This topic has spiked debate. Some claiming it was this and not that. Some of the common unanswered questions are, was Bruce Springsteen better in 1975 or 1978? Which was catchier, Zoo TV or Joshua Tree? Believe it or not – to date, people still argue about these questions. Below are some of the famous concerts that went down in history.
- The Jimmy Hendrix experience a worldwide tour.
Jimmy Hendrix’s debut album, “Are you experienced” in 1967, made him a genius. He supported his album with numerous shows (200 shows). This earned him a good rapport with his supporters. In the United States, the famous party that attracted thousands was the Monterey Pop Festival. During this festival, Jimmy Hendrix set his guitar ablaze, leaving the multitude spellbound. He was accompanied by Pink Floyd and Cat Stevens throughout the year of 1967.
- James Brown at Boston Garden.
4th of April, the year 1968 was a sad day in America. Martin Luther King Junior was assassinated. His assassination sparked mixed reaction in America. In fact, there were riots all over the cities of America including, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Baltimore, Kansas City, Missouri and other cities. City leaders IN Boston expected that there would be more violence following the assassination of Martin Luther King Junior.
Amid tensions across America, James Brown, an African-American singer of the era didn’t hesitate to pull a surprise. James Brown, together with his band were booked to play at Boston Garden. Initially, the city had planned to cancel any public event but Thomas Atkins, a local city councilman convinced the mayor that calling off such an event could worsen things.
What frustrated James Brown most was that his show would be made public and televised. Of course, this would lower the number of tickets. He had no option but to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The show went on as planned and just like the other shows had always happened in other places. That night, James Brown and his band did, “I Got You” and “Cold Sweat” that brought the crowd to earth.
After James Brown performed in Boston, requests started to come that he appear in other cities including Washington, D.C., So that he could speak to rioters who were still rioting. In August, that same year, he released a monumental, “Say it loud – I’m a black and I’m proud”
- Johnny Cash at San Quentin Prison. (1969)
For anyone who knows San Quentin Prison, it is California’s oldest prison and the biggest death-row institution in the country. Johnny Cash had a special connection to the prisoners and on that day, they realized the gravity of that moment. In his suit, he was welcomed warmly that might have shaken any other performer. It was awesome.
It was not the first time Cash Johnny was performing to prisoners; he had done so. This was no different one. This particular show was aired on British TV. He did songs like, “Starkville City Jail”. The first line of this song, “San Quentin, you’ve been livin’ hell to me” shook the crowd as many cheered and shouted.