hometown of Jackson, MS).

The Mississippi Kid

on Lynyrd Skynyrd, 1975 Jul 1

I don't know if I was ever more excited about a concert than I was in seeing Skynyrd here in my hometown. I was really into the group and had just seen them a few months prior in Hattiesburg, MS. Here it was Summer, just prior to my Senior year, and those Southern Boys were coming to town. We went to the Coliseum earlier in the day to get our tickets and heard them doing a sound check. The song was "Call Me The Breeze". That just primed us for what was to come.
We ran into the Coliseum as soon as they opened the doors and was smack up front against the stage. Peter Frampton opened and did not disappoint. When Skynyrd arrived onstage, the music playing in the background was from a Western show as I recall. Van Zant was riding piggy back on someone and was his usual barefoot self. The only disappointment was the shock of not seeing Ed King as he had just left the band a month before. I remember during Freebird Allen Collins broke a string on his Firebird but he continued to play anyway. We bought Skynyrd t shirts at the show. It was the ones that had the skull wearing a cowboy hat and wearing a rebel flag bandana. Those guys were huge to us in those days and greatly influenced our lives. Spent many a hour playing those pronounced, second helping and saturday night special 8 track tapes.

Southern Rock At The University of Southern Mississippi

on Lynyrd Skynyrd, 1975 Mar 18

The show was held at the Reed Green Coliseum on the campus of Southern Miss. The only bummer was the fact that the ticket taker at the door took our whole ticket instead of tearing it in half. Thus, we have no momento of the show. I remember driving down to Hattiesburg from Jackson with my friend, Kevin Wilkie, to see this show. Just as the lights dimmed, I can still picture the image of seeing Skynyrd coming through the tunnel behind the stage. Ed King was still with the band so I treasure the fact that I got to see him play in those early years with the band. I remember during Freebird they turned on that Disco Ball and we thought that was so cool! Grinder Switch was the opening act. As we headed back to Jackson, we turned on the car radio and listened to Beaker Street, KAAY Radio. We just could not get enough rock! That was really special.

Jackson, MS, a favorite for Dan Fogelberg

on Dan Fogelberg, 1993 Nov 10

I saw Dan a number of times in Jackson. Many do not know this, but Jackson was his first gig as a headliner in a big venue back during the early 70s. The local radio station, WZZQ, gave extensive airplay of his first album and he quickly amassed a following here. We were very supportive of him and he was very loyal to us.
The '93 show was just as great and was the last time I saw him live. I love those first two albums though....true classics!

Doobies At The Hump

on Doobie Brothers, 1976 Apr 23

This show was held on the MSU campus at the Humphrey Coliseum. I did not misplace many of my stubs over the years but this one I cannot find. I still have some other memorabilia though (see photos). My friend, Alan Cash, and I drove up from Jackson in my '74 Pinto to see the Doobies. The Hump was a fairly new facility then and State was where I was to enroll in the Fall. This tour was in support of their "Stampede" tour and just prior to 'Takin It To The Streets' hit the shelves.
I remember the Memphis Horns were part of the Doobies performance that night during their songs. They had a nice dry ice effect toward the end of the show and I feel fortunate to have seen them with guitarist, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, who played guitar sitting on a stool. The most memorable thing was when Tom Johnson referenced they had played at Ole Miss the night before, then paused and yelled, "Go to Hell Ole Miss". He knew that would get the State crowd going. It did! Opening band was Pablo Cruise.

Kansas In Mississippi

on Kansas, 1978 Aug 8

Great and very tight musically. Used lots of spotlights. Their guitartist really rocked out along with that guy with the wild hair and violin.

Aerosmith In Slow Motion

on Aerosmith, 1978 Dec 6

Not one of their better shows. They appeared tired and road weary. I remember Brad Whitford wore a confederate hat and he never moved the whole night....looked like his feet were stuck in cement. They just were not into it. I remember Joe Perry had this funny splotch of blond hair and I don't think he and Steven really wanted to be on the same stage that night. The Bootleg live album was the latest release at the time.

Incredible Styx show

on Styx, 1979 Mar 21

This show date is tricky but here's what I recorded on paper 31 years ago. For some reason the show got postponed. The original date printed on ticket was January 25th, 1979, however, I wrote down on the back of the ticket and on a separate piece of paper listing all my concerts that the actual date was March 21, 1979.

Musically and soundwise, this was the most clear and tightess musical performance I have ever witnessed....and that's saying something considering it took place in the acoustical challenged MS Coliseum. The Pieces of Eight album and tour were a huge success.

Journey To Mississippi

on Journey, 1980 Apr 19

I went to their July 1978 show in Jackson but missed this one.

Nugent Exposed On The Gulf Coast

on Ted Nugent, 1986 Jun 13

Ted was great! He truly surprised us all on his encore though. When he came back out and they turned the lights on for the encore, he had amassed all of his road crew on an elevated platform to the rear of the stage, over and above the drummer. They all dropped their pants at the same time and MOONED US !!!! It was hilarious! Only Teddy Boy would think of doing something like this! He really knows how to give someone a concert memory!

Aerosmith Was Back!

on Aerosmith, 1986 Jun 13

This was right after the band had reunited and had gotten back Whitford and Perry and then they put out the "Mirrors" album. I think this was the tour where they were testing the waters to see if fans still remembered them since it had been 5 or 6 years since the orginal line up had performed together. Great show though. I remember the lights dimming, Steven then sitting down at his piano, and hammering out the first notes of "Dream On". The bic lighters were a flickering!!!!

Winter In The Fall

on Johnny Winter, 1978 Nov 12

Incredible show and neat venue. It was a long time ago but you don't forget something like Johnny Winter. Small intimate venue and we had seats a few feet away from stage. Johnny was awesome and his playing seemed effortless and magical on his part. I remember Johnny's girlfriend or friend girl sat near the back of the stage. He played that trademark firebird and wore his black leather beret. Played a combination of rock and blues....it was truly red, hot and blue!
Butch Mudbone opened the show and he was incredible. I remember his drummer set his drum sticks on fire and was playing and juggling the firey sticks all at once. It was quite a site, especially in such a small atmosphere.

Blues On Ole Man River

on Johnny Winter, 1980 Aug 11

Had to go back again in 1980 as we had seen Johnny almost two years earlier at the same venue. Performance was phenomenal as Winter always is. There is nobody like this guy and for someone who doesn't have the greatest vision in the world, he just lets his fingers do the sightwork. He is special. Everyone should experience Johnny Winter. These types only come around once in a lifetime.

Coastal ZZ

on ZZ Top, 1980 Jul 27

Great show by the trio from Texas. I remember being on the floor for most of the concert. I remember a girl wearing aqua blue spandex type pants who became very poplular with the group of bikers that were nearby. It's funny the things you remember!

A December Kiss

on KISS, 1976 Dec 3

This was their first trip to Jackson and my second time to see them. Had seen them in March of '76 in Memphis. It seems like Destroyer was out and "Beth" was being played alot on the local radio. Me and some friends from Clinton went to this show. I can remember sneaking in some Southern Comfort and sitting at the top of the Coliseum mixing drinks and screamly wildly. We had a great time!
Dr. Hook opened the show but they had tamed down their act a bit since the early 70s (of course to me that was disappointing). I can remember some girls we knew followed them to their hotel that night and got to meet them.

April Rush

on Rush, 1981 Apr 15

Rush came to Jackson quite a few times back in the 80s and always put on a good show. Some people think they first came in July 1976 but they did not show up for that one as an opening act for Black Oak Arkansas. We don't know what happend they just did not show.
Max Webster opened for Rush at this 1981 show.

Ramblin In Jackson

on Marshall Tucker Band, 1978 Dec 28

Good to see the Marshall back in Jackson as it had only been about 5 months since they were first here in July 1978. This was their 3rd trip to Jackson in 4 years. Great picking by Toy Caldwell and of course everyone knew the songs "Fire On The Mountain" and "Heard It In A Love Song".

Firefall was the opening act.

Free For All In Jackson

on Ted Nugent, 1977 Jan 25

This was the Motor City Madman's first trip to Jackson, then he came back a year later. He was high energy and a cool dude to watch. I remember my friend, James Davis keep asking me if Ted had a stage show...you know, a stage show like KISS had....explosives, make up, etc.......I told him, Hell No!!! Ted don't need a stage show!!!....ALL YOU NEED IS TED and HIS Guitar and that fox tail swinging back and forth.
By the end of the concert he turned to me and said.....you're right....TED don't need a stage show....TED IS THE STAGE SHOW !!!! Opening act was Rex. Rex appeared a few years afterward as a TV host on I believe the "Solid Gold" music show.
A personal note from me from Ted..........I was against the stage that night and you had those Marshalls cranked up....unfortunately, several days later one of my eardrums ruptured. It was the most painful experience I ever had but I came back and saw you again in Bilox in 1986. I guess it's just what the Doctored ordered! YOu Da Man!

Stranglehold Twice In Jackson

on Ted Nugent, 1978 Jan 21

Ted had just been here a year ago and we were glad to have him back. Same great performance. This time he brought two opening acts. Point Blank and Golden Earring. Next night I traveled to Memphis and saw the same three acts at the Mid-South Coliseum.

Hometown Boy Arrives Solo

on Mac McAnally, 1977 Jul 12

This was a very special concert Mac put on here in his home state. It was just Mac and his acoustic guitar in the city auditorium and he only had probably one album out at the time. Seems like this was a benefit concert of sorts and the cost to get in was only $1.02. Mac was a great story teller and would keep you in stitches, he's very funny. I remember he introduced his band, which was only a guitar pick that he pulled out of his pocket. This guy was truly a talent in performing and song writing. I still love that first debut LP.

The first time I saw Mac play was in June of '76 when I was on campus at Mississippi State. Believe it or not, he was perched on the steps of the Union just playing his guitar to anyone who would listen. He never let the Music Machine turn him into someting he did not want to be. He could have been bigger than life if he had chose to be packaged to the masses. We are glad he did not. He's the best kept secret in the music business.

Danny Joe Was Back

on Molly Hatchet, 1983 May 30

Great Performance on outdoor stage. Danny Joe was back with band and sounded very tight. I remember them playing "Sweet Dixie" and "Sailor" with Duane Roland wearing that Navy Captains hat.

The Hatchet At The Creek

on Molly Hatchet, 1979 Feb 6

I worked in a local Music store and we arranged to have Molly Hatchet come in for an autograph session the day after the performance at a local bar called Town Creek Saloon. The first album was already out and we were heavily promoting it.

The concert though was incredible. Small stage and the boys were a tad cramped since they probably had been playing much bigger venues since the LP was released. I remember Dave Hlubeck jumping up and down and the head of his guitar hit a ceiling tile and knocked it out. I took alot of photos and we had a table down near the front and the draft beer was flowing that night. Folks even got up and danced. Danny Joe dedicated a song to the Skynyrd Survivors, per my request,...the song was "Freebird'. The opening band that night was Paradise Lost. Seems they were from Macon, Georgia.

Whole Lot Of Texas On The Coast

on Rocky Hill, 1980 Jul 27

We were excited that Dusty Hills brother, Rocky, had his own band and was opening up for ZZ Top. We enjoyed all of the show. Took some black n white photos of the performance that night.

Ready As Hell

on Black Oak Arkansas, 1984 Aug 31

This was BOA during their heavy metal era of the early 80s. Jim Dandy flashed his sword, wore those furry boots and talked more trash than I have ever heard. I think I drank more beer than I ever had before too. Some dude jammed with them on guitar but I do not have a clue who it was.

Unique Outdoor Show w/ B.B. King

on Gregg Allman Band, 1983 Jun 4

This concert held at the Entertainment Center was an outdoor show with several other blues act like B.B. King and Bobby Blue Bland to name a few. I believe it was part of the annual Medgar Evers Homecoming event.I remember Greg hanging out with B.B. on his bus and wearing the event t-shirt. When it came time for Greg to go on, he was escorted through the crowd and up to the stage. We got to greet him as he came through. Greg looked like he was feeling no pain that night. Put on a great show and the audience very receptive. Greg signed some autographs after his set as he was escorted back through the crowd again to the bus.

Stoned In The Hub City

on Black Oak Arkansas, 1979 Aug 15

Black Oak Arkansas played twice here in the summer of '79 at this small bar just off Hwy 49 South of town. This was the second of the two concerts. Shaun Lane was the sixteen year old guitarist, Andy Tanas on bass, Jimmy Henderson (from Jackson, MS) on guitar and of course Jim Dandy on vocals and scrubboard. After seeing this band for many years in huge coliseums, it was a treat to see them in a small bar. Jim Dandy had a large bandage on his arm from a recent fall he had taken on a slick ramp off of a stage. The music was high energy, they were having fun and so were we. Shot lots of pictures of the band that night. We waited afterwards and got their autographs before they headed off in the van. Still have those signed albums today. Jimmy Henderson was always my favorite guitarist and was with the band for many years. Thanks guys, that was a night to remember at a very special venue in Mississippi.

Wang Dang Sweet Poon Tang in Memphis

on Ted Nugent, 1978 Jan 22

I had just seen Ted in Jackson, MS, the nite before but could not get enough so we headed up to Memphis. Opening acts were Point Blank followed by Golden Earring. Ted was great, on the hills of his recently released "Double Live Gonzo" LP. Ted was his usual high energy self. Derek St. Holmes and Rob Grange were with the band then. What a classic ! All the acts were superb and I especially liked the sound of Point Blank and their lefty guitarist, Rusty Burns. The Mid-South Coliseum was smokin that night.

Outdoors With The Agents of Fortune

on Blue Oyster Cult, 1976 Jul 4

Remember riding up from Jackson, MS, the day before show listening to radio station WHBQ advertising the show. I remember the lady disc jockey talking about Blue Oyster Cult's laser light show and what to expect. The unfortunate thing is that BOC was the second act of 4 groups and the show started at 4pm. So, it was still daylight around 5ish when they took the stage, thus, no light show to be seen at a outdoor daytime performance. Regardless, the band rocked and put on a classic performance. Yep, those opening riffs of the Reaper sent the crowd into a frenzie!

Green Grass & High Tides in Memphis

on The Outlaws, 1976 Jul 4

The Outlaws was the opening band that day followed by Blue Oyster Cult, Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top. They were not listed on the printed advertisements promoting the show other than as "Additional Surprise Guests To Be Announced". We knew they were coming through the radio promotions! Great sound, great harmonies and blistering guitar work! What a way to start the Bicentenniel Celebration in Memphis! We were really into Southern Rock at that time, so getting to see three of our favorite Southern bands on the same day was awesome. This was the second time I had seen the Outlaws but this performance was really special. Since several members have passed now, I realize how memorable it was to have seen the original lineup in those early days!

Take Me Down To Memphis Town

on Lynyrd Skynyrd, 1976 Jul 4

Great show and was super excited to see Lynyrd Skynyrd. Steve Gaines had just joined the band and the Live At The Fox album was recorded a few days later after this show. While the roadies were setting up the stage getting ready for Skynyrd to come on, Artimus came up to the front and sat on the edge of the stage twirling his drumsticks above the crowd. Band opened with "Working For MCA". Seeing a concert with Ronnie, Gary, Allen, Billy, Leon, Steve & Artimus was so incredible, especially on our nations 200th birthday! A memory forever etched in my mind. Even managed to take a few kodak pictures that day. Even Leon got in on the fun by lighting bottle rockets and hurling them off the stage into the crowd. After Freebird, we were drained but knew we had to get ready for ZZ Top. I still have one of those liberty bowl stadium cups that I bought that day. Memories are special....What a day!

A Whole Lot of Texas in Memphis

on ZZ Top, 1976 Jul 4

ZZ Top headlined the bill that day and were preceded by Lynyrd Skynyrd, Blue Oyster Cult & the Outlaws. I was down on the field around the 50 yard line for most of the day but moved closed for Skynyrd and the ZZ Top. Took the roadies a long time to set ZZ's stage as they played on a Texas shaped stage and brought out a Buffalo, a rattlesnake, a coyote and about anything else you could find that was a part of Texas! Peformance was incredible and so unique for it's time. We were still big on the Fandango album and they played plenty from it as well as newer stuff from Tejas.

In regard to some questions/memories of those who posted about this show, I can guarantee you the following: Marshall Tucker was not a part of this show and Skynyrd did not play Freebird twice. Actually the cups that were being thrown onto the field were plastic cups than had a picture of the libery bowl stadium on one side and a picture of the Mid South Coliseum on the other. I still have my cup from that day so there you go!

Saturday Nights All Right For Fighting In Memphis

on Elton John, 1997 Nov 22

This show was my first Elton John performance and it did not disappoint. Several carloads of us drove up from Madison, MS, and stayed in downtown Memphis. Took a carriage ride down to the Pyramid to the show. Our seats were behind the stage but we had a good view of Elton and his teleprompter (we could even read the lyrics). His band and overall performance was really tight. Guitarist was tops! He played everything you wanted to hear. What a classic performer!

Sweet Dreams In Metairie

on Roy Buchanan, 1980 Mar 23

Well, we just could not believe that Roy Buchanan was playing at a small bar in Metairie, Louisiana, on a Sunday night. The night before we had been at the New Orleans Warehouse to see Robin Trower so we maximized our concert going for the weekend. This place was so small that there were small tables set up on the floor in front of the stage. We got a table right next to the stage and Roy simply blew us away! This guy was a guitar giant and he was doing strange things on the guitar long before Hendrix came about. Roy was the veteran folks! Seeing Roy was an experience like none I have ever seen! I remember he opened with "My Babe" and of course did a killer version of "Hey Joe". While Roy has been long gone, those memories of 32 years ago will last me forever in my life. I was so fornuate to see an artist of his caliber. Wow! One of the funny things I remember about that night was the drunk guy at the table next to us at the stage. He stood up most of the night and was bowing to Roy and praising him by flailing his arms in the air like Roy was some type of God. Well you know, Roy simply was!

Bopping The Blues in Metairie

on Bugs Henderson, 1980 Mar 23

Well, we went to this concert to see Roy Buchanan and had no idea there was an opening act that would simply blow us away just like Roy did! Boy, were we suprised! Out of nowhere come this barefoot guitar player named Bugs Henderson who instantly starts bleeding emotion from every note he picked. He turned our heads from the get go and never let up. High energy blues licks folks and he was great at searing ballads as well. He made a believer out of me that night and the next week I went out and bought the album 'At Last'. In my opinion, in one night I saw the two greatest living guitar players out there. It was a very small bar and we sat at a small round table next to the stage. Bugs was so impressive, I went up to him after his performance to let him know how blown away we were with his playing. A week or two later, I wrote Bugs a letter and he took the time to write me back and send me a personalized pick and two autographed photos. Wow, I really appreciated that and treasure that memorabilia to this day! He was a very down to earth person. Some 5-10 years later he played in Ridgeland, MS, at a place on the reservoir called "The Dock" on a Sunday afternoon. I got to see Bugs again and he took the time to sit down with me at a table and talk music. Bugs passed away earlier this year but his legacy will live on through his music. The music industry has lost a guitar giant!

No Other Bands

on ZZ Top, 1976 Jul 4

FastEddie, There were no other bands...just zz, ls, boc and outlaws. As the ticket stub indicated, the show did not start till 4pm that day so that alone was enough music to last close to midnight. That was a great day indeed! It was hot too! I remember we got there early and found a concrete wall just outside of the stadium where we were able to sit in the shade until they opened the gates. July 4th, 1976 was also the day that Libertyland opened too.

The Day The Freebird Fell

on Lynyrd Skynyrd \ Point Blank, 1977 Oct 21

This was the concert the band was en route to after leaving their last gig in Greenville, SC. As they were flying toward Baton Rouge in the early evening of October 20, 1977, one of the planes engines was malfunctioning, causing the plane to run out of gas and forcing it find somewhere to land quickly. Unfortunately, it was not able to reach the nearby airport in McComb, MS, thus, crashed in a swampy area in Gillsburg, MS. I'm from Jackson, MS, and had tickets to the Baton Rouge show, which I have kept to this day. I did not find out about the crash till around midnight on October 20th. All we had was radio stations back in those days, so I stayed up all night trying to get the details of this unfortunate incident. Lynyrd Skynyrd was my favorite band at that time and we were all just so shocked and stunned as the news reports rolled in. We simply could not believe it. Some of the band was brought up to hospitals in Jackson while others were taken to McComb. I worked at a local record store and I can tell you that event changed so many peoples lives that day. However, I am grateful that the surviving band members managed to regroup years later and give so much enjoyment through their live performances and paying tribute to those who lost their lives. Around 1990, I read in USA Today that the band had scheduled a concert performance in Baton Rouge at the LSU Assembly Center and was giving backstage access to anyone who still had their original concert ticket from the 1977 scheduled show there. Unfortunately, I called the number that was referenced but had missed the deadline for doing such. I was heart broken but simply did not find out about this opportunity until it was too late. That would have been really special. I still have my ticket though! Fortunately, a few years later, I was able to provide the Lynyrd Skynyrd family with something I had that was extremely rare and meaningful, as it related to those tragic news events of that day.

Welcome To My Nightmare

on Alice Cooper, 1975 Jun 6

This was my first time to see the Coop. We tried to go several years before during the School's Out tour but our parents would not let us. This time we were determined and had to fib a tad about where we were headed as Moms and Dads were still remembering all those rumour stories about the Coop...chickens, live hangings, etc. The Welcome to My Nighmare tour was a classic. We got right up next to the stage and soaked it all end. Loved the big one eyed monster, the cold ethyl life size doll, the 18 letter sweater and all the smoke and mirrors. Was a hoot! The musicians Alice had were simply the best. Steve Hunter and Dick Wagner on guitar...Wow! It was guitar duel city all night long. Awesome performance! Opening act was Suzi Quatro and she put on a great show as well. Remember seeing her on a episode of "Happy Days' with the Fonz! Both dressed in leather.

Outdoor 12 Hour Concert Behind Suttle Dorm

on Various Artists, 1976 Apr 24

Mississippi State University campus radio station WMSB-FM presented this 12 hour free outdoor concert on 4/24/76 from 1pm until 1am. It featured the bands Tasty, Stoney Lonesome, Sun Creek Boys, Cotton, Arkeus, Al Parker & Paul McClellan, Buddy Grisham, Shaun Comfort & Solid Ivory. The night before the Doobie Brothers played on campus at the Humphrey Coliseum.

Takin Care of Business In Jackson

on Bachman Turner Overdrive, 1975 Jun 19

This was my 8th Concert and I was 16 years old. Band was huge at this time with many hits we were familiar with such as - Rock On Down The Highway, You Ain't See Nothing Yet, Let It Ride, Takin Care of Business, etc. Everytime you turned on the radio they were playing BTO songs in Jackson. Great show by these Canadians. Opening acts was Bob Seger and Styx. I actually won 2 tickets on the radio to this concert.