QUESTION OF THE WEEK, THANKS TO READER/POSTER SILAS BARNABY: WHEN, WHERE, WHO WAS YOUR FIRST CONCERT AND HOW OLD WERE YOU??

Judas Priest, Defenders Of The Faith tour, Madison Square Garden, NYC, June 1984. I was 15? I believe,

That was the infamous show, where the fans tore the cushion foam out of the seats and threw it onstage. It caused  $250,000 worth of damage and caused Priest to be banned from playing the Garden ever again. I think the ban is still in effect.

You can read about it at Ultimate Classic Rock, by clicking on the highlighted story title, 40 Years Ago: Judas Priest Fans Trash Madison Square Garden.

79 Responses

  2. Nov. 1976 Robin trower (opening band ) for Boston their first tour ! I was 16 and so excited I remember Bostons sound cut out a few songs in , they got it worked out a few mins later- knowing what I know now trower was touring bridge of sighs day of the eagle ,too rolling stoned great album , his crew probably did a little sabotage lol I enjoyed trower more than Boston either way it was a great first concert –

  3. I was in 7th grade in 1977 when Kiss first played Madison Square Garden (yes I am old).
    The place was electric and the haze of mary jane was so thick you could cut it with a knife.
    Paul was the only one not wearing his Destroyer outfit.

    Loved the Destroyer stage show except for the lightning bolts that I believe did not work.

    Set list was heavy on Destroyer, Rock and Roll Over and their debut. I was a fantastic show for their “homecoming”.

    I remember Peter jumping on Gene’s back as they left the stage.
    I did not remember Paul being hit in the head with a bottle (I have seen in some liner notes).

    The festivities did not end there…..
    Due to all the pot I inhaled, I got so sick on the way home – I vomited on some dude’s head when getting off the bus (He was on the bottom step, I on the top). Take that Demon, blood spitting – piece of cake.

    1. RTunes,

      KISS/W.A.S.P seems like a good combo, but not sure KISS was still in makeup during those years, were they? Because that combo would make even more sense.

    3. That is what I suspected, that KISS no longer wore their makeup. The combo of them IN makeup, would have made more sense with W.A.S.P. opening, but either way, it is good.

    4. No makeup, but, as I remember it, what was most notable about the show was that KISS’ setlist was mostly songs from Creatures of the Night, Lick It Up, and Animalize.

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