MyVillage: Our First Gig

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What was the first gig you went to? Chances are the band’s music no longer lingers on your stereo, unless you are one of those amazingly lucky cool types whose first gig reeks of credibility. Needless to say, I wish I were you…

Mandy Carter

Gig: New Kids On The Block, Wembley Arena, 1989

"I was thrilled when my sister-in-law got me tickets to see NKOTB as Jordan New Kid was going to be my future husband, not that I had shared this yet with anyone. He would see me in the audience and say ‘look – my future wife’ and we’d spend our days perfecting dance routines. I daydreamed happily on route to Wembley, having chosen my outfit with care (paisley shirt, stonewashed jeans, odd bandana thing).

When we got to the concert I was somewhat dismayed to realise we were sitting about a thousand rows back behind the Worlds Fattest Woman. The future wedding plans were dashed, even though sister-in-law did her best arguing with W.F.W and a steward, resulting in us getting a little further to the front (but still 500 rows back, or so it seemed).

To this day I cannot remember the songs, but do remember screaming quite satisfactory and honorary sister gallantly swaying to the music, pretending to enjoy it as much as I was, bless her."

Adam Cole

Gig: The Doors, The Roundhouse, 1969 

"They were my favourite band and I was monster fan since their first album Strange Days released in 1967. Of course, I had no idea that they would still be totally cool and being remixed for the dance floor 40 years later!

It was an awesome gig in a very "groovy" venue - we were a bunch of hippies digging an amazing, spaced out performance from the sexiest man on the planet Jim Morrison... He only ever performed on one other occasion in the UK, The Isle of Wight... and indeed, of course, there weren't too many performances by Jim anywhere in this plane of existence... A legend was born and it was great to have been there for conception!"

Laura Heaps

Gig: REM, Milton Keynes, 1995

"You may recall the brilliant REM ticket bluff by my mother. This was my first gig – Stipey and co, Radiohead, me and the mum (its ok, she’s cool enough to be allowed to go to these things – there was no breaking out the picnic basket and deckchairs), Milton Keynes – home of rock.

What I remember: eating a Sainsburys Breakfast Saute, lots of roundabouts, getting crushed by overenthusiastic fans, stepping in wee, putting my feet on the dashboard of the Audi (after cleaning off the wee) but being careful not to make footprints in case Dad saw. What I can’t remember: The music. What I learnt: Don’t wear flip flops to gigs."

Sian Pickles

Gig: Bjork @ Glastonbury '94

As my first fully fledged 'adult' gig experience (discounting ex-boyfriends and their wanna be rock star mates performing in pubs) I decided to go the whole hog and take on the mother of all music events - Glastonbury. This was the first year it was televised and along with small screen coverage, there were all sorts of shenanigans i.e. someone was shot, my friend was robbed at knifepoint and my DM's were stolen. In those pre-mobile days i can assure that the parents were going spare back in Essex.

Music wise, Bjork was on my 'must see' list and my distant memories of the summer of love include pushing past thousands of fans to the front of the crowd and watching this strange but divine woman belt out 'big time sensuality' - sheer bliss..."

Priya Ramkissoon

Gig: Jodeci - 1994

"I remember being left high and dry in my teens when confronted by the six-pack crew a.k.a.  Jodeci.  In the world of R&B, the band Jodeci still rolls off critic’s tongues as the maestro of their time and one of their London gigs that you had to be there.

But from jumping with glee to wanting to flee, I think back to my bitter-sweet attire. XXL-sized jumper thrown over tartan leggings whilst vaingloriously adorning hoola –hoop earrings, and may I add the size that Flipper (the dolphin) would have a field day with. Damn the flavourless 90’s.

Nevertheless, being  my first gig I wasn’t too sure what to expect, but like any other lusting teenager, you can’t help to think  that you may be the ONE away from the blood-sucking vultures that will be sung to on stage , or your ticket miraculously gets chosen to go backstage. No, no, no the reality was I looked like a gremlin, greased up by sweat and (others)  perspiration, lost one of my ‘trendy’ earrings and  was hoisted back by fans who fled to the stage leaving mini me behind to tip –toe for a glimpse. But sod it – in the words of the music critics-I WAS THERE!"

Chris Lord

Gig: Marilyn Manson - 1999

"Fourteen, slightly miserable adolescent, greeted with first experience of live music by gender bending, pale as hell, vaguely gothic, reaper man of music. Top fun though, think I got really pissed and felt well ‘ard."

Tom Knight

Gig: Three Colours Red, The Anson Rooms, Bristol University…1998

"Ah, yes, a very important event in my life. Three Colours Red at the Anson Rooms, Bristol University. I remember most clearly the two fat guys who stood in front of us playing the air drums and guitars and Lizzie from school calling us “twats”. Every time I see the Camden episode of Spaced I’m reminded of that gig - a poster for the support band, Cay, can be seen during the sequence where Tim tells Daisy he wanted to be Monkey when he was younger."

Natalie Edwards

Gig: 911, Wembley Arena, 1997

"My response to this is quite an embarrassing one but the key point to remember in this confession was my age! When I was eleven I saw the boyband trio 911 (ask anyone under 20....!) at Wembley Arena. The thing I remember most is just a real good fun night of entertainment to be totally honest!"
 
Rachael Dallimore

Gig: Bon Jovi, London, 199…?

"Bon Jovi with my dad.  The main thing I remember about it was sitting on my dad's shoulders singing along, with him jumping up and down!  I have NO idea what songs they played, what they did on stage or anything!"

Paul Waters

Gig: Reef, Manchester, 199…?

"My first ever gig was hosted by those lank-haired surf-rockers, Reef. It was very nearly the Screaming Trees by a space of about a week to my eternal dismay, as they (along with Mark Lanegan) remain one of my all time favorite bands. This twist of fate was brought about for the sake of a hot date with a college girl I knew at the time. In retrospect the trade-off between eternal musical kudos and a spot of teenage fumbling was well worth it..."

Steve Simpson

Gig: Ultravox, The Brighton Centre, 1982

"I think the gig was part of the The Monument tour but my memory is a little shaky. I kept the ticket for several years after but it’s long gone now. I do remember the extensive sartorial preparation for the night. Ultravox had a distinctive image, all part of the New Romantic movement of the time, so clothes were a big deal.  I could never attempt the Midge Ure sideburns but I had a pair of stay press trousers and a white granddad shirt…the very height of fashion. I have disobedient hair so my attempts at quaffing were pretty unsuccessful. Copious amounts of hair spray were required to keep it in place for the night.

My only memory of the gig itself is that it was very loud. My friend and I danced around a fair bit but I don’t remember that much about it. What worried me was a loss of hearing afterwards. My friend tried talking to me on the way home but I could only hear whistling which lasted for several hours after…all part of the experience I guess."

Roifield Brown

Gig: Showaddywaddy

The boss has been so mortified by letting slip the first gig he went to was Showaddywaddy that he has omitted to give any other details about his inaugural music experience. Suffice to say ‘Under The Moon Of Love’ has never made it yet onto the office stereo.

Mandy Carter, MyVillage, 03rd April