So I just finished reading this book (a birthday gift from my neighbor/BFF - thanks, Myra!) which led me, unsurprisingly, to think about what would be the best show I ever saw.
Ultimately, I don't know that there would - or COULD - be just one. In my life of fandom, I've been able to see some great ones: Television and Big Star's respective reunion shows, The Ramones, James Brown (who was still kicking ass in 1990 when I saw him), The Vulgar Boatmen in a life-affirming show at Chicago's Elbo Room, Souled American in an empty Phyllis' Musical Lounge (also in Chicago) just because I happened to be walking by when they were playing, Blue Öyster Cult in an arena parking lot (with 3/5's of the original members!), fIREHOSE, The Mekons and, of course, The Replacements.
But after thinking about it long and hard, I decided that there wasn't just one show - it was any of the times I saw The Mofos in Minneapolis (including the time that my old band gloriously got to open for them.
Now the The Mighty Mofos get a front-page tribute from a local rag, written by no less a scene luminary than the ex-leader of The Funseekers.
Dude, the Mofo's/Hypsterz still play in Mpls. You need to see them again, no excuses.
You can't beat those Batson brothers and they still rock as good as ever! Not easily done, anywhere, by anyone, period. I remember them coming to one of our early shows at Vali Pizza/Pub in dinkytown, back when we were lugging a PA around. It blew my mind to see my local idols sitting in the crowd watching us! I think we actually pulled off a decent version of Television's Venus that night.
I too saw those same Television, Big Star shows and they were amazing. for my own list, I would add the first Buzzcocks reunion, Cheap Trick (doing first 3 lps), the Dickies, and the Dictators as my top shows ever. All of which played at First Avenue - imagine that?
I think I've read your Mofo's article before - all good except the old girl friend references still freak me out plenty. Ever heard that Romulan's tune "She's Tara!"? Suddenly, that name has been coming up a bit too often lately. BTW, I'm still looking for that "Where is Dave?" tune - speak of the devil.
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