What Famous Band/Singer Did You See Live Before They Rose to Stardom?
Music history is filled with stories of artists who started small and eventually became household names. Every now and then, a listener has the privilege of witnessing a band or singer before their meteoric rise. Here are four memories of just that: encountering legendary acts in their early days, or even before they were legends.
Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention with Led Zeppelin
As a fan, I was never more thrilled than when the opportunity presents itself to see a band before they reach the top. In 1970, right outside of Boston, a tent venue hosted a concert designed for three bands, but at the core, what excited me was the second act: Frank Zappa and the Mothers of Invention. As my friends and I waited anxiously for the second band, we were thrilled to learn that, unbeknownst to us, this was none other than Led Zeppelin, pre-fame, just emerging after their second US album! The opening act was from a group called Genesis with Phil Collins, who was still unrecognizable in his earlier incarnation. The concert didn't end there; the crowd pushed the performers into performing two extra songs, and the atmosphere was electric. This was an important moment in the annals of rock history, and I cherish the memory. What a privilege it was to see such iconic musicians at the beginning of their journey!
Seeing Dave Matthews Live in Charlottesville, Virginia
While living in Charlottesville, Virginia during the mid-1990s, I frequently attended the Dave Matthews Band (DMB) concerts at Trax, a local club. I remember these gigs fondly, as the intimate setting allowed for a direct connection between the audience and the performers. After DMB became big-time and famous, I met Dave himself—a remarkably low-key and down-to-earth individual, which only added to the incredible connection I felt. Witnessing DMB's rise and maintaining the same connection with the artist post-success made the experience all the more unforgettable. It's a testament to Dave's character that fame didn't change him.
A Surprising Performance by John Denver
In 1971, during my high school visit to St. Cloud State, Minnesota, a small free concert was arranged. Sitting in the auditorium was a lone acoustic guitarist, performing by himself. Despite being unnoticed at the time, he exhibited talent that radiated confidence, and his performance had a strong connection with the students in attendance. Decades later, the artist was revealed to be John Denver. Sadly, John Denver passed away in 2010, but his music and presence on that day leave a lasting impression in my memory. It was a rare and memorable experience to hear such incredible music from such a cool-looking artist.
Discovering Talking Heads at a NJ Dive Bar
In the late 1970s, a friend introduced me to a dive bar in New Jersey, where a band from New York was playing. I had read about them in the New York Times, and as they took the stage, it was clear their sound was unique. The drummer had a jovial presence, the bassist looked nervous, and the guitarist appeared skinny with a shabby appearance, dressed like an office worker. The guitarist's voice was squeaky and strained, but when he announced, 'The name of this band is Talking Heads and the name of this song is 'Artists Only'', the room came alive. Their music had a quirky charm that hinted at the complex sound they would later produce. I couldn't tell, but I was witnessing a new rock phenomenon in the making, and it was a fascinating experience.
Encountering Janis Joplin in San Francisco, 1967
Spring Break senior year of 1967 brought me to San Francisco, a place known for its vibrant counterculture scene. Our adventure in North Beach ended up at the Matrix, a club known for its up-and-coming bands. There, we were introduced to an energetic band called Big Brother and the Holding Company, with Janis Joplin as the frontwoman. The performance was raw, passionate, and unlike any music my friends and I had heard before. Janis's powerful voice and raw talent were groundbreaking, and we knew we had witnessed something special. Piece of My Heart became a hit after our visit, and it's surreal to think about how we helped to spread the word about this emerging star. How cool it would be to revisit the Matrix and see that band today as they would have been recognized as giants.