Van Morrison - 2015-08-31 - Belfast, Ireland (early) (FM)

Van Morrison
2015-08-31
Early Show
Cypress Avenue
Belfast, Ireland
BBC Radio Ulster broadcast
320 kbps
Artwork Included

01. Celtic Swing
02. Close Enough for Jazz
03. Moondance
04. So What
05. Whatever Happened to PJ Proby (featuring PJ Proby)
06. Born to Sing (feat Chris Farlowe)
07. Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child
08. Mystic of the East
09. Brown Eyed Girl
10. Days Like This
11. Baby Please Don’t Go
12. Parchman Farm
13. Don’t Start Crying Now
14. Sometimes We Cry
15. Whenever God Shines His Light
16. Enlightenment
17. The Things I Used to Do
18. And The Healing Has Begun
19. Ballerina
20. In The Garden

Van Morrison - 2015-08-31 - Belfast, Ireland (early) (FM)

I've seen Van Morrison 7 times, across 3 decades - the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s - and each time has been unique. Van changes up the set list from tour to tour, and you never know what mood he'll be in for a concert. For example, his September 1990 show at the Garden State Art's Center was a contemplative, introspective performance. In contrast, his April 1992 concert at the Paramount in New York was an upbeat religious celebration. Then again, his 1989 show at The Beacon Theatre was a bluesy affair, with a guest appearance by John Lee Hooker.  With Van, you never quite know what you'll be seeing or hearing, which is part of the fun.  In any event, my wife and I are hoping that one day will get to see him play Some One Like You, as that's our wedding song.

This FM broadcast captures Van the Man on his home turf in Belfast on August 31, 2015, just 1 year ago today.

Blues Traveler - 1995-08-30 - Dallas, TX (SBD)

Blues Traveler
1995-08-20
H.O.R.D.E. Festival
Starplex Music Theatre
Dallas, TX
Soundboard Recording
320 kbps
Artwork Included

01. Love & Greed               
02. Optimistic Thought >        
03. But Anyway                 
04. Run-Around                   
05. Thundercloud Indian Chant > 
06. Whoops >                
07. Alone >                   
08. Sweet Talking Hippie

Blues Traveler - 1995-08-30 - Dallas, TX (SBD)

The only time I aw Blues Traveler was in November 1991, 3 years before they hit it big with the single Run-Around, at Madison Square Garden as the lead-in band for Jerry Garcia!

This soundboard recording captures Blues Traveler in Dallas on August 30, 1995, 21 years ago today.

Bruce Hornsby - 1995-08-29 - North Tonawanda, NY (SBD)

Bruce Hornsby
1995-08-29
Melody Fair
North Tonawanda, NY
Soundboard Recording
320 kbps
Artwork Included

1st Set:
01. The Way It Is
02. White Wheeled Limousine
03. Long Tall Cool One
04. Spider Fingers
05. Show Goes On
06. Terrapin jam >
07. I Know You Rider
08. Talk Of The Town >
09. Valley Road

3nd Set;
01. piano intro
02. Harbor Lights
03. Wharf Rat
04. Country Doctor
05. Fields Of Grey
06. Walk In The Sun
07. Rainbow's Cadillac >
08. Iko Iko
09. Western Skyline >
10. When I Paint My Masterpiece
11. Mystery Train
12. Look Out Any Window
13. Mandolin Rain>
14. That Would Be Something>Brokedown Palace reprise
15. Across The River
16. Cruise Control

Bruce Hornsby - 1995-08-29 - North Tonawanda, NY (SBD)

The first time I saw Bruce Hornsby was May 1987 in Laguna Seca, CA, backed by The Range and leading in for the Grateful Dead. The next time I saw him live was in September 1990 as a member of the Dead, taking over the keyboards, along with Vince Welnick, for Brent Mydland, who had died of an overdose.  I'd see Hornsby with the Dead several more times in 1990 and 1991. Between 1993 and 2004, I'd see Hornsby solo and with the Noisemakers on 4 occasions, and have tickets to see him again in September in Morristown.

This soundboard recording captures Bruce just a few weeks after Jerry Garcia's death on August 29, 1995, 21 years ago today.  It's an emotional show, with plenty of tributes to Hornsby's fallen brother in music.

Grateful Dead - 1981-08-28 - Long Beach, CA (SBD)

Grateful Dead

1981-08-28

Long Beach Arena

Long Beach, CA

Soundboard Recording

320 kbps

Artwork Included

1st Set:

01. Jack Straw

02. They Love Each Other

03. Me And My Uncle >

04. Big River

05. Althea ->

06. Little Red Rooster

07. Brown Eyed Women >

08. Let It Grow >

09. China Cat Sunflower >

10. I Know You Rider

2nd Set

01. Shakedown Street >

02. Lost Sailor >

03. Saint Of Circumstance >

04. The Wheel >

05. Never Trust A Woman >

06. Drums >

07. Space >

08. Spanish Jam >

09. Truckin' >

10. Wharf Rat >

11. Sugar Magnolia

Encore:

01. U.S. Blues

Grateful Dead - 1981-08-28 - Long Beach, CA (SBD)

My long strange trip with Grateful Dead began on  September 3, 1977.  That day, me and my buddies along with 150,000 others, made the pilgrimage to Englishtown NJ, to see the Grateful Dead play the largest concert in the state's history. The day was hot - over 100 degrees - and the band was even hotter. Another performance that added to the legend of 1977. I would see 49 more after that, at least 1 show every year except 1982, 1984, 1986 and 1992, with the last show being June 18, 1995, just 2 month's before we lost Jerry Garcia. My long strange trip with the Dead was short compared to folks who saw hundreds of concerts, but it was memorable, as over a dozen shows that I attended were good enough to be officially released. It's been 21 years since we lost Jerry, and I still miss the magic. 

I saw the Grateful Dead on March 10, 1981 at Madison Square Garden, which made my list of the top 10 Dead shows I've attended. The band was in a great mood that night, and surprised us all wih a Trucking into Sugar Magnolia segue to end the 2nd set, and a rare 2 song encore of Satisfaction and Brokedown Palace, That show made the list of best Dead concerts for 1981. Unfortunately, I didn't see the band again for over 2 years, until April 1983, as getting my MBA limited the time I had for fun and games. As a result, I missed the Spring & Summer 1981 tours, not to mention alll of 1982,  which produced some really fine moments from the band.  So, to make up for what I missed, today we bring you a soundbaord recording from another top 10 show from 1981, the Dead's performance in Long Beach on August 28, 1981, 35 years ago today,  By the way, you can read a terrific review of this how here.

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young - 2006-08-27 - New York, NY (HQ Aud)

Crosby Stills Nash & Young
2006-08-27
The Theatre At Madison Square Garden,
New York, NY
HQ Audience Recording
320 kbps
Artwork Included

CD 1:
01. Flags Of Freedom
02. Carry On
03. Wooden Ships
04. Long Time Gone
05. Military Madness
06. After The Garden
07. Living With War
08. The Restless Consumer
09. Shock And Awe
10. Wounded World
11. Almost Cut My Hair
12. Immigration Man
13. Families
14. Deja Vu

CD 2:
01. Helplessly Hoping
02. Our House
03. Only Love Can Break Your Heart
04. Guenevere
05. Milky Way Tonight
06. Treetop Flyer
07. Roger And Out
08. Southbound Train
09. Old Man Trouble
10. Carry Me
11. Teach Your Children
12. Southern Cross
13. Find The Cost Of Freedom

CD 3
01. Star Spungled Spanner
02. Let's Impeach The President
03. For What It's Worth
04. Chicago
05. Ohio
06. What Are Their Names
07. Rockin' In The Free World.

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young - 2006-08-27 - New York, NY (HQ Aud)

While I've seen CSN on 6 occasions, the only time I've seen the 3 along with sometime partner Neil Young was in April 2000 during the quartet;s first tour in 25 years.  It was worth the wait!

This high quality audience recording captures CSNY during their Freedom Of Speech Tour which protested the policies of President Bush, at Madison Square Garden on August 27. 2006, a decade ago this very day.

September's Theme At So Many Roads

On September 17, 2016, Farm Aid 31 well be held in Bristow, VA, with Neil Young, Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews and a host of  others doing their part to support America's family farmers. Since I somehow missed the 30th anniversary last year, we;ll make up for it now by making our theme for September: Farm Aid.

Every show we post in September will either be from one of the previous 30 Farm Aid concerts, or feature an artist who at one point performed at Farm Aid.  Hopefully, all that music wil get you in the mood to support this worthy cause by donating here.

Enjoy the tunz! 

The Bangles - 1986-08-25 - Toronto, Canada (Ex Aud)

The Bangles

1986-08-25

Kingswood Music Center

Toronto Canada

Excellent Audience Recording

320 kbps

Artwork Included

01. Let it Go

02. Restless

03. Walking Down Your Street

04. James

05. Going Down to Liverpool

06. He's Got a Secret

07. September Gurls

08. If She Knew What She Wants

09. Return Post

10. Live

11. Different Light

12. Want You

13. Angels Don't Fall In Love

14. Hero Takes A Fall

15. Manic Monday

16. encore break

17. Walk Like An Egyptian

The Bangles - 1986-08-25 - Toronto, Canada (Ex Aud)

I only saw The Bangles live once, on Pier 84 in New York on August 4, 1986, right at the height of commercial success. Their album, Different Light. reached #2 on the Billboard Charts, and spawned 4 top 40 singles, including Manic Monday, which went to #2 in April, and Walk Like An Egyptian, which climbed to the top of the charts for 4 weeks in December. 

This excellent audience recording captures The Bangles during that same summer tour, in Toronto on August 25, 1986, 3 decades ago today

Linda Ronstadt - 1980-08-24 - Los Angeles, CA (SBD)

Linda Ronstadt

1980-08-24

Mad Love Tour

Los Angeles CA

Soundboard Recording

192 kbps

Artwork Included

01. Can't Let Go

02. Party Girl

03. It's So Easy

04. Willin'

05. I Can't Help It If I'm Sill in Love With You

06. Just One Look

07. Look Out For My Love

08. Mad Love

09. Cost of Love

10. Blue Bayou

11. Lies

12. Faithless Love

13. Hurts So Bad

14. Silver Threads and Golden Needles

15. Poor Poor Pitiful Me

16. You're No Good

17. How Do I Make You

18. Back in the USA

19. Heatwave

20. Desperado

Linda Ronstadt - 1980-08-24 - Los Angeles, CA (SBD)

The only time I saw Linda Ronstadt in concert was in November 1982 at Radio City Music Hall.  It was Ronstadt's first tour since 1980, as she had taken 2 years off from the rock world to star in The Pirates of Penzance on Broadway, for which she earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Leading Actress in a Musical!

This soundboard recording captures Miss Linda during that 1980 tour, in Los Angeles on August 24, 1980, 2 dozen years ago today. Earlier that year, she had released the album, Mad Love, which is filled with post-punk, new wave influences, including 3 tracks written by Elvis Costello, Party Girl, Talking In The Dark and Girls Talk (which Dave Edmunds also covered!). The album also contained her remake of Hurts So Bad, originally a hit by Little Antony and The Imperials. Mad Love showed Ronstadt's continued growth as a performer, as all those tunes had a different feel from her earlier work. The album entered the Billboard charts in the top 5 and eventually climbed to the #3  position.  The disc was her 6th consecutive album to both go multi-platinum and crack the Billboard top 5 (3 of which had gone to #1)! 

U2 - 1997-08-23 - London, UK (SBD)

U2

1997-08-23

Ppomart Tour

Wembley Stadium

London, UK

Soundboard Recording

320 kbps

Artwork Included

01. Mofo

02. I Will Follow

03. Gone

04. Even Better Than The Real Thing

05. Last Night On Earth

06. Until The End Of The World

07. New Year's Day

08. Pride (In The Name Of Love)

09. I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For

10. All I Want Is You

11. Staring At The Sun

12. Daydream Believer (Edge Karaoke)

13. Miami > My Mammy (snippet) > Cuba (snippet)

14. Bullet The Blue Sky > America (snippet)

15. Please

16. Where The Streets Have No Name > Playboy Mansion (snippet)

Encore:

17. Discothèque > Love To Love You Baby (snippet) > Barbara Ann (snippet) > Whole Lotta Love (snippet) > Discothèque

18. If You Wear That Velvet Dress

19. With Or Without You

20. Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me

21. Mysterious Ways

22. One

23. Unchained Melody

Bonus Tracks

1997-08-31

Mannheim, Germany

24. Last Night On Earth

25. Until The End Of The World

26. If You Wear That Velvet Dress

27. With Or Without You  

U2 - 1997-08-23 - London, UK (SBD) 

I've seen U2 twice - once in August 1992 during the ZooTV tour and then again in October 2001, after the tragedy on 9-11, when the band's emotional tribute to the victims provided a much needed catharsis for us all.

When U2 released their 9th studio album, Pop, in March 1997, it had been 4 years since their last disk, Zooropa. Clearly fans were anxiously awaiting he disc, as upon release it went to #1 in 35 different countries. The band would eventually release 6 singles from the disc, more than from any other album they had produced. Yet, despite that incredible early commercial success, Pop would eventually become one of the more disappointing moments in U2’s long, storied career. The album was a new direction for the band, combining influences from genres such as techno, dance, and electronica, and utilizing techniques such as sampling, loops, and programmed drum machines. Neither fans nor critics knew what to make of the band’s new sound. While Rolling Stone praised the disc, giving it a 4 star rating (out of 5), famed critic Robert Christgau called it “a dud”. To be honest, he didn’t write anything, he just used a picture of a bomb to indicate his displeasure! The band eventually agreed with that assessment, recording numerous songs from the album for re-release, and dropping most of the material from it during their later tours. In 1997, however, they were still in full support of the album, launching the massive Popmart tour that would feature 94 shows on 6 different continents. This soundboard recording captures the band during that tour in London on August 23,  1997, 19 years ago today. .

John Hiatt - 2015-08-22 - Mobile, AL (HQ Aud)

John Hiatt
& the Combo
2015-08-22
The Saenger
Mobile, AL
HQ Audience Recording
320 kbps
Artwork Included

01. Baby's Gonna Kick
02. Perfectly Good Guitar
03. Face Of God
04. Drive South
05. John talks...
06. The Open Road
07. Crossing Muddy Waters
08. Cry Love
09. Band intros...
10. Long Time Coming
11. Thing Called Love
12. John talks...
13. Have A Little Faith In Me
14. Memphis In The Meantime
15. Encore break...
16. Riding With The King

John Hiatt - 2015-08-22 - Mobile, AL (HQ Aud)

Unfortunately, I've only had the opportunity to see John Hiatt in concert once, as the lead-in for Robert Cary in August 1987 at Pier 84.  Hiatt was on tour at the time in support of his breakthrough album, Bring The Family.

This hig quality audience recording captures Hiatt just a year ago today, on August 22, 2015, in Mobile.

Allman Brothers Band - 1992-08-22 - Philadelphia, PA (SBD)

Allman Brothers Band

1992-08-22

Mann Music Center

Philadelphia,  PA

Soundboard Recording

320 kbps

Artwork Included

CD 1: 

01. introduction 

02. Don't Want You No More > 

03. It's Not My Cross To Bear 

04. Statesboro Blues 

05. Blue Sky 

06. Nobody Knows 

07. Don't Keep Me Wonderin' 

08. Black Hearted Woman 

09. Seven Turns (acoustic) 

10. Midnight Rider (acoustic) 

11. Southbound (acoustic) 

12. Melissa (acoustic) 

13. Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad 

  

CD 2: 

01. introduction 

02. Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad (acoustic) 

03. Goin' Down The Road Feelin' Bad (part 2) 

04. Guitar intro > 

05. Hoochie Coochie Man 

06. Get On With Your Life 

07. Jessica 

08. Revival 

09. band introduction 

10. One Way Out 

11. Dreams 

12. Whipping Post

Allman Brothers Band - 1992-08-22 - Philadelphia, PA (SBD)

I've seen the Allman Brothers live twice - once in July 1979 right before their early 1980s break up and then again in October 1986 at the Crackdown on Crack concert with CSN and Santana. Both shows were at Madison Square Garden. 

This soundboard recording captures the Allmans during their 1990s resurgence, in Philadelphia on August 22, 1992, 2 dozen years ago today.

Bob Weir & Ratdog - 2003-08-22 - London, UK (SBD)

Bob Weir & Ratdog

08-22-2003

London Astoria

London, UK

Soundboard Recording

320 kbps

Artwork Included

1st Set

01. Jam

02. The Music Never Stopped

03. Maggie's Farm

04. Minglewood Blues

05. Mission in the Rain

06. Take Me to the River

07. Loser

08. Lucky Enough

09. Playin in the Band

2nd Set

01. K.C. Moan

02. Me and My Uncle

03. When I Paint My Masterpiece

04. Odessa

05. Hell in a Bucket

06. The Wheel

07. Jam*

08. Standing on the Moon

09. Playin' in the Band (reprise)

10. Sugar Magnolia

Encore:

01. Touch of Grey

*includes "Tide is High" jam and "Other One" teases followed  by a jazzy jam without Bob and Mark

Bob Weir & Ratdog - 2003-08-22 - London, UK (SBD)

I've seen Bob Weir solo just once, in July 1992 at the Meadowlands Summer Fest, a concert arena set up in the parking lot of Giants Stadium. Oh the things promoter John Scher did to run a concert and make a buck. Bruce Cockburn and Michelle Shocked led in for Weir and joined him during the encore of The Weight.  

This soundboard recording captures Weir & Ratdog in London on August 22, 2003, 13 years ago today.

Marshall Crenshaw - 1992-08-21 - Philadephia, PA (SBD)

Marshall Crenshaw
1992-08-21
Chestnut Cabaret
Philadelphia, PA
Soundboard Recording
192 kbps
Artwork Included

CD 1:
01. Fantastic Planet of Love
02. Wanda & Dwayne
03. Whenever You’re On My Mind
04. This Is Easy
05. Better Back Off
06. The KKK Took My Baby Away
07. Rockin’ Around In NYC
08. Somewhere Down The Line
09. Right Now
10. You Should’ve Been There

CD 2:
01. Everything’s The Truth
02. Stop Doing That
03. Monday Morning Rock
04. Calling Out For Love (At Crying Time)
05. Cynical Girl
06. Valerie
07. Just Like A Woman
08. Ask Me Why
09. Someday, Someway
10. (You’re My) Favorite Waste Of Time

Marshall Crenshaw - 1992-08-21 - Philadephia, PA (SBD)

Those of you have been long time visitors to So Many Roads know that Marshall Crenshaw is one of my favorite rockers, a musician whose talents, unfortunately, have simply never been appreciated by the masses. Famed critic Robert Christgau has heaped praise on Crenshaw’s first two albums, calling them perfect - go here to read the review. Trust him - he’s knows of what he speaks! Unfortunately, I've only gotten to see Crenshaw once, at the famed Maxwell's in Hoboken back in October 1996. 

This soundboard recording captures Crenshaw at the Chestnut Cabaret in Philadelphia on August 21, 1992, 2 dozen years ago today. 

The Bongos - 1983-08-21 - Columbia University, NY (FM)

The Bongos

1983-08-21

Columbia University

New York, NY

FM Broadcast

256 kbp

Artwork Included

01. Telephoto Lens

02. Tiger Nights

03. Glow In The Dark

04. The Bulrushes

05. Automatic Doors

06. Roman Circus

07. Burning Bush

08. Numbers With Wings

09. Three Wise Men

10. Skydiving

11. Barbarella

12. In The Congo

13. Question Ball

14. My Sin

15. Mambo Sun

The Bongos - 1983-08-21 - Columbia University, NY (FM)

In the early 1980s, punk and new wave music started to move more into the mainstream, as evidenced locally by the fact that classic rock station WNEW-FM began to play those genres.  As a result I found myself listening to and enjoying a host of new artists, which in turn led me to buy tickets to concerts by those bands.  Between 1980 and 1983, I attended shows by The Clash, The Pretenders, Joan Jett, Joe Jackson, The Police, The Go Gos, Pat Benatar, robin Lane and The Ramones, just to name a few.  I also got to see a local band, from nearby Hoboken NJ, called the Bongos, on December 31, 1982 at the Mudd Club in New York. The Bongos had released an album entitled Drums Along The Hudson, which featured a host of tunes, such as Bulrushes, Zebra Club and In The Congo, that blended guitar driven pop with dance rhythms. It became anther one of those discs that went on my turntable and never came off.  

While I'm fairly certain no tape exists of the New Year's Eve show I attended (no one could have been sober enough to make a recording!!), I did find this FM broadcast from Columbia University, from about 6 months later, on August 21, 1983, 33 years ago today. Only wish this one had Zebra Club on it!  

Bruce Springsteen - 1981-08-20 - Los Angeles, CA (HQ Aud)

Bruce Springsteen
& The E Street Band
1981-08-20
A Night For The Vietnam Veterans
The Sports Arena
Los Angeles, CA
HQ Audience Recording
320 kbps
Artwork Included

CD 1:
01. Arena Announcement
02. Bruce Springsteen Intro
03. Bobby Muller Intro
04. Who'll Stop The Rain*
05. Prove It All Night
06. The Ties That Bind
07. Darkness On The Edge Of Town
08. Intro: "Hold On To Yourself"
09. Johnny Bye Bye
10. Independence Day
11. Intro: "You End Up Trapped"
12. Trapped
13. Two Hearts
14. Out In The Street
15. The Promised Land
16. The River
17. Intro: "Dream That Won't Die"
18. This Land Is Your Land
19. Badlands

CD 2:
01. Thunder Road
02. Hungry Heart
03. You Can Look (But You Better Not Touch)
04. Cadillac Ranch
05. Sherry Darling
06. Jole Blon
07. Wreck On The Highway
08. Racing In The Street
09 .Candy's Room
10. Ramrod
11. Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)**

CD 3:
01. Jungleland
02. Ballad Of Easy Rider
03. Born To Run
04. Detroit Medley (w/ I Hear A Train, You Can't Sit Down, Sweet Soul Music, Shake)
05. Twist And Shout

Bonus Tracks
06. Proud Mary (August 28, 1981)
07. Deportee (August 28, 1981)
08. Stolen Car (August 23, 1981)
09. Follow That Dream (August 21, 1981)
10. Jackson Cage (August 24, 1981)
11. I Fought The Law (August 28, 1981)
12. Quarter To Three (August 28, 1981)

Bruce Springsteen - 1981-08-20 - Los Angeles, CA (HQ Aud)

Didn't realize it until I went to write this series on bands I've seen live, but I've attended 9 Springsteen concerts, in 4 different decades (70s, 80s, 90s, & 2000's) with 2 different backing bands (the E-Streeters and those other guys he played with in the 1990s, whoever they were!).  

This high quality recording captures Bruce in Los Angeles on August 20, 1981, 35 years ago today.  This show was a benefit for Viet Nam veterans, and is often cited as one of the finest, and most emotional, of his long storied career.

Hall & Oates - 1980-08-19 - Boston, MA (FM)

Hall & Oates

1980-08-19

Orpheum Theater

Boston, MA

FM Broadcast

320 kbps

Artwork Included

01. Radio Announcer Intro

02. How Does It Feel To Be Back 

03. Big Kids 

04, Rich Girl

05. She's Gone

06. Sacred Songs

07. Sweet Soul Music

08. Sara smile > Wait For Me

09. You Make My Dreams 

10. Do What You Want, Be What You Are 

11. You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling

12. Announcer Encore Break

13. United State 

14. Encore Break

15. Room To Breathe

16. NYC, NY 

17. Announcer Wrap Up

Hall & Oates - 1980-08-19 - Boston, MA (FM) 

Believe it or not, the 2nd concert I ever attended was Hall & Oates on June 23, 1977 at the Garden State (now the PNC Bank) Arts Center in Holmdel NJ. I was a big fan of the tune She's Gone, which when re-released in 1976, went to #7 on the Billboard charts. I also really enjoyed the songs Sara Smile, which went to #4 on the Billboard charts, and Rich Girl, which became the duo's first #1 hit. I saw the band for a 2nd time on September 14, 1978, also at the Arts Center. At that point, the duo's sound started to take on more of a pop music feel, and I lost interest in them. 

Despite my lack of enthusiasm for the new direction, the band soared to new heights, scoring five #1 hits in the early 1980s. This FM broadcast captures the band at the start of that run of commercial success, on August 19, 1980, 3 dozen years ago today, in Pittsburgh.

Don Henley - 1985-08-18 - Saratoga, NY (SBD)

Don Henley
1985-08-18
Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Saratoga Springs NY
Soundboard Recording
320 kbps
Artwork Included

01. Building The Perfect Beast
02. Dirty Laundry
03. Driving With Youe Eyes Closed
04. You Can't Make Love
05. You're Not Drinking Enough
06. Them And Us
07. Witchy Woman
08. Life In The Fast Lane
09. Sunset Grill (inc)
10. Talking To The Moon
11. Band Intros
12. Boys Of Summer
13. You Better Hang Up
14. All She Wants To Do Is Dance
15. Johnny Can't Read
16. Desperado
17. Hotel California

Don Henley - 1985-08-18 - Saratoga, NY  (SBD)

I've seen Don Henley live once, in August 1985 at Pier 84 in New York, with Katrina & The Waves leading in. Henley was on tour in support of the album Building The Perfect Beast, which spawned the top 5 single, The Boys Of Summer. That video for that tune won 4 awards at the 1985 MTV Video Music Awards, including Video Of The Year.

This soundboard recording captures Henley in Saratoga just a few days after I saw him, on August 18, 1985, 31 years ago this very day.

Robin Lane - 1979-08-17 - Boston, MA (HQ Aud)

Robin Lane
& the Chartbusters
1979-08-17
The Rat
Boston MA
HQ Audience Recording
320 kbps
Artwork Included

01. I Don't Want To Know
02. Many Years Ago
03. When Things Go Wrong

Note: uncertain if these tracks are actually from the date above

Robin Lane - 1979-08-17 - Boston, MA (HQ Aud)

When Robin Lane & The Chartbusters released their debut album in 1980, it became one of those discs that went on my turntable and never came off. Songs such as It'll Only Hurt A Little While, Don't Cry Without You, Why Do You Tell Lies, I Don't Want To Know and  When Things Go Wrong symbolized the best of the new wave/punk movement.  In fact, the video for When Things Go Wrong was the 11th song shown on MTV when the network debuted on  August 1, 1981.  I saw Robin & The Chartbusters as a legendary New jersey nightclub called the Royal Manor North in August 1980.  I was standing directly in front of Robin all night long and my buddies swear she was flirting with me... I wish.

Finding tapes of any of Robin & The Chartbusters shows is next to impossible.  I came across these 3 tracks that were from  a club in Boston, home of the Chartbusters, called The Rat, but they are simply dated 1979. I do know, though that Robin played the Rat on August 17, 1979 (go here for more details). Are these 3 songs from that date - maybe, maybe not, but I needed someway to get some live Robin Lane & The Chartbusters posted on So Many Roads!  Enjoy!

Pat Benatar - 1980-08-15 - San Francisco, CA (FM)

Pat Benatar
1980-08-15
Old Waldorf
San Francisco, CA
FM Broadcast
320 kbps
Artwork Included

01.I Need A Lover
02.Treat Me Right
03.We Live For Love
04.Follow You
05.Out Of Touch
06.You Better Run
07.Never Wanna Leave
08.Hit Me With Your Best Shot
09.In The Heat Of The Night
10.Little Paradise
11.Heart Breaker
12.No You Don't
13.Hell Is For Children

Pat Benatar - 1980-08-15 - San Francisco, CA (FM)

I've seen Pat Benatar live twice, once in November 1989 at the Palladium and then again on Augut 1, 1981, at the South Mountain Music Fair in New Jersey. That 2nd show was the same day MTV debuted, and Benatar’s video of You’d Better Run became the 2nd video ever played by the station, right after Video Killed The Radio Star!

This FM Broadcast goes back before I ever saw Pat in concert, capturing her at the Old Waldorf in San Francisco on August 15, 1980, 3 dozen years ago today.

Rolling Stones - 1998-08-14 - Chorzow, Poland (SBD)

Rolling Stones
1998-08-14
Stadion Slaski
Chorzow, Poland
Stadion Slaski
Soundboard Recording
320 kbps
Artwork Included

CD 1:
01.  intro
02.  Satisfaction
03.  Let's Spend The Night Together
04.  Flip The Switch
05.  Gimme Shelter
06.  It's Only Rock'n'Roll
07.  Saint Of Me
08.  Out Of Control
09.  Paint It Black
10.  Miss You
11.  You Don't Have To Mean It
12.  You Got Me Rocking
13.  Like A Rolling Stone

CD  2:
01.  Sympathy For The Devil
02.  Tumbling Dice
03.  Honky Tonk Women
04.  Start Me Up
05.  Jumpin' Jack Flash

Missing Tracks
Audience Recording
06.  Anybody Seen My Baby? 
07.  band introduction
08.  Wanna Hold You      
09.  Little Queenie     

Rolling Stones - 1998-08-14 - Chorzow, Poland (SBD)

I've only seen the Stones once, in October 1989 at Shea Stadium, during their Steel Wheels tour. You can read more about that harrowing experience in last month's edition of What A Long Strange Trip It's Been. 

This soundboard recording captures the Stones during their Bridges To Babylon Tour, on August 14,1998, 18 years ago today, in Poland!

Santana - 1992-08-13 - Los Angeles (SBD)

Santana 

with Phish

1992-08-13

Greek Theatre

Los Angeles, CA

Soundboard Recording

256 kbps

Artwork Included

01. Intro > Angels All Around Us > Spirits Dancing In The Flesh

02. Somewhere In Heaven

03. Batuka

04. No One To Depend On

05. Life Is For Living

06. Why Can't We Live Together

07. Savor

08. Agua Que Va Caer > Karl Perazzo > Raul Rekow

09. Wings Of Grace

10. Black Magic Woman > Gypsy Queen

11. Oye Como Va

12. In A Silent Way (with PHISH)

13. Blues For Salvador

14. Peace On Earth

15. Make Somebody Happy > Get It In Your Soul

16. Toussaint L'Overture

17. Soul Sacrifice > A Love Supreme > Aranjuez

18. Jingo > Band Introduction

Santana - 1992-08-13 - Los Angeles (SBD)

On July 7, 1981, I saw Carlos Santana in concert for the first time. I was about a month removed from college graduation, and enjoying a summer off before starting business school in the fall. My buddies and I were going to see Carlos at a new outdoor concert venue that John Scher had opened, the South Mountain Arena in West Orange NJ. When we arrived, we found out that it wasn’t quite an Arena. In fact, it wasn’t quite an Amphitheater or Hall or an Arts Center or anything quite so fancy. It was…. THE SIDE OF A HILL. Yep, , Mr. Scher, who, as mentioned in my prior post, above all knew how to make a buck, rented space in a large park, put a stage at the bottom of a hill, put up fences to keep out anyone without a ticket, and created a concert venue. I guess it’s a little late for me to complain, especially since I bought to tickets to several other shows at South Mountain that summer. All issues with the venue were forgotten once Carlos hit the stage. He played a blistering set, featuring songs from his latest album Zebop, as well as a host of classics. We had gone hoping that Carlos would play Open Invitation, and he delivered. You, see, when I was in college, a cover band called Yasgur’s Farm usually played Open Invitation to close their shows, which in a beer induced haze, probably sounded way better than it really was. In any event, that sort of became a theme song for my group of friends. Finally hearing Carlos play it live was one of the highlights of my concert “career”. I would get to see Carlos again in 1986 as part of the Crack Down concerts at Madison Square Garden.

This soundboard recording captures Carlos during a period that was not very kind to him, especially in terms of record sales. His 1990 album, Spirits Dancing in the Flesh, peaked at #85 on the Bilboard charts. His next disc, Milagro, released in 1992, became his first album of new material not to enter the Billboard Top 100. After that, he would not release another disc until 1999, when he made a dramatic return to the top of the charts with the album Supernatural. Despite poor record sales, Santana continued to tour relentlessly in the early 1990s, with shows in the US, Canada, Europe and even Japan. Often those shows found him paired on the bill with another classic rock bans, For example, in the summer of 1991, Carlos led in for the Grateful Dead on numerous occasions. In 1992, Phish served as Santana's lead in during his summer US tour. This show from August 13, 1992, 2 dozen years ago today, captures Carlos at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles, with members of Phish sitting in for Silent Way. 

The Fun Part of Writing A Blog

Yesterday, in my "No Fun" post, I commented that despite writing this for blog for almost 7 years, It beer ceases to amaze me how nasty some folks can be in the comments they leave.

Well, today, I'm happy to report about one other thing that also never ceases to amaze me - namely how appreciative and supportive long time readers of So Many Roads truly are.

Withing an hour of my "No Fun: post, I had over 50 comments from folks who truly appreciate this blog, and said incredibly kind things about it.  To all of you who responded, Please know that it is your support that keeps me going and keeps this place alive!  To each of you, all I can say is THANK YOU!

So Many Roads will turn 7 years old in November!  Hopefully, its just getting started!

THANKS AGAIN!

Katrina & The Waves - 1986-08-12 - Hoffman Estates, IL (SBD)

Katrina & the Waves
1986-08-12
Poplar Creek
Hoffman Estates, IL
FM Broadcast
320 kbps
Artwork Included

01. Birkenhead Garbage Pickers 
02. Is That It
03. Mexico
04. You Want Cryin'
05. Tears for Me
06. Red Wine & Whiskey
07. Walking on Sunshine
08. Sun Street
09. Machine Gun Smith
10. Riding Shotgun
11. Lovely Lindsey
12. Rock Myself to Sleep
13. Game of Love

Katrina & The Waves - 1986-08-12 - Hoffman Estates, IL (SBD)

I saw Katrina & The  Waves live once, leading on for Don Henley at Pier 84 in August 1985. The band was riding a huge wave of popularity thanks to the top 10 single, Walking on Sunshine!

This soundboard recording captures Katrina & The Waves just about a year later, on August 12, 1986, 3 decades ago this very day!

The No Fun Part of Running A Blog

Running this blog has lots of fun moments. I get to relive my past concert experiences, I get to listen to and share dozens of fantastic concert recordings, I get to indulge my passions for music and writing and I even get some nice feedback from the over 800 folks a day who visit.  I've even made some great new friends!  Not bad at all.

Now, of course, its not always fun and games. Finding shows, creating artwork, uploading files, creating monthly themes, writing on those days when I'm not all that inspired, well that can be a bit of a grind on some days,  But its usually all worth it.

That said, despite having done this for almost 7 years now, I still can't get over just how nasty folks can be.  As you all know, I do this for pure pleasure.  It;s my hobby and my passion.  I don't get paid and my family is wonderfully patient with the time I spend sharing the music with total strangers, whose only bond with me and my blog is our love for great live music.  So it still stuns me when I receive comments like this one today (by the way - I'm paraphrasing because it made me so angry I immediately deleted it):

"Forget about re-posting links and instead post some shows from artists other than the ones you've seen live.  I could care less who you've seen live - I've seen them all and then some.  If you think you're impressing people with your vast musical knowledge, you're sadly mistaken.".

Can anyone explain why some folks have to be so nasty?  All I'm trying to do here is share some music, free of charge, for folks who share the same love of rock & roll that I do.  I'm not out to impress anyone.  Just trying to share some memories, which I know often brings back great moments for those who take the time to read this blog. Each month, I come up with a theme based on the shows I have available, and the last 2 months, it just happened that the bulk of the concerts I have are from artists I've seen live. Its a fortuitous coincidence since it was 40 years ago this summer that I went to my first concert.

In any event, this blog will continue and I'll keep doing my best to mix up the themes, bring you great live music, and hopefully, rekindle some memories of great concerts for all of you.  Just frustrating that the a small minority can be so downright unappreciative, insulting and obnoxious.  My thanks to all of you who have been with this blog over the past 7 years and posted such wonderful comments.  It's that positive feedback that keeps me going.

Thanks for listening and supporting So Many Roads.

The Pretenders - 2006-08-11 - Atlantic City NJ (FM)

The Pretenders
2006-08-11
Trump Taj Mahal
Atlantic City, NJ
FM Broadcast
320 kbps
Artwork Included

01. The Wait
02. Back On The Chain Gang
03. Talk Of The Town (with Shirley Manson)
04. Only Happy When It Rains (with Shirley Manson)
05. The Bucket (with Kings Of Leon)
06. Up The Neck (with Kings Of Leon)
07. Drive <4:13> (with Incubus)
08. Message Of Love (with Incubus)
09. Candy <4:05> (with Iggy Pop)
10. Brass In Pocket
11. Middle Of The Road

The Pretenders - 2006-08-11 - Atlantic City NJ (FM)

I've seen the Pretenders twice, once early on in their career in October 1981 at the Palladium, and then again, in April 1987 at Radio City Music Hall, after the commercial success of the albums Learning To Crawl & Get Close.

This FM broadcast captures The Pretenders in Atlantic City, NJ, a decade ago this very day, on August 11, 20006.

Requests To Repost Dead Links - A Clarification

Over the years, I've done by best to re-post dead links when asked. However, in recent weeks, it has simply gotten out of hand. I have several folks asking me to re-post every dead link for a particular band, or leaving 5 or 6  comments in a row, all requesting re-posts. 

While I appreciate folks wanting the music, I simply do not have the time to deal with that volume of requests. If I tried to, I'd never have a chance to post anything new. let alone manage my job, family, etc. 

So, if there's a show or two you'd like me to re-post, I'll do my best to get to it., But if you simply are asking me to re-post every dead link on the blog, well, that's something I simply won't be able to do. I know that may be disappointing, but its the reality of the situation as there's simply not enough hours in the day to get to everything. 

Thanks for understanding. 

Paul McCartney - 2014-08-10 - Los Angeles, CA (HQ Aud)

Paul McCartney
2014-08-10
Dodger Stadium
Los Angeles, CA
HQ Audience Recording
320 kbps
Artwork Included

01. Eight Days A Week
02. Save Us
03. All My Loving
04. Listen to What The Man Said
05. Let Me Roll It
06. Banter
07. Paperback Writer
08. My Valentine
09. Nineteen Hundred
10. Long And Winding Road
11. Maybe I'm Amazed
12. I've Just Seen a Face
13. We Can Work It Out
14. Another Day
15. And I Love Her
16. Blackbird
17. Here Today
18. New
19. Queenie Eye
20. Lady Madonna
21. All Together Now
22. Lovely Rita
23. Everybody Out There
24. Elenor Rigby
25. For the Benefit Of Mr. Kite
26. Banter
27. Something
28. Obladi Oblada
29. Band on the Run
30. Back in the USSR
31. Banter
32. Let It Be
33. Live and Let Die
34. Hey Jude
35. Day Tripper
36. Hi Hi Hi
37. Banter
38. I Saw Her Standing There
39. Yesterday
40. Helter Skelter
41. Golden Slumbers

Paul McCartney - 2014-08-10 - Los Angeles, CA (HQ Aud)

Since 1993, I've seen Sir Paul 7 times, including a show at Met Life Stadium juts 3 days ago!  It was the 2nd Macca show for my sons, whose first concert was Paul at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia  when we went as a family for Father's Day in 2015.  Sir Paul was once again at his best, and there's nothing quite like hearing over 60,000 people sing along to Hey Jude.  Can't wait to find a recording of the show.

his high quality audience recording captures Sir Paul during his 2014 tour, in Los Angeles on August 10, 2014, just 2 years ago today. 

Elton John - 2015-08-09 - San Francisco, CA (SBD)

Elton John
2015-08-09
Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival
Lands End Stage
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, CA, USA
August 9, 2015
FM Webcast Recording
320 kbps
Artwork Included

01 The Bitch Is Back
02 Bennie And The Jets
03 Candle In The Wind
04 All The Girls Love Alice
05 Levon
06 Tiny Dancer
07 Daniel
08 Philadelphia Freedom
09 Good-bye Yellow Brick Road
10 Rocket Man
11 Hey Ahab
12 I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues
13 Your Song
14 Burn Down The Mission
15 Sad Songs (Say So Much)
16 Sorry Seems To Be The  Hardest Word
17 Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me
18 I'm Still Standing
19 You're Sister Can't Twist (But She Can Rock And Roll)
20 Saturday's Alright For Fighting
21 Crocodile Rock

Elton John - 2015-08-09 - San Francisco, CA (SBD)

My first concert, Elton John at Madison Square Garden on August 15, 1976, 40 years ago this very month, was the inspiration for our theme this month and next, featuring band's I've seen live, and a 4 part What A Long Strange Trip Its been series with some recollections of every show I've attended. Since that first show, I've seem Elton 4 more times, all at MSG: in October 1992; in October 199, a solo show; in September 2005, the 30th anniversary of Captain Fantastic; and in March 2007, his 60th birthday concert. 

This soundboard recording captures Elton just a year ago today, in San Francisco on August 9, 2015.

Joan Jett - 1981-08-08 - Hempstead, NY (FM)

Joan Jett 

& The Blackhearts

1981-08-08

Firemen's Memorial Park

Hempstead NY

WLIR-FM Broadcast

320 kbps

Artwork Included

01. Intro

02. Bad Reputation

03. Be Straight

04. You Don't Know What You Got

05. Bits And Pieces

06. Wait For Me

07. Summertime Blues

08. Victim Of Circumstance

09. I Love Rock and Roll

10. Nag

11. Crimson And Clover

12. You're Too Possessive

13. Love is Pain

14. Black Leather

Joan Jett - 1981-08-08 - Hempstead, NY (FM)

I've seen Joan Jett just once, at the Capitol Theater in Passaic, NJ on August 17, 1983.  I never imaged then that one day she'd be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame!

This FM broadcast is from just about 2 years earlier, during the year that would forever change her career. In January of that year, Bad Regulation hit stores, and rose all the way to number 51 on the Billboard Charts. That disc was followed in November by the album, I Love Rock and Roll. Powered by the title track, which would spend 7 weeks as the number 1 single in the US, Jett's 2nd album climbed all the way to the #2 position on the charts. This recording captures her in Hempstead, NY,  on August 8, 1981, 35 years ago today, and just about half way between her 2 career defining album releases.