OT: The Greatest Musical Moment of Your Life

[Art Vandelay]

It could be anything - the first time you heard a specific song, seeing a live performance (in person on on tv), hearing certain news good or bad, meeting a favorite performer, being at an historical music event...

Mine was a few years back, when I went to see the Ray Brown Trio. He was a jazz legend and a stand-up bass player who was considered by many the master of his instrument. He's played with the likes of Sinatra, Toy Bennett, Charlie Parker, Oscar Peterson, Quincey Jones; he co-founded the Dizzy Gillespie Orchestra; he discovered Diana Krall; and was once married to Ella Fitzgerald.

I had the opportunity to see him in 2002 at a local college. Here I am a 29 year old white boy sitting in an auditorium filled with about 500 guys who looked like the grandfather from the Cosby show. True old-time jazz heads. Quite a few were probably music professors. My bride and joy thought she would be bored to death. But when the show started, we saw one of the most inspiring shows we've ever seen. He and his trio played like I've never seen before. His drummer was younger than me and swung like a madman. I have never seen anyone "command " the stage like Ray Brown did that night. He kept his band in time by the click of his heel on the stage. They would stand up and bow in unison...as if he were a drill sergeant. Amazing. We had the opportunity to meet him after the show and score an autograph. He was 100% class and a true gentleman. We left that show filed with creative inspiration...wanting to paint, draw, play music, share a great bottle of wine...anything!

Sadly, Mr. Brown died peacefully in his sleep before a performance just a few months after that. But it's a show that my wife and I will never forget.

Close 2nd - meeting Steve Smith and sitting 5 feet in from of his drums during a Vital Information show. Unbelievable.

[Saint John]

Hearing Steve Perry sing Faithfully and Oh Sherrie live (among all the other great songs he sang) on the FTLOSM tour. Simply awesome.

[rayzke]

Hearing Steve Perry sing Faithfully and Oh Sherrie live (among all the other great songs he sang) on the FTLOSM tour. Simply awesome.

Was that the show in Chicago where the sound system went out during the opening song?

[Deb]

Hands down the greatest musical moment in my life was meeting Steve Perry. Everything about it, from the adrenaline rush of shock as I saw him walk up to us, to the hugs hello and goodbye. One moment that stands out for me was when Steve was signing something to me. My brain happened to pick that moment to register everything......that I was actually talking to Steve Perry and he was spelling my name. When he asked if my name was spelled D.e.b.b.i.e. I had no idea what he had just spelled.....could have been sidewalk for all I knew....I just said yep, smiled and thanked him.

Meeting Eric Martin and JSS are way up there too. If somebody told me a few years ago that I was going to meet all 3 of my favorite singers in the next couple years, I would have told them they were on glue! Nothing can top meeting those 3 for me!

[Angiekay]

Meeting Pat Benatar in a storm shelter in Spirit Lake, IA during a tornada warning. Under duress in a strange place with her family in this little shelter with about a dozen fans, she was so sweet and gracious. Neil brought in a case of Corona and shared with everyone. After the all clear, I went up and talked to her, got her autograph and had my picture taken with her, even though I had made it to the shelter before it started to rain and she hadn't. Saw her the next night at Ribfest in Minneapolis and she recounted the story. I was in the front row and she looked down and me, started laughing and waved.

I had a smile on my face for a week.


I met her again a year later, she remembered that night and signed the picture from that night with, "Tornado's Rule, Love Pat Benatar.


I can't find the pic from that night, but here is the one from a year later:

[Red13JoePa]

1 and 1a.

Neal kerraanging the opening to Stone In Love 6/13/99 Camden, NJ in front of 15 k. First Jrny show for me.

Keith Richards doing the same from behind a curtain for the opening number, Not Fade Away before confidently swaggering out to stage Vet Stadium 9/22/94. 50K, first Stones show.

[Rhiannon]

Last April, MerleFest, planned and plotted my schedule around the chance to meet Pam Tillis (I know, shut up). I loved her music so much as a little girl so it was kind of a leftover childhood goal. That Friday night I snuck my way into the backstage prep room for the performers and sat chit-chatting with John Cowan for a while until as chance would have it, Pam walked in. She turned out to be quite the snot, but it was more so just the thought of actually doing what I just did. What topped the night off, however, was meeting a musician from Chicago who knew Steve Perry and Sherrie back in the day and hearing some of his stories about them and their parties. ...Among things.

Also, sneaking into the ReMax gig in Vegas with Gayle. Once again, waltzing in like we owned the joint and even snagging some free drink vouchers from some dude. We weaseled our way up to the front, sweet-talked the event staff dude into letting us in front of the barrier so we could be literally front row. As in, I got tired of holding my purse so I sat it on stage in front of Neal's monitor. We had a blast making faces at the guys and screaming things to get reactions, and at one point I waved Arnel over to us and got to welcome him to my favorite band by shouting "You're good, dude! Keep it up!" And the huge grin he gave in return, I'll never forget. Then he went back to center stage and Neal went over and said something in his ear, they both look over at Gayle and I and chuckled. Best night almost ever.

[Saint John]

Hands down the greatest musical moment in my life was meeting Steve Perry. Everything about it, from the adrenaline rush of shock as I saw him walk up to us, to the hugs hello and goodbye. One moment that stands out for me was when Steve was signing something to me. My brain happened to pick that moment to register everything......that I was actually talking to Steve Perry and he was spelling my name. When he asked if my name was spelled D.e.b.b.i.e. I had no idea what he had just spelled.....could have been sidewalk for all I knew....I just said yep, smiled and thanked him.

Meeting Eric Martin and JSS are way up there too. If somebody told me a few years ago that I was going to meet all 3 of my favorite singers in the next couple years, I would have told them they were on glue! Nothing can top meeting those 3 for me!

Even Richards Simmons would find this post gay.

[Granny]

Hands down the greatest musical moment in my life was meeting Steve Perry. Everything about it, from the adrenaline rush of shock as I saw him walk up to us, to the hugs hello and goodbye. One moment that stands out for me was when Steve was signing something to me. My brain happened to pick that moment to register everything......that I was actually talking to Steve Perry and he was spelling my name. When he asked if my name was spelled D.e.b.b.i.e. I had no idea what he had just spelled.....could have been sidewalk for all I knew....I just said yep, smiled and thanked him.

Meeting Eric Martin and JSS are way up there too. If somebody told me a few years ago that I was going to meet all 3 of my favorite singers in the next couple years, I would have told them they were on glue! Nothing can top meeting those 3 for me!

Even Richards Simmons would find this post gay.

No he wouldn't....hooray for Deb... Only got to meet Eric and Jeff, who kisses and hugs me everytime he sees me..mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, nice!

[Jenna]

Hands down the greatest musical moment in my life was meeting Steve Perry. Everything about it, from the adrenaline rush of shock as I saw him walk up to us, to the hugs hello and goodbye. One moment that stands out for me was when Steve was signing something to me. My brain happened to pick that moment to register everything......that I was actually talking to Steve Perry and he was spelling my name. When he asked if my name was spelled D.e.b.b.i.e. I had no idea what he had just spelled.....could have been sidewalk for all I knew....I just said yep, smiled and thanked him.

Meeting Eric Martin and JSS are way up there too. If somebody told me a few years ago that I was going to meet all 3 of my favorite singers in the next couple years, I would have told them they were on glue! Nothing can top meeting those 3 for me!

I was suppose to be there-but alas----could not make it--just took a new position in the work force--so it was a downer---then--I was called and told he signed a picture for me----"how do you spell Jenna?"---I was so Happy and Grateful---only to get a call telling me---the autographed picture was stolen---or mis- placed-----but even tho I don't have the picture--it was thrilling--that he took the time to autograph one for me----and I wasn't even there-----just thought it was a very kind thing for him to do---so a good memory --all in all---

[mistiejourney]

Hands down the greatest musical moment in my life was meeting Steve Perry. Everything about it, from the adrenaline rush of shock as I saw him walk up to us, to the hugs hello and goodbye. One moment that stands out for me was when Steve was signing something to me. My brain happened to pick that moment to register everything......that I was actually talking to Steve Perry and he was spelling my name. When he asked if my name was spelled D.e.b.b.i.e. I had no idea what he had just spelled.....could have been sidewalk for all I knew....I just said yep, smiled and thanked him.

Meeting Eric Martin and JSS are way up there too. If somebody told me a few years ago that I was going to meet all 3 of my favorite singers in the next couple years, I would have told them they were on glue! Nothing can top meeting those 3 for me!

I'm right there with ya - meeting Steve Perry in Puerto Rico in 1995! And meeting Chuck Negron many, many times!!!!!!!

Performance wise - it was JSS with Journey. I was absolutely floored, and again in Redwood City. Dang - that's three of my favorite singers I've met. Add Barry Gibb and Lindsey Buckingham to that and I'll die a happy woman!

[Rhiannon]

I almost forgot... last October in LaPlata, MD... meeting Jeff for the first time. Being literally 3 feet from him as he gave a face melting show. Then hanging with him later on at the hotel having my first caipiroska. Started that week off with a Jeff show, finished it in South Bend at MRFest. Amazing week.

God, I'm sure I'll think of more, too...

[Deb]

Hands down the greatest musical moment in my life was meeting Steve Perry. Everything about it, from the adrenaline rush of shock as I saw him walk up to us, to the hugs hello and goodbye. One moment that stands out for me was when Steve was signing something to me. My brain happened to pick that moment to register everything......that I was actually talking to Steve Perry and he was spelling my name. When he asked if my name was spelled D.e.b.b.i.e. I had no idea what he had just spelled.....could have been sidewalk for all I knew....I just said yep, smiled and thanked him.

Meeting Eric Martin and JSS are way up there too. If somebody told me a few years ago that I was going to meet all 3 of my favorite singers in the next couple years, I would have told them they were on glue! Nothing can top meeting those 3 for me!

Even Richards Simmons would find this post gay.

[DrFU]

The wiggler trashing should begin about...now...

[yogi]

When James Young ( Styx ) let me come up on stage with him and sing lead on the song Midnight Ride. He was with his group James Young Group.

I bombed bad, but it was no big deal.

No one was there to see my performance, or his band.

#2 will be when I am invited to be Journeys next lead singer.

[brywool]

Defining moments: seeing "A Hard Day's Night" and "Help!" when I was about 4. Started me out on the whole "I want to be a musician" thing.

Meeting Styx. Meeting Cheap Trick (I don't care what StJohn says, Robin Zander is a kick ass vocalist), Meeting Gary and Nuno from Extreme and watching Nuno play guitar in a tiny room in between live on air segments on the radio.

[sniper16]

can only narrow it down to 4.
1. seeing elvis in 74 - greatest preformer ever.
2. kiss live 79- best live SHOW ever.
3. working for david lee roth 87-88
4. seeing the stones in st louis from one of the stage towers, looking down on the stage and out into the 60,000.

[conversationpc]

Mine? Meeting JSS at the 2006 Indianapolis show at the pre-show meet-n-greet. He was gracious enough to get my daughter and I two tix for the show, along with the backstage pass to meet the guys.

[epresley]

Me and Larry meeting Paul Stanley in Lubbock--

[piecesofeight]

I can't decide so I am going to just post what came to mind after reading the thread..no particular order..


The first time I heard Styx' The Grand Illusion. Helped me get through many tough times.


Seeing Stryper eight time in a row on the 2003 tour. Front row center everytime. Meeting the band numerous times and many one on one talks and letting Michael know how his music put me back on the right track. It did what it was supposed to do.


Talking with DDY one on one in private and letting him know in person how his Styx music helped me.


First time I heard Stryper's To Hell With The Devil..changed my life. Put me back on the right track.


With meeting DDY and Michael Sweet..it wasn't that I was meeting and talking to 'famous' people..I was just letting these 'people' know that something they created helped me.
What made the diff..was the one on one private time because I really got to say what I had always wanted too without the interuptions one might get from others being around such as with a meet and greet.

[FishinMagician]

either making it to FBA states, or meeting BB king

[Moon Beam]

My bride and joy thought she would be bored to death.

I like how you stated that Sir, very nice.


I think my most magical music moments were at the MelodicRock Fest and finally
getting to see Steve Perry during the FTLOSM tour.

[Art Vandelay]

My bride and joy thought she would be bored to death.

I like how you stated that Sir, very nice.


I think my most magical music moments were at the MelodicRock Fest and finally
getting to see Steve Perry during the FTLOSM tour.

Seeing Perry at the Tower Theater on the FTLOSM tour was also a big highlight for me.

Listening to the boots of those FTLOSM shows now...sure, it's easy to compare his more mature voice to the soaring Infinity-era vocals. But my memory from that night was nothing less than my favorite singer of all time standing yards only in front of me, doing his thing. And he sounded absolutely perfect doing it.

[ProgRocker53]

I was in the front row of a Porcupine Tree concert.. it was the best concert of my life so far, bar none. Simply phenomenal.

This woman behind us took off her bra and chucked it on stage during the encore. The drummer picked it up, put it on, modelled it, strutted about, and then slung it back out in the crowd. I caught it and kept it... I thought it couldn't get any better....


....Oh, it got better. My friends and I bumped into the band's tour bus while looking for where we parked! They got to sign my PorcuBra, and we hung out with them on the tour bus for like an hour before they had to leave. Absolutely AMAZING experience!!

[DrFU]

PorcuBra

[SteveForever]

Seeing Perry and Schon in 1982 live several times and meeting Bryan Adams on that
same tour backstage.

[Sarah]

I don't really count it as meeting SP but when I shook his hand at the WOF, I nearly fainted. Best ever.

[TRAGChick]

I have 3:

1. Going to the infamous Journey "Frontiers" tour in May, 1983.

2. Looking Steve Perry in the eye for more than 2 seconds at the FTLOSM Concert Feb. 95.

3. Hearing that Steve is working on new Demos....

...made all the more special for me, because I heard about this a few weeks before Lora's post, and I was SWORN TO SECRECY....
...thank GOD it was the truth....I was DYIN' over here!!!!

[FishinMagician]

i might go see rush tommorow. i hope that will be a great experience

[Babyblue]

Meeting Pat Benatar in a storm shelter in Spirit Lake, IA during a tornada warning. Under duress in a strange place with her family in this little shelter with about a dozen fans, she was so sweet and gracious. Neil brought in a case of Corona and shared with everyone. After the all clear, I went up and talked to her, got her autograph and had my picture taken with her, even though I had made it to the shelter before it started to rain and she hadn't. Saw her the next night at Ribfest in Minneapolis and she recounted the story. I was in the front row and she looked down and me, started laughing and waved.

I had a smile on my face for a week.


I met her again a year later, she remembered that night and signed the picture from that night with, "Tornado's Rule, Love Pat Benatar.


I can't find the pic from that night, but here is the one from a year later:

That was a sweet story Angie Still love Pat Benatar. You both are beautiful ladies.