Seeing Them Live

Dawn Fontaine shares her journey of finding healing and happiness through live music. She recounts attending her first concert at 16, seeing The Offspring, which left a lasting impact on her. Dawn explains how she started attending live shows every weekend, meeting new people, and maintaining a spreadsheet to track the bands and venues she visited. She also recounts meeting legendary musician Stephen Van Zandt at a concert and her collection of drumsticks from the bands she’s seen.However, it was Soraia's performance in 2022 that truly changed Dawn's life. Following a dark period after the loss of her partner, Dawn reluctantly attended the concert, only to find solace and renewal in the music. Soraia's electrifying performance provided a sense of healing and hope, inspiring Dawn to reconnect with her passion for live music and embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Her story emphasizes the therapeutic and life-changing power of live music.PLEASE NOTE: This episode includes a frank discussion about depression and suicide. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or chat 988lifeline.org.BANDS MENTIONED:Billy Idol, Bon Jovi, Cry Havoc, Dave Strong (referenced as a punk rocker from Portland, Maine), Green Day, Guns N' Roses, Hall and Oates, Jared Knapik, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Killer Queen (a Queen cover band), Kiss, Kurt Baker Band, Mitch Kramer, Nirvana, Peasant, Quiet Riot, Ryan Hamilton, Sheryl Crow, Soraia, Stephen Van Zandt, The Kurt Baker Band, The Last Survivors, The Offspring, The Pretenders, The Resistors, The Rolling Stones, The Sex Pistols, The Who, The WorstVENUES MENTIONED:Berlin Under A - A venue in New York City, where Soraia performed in November, attended by the speaker, where she also met Stephen Van Zandt.Cafe Nine - Located in New Haven, Connecticut, where Craig Sala's band, The Worst, performed along with a band called The Resistors and another called Mitch Kramer.Darryl's House - located in Pauling, New York, where Soraia performed in 2022.Dingbats - A small bar/venue in Clifton, New Jersey, where Soraia performed one of their shows.Liars Club - A venue in Chicago, Illinois.Mohegan Sun Arena - where Dawn saw Joan Jett open for The Who in Uncasville, Connecticut, in 2015.Orpheum Theater - where Dawn saw Billy Idol in Boston in 2015.Palace Theater - where Dawn saw Soraia perform in Albany, New York, after the pandemic in 2022.The Paramount Theater - Located on Long Island, New York, where Soraia performed, opening for a Queen cover band called Killer Queen.Worcester Auditorium - Dawn's first concert, where she saw The Offspring in 1995.Worcester Centrum Center (now called the DCU Center) - where Dawn saw Kiss in 1996. PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLivePlease help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.WEBSITE - BECOME A GUEST:https://seeingthemlive.com/Visit the Seeing Them Live website and click on the link to fill out a form so we can consider you as a guest on the show.INSTAGRAM:https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550090670708

For the last episode of season one, Charles interviews Pauline, an educational leader, and professional learning designer. The narrative unfolds as Pauline recounts her 12-year-old-self attending a Dave Matthews Band concert in 1994, courtesy of tickets acquired through a connection to the tour manager. The excitement of the concert is heightened when, unexpectedly, they discover backstage passes in the envelope with their tickets. Pauline vividly describes the surreal experience of meeting Dave Matthews backstage, emphasizing his kindness and the impact it had on her as a young fan.The conversation then shifts to Pauline's journey through her music preferences, from the rock scene of middle school to the boy band era in high school, featuring her appreciation for BBMak. The podcast highlights Pauline's recent experience attending a BBMak concert in 2023, where she joyfully embraced the nostalgia of cheesy boy band music surrounded by fans of the same era. The show turns toward Pauline's role as a concert mom when she talks about taking her family to see Ed Sheeran. The discussion touches on concert logistics, including the importance of selecting suitable seating for younger attendees and the significance of acquiring concert shirts as mementos. Pauline shares her son's enthusiasm for Ed Sheeran, recounting the family's exciting experience at the concert, breaking attendance records and creating lasting memories. Charles concludes the episode by discussing future concert plans and how the podcast has reignited his and Pauline's passion for live music. The episode leaves listeners with a sense of the diverse and enriching experiences that concerts offer, whether as a fan meeting a childhood idol or as a parent creating cherished memories with family.BANDS MENTIONED: Dave Matthews Band, Dave Matthews, BBMak, Ed Sheeran, Bush, Silverchair, Harry Styles, Led Zeppelin, Jimmy Page (referenced indirectly in the episode), Backstreet Boys (mentioned in the context of boy bands), *NSYNC (mentioned in the context of boy bands), New Kids on the Block (mentioned in the context of boy bands).VENUES MENTIONED: Amphitheater, Aragon Ballroom, Soldier Field, House of Blues. PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLivePlease help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.WEBSITE - BECOME A GUEST:https://seeingthemlive.com/Visit the Seeing Them Live website and click on the link to fill out a form so we can consider you as a guest on the show.INSTAGRAM:https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550090670708

In this episode of "Seeing Them Live," Charles welcomes guest Andy to share memorable concert stories. Andy discusses his extensive collection of concert ticket stubs, mentioning that he has about 350 concert stubs and over 125 stubs from other events. The conversation takes a nostalgic turn as they reminisce about concerts they attended together since seventh grade.Charles asks Andy about his first concert, and Andy's unique response involves distinguishing between tickets with stubs and those without. He reflects on his early concert experiences, particularly at Chicago Fest, where he saw acts like the Greg Kihn Band and the Joe Perry Project. The discussion delves into the significance of ticket stubs as memory triggers, providing insight into the concerts and events they attended.The conversation also touches on the value of concert tickets as collectibles. Andy shares that some of his Grateful Dead tickets from the 1980s are now worth more as collectibles than the original ticket prices. The mention of different venues and festivals like Chicago Fest sparks memories of specific shows and experiences, including encounters with iconic musicians like Muddy Waters.The conversation transitions to discussing the unique aspects of certain concerts, such as the legendary "wall of sound" designed by Owsley Bear Stanley for the Grateful Dead. Andy explains that, while he didn't witness the wall of sound, it was a significant part of the band's history. The discussion also covers social protocols at concerts, including designated areas for different groups of fans, such as the "deaf zone" for those going deaf and the presence of spinners (dancers).As the episode progresses, the hosts explore Andy's decision to swear off heavy metal concerts and share anecdotes from specific shows, both positive and challenging. The episode concludes with a brief mention of the Ticket Stub Museum, a concept introduced by the hosts, and the idea of incorporating personal stories or notations for each ticket in the museum. They express enthusiasm for the tangible and sentimental value of physical ticket stubs in contrast to digital ticketing.Bands Mentioned: Almond Brothers, Bob Dylan, Bob Weir, Grateful Dead, Greg Kihn Band, Iggy Pop, Jane's Addiction, Jason and the Scorchers, Jerry Garcia Band, Jethro Tull, Joe Perry Project, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Neil Young, Phil Lesh, Ramones, REM, Santana, Slayer, Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Moody Blues, Vulgar Boatmen.Venues Mentioned: Alpine Valley (mentioned in connection with Iron Maiden), Champaign (general reference), Chicago Fest, Chicago Theater, International Amphitheater (mentioned in connection with Iron Maiden and Judas Priest), Las Vegas (mentioned in connection with Bobby Weir), Mabel's (venue in Champaign, mentioned in connection with Otis and the Elevators), Salt Shed (King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard concert), Soldier Field (mentioned in connection with Chicago Fest with Stevie Ray Vaughan), UIC Pavilion. PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLivePlease help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.WEBSITE - BECOME A GUEST:https://seeingthemlive.com/Visit the Seeing Them Live website and click on the link to fill out a form so we can consider you as a guest on the show.INSTAGRAM:https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550090670708

Roger Mairlot, a retired car mechanic in his 70s, takes center stage in this episode of Seeing Them Live. Renowned for his passionate dedication to live music, Roger's story has attracted the attention of media giants like Vice News, The Guardian, and CBC Radio Canada. With an astonishing personal record of attending over 725 consecutive gigs and accomplishing the feat of attending six gigs in one night at different venues across London, Roger has become an icon in the city's live music scene. His distinctive ornate military jacket, adorned with badges, has earned him the affectionate name "The Gig Slut" from Debbie Smith of the band Blindness.Reflecting on his early music experiences, Roger shares memories of a Joan Baez concert in the 1960s, marking the beginning of his journey through London's rich music scene. The cultural and social aspects of live performances are explored, emphasizing the intimate connection between the audience and the artists. Roger's passion for live music goes beyond attendance; he meticulously documents gig timings and schedules in "The Book of Bands," showcasing his dedication to discovering new bands and genres.The conversation delves into Roger's connection to the Mod Culture, influenced by bands like The Who and The Kinks, and explores his experiences in London's music scene during the 1970s. Notable bands from that era, including Canned Heat and Queen, are mentioned, while Roger reflects on the changing music landscape in the '70s.Roger's transition to retirement in the early 2000s allowed for greater flexibility in attending gigs, leading to a revival of his interest in live music. Charles and Roger discuss the impact of Mod Culture, Roger's favorite band, The Kinks, and his experiences seeing iconic artists like Jimi Hendrix. Roger's signature look, the guard's jacket, is born out of his paper rounds, which he took on to finance his gigging passion during his early waking hours.The episode delves into Roger's mad gigging phase, discussing his gigging routine, how he justified spending money on gigs through his paper round earnings, and the development of detailed schedules for nightly gig adventures. The conversation also touches on Roger's extensive guard's jacket collection and the experiences he had wearing them.In 2014, Roger pushed the limits by attending six gigs in one night, facing challenges in managing multiple venues and early start times. The episode explores Roger's criteria for choosing gigs, post-pandemic changes in the gig scene, and the decline in fan attendance. Despite the challenges, Roger emphasizes the importance of enjoying a gig and shares his diverse taste in music, spanning genres from jazz to chamber rock.BANDS: Adam Ant, Blindness, Blue Crime, Canned Heat, Color TV, Cream, Fleetwood Mac, Jimmy Hendrix, Joan Baez, Ogunquit, The Breeders, The Kinks, The Libertines, The Palpitations, The WhoVENUES: 100 Club, Camden (general reference to the area), Pure Groove, Rough Trade, Royal Festival Hall, Sculpture of St. James, The Clarendon Hotel, The Dublin Castle, The George Robey, The Hammersmith Odeon, The Hope and Anchor, The Kings Head, The Kursal, The Lock Tavern, The Marquee Club, The Monarch, The Old Blue Last, The Purple Turtle, The Roundhouse.More information including photos and links available at https://www.SeeingThemLive.com. PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLivePlease help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.WEBSITE - BECOME A GUEST:https://seeingthemlive.com/Visit the Seeing Them Live website and click on the link to fill out a form so we can consider you as a guest on the show.INSTAGRAM:https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550090670708

Doug describes his experience at a Queen concert in Chicago where fans began pelting Freddie and the band with eggs. He talks about the time he convinced his reluctant wife to see a Smithereens concert outdoors, only to be drenched in a sudden downpour. He expresses his passion for collecting concert ticket stubs and discusses the sentimental value they hold, providing glimpses into the past. Doug also describes his most prized possession, a Heart concert T-shirt that he got when he saw the band at the Auditorium Theater in 1976. He discusses the intimate setting and acoustics of the venue, highlighting the unique experience of watching a band in a space designed for music.Throughout the interview, Doug provides insights into the perspective of a live music fan who is also a musician, explaining how he pays attention to instrument details, gear, and performance nuances. He also provides an amusing glimpse into the pressure musicians feel when the tables are turned and fellow musicians are in the audience, and how sometimes, mistakes go unnoticed.To see bonus materials for this and other episodes, including transcripts, photos, articles, and other show artifacts, visit https://www.seeingthemlive.net or https://www.seeingthemlive.com. While you are there, check out our blog articles, links to historical resources for live music events, and out ticket stub museum where you can see images of fan ticket stubs. If you believe you have an exciting concert story to tell, go to our website and click on the "Become a Guest" link and fill out the form. As we like to say, "Everyone has a concert story. Let's hear yours". If you have not already, please subscribe to this podcast. Thank you for hearing our stories. PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLivePlease help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.WEBSITE - BECOME A GUEST:https://seeingthemlive.com/Visit the Seeing Them Live website and click on the link to fill out a form so we can consider you as a guest on the show.INSTAGRAM:https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550090670708

Summer recalls the first time she saw Alanis Morrissette; it was September 1, 1996 and Taylor Hawkins was on the drums. She would see Taylor Hawkins one last time with the Foo Fighters at Chicago's Wrigley Field, but this time as a Concert Mom. She also describes a close encounter with Tyler Joseph and the unusual way in which Till Lindeman and Rammstein got attention on stage.BANDS MENTIONED: 21 Pilots, Alanis Morrissette, Alice in Chains, David Grohl, Foo Fighters, Gwen Stefani, Local H, Metallica, Nirvana, No Doubt, Pantheon, Rammstein, Stone Temple Pilots, Taylor Hawkins.VENUES MENTIONED: Aragon Ballroom (Chicago), Shoreline Amphitheater (Mountain View, CA), New World Music Theater (Tinley Park, IL), Wrigley Field (Chicago). PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLivePlease help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.WEBSITE - BECOME A GUEST:https://seeingthemlive.com/Visit the Seeing Them Live website and click on the link to fill out a form so we can consider you as a guest on the show.INSTAGRAM:https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550090670708

Art talks about his experience at the infamous April 9, 1977, Led Zeppelin show, when the concert had to be stopped and cancelled due to Jimmy Page collapsing on stage. He also tells us how a mere five dollars got him into Chicago's Riviera Theatre to see Rush. That night Rush played their new album, 2112, in its entirety.See and hear more at https://www.SeeingThemLive.com or https://www.SeeingThemLive.netBANDS MENTIONED: 38 Special, ACDC, Alice Cooper, Bruce, and Lang, Cinderella, Climax Blues Band, Dockin, Emerson Lake and Palmer, Foghat, Foreigner, George Lynch, Jack Bruce, Kiss, Jay Giles, LA Guns, Led Zepplin, Leonard Skinner, Mahogany Rush, Michael Schenker, Mott the Hoople, Mr. Big, REO Speedwagon, Rick Derringer, Rush, West, Scorpions, Ted Nugent, UFO.VENUES MENTIONED: Aragon Ballroom (Chicago), Chicago Amphitheater, Chicago Stadium, Comisky Park (Chicago), Desplains Theater, Riviera Theater (Chicago), World Music Theater (Chicago). PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLivePlease help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.WEBSITE - BECOME A GUEST:https://seeingthemlive.com/Visit the Seeing Them Live website and click on the link to fill out a form so we can consider you as a guest on the show.INSTAGRAM:https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550090670708

Heidi takes us back to her first concert experience in 1976 with the Eagles, just months before the release of their iconic album "Hotel California." Little did she know this concert would mark the beginning of her unique role as what we call the "Concert Mom." Heidi opens up about her journey as a concert mom, sharing stories of the one-of-a-kind live music experiences she had with her sons including what happens when a food fight broke out at a Loop FM concert event. From attending various concerts together to creating lasting memories, Heidi describes fascinating tales of music and the special bond that live performances can create between loved ones. PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLivePlease help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.WEBSITE - BECOME A GUEST:https://seeingthemlive.com/Visit the Seeing Them Live website and click on the link to fill out a form so we can consider you as a guest on the show.INSTAGRAM:https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550090670708

Todd tells us about his first concert, the Beach Boys in 1965, and how Dennis Wilson signed a cigarette for his sister. We also talk about seeing Led Zeppelin in 1977 in Cincinatti.Bands Mentioned: Beach Boys, Herman's Hermits, The Who, Led Zeppelin, Bob Marley, Lisa Marie Presley, Tom Petty, Ashley Lewis, Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, Willie Nelson, Neil Young, Eddie Murphy.Venues Mentioned: Uptown Theatre, Riverfront Stadium, Washington Park Race Track, Arcada. PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLivePlease help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.WEBSITE - BECOME A GUEST:https://seeingthemlive.com/Visit the Seeing Them Live website and click on the link to fill out a form so we can consider you as a guest on the show.INSTAGRAM:https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550090670708

Valerie takes us back to the mid-1980s starting with back-to-back concerts as well as her experience at The Lumineers concert just weeks before the Covid shutdown.Bands Mentioned: Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones, Steppenwolf, Black Crows, Jimmy Page, Doobie Brothers.Venues Mentioned: Poplar Creek (Hoffman Estates, IL), Aragon Ballroom (Chicago, IL), Rosemont Horizon (Rosemont, IL), Alpine Valley (East Troy, WI). PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLivePlease help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.WEBSITE - BECOME A GUEST:https://seeingthemlive.com/Visit the Seeing Them Live website and click on the link to fill out a form so we can consider you as a guest on the show.INSTAGRAM:https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550090670708

Tom describes some wild experiences from his concert going youth including the time he swam up to a stage and sang with John Kay of Steppenwolf while dripping wet, sliding down the hills of Tinley Park's World Theater during a rainstorm, and getting put in the World Theater's "jail" at two different concerts. During the interview, you'll find out why Tom always tried to buy one extra ticket for any concert he attended. Video of the second half of our interview is available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dougflorzak7283/podcasts?sub_confirmation=1Bands Mentioned: Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones, Steppenwolf, Black Crows, Jimmy Page, Doobie BrothersVenues Mentioned: The World Theater (Tinely Park, IL), Eyes to the Skys Stage (Lisle, Il), Soldier Field (Chicago, Il), Taste of Chicago PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLivePlease help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.WEBSITE - BECOME A GUEST:https://seeingthemlive.com/Visit the Seeing Them Live website and click on the link to fill out a form so we can consider you as a guest on the show.INSTAGRAM:https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550090670708

I’ve always enjoyed talking with friends about the concerts we went to and remembering some of the crazy stories we brought back with us. Seeing Them Live is a podcast featuring live music fans retelling their favorite concert stories. When I was 11, I went to my first concert with my mom to see the Eagles. From that point forward and into the next four decades, I’d seen lots of bands, and every now and then something beyond the typical concert experience would happen. Like with Mike Mills of REM asked if I would trade shirts with him after one of their concerts. Or when my friend’s date decided she would rather hang out with Monster Magnet after the show than with us.Sometimes you get lucky, and you’re handed an Iron Maiden backstage Pass just for the hell of it. And other times you’re sitting at the bar with Rob Thomas, just months before matchbox 20 blows up. I love retelling these stories and sharing them with kindred spirits. Our musical tastes may differ, but the magic of live music is something all of us can relate to. Everyone has a concert story and hopefully, one day we’ll hear yours.For more information, including how you can apply to be a guest on the show, visit www.seeingthemlive.com. PATREON:https://www.patreon.com/SeeingThemLivePlease help us defer the cost of producing this podcast by making a donation on Patreon.WEBSITE - BECOME A GUEST:https://seeingthemlive.com/Visit the Seeing Them Live website and click on the link to fill out a form so we can consider you as a guest on the show.INSTAGRAM:https://www.instagram.com/seeingthemlive/FACEBOOK:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550090670708