Best shows....

I have no idea why my mind starting making a list of some of the best shows I've seen. I was driving to work and began making up this list in my head. These are not necessariy my favorite artists---although they are in some cases----just some of the most memorable shows I've seen. Oh---I know why I started thinking about this----because I was listening to the Motor City Rockers and thinking about what an amazing show they put on when I saw them in a half empty club in Rogers Park.

Five of my favorite shows---no particular order

Motor City Rockers--the above mentioned show at Biddy Mulligans in Chicago, probably 1991. A post Romantics band for drummer (and lead singer in this band) Jimmy Marinos. Not a great club, not much of a crowd and a fantastic show. Ernie finally tracked the CD down for me for my birthday not that long ago

Billy Joe Shaver--we've seen him many times but the truly transcendent time (I know, I know...but it really was) was in Chicago before Tramp On Your Street came out. It was at the Main Street Pub--now known as the Double Door--in Wicker Park. Let's just say it was when Wicker Park was still 'transitioning' as a fair percentage of people sitting at the bar were missing limbs.....I kid you not. I remember drinking cheap wine and saying repeatedly "I've never had this good a time, I've never had this good a time". It was amazing. He was kind and sweet and played our request of Amtrak (Ain't Going Back) which I've never heard him do again. Utterly amazing show.

Mavericks--They played many great shows but I have to choose their third night at the Marriott in Chicago-----Raul had gotten married that day and we celebrated with champagne after the show.

Robyn Hitchcock at Ann Arbor's Blind Pig c. 1986 or so. I love Robyn Hitchcock although I can't say he'd be on the top of my list for favorite artists. However the day after that show I remember walking around thinking my life had changed.

The Dictators---in Chicago, after they had reformed--at Avalon I think it was at the time. Handsome Dick did some songs from his Wild Kingdom album---it was after that. Happy, happy, happy.

I'll list more later. Feel free to say what your favorite shows have been.....