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Post by aftertherain on Feb 25, 2016 8:06:50 GMT -5
I first saw DD in 1983 during the Australian Sing Blue Silver tour in Adelaide. I will never forget it and in fact it changed my life to an extent! (some say, 'It's never as good as the first time'). It was one massive open air show and their only open air gig down under. I had just turned 14 and went with a mate from my year 9 class. Late November 1983 on one warm Friday summers night. DD played the open air Memorial Drive tennis stadium, at the time there was no indoor 10 - 12,000 seater indoor arena in town. This was so major for me because it was my first major rock concert and this was at the venue where previously Led Zepplin, The Police, The Rolling Stones, Elton John and AC/DC had played. Basically anyone who had made it on a huge scale played here. Many years later U2 and INXS would play here too. Yet for one night in late November 83 DD was here to rock the place after only having only released 2 albums. (That could well be a record for this venue). What an achievement! Well OK after 3 albums, however 7&TRT had only been released 5 days prior to this show. If my memory serves me correctly the tickets for the show went on sale in August of that year. We got there at about 5pm and sunset wasn't until 8.30pm, a little wait but so bloody worth it. The Little Heroes were supporting DD and I recall the B-side to Jacksons Thriller blasting thru the sound system sometime before showtime. I'll never forget SLB looking to the stars for the moon prior to playing NMOM and asking the thousands where was is it? coz he couldn't find it considering the stage was facing west. Those monumental gigantic Corinthian columns were part of a massive stage set like a mini one sided Acropolis and I could see them from the car while being driven down War Memorial Drive as I was dropped off at the entrance gate. I remember the smell grass (trampled on grass that is) and every time I attend an outdoor rock show boy does it take me back. Every track from the S&TRT album was played live except for TT which was a recording as the band walked on. That JT/RT rhythm section was amazing. I remember AT and his ponytail swinging his guitar all dressed in white, Le Bon in black cargo pants with many zips and colourful yellow, blue and pink t-shirt. The show rocked.......period ! And it was LOUD, this was way before curfews and outdoor sound restrictions were put in place. This was also the time when 70% (or thereabouts) of the audience were females making a lot of noise, so the sound had to rise above and be louder than the screams in order for anyone to hear it. They opened with ITSISK and closed with GOF. I remember the middle chill out section which consisted of TSS, TC and SAP. One after the other. In between TSS and TC Nick played a snippet of Close Encounters of the Third Kind. How appropriate under a starry night. No laptop or iPad but a massive computer and screen which sat behind Nick which was the size of a family room TV. How innovative for back then. The intro to New Religion and the atmospheric smoke from the stage smoke machine blowing over the crowd on the grassed area like a blanket and then to the sky was something I'd never seen. They played The Reflex in its original form and RTs throbbing drum intro was truly something else. Who would have thought at the time that the reflex would do what it was to do in 5 months time. There was a percussionist, the girls from CHIC on backing vocals and Andy Hamilton on sax. Unfortunately I have no photos, I guess I couldn't be trusted taking the family Minolta to a rock concert. They say "sometimes great moments are best captured in a memory which hold the true feeling that's so hard to convey". Regardless, it would have been great to chronicle for the sake of cherish-ing. To date I have only seen DD x5 and the 20 year wait was way too long and totally unfair for those down under. My next show was at the Enmore in Sydney 2003 and to be honest it WAS as good as the first time in a totally different manner. I couldn't believe I scored a ticket to that intimate 2000 seater show, they actually opened with 'friends of mine'. More about that gig another time. Bring on Aussie Paper Gods tour 2016 ! Hey Aftertherain Great Review Dude! There are lots of memories I've of D2 that I remember so vividly I can recall where I was, what room I was in, what car I was in when I first heard Big Thing, etc. Events associated with D2 so vivid that they imprint on us in a sensory sort of way are way cool. That you can recall the smell of the grass is killer! You remember the temperature. The weather. The roar of the crowd. That concert had to be a highlight as expressed via your perspective. I wasn't fortunate enough to catch that tour in person. I watched As the Lights Go Down SO many times in my youth, Arena and SBS as well, that I feel like I was there. Your post reminded me that i wasn't! That's cool though 'cause I feel like I got to see it again through your eyes. Much obliged! Hey SilverSungBlueBoy You know there's actually more I remember and I could have added a little more from my memory, (what I wore, how I purchased tickets, what I saw thru the binoculars I borrowed from the girl standing next to me, my lack of focus at school that Friday) yet never wanted to bore people. I do have a photographic memory then. I guess when one is in total awe of what they love, one does seem to remember the finer details and is more than willing to share. Over the many years lapsed I would always advocate the 'show of my life' to many friends and family and this has helped my 'first ever major rock show imbed' in my mind. At the age of 14, I had never seen an atmospheric smoke machine's effect, considering this was an outdoor show the drifting breeze did its own thing to the smoke pouring off the stage. I had never seen anything like it. On other occasions where I've been to other out door oval gigs standing in the mosh pit, the smell of trampled on grass has been a reminder of that first ever DD gig, so all this together with totally being in awe, assists the memory. Like the music I adore usually has an atmosphere and feel vibe to it, I guess that sums me up too, I'm kinda all about atmosphere and feel, it's a Libran thing perhaps? The year before in 82 it was their opening night of the RIO world tour at the Adelaide Thebarton Theatre on April 15 th in 1982 and I was unable to attend that one. I was only 13, it was orthodox Easter and there was no way I could twist my parents arm and get out of a evening mass service on that Thursday evening (the day before orthodox Easter Friday) to attend a rock concert from my idols who had only released one album with only their second the monumental RIO impending. A year later my folks knew nothing would stop me. Im happy share the stories as there are so many and unwillingly the words simply and effortlessly pour out when I'm thinking of the past or reminiscing. After all this band has not only shaped aspects of my life but influenced it also and therefore many joyful, positive and personal success have resulted. Honestly I could write a book on the psychological influence and its power within. More about that some other time. Back to the topic of fond memories, that's not to say a few big mistakes haven't been made along the way, such as my ticket stub from that 83 memorial drive tennis centre show faded after approximately 10 - 15 years and so it was thrown out. Ouch you see, this still very much painfully hurts. This loss therefore makes me a total banana brain from that aspect. Glad you enjoyed the read bro. Now enjoy the photo this is what the boys wore at that show. SLBs wearing yellow isn't he. Is it a different shade of yellow?
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Post by iamfavre on Feb 25, 2016 11:28:25 GMT -5
My first Duran Duran concert was June 1987, Strange Behaviour Tour at Blossom Music Center outside of Cleveland. I had seen Power Station a few years before, but this was my first Duran show. I was only 15, so I had to have my oldest brother drive and go with me. He was not a fan, but did love "Please, Please Tell Me Now". He actually enjoyed the whole concert as did the 4 friends that went with me. I would see them 2 more times at Blossom (93 and 2000) plus a number of other Cleveland locations in the future. It's a shame that they are bypassing Cleveland on this tour.
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pattylondon
NOTORIOUS
Shalom Aleichem
I went from wallpaper to heartbreaker
Posts: 1,385
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Post by pattylondon on Feb 25, 2016 11:47:37 GMT -5
February 22, 2005. Mexico City
Nearly five months after leaving the father of my son, I had spent three months of mental and physical absence the only possible thing in my world was sadness and hopelessness.
I had lost my records and videos (most of my stuff Duran Duran), books, furniture, I ran away from that place. Only my son and I. Two months of trying things do not fall apart. My reason was hearing Astronaut for the first time somewhere near January, and knowing the original line up of my favorite band since I was a teenager, was coming it was great, then listening to the lyrics, it was as if all the songs in the album were saying to me somethin valuable, it was telling me encouragement, and everything will be fine.
My dream came true almost 20 years after being a fan, see them live, to the 5. It was not the first time they were in Mexico, it was the third time they played here, but at the time it was not possible for me to see them before.
And Duran Duran was here, eleven years ago, it was a special day, I had lunch with my brother and a friend, sang so loudly the songs that we liked in our way to the National Auditorium.
When the forum was on the official site I met Matt, and he was in Mexico that day for work. We agreed to meet and I saw him in the lobby of the Auditorium. It was great knowing a memeber of the Duran Duran board.
8:00 PM we took our places, we talked, and laughed, and enjoyed it. About 8:30 maybe a little later, I can't recall, the show began. John, Simon, Nick, Roger and Andy. I sang, danced, laughed, I enjoyed it, I was fascinated by Nick's smile, John and Simon power on stage was amazing, the passion of Andy and charisma of Roger was great!
Now that I look at those memories, that experience, it becomes clear to me that in the most difficult times of my life, Duran Duran has been there to simply say: here we are.
Thanks, thanks, thanks for starting this thread.
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Post by SilverSungBlueBoy on Feb 25, 2016 15:45:29 GMT -5
February 22, 2005. Mexico City
Nearly five months after leaving the father of my son, I had spent three months of mental and physical absence the only possible thing in my world was sadness and hopelessness.
I had lost my records and videos (most of my stuff Duran Duran), books, furniture, I ran away from that place. Only my son and I. Two months of trying things do not fall apart. My reason was hearing Astronaut for the first time somewhere near January, and knowing the original line up of my favorite band since I was a teenager, was coming it was great, then listening to the lyrics, it was as if all the songs in the album were saying to me somethin valuable, it was telling me encouragement, and everything will be fine.
My dream came true almost 20 years after being a fan, see them live, to the 5. It was not the first time they were in Mexico, it was the third time they played here, but at the time it was not possible for me to see them before.
And Duran Duran was here, eleven years ago, it was a special day, I had lunch with my brother and a friend, sang so loudly the songs that we liked in our way to the National Auditorium.
When the forum was on the official site I met Matt, and he was in Mexico that day for work. We agreed to meet and I saw him in the lobby of the Auditorium. It was great knowing a memeber of the Duran Duran board.
8:00 PM we took our places, we talked, and laughed, and enjoyed it. About 8:30 maybe a little later, I can't recall, the show began. John, Simon, Nick, Roger and Andy. I sang, danced, laughed, I enjoyed it, I was fascinated by Nick's smile, John and Simon power on stage was amazing, the passion of Andy and charisma of Roger was great!
Now that I look at those memories, that experience, it becomes clear to me that in the most difficult times of my life, Duran Duran has been there to simply say: here we are.
Thanks, thanks, thanks for starting this thread. "You've got to believe, it'll be alright in the end" Long Live Duran Duran SilverSungBlueBoy
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pattylondon
NOTORIOUS
Shalom Aleichem
I went from wallpaper to heartbreaker
Posts: 1,385
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Post by pattylondon on Feb 25, 2016 20:51:00 GMT -5
Exactly!
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Feb 26, 2016 17:12:59 GMT -5
My first show was in the womb. My mum was four months pregnant with me and she went to see Duran with her friends on her birthday 17/12/81 at the Odoen in London. My mum is convinced I loved the Vibes I got at that show because I was a Durannie right out of the box (ha...sorry mum) She swears I could sing the first verse and chorus to Rio word for word long before I was speaking complete sentences.
My first Duran concert outside the womb was Medazzaland 13/11/97 Boston, Massachusetts with my brother and sister. I loved it. I had grown up hearing all the hits to death so to see them for the first time performing deep cuts like Secret Oktober, Friends Of Mine, Anyone Out There completely blew me away. I remember that setlist didn't include songs I expected like Girls On Film, ITSISK? Union, NMON, Reflex, Wild Boys, Notorious, IDWYL. It was a cool first experience because the setlist realy surprised me and my brother and sister as well. Sure I was a young girl who had cried myself to sleep for months when I thought I would never see John Taylor with Duran. I cried tears of relief and joy when the five reunited a few years later. A great thing about that Boston show was they had a sound issue while performing Anyone Out There. They finished the song but it sounded really faint. They left the stage for a while. The crew tried to resolve the issue. Time dragged on so finally Simon and Warren came out and performed an unplugged version of The Crystal Ship. You could only hear Warren's practice amp and Simon sang as loud as he could trying to fill the theatre and he sounded amazing. His voice was so powerfull, it amazed me, probably the most impressive live concert experience I have ever witnessed. After that Dale Bozio from Missing Persons appeared on stage with Warren and performed "Destination Unknown" Really cool to see an unexpected semi Missing Persons reunion. I remember Simon came out and gave her a huge bear hug and carried her off the stage. I was already crazy about Medazzaland (I still am) before this show, so I loved hearing nearly the entire album live. I caught all the hits in the following years. Nothing beats the first time though, does it?
P.S. @ diatribein . Glad you enjoyed the Orheum show as well!
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Post by kyyx4ever on Feb 28, 2016 14:10:12 GMT -5
Feb. 2, 1984 -- Seattle Colisseum ! Oh my goodness, probably still the BEST concert of my life. I was 15 and went with a friend. It was General Admission, the BEST ! Although we did not get there early in the day, the line wasn't that bad, and being GA, we were able to squish ourselves right up the front area in front of the stage, to Simon's left in front of John.
It was magical. I loved those big video screens they had. There was so much energy, and the guys were totally into it (they had begun the tour in Australia, and this was I think their 1st American tour date, having just come down from CAnada). So much dancing and singing and screaming and laughing and mayhem!
The guys really know how to put on a show. Of course we called them out for an encore (to my naive teenaged mind, I didn't know all bands did that. I honestly thought that we all screamed so loud that they came out again, just for us !) It was so fun to sing along to all the songs, and of course, thinking that the guys were looking right AT YOU if you screamed their names loud enough. LOL---to be a young teen fan.
But still, that remained the best big-venue concert of my life. They really set a standard for showmanship, energy, enthusiasm, and volume that I have not seen paralleled since.
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Post by MissNovemberTuesday on Mar 1, 2016 6:09:47 GMT -5
diatribein - I wish I could hit Like twice on your comment. I loved all you had to say and I am so glad to see someone else who appreciates that period and the music and Warren's contributions. Also, just a great write-up. You really made me feel it along with you.
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Post by MissNovemberTuesday on Mar 1, 2016 6:58:34 GMT -5
My first concert was 6 February 1984 @ the Forum in LA (technically Inglewood, but who's counting). Without even looking, I could tell you I was in colonnade level, section 31, row 12, seat 1. I do not remember when I found out they were coming, but tickets were already sold out. I had to go to an agent to buy them and even for crappy seats, they charged about $35 each! I went with my best friend @ the time, Jennifer and another good friend Jennie, who was older and the one driving. I met Jennie through my mum who knew her from work. I remember getting to the venue and pulling up in traffic behind a limo. For a brief moment we all speculated about whether it was possibly the band in the car ahead of us, though it seemed unlikely. It was a small rush, though to imagine that. Anyway, we parked and went in and eventually got to our seats. I sat on the aisle and Jennifer who was about my age sat next to me. I remember being jealous of the ugly girl a few rows ahead of us putting eyeliner on her gorgeous boyfriend, lol. Ah, the silly things 14 year old girls worry about. Looking toward the stage, there was the huge red curtain with the Coca Cola stripe on it. After a while, the lights finally went down and the opening band, unfortunately named Dogs on Fire, took the stage. I really barely recall what they sounded like, but I know they had one song that got some play for a short time. Their horrible name was far more memorable than they were. Then there was that short intermission as the crew removed their equipment and people ran to the restroom and got refreshments and merchandise, or perhaps took their seats for the first time. Finally came the moment the band took the stage. The screams were deafening! I actually read an article later with an interview with a Forum employee who stated that he had worked concerts there for 13 years and had never in his life heard anything as loud as that in his life. I may still have that clipping somewhere. Anyway, we were on our feet and dancing much of the time. Being that far back, you usually don't stand for the whole show, especially the slower songs, as most people up there tend to stay seated. But it was an amazing night. The sound up there was a bit distorted @ moments. It was so loud in order for us to hear them over US that @ one point, I could hear the sound coming off the back curve of the venue and it sounded warped. I don't really know how to describe it. Perhaps someone with technical knowledge of sound warping like that can make sense of it. Best I could say was it was a bit like when you play a record and accidentally touch the edge and it slows down a tiny bit and distorts the sound and then speeds back up and distorts again. It was crazy! On the way out, my ears were ringing so badly I could barely hear. I also could barely speak as I lost my voice for almost 2 days, lol. I remember someone running through the parking lot yelling to a friend that they had gotten Roger's sticks, which I could see in their hand. Someone there was passing out KLOS rainbow stickers. Attachment DeletedAnyway, that was the start of my full blown aDDiction. I already loved the band and had begun collecting some things. I had even already carved the slanted double Ds into my wrist the year before because I knew I would love them forever, but once I saw them live, that was it. I HAD to have more. The following night, I wanted to be @ the second LA show so badly I cried about the time they would be taking the stage. I was inconsolable. So when I heard they were coming back in April @ the end of the tour, I HAD to be there. My mum said she would let me get tickets, but I had to find a way there. She would not take me, but I could go if I could figure it out. Again, I went to an agent to buy a pair of tickets. I used to talk on the party lines we had around here. You would call a number and you would hear a busy signal, but then, you realized you could also hear people speaking over it. They would shout out their phone numbers and call each other. It was the social media of the day, lol. Anyway, I used to talk for hours and had met a guy named Brian who liked the band. I called him and asked if he would take me if I would buy him a ticket. He agreed. I am not sure if he was in his late teens or early 20s, but I had just turned 15 that month. I am still amazed my mum allowed me to go, but she knew I would never forgive her if she didn't, lol. I think I paid around $30 each for those tickets, too. Here it was 1984 and this whole tour thing was already costing me a bit of cash, lol. Of course, that amount was nothing compared to what I would spend over the years! I lost count, but think I have seen around 45 shows or so now. Plus TV tapings and such. Attachment Deleted
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Post by ariasb1000 on Mar 2, 2016 16:09:00 GMT -5
Docklands Arena London April 1989. I think it was the first concert at this new venue. I still wanted to hear Anyone out There, Friends of Mine and Late Bar, but I knew that era had gone. This was a three piece Duran at a time when musical tastes were moving on and I don't remember it being as good as I'd hoped. Fast forward to the concerts of 2005 re-union when I saw them again in Manchester and I was blown away when the played everything that drew me to their music in the first pace and they were well on top of their game.
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