JERRY HENDRICKS
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Top Ten Concerts |
1. |
Mothers of Invention Electric Factory, Philadelphia, PA - March 23, 1968 |
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The original Electric Factory was in an old warehouse on Arch Street. Small, no frills, but hosted the best bands of the day. There were three benches between the stage and light show platform, and we got seats in the second row for this show. Remains one of my top concert memory of all time. Already a big Zappa fan, we were blown away by both the comedy routines and the musicanship. Highlights included the hysterical doo-wop Valerie and an improvisational King Kong with Frank conducting various sound effects and riffs. |
2. |
Bruce Springsteen Stone Balloon, Newark, DE - August 13, 1974 |
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Now a locally legendary show. We were also there a week earlier when he was first supposed to perform but had to cancel. Mother, Flag and Country opened, and then we waited for two hours for Bruce to take the stage. No one was disappointed. He played full tilt past the 2 a.m. closing time. I particularly remember Spirit in The Night, Rosalita and Sandy which was getting a lot of airplay on WMMR at that time. John Bonner had a great seat on the stage next to piano player David Sancious. |
3. |
Big Brother and the Holding Company Electric Factory, Philadelphia, PA -November 2, 1968 |
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We didn't get seats this time, but we were only about three people back. This has to be my most sensual concert experience. Although Janis was no beauty, the combination of her sexual tension and the uknown girl spooned against me, made for a very erotic night. |
4. |
Call For Reunion Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C. - January 17, 1993 |
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Clinton/Gore Inaugural concert with Booker T. & The MG's, Etta James, Grover Washington, Jr., Kenny G, David Sanborn, Aretha Franklin, Tony Bennet, Bob Dylan, Diana Ross, Ray Charles and more. Followed by spectacular fireworks. |
5. |
We Are One Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C. - January 18, 2009 |
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An inspiring and moving concert, tempered by a somewhat somewhat somber message in celebration of the Obama Inauguration. Highlights were Bruce Springsteen singing "The Rising" backed by a huge gospel choir, and seeing Pete Seeger, a few months shy of his 90th birthday running off the stage after performing "This Land Is Your Land". Other performers included Garth Brooks, Sheryl Crow, John Mellencamp, James Taylor, U2 and Stevie Wonder. |
6. |
Eric Bogel Green Willow Folk Club, Wilmington, DE - September 9, 1985 |
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Usually the audience is a big factor in the success of a show, but for this one, I felt that I was an audience of one, and that he was singing only to me. My favorite Green Willow Folk Club concert. It was broadcast on WXRD and I regret not recording it for posterity. |
7. |
The Rolling Stones Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia, PA - October 12, 1997 |
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Bridges to Babylon tour. Blues Traveler opened, nose bleed seats, but with giant screens, didn't matter. Opened with Satisfaction and fireworks and did a nice strippped down set in the middle on a small stage in the center of the floor. Great computer graphics throughout show. Fantastic show. | 8. |
Brian Wilson Mann Music Center, Philadelphia, PA - July, 14 2000 |
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Completing my first concert experience of seeing a Brian Wilsonless Beach Boys in 1965. Obvious signs of his unstableness, and although he can no longer hit the high registers, he nailed a full reproduction of the entire Pet Sounds album. Wondermints provided the required tight harmonies. First experience of a crowd cheering every attempt at a high note, even though he rarely hit one. |
9. |
Joan Baez Grand Opera House, Wilmington, DE - October 16, 2000 |
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Unfortunately she had a terrible cold, yet it was the most enjoyable concert in quite some time. Possibly to protect her voice, she told a number of warm stories including ones about her mother who was sitting next to Barbara! |
10. |
Paul McCartney Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia, PA - April 16, 2002 |
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Finally. Back In The USA Tour with a Beatle heavy set, pyrotechnics, and all the stage gimmicks unheard of in the days of the original songs. |