The Most Memorable Support Acts: Bands That Steal the Show
As a music lover who has attended countless concerts, I can attest that the most exciting part of the night can often be the opening act. These support bands have a unique opportunity to capture the attention of the audience, which can lead to a long-term fan base. From a young Green Day to legendary bands like Talking Heads, here are some incredible support acts that stole the show.
The Alarm at Pat Benatar's Show in Spokane
Back in the 1980s, I had the pleasure of witnessing a legendary opening act during Pat Benatar’s performance in Spokane, Washington. The Alarm, a Welsh band with a sound reminiscent of U2, was a total surprise to the audience as not many in Spokane knew who they were. The local newspaper had urged fans to come and enjoy the Alarm’s set before Pat’s performance, and it worked like a charm. The band burst onto the stage with their iconic song “Where Were You Hiding When The Storm Broke” and immediately won over the crowd. Within minutes, anyone who had attended the show became a fan of The Alarm.
U2 at J Geiles Band and Black Sabbath
Another unforgettable experience is from the time when U2 opened for J Geiles Band during their Centerfold tour in 1982. It was a pre-concert event at Red Rocks, and few in attendance were familiar with U2's name. Their raw energy and musical talent quickly won the hearts of the audience. Similarly, The Outlaws, a less-known band, opened for Black Sabbath with Ronnie (Dio) Lawless, and despite Black Sabbath’s immense popularity, The Outlaws' performance stood out. Dio's powerful vocals were impressive, but The Outlaws stole the show with their exceptional performance.
Peter Gabriel and The Call
In the early 1980s, I attended a concert where Peter Gabriel performed at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, California. The opening band, The Call from Santa Cruz, California, blew me away. They were a well-written, powerful and authoritative rock band. Despite being a newcomer, they left a lasting impression. Peter Gabriel was so impressed that he invited them to open for him during his European tour. Unfortunately, The Call disbanded in 2000, and their leader, Michael Been, passed away a few years later. However, their music is still worth exploring for those who appreciate powerful, well-composed rock music.
Disturbed and Fear Factory at Ozzfest 2000
At Ozzfest 2000, Disturbed played on the second stage alongside Fear Factory. Fear Factory's performance was so impactful that it overshadowed Korn, who were supposed to be the headlining act. Their raw energy and intense performance are still remembered as one of the best at the festival that year. Disturbed's music had a significant impact on the punk rock scene and continues to be celebrated by fans worldwide.
The Ramones and Talking Heads at London's Roundhouse
The Ramones, known for their high-energy performance, headlined a show at the London Roundhouse in 1977. However, the main support band, Talking Heads, delivered an incredible performance that was truly unforgettable. Talking Heads won the audience over with their unique sound and captivating showmanship. The crowd gave Talking Heads an unbelievable performance with two encores and even three from the Ramones. It was a night to remember and a testament to the power of great support acts.
Green Day’s Introduction to the World
Early in the 1990s, at the Women’s Building in San Francisco, I caught a performance by Penelope Houston of the legendary SF punk band the Avengers. The opening act was a young band called Green Day from the East Bay area. They were just 17 years old at the time and had a few records out on a local label. Despite their youth, they were energetic and put on a show that was both energetic and FUN. Their quip about delivering the San Francisco Chronicle was memorable, and they sounded great. The next day, I went to Amoeba Records in Berkeley and bought a 45 by their name. Green Day would go on to become one of the most influential bands of the 1990s, thanks in part to that memorable introduction.