Dream Concerts and Performances: Past and Present
From iconic music events to legendary performances, there are some concerts and shows that would leave us in awe, no matter the era. This article explores the dream performances that would make us willing to pay an 'any' amount of money to see, or at least highly desirable to attend.
Upcoming Acts and Past Legends
Fast forward to the present or look back at the past, each era has its share of artists and bands that are unforgettable. Today, the Japanese band Lovebites stands out. Having just been on a quest to prepare for a new lineup, Lovebites’ return to music is highly anticipated. Fans would gladly pay a hefty fee to watch them perform. While these days, given any financial constraints, the band is a dream come true to see in concert.
When discussing the past, I am instantly transported to my high school days. Back then, I was fortunate enough to witness several legendary musicians at a local church venue, a place that hosted acts like Procol Harum, Iron Butterfly, Steppenwolf, and Humble Pie. One of the shows that stood out the most was Ella Fitzgerald fronting Duke Ellington and his Orchestra. While their performances back then were unforgettable, much as I’d love to relive that night, I would be willing to pay absolutely any amount to see these artists perform once again.
Legendary Performances from the Past
Music transcends time and space, and some performances are considered legendary for good reason. The Judy Garland Concert at Carnegie Hall on April 23, 1961 is an example of such a performance. Over half a century later, her voice continues to resonate with fans all around the world. Reflecting on this, I believe it would be a privilege to see Judy Garland perform in person. Similarly, Edith Piaf's American debut at a NYC nightclub, a night where critic-composer Virgil Thompson discovered her, would be another incredible performance to witness.
Iconic Musicians Across Generations
In the realm of rock, the Who pre-Tommy, the MC5 around 1970-1971 with the original five members, the Beatles, and the Queen with Freddie Mercury are bands that have left an indelible mark on music history. Any fan of rock music would be thrilled to witness these legendary bands perform live. Even today, with the Queen lineup including these iconic members, the performance would be nothing short of spectacular.
Theatrical Legends in Concert
For those who prefer the stage and musicals, there are a few actors and actresses whose performances in iconic shows would make one’s heart skip a beat. I would love to see Ethel Merman in GypSY, Mary Martin in South Pacific, Julie Andrews in My Fair Lady, Kaye Ballard in Golden Apple, and Angela Lansbury in Anyone Can Whistle. These performances, which I have only seen in recordings from when I was younger, would make any theater enthusiast jump at the chance to attend.
Personal Highlights
While I don’t belong to the upper echelons of society and am currently without a job, money isn't a barrier when it comes to the music I love. I've had the privilege of experiencing several concerts that left an indelible mark on my memory. Elvis Presley at The Garden, Queen with Freddie Mercury live, Bruce Springsteen at The Garden, NSYNC (New Kids on the Block), and even Billy Joel's performance at The Garden were all unforgettable. Billy Joel's concert was the best I've ever attended, followed closely by NSYNC's concert, which was also amazing.
The experience of high-fiving members of NSYNC, including Donnie Wahlberg, Jordan Knight, and Joey McIntyre, was a unique and memorable moment. It's these personal highlights that make live performances so special, regardless of the cost.
Conclusion
While any amount of money is not always a practical consideration, the dream of seeing these legendary artists and performances is a constant in the hearts of many music and theater lovers. These are moments that transcend time and remain etched in our memories, allowing us to relive the magic of live performances through every encore and encore request.