[ricosuave]

1 - Roger Waters, Dark Side of the Moon, Calgary 2007 - The music drew me to it, but the actual show, and showmanship of Roger and the band is what makes the memory. Sure, he's older, he probably dubbed some vocals, but its one of my favorite albums of all time, and the visuals that accompanied it, touring maybe for the last time, is what made it special.

2 - Roger Waters, The Wall, Vancouver 2010 - Much the same as above, I had no idea this was even in the works in 2007, yet when it was first announced, there was no question of if, but rather where. I can only imagine the people that got to see it back in 1980-81 felt exactly as I did 30 years later.

3 - Peter Gabriel, Us, Calgary, 1992 - Another of my favorite albums of all time, I was able to get front row, centre tickets for this and was blown away at the theatrical moments of my favorite songs as only Gabriel can do.

4 - Frank Sinatra, Golden Jubilee, Calgary, 1991 - Do I really have to explain this one? Edie Gormel and Steve Lawrence opened, and it was almost 3 hours of the chairman and his friends taking me back to the rat pack days. I was able to score the tickets from a friend in the Stampede Board and took my mother, who also rated it as one of her most favorite memories.

5 - Radiohead, In Rainbows, Seattle 2008 - LOL again, one of my most favorite albums, I hadnt even heard a Radiohead song before In Rainbows came out, and when it did, it was at a difficult time, when I was often listening to music to get me through. In Rainbows was an impulse purchase due to the pay as you want (I paid $5), and I fell in love with the music, and subsequently, their entire catalogue. The concert was visually stunning, the music was great, and the road trip to Seattle to watch this in the pouring rain in a 5000 seat outdoor ampitheater, along with the trip back home through Washington, Idaho and Montana, and seeing some friends, was memorable as well.

Honorable Mentions:
- Depeche Mode, Calgary, 1990 - Back when you camped out for tickets, a buddy and I did just that. The visuals were unlike anything seen before and it matched perfectly with the music. Loved the Violator album, so this was a must see.
- REM, Toronto, 1999 - Another great trip. Visited family, took the future wife to this and Niagara Falls. We're married now.
- James Taylor, Calgary 2007 - Legend. So glad I got to see him. Free tickets with a family member and his new wife.
- Tony Bennett, Calgary 2009 - See above. The unamplified vocals on this man in his 80s would put most to shame. The Jube audience was stunned when he demonstrated it.
- Dire Straits, Calgary 1985 - My first concert, at the height of the Money for Nothing wave. Again, to see Mark Knopfler play was amazing.
- U2, Edmonton 1997 - Since I missed out on ZooTV, this was the next best thing. Lots of people hated Pop, but I enjoyed the spectacle.
- David Byrne, Calgary 2009 - Fabulous songwriter and singer. Was last last last minute, since I was unaware that he was even in town.
- The Pixies, Edmonton 2010 - Another group from my youth, they did not disappoint.
- Van Morrisson, Calgary 2010 - He came out, no banter, sang for 2 hours, and walked off. All business. An icon.
- NIN, Calgary 2008 - Not a huge NIN fan, but really enjoyed this show, when the live NIN machine was at its height. Got 4 tickets and a parking pass FREE from soneone off craigslist. Someone mentioned the messed up startup of Echoplex also. Was a highlight.
- REM, Calgary, 2004 - Decent seats, great show.

It's funny how music can be such a soundtrack to lifes events. I still get goosebumps when I hear certain songs from these shows, and from albums in general. They have the ability to instantly take me back to times and places.



EDIT: Everything #2 down gets bumped due to Leonard Cohen's show on 16 Nov 2012 in Calgary. Wow. If you ever get the chance, just go. You'll thank me later.