TEN RULES OF THE ROAD I LEARNED AT MY FIRST CONCERT: AN ORDINARY GUY'S LIFETIME OF LIVE ROCK & ROLL - It's the perfect Summer read! -

Memorial Day kicked off the start of Summer - and TEN RULES OF THE ROAD I LEARNED AT MY FIRST CONCERT: AN ORDINARY GUY'S LIFETIME OF LIVE ROCK & ROLL is the perfect book for while you're relaxing at the beach!

Rave reviews for TEN RULES OF THE ROAD I LEARNED AT MY FIRST CONCERT:

- a 4.50 star rating on Amazon!

- a 4.56 star rating on Goodreads!

BUY IT HERE IN THE US!

Here's just a sample of what folks are saying about TEN RULES OF THE ROAD I LEARNED AT MY FIRST CONCERT:

- "As a fan of rock shows myself, this book written by a fellow fan was fun to read, and reminded me of many of my own long-forgotten concert stories. Definitely recommended." 

 -"Insightful, poignant and just plain joyful." 

- "Truly a book for music fans of the 70’ s onward. Love the personal thoughts of sharing the music with his wife and kids." 

 - It was a lot of fun to hear about the author's experiences from the time of his first concert to sharing those experiences with his teenage boys. There is a lot of truth in his "rules" 

 - "The book is well-written and a fun reminder of my younger days. Just an enjoyable read!" 

 - "A hero for our times - he sees great shows, learns about life, and gets the girl. What's not to like?" 

 - "The author takes you on a tale of wonder through the ups and downs of going to concerts." 

- "I would recommend this book for anybody who loves live music - especially those, like me, who enjoy the anticipating and reliving almost as much as actually being at the concert." 

 - "I've got to say that Speedy's book is a little known gem and a real joy to read... the author's genuine love of live music comes through wonderfully." 

 - "Excellent account of the rock concert experience from 1976 to today. Very well written and extremely entertaining." 

- "Great for anyone who loves live music... Lots of fun anecdotes and details that really make you feel like you're sitting with someone, listening to stories about concerts."

- "It's a love letter to live music."

- "If you grew up in the 1960s or 1970s and enjoyed going to.rock concerts, then Speedy's story is your story. This tale reminds you of the best and worst parts of attending concerts, and captures the magic of those moments when the music was truly transcendent. Well written, engaging and filled with truth is stranger than fiction moments, Ten Rules is a must read for any rock music fan."

BUY IT HERE IN THE US:

The Rules:

Rule #1: You Can’t Get Good Seats, But The Scalpers Can

Rule #2: Expect The Unexpected On The Way To Or From The Show

Rule #3: No Concert Ever Starts On Time

Rule #4: Rejoice - There Is No Opening Act

Rule #5: Rock Concerts Are Rarely Played At A Venue Meant For Music

Rule #6: Enjoy The Special Guests - They’re a Rare Event

Rule #7: The Set List - The Bad News - The Band Will Never Play Everything You Want To Hear

Rule #8: The Set List - The Good News - The Band Will Always Play An Unanticipated Tune You’ll Never Forget

Rule #9: Elvis Has Left The Building - Once The Houselights Come On, The Show Is Over

Rule #10: Don’t Miss The Moment - Go To Every Show You Can

BUY IT HERE IN THE US:

- Only $6.99 for the Kindle Edition

- Only $12.99 for the paperback 

- And always FREE on Kindle Unlimited! 

 Also available in Kindle in: UK, DE, FR, ES, IT, NL, JP, BR, CA, MX, AU, and IN 

Also available in Paperback in: UK DE FR ES IT JP

U2 - 1997-05-31 - East Rutherford, NJ (IEM)

U2

1997-05-31

Popmart New Jersey

Giants Stadium

East Rutherford, NJ

IEM Recording

320 kbps

Artwork Included

CD 1: 

01. Pop Muzik 

02. Mofo 

03. I Will Follow 

04. Even Better than the Real Thing 

05. Gone 

06. Pride (In the Name of Love) 

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

08. Stand by Me 

09. Last Night on Earth 

10. Until the End of the World 

11. If God Will Send His Angels 

12. Staring at the Sun 

13. Daydream Believer 

14. Miami 

15. Bullet the Blue Sky 

CD 2: 

01. Please 

02. Where the Streets Have No Name 

03. Perfecto Lemon Intermission 

04. Discotheque 

05. If You Wear that Velvet Dress 

06. With or Without You 

07. Hold Me Thrill Me Kiss Me Kill Me 

08. Mysterious Ways 

09. One 

U2 - 1997-05-31 - East Rutherford, NJ (IEM)

1997: 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 disc, launching the massive Popmart tour that would feature 94 shows on 6 different continents. This IEM recording captures the band during that tour at Giants Stadium East Rutherford, on May 31, 1997, a quarter cenury ago today!

Stevie Nicks - 1983-05-30 - Devore, CA (SBD)

Stevie Nicks 

1983-05-30

US Festival

Glen Helen Park

Devore, CA

TV Soundboard Recording

320 kbps

Artwork Included

01. Gold Dust Woman 

02. Outside The Rain 

03. Dreams 

04. Gold And Braid 

05. I Need To Know 

06. Gypsy 

07. Angel 

08. Leather And Lace 

09. Stand Back 

10. Band Intros

11. How Still My Love 

12. Stop Draggin' My Heart Around 

13. Edge Of Seventeen 

14. Break For Encore

15. Rhiannon 

Stevie Nicks - 1983-05-30 - Devore, CA (SBD)

1983: Over Memorial Day Weekend 1983, Steve Wozniak of Apple hosted the 2nd US Festival (the first has been discussed here) at Glen Helen Regional Park near Devore, California. Over 650,000 people attended the 3 day event, and Wozniak lost over $12 million! Each day featured a different musical genre. Opening Day, May 28 was New Wave Day, with such acts as The Clash, English Beat, INXS, Flock of Seagulls, Stray Cats and Men At Work. I'm not quite sure how the last 2 qualified as New Wave! Day 2, was Heavy Metal Day and included Van Halen, Ozzy, and Judas Priest. Finally, day 3 was Rock Day (as if the other 2 days weren't rock??) and featured U2, David Bowie, The Pretenders, Joe Walsh and, this post's featured band, the Stevie Nicks.. This TV soundboard recording captures Stevie's entire set from the US Festival on May 30, 1983, 39 years ago today,  Download this one and go back to the time when Apple simply made computers, and not Ipods, Ipads and Iphones!

Phil Lesh - 1999-05-29 - Angels Camp CA SBD)

Phil Lesh and Friends

1999-05-29

Mountain Aire Music Festival

Calavaras County Fairgrounds

Angle's Camp, CA

Soundboard recording

320 kbps

Atwork Included

1st Set:

01. Jam > Blue Sky

02. Wolfman's Brother >

03. Bertha

04. Patchwork Quilt >

05. The Other One jam >

06. Jam > Confusion

07. She Said >

08. Tomorrow Never knows

2nd Set:

01. Alligator >

02. Mountain Jam >

03. Resurection Rag

04. Soulshine

05. Merl's Tune

06. Days Between >

07. Like A Rolling Stone

08.. In The Midnight Hour

Encore:

01. Mountains Of The Moon

Phil Lesh - 1999-05-29 - Angels Camp CA SBD)

1999: Since Jerry Garcia's death in 1995 and the end of the original Grateful Dead, Phil Lesh has been among the most active of the former band members. Phil seems to always be out on tour, whether playing in one of the many Grateful Dead reunion runs (The Other Ones, The Dead, Furthur) or fronting his ever rotating cast of new band mates know as Phil & Friends. The soundboard recording capture Phil & Freinds in Angels Camp on May 29, 1999, 23 years aggo today. The line up includes Warren Haynes, John Molo, Steve Kimock, Merl Saunders and Donna Jean Godchaux, who last played with Phil with the Garteful Dead in 1979! The show marked Warren's first time playing with Phil, and was the only time this particular group pf "friends" ever played topgether!

Santana - 1984-05-29 - Verona, Italy (SBD)

Santana 

1984-05-29

Arena Di Verona

Verona, Italy

Soundboard Recording

320 kbps

Artwork Included

01. Touchdown Raiders 

02. Spirit 

03. Breaking Out

04. Samba Pa Ti

05. Two Points of View 

06. Gypsy Queen 

07. Incident at Neshabur > 

08. I've Waited All My Life 

09. Brotherhood > Jam > Bass Solo > 

10. Keyboard Solo > Savor > Armando Peraza 

11. Who Loves You > Soul Sacrifice > Drums > Soul Sacrifice > Spain > Soul Sacrifice 

12. Open Invitation

13. She's Not There 

14. Europa 

15. American Gypsy • 

16. Super Boogie > • 

17. Hong Kong Blues • > Band Intros 

*with Mick Taylor

Santana - 1984-05-29 - Verona, Italy (SBD)

1984: In the late 1970’s and early 1980s, Santana’s music began to move away from the traditional fusion of Latin, jazz, rockand blues toward a more album oriented rock (AOR) sound. That transition began with the album Inner Secrets in 1978, and continued on with Marathon in 1979, Zeebop in 1981. and Shnago in 1982. While those albums produced some outstanding tracks, including, Stormy, Open Invitation, All I Ever Wanted and Winning, Santana’s core fan base questioned the band’s direction. One thing which did not change during this period, however, was the band’s ability to play dynamic live concerts. As this soundboatrd recording from Italy from May 29, 1984, 38 years ago today, demonstrates, Carlos could still play guitar with the best of them and the band could electrify any concert venue. By the way, Carlos gets some help form Mick Taylor near the end of the set - nothiong like 2 guitar gods on stage at once!

Jefferson Starship - 1982-05-28 - San Francisco, CA (SBD)

Jefferson Starship

1982-05-28

Viet Nam Veterans Benefit

Moscone Convention Center,

San Francisco, CA.

Soundboard Recording

320 kbps

Artwork Included

CD 1:

01. intro  

02. Somebody To Love 

03. Ride the Tiger 

04. Stranger 

05. Fast Buck Freddy  

06. Find Your Way Back  

07. Save Your Love  

08. Fooled Around And Fell In Love  

09. The Girl With The Hungry Eyes >

10. bass solo >

11. bass & synthesizer duet 

CD 2:

01. Play On Love  

02. Jane

03. Light The Sky On Fire >

04. drum solo

05. Stairway To Cleveland

06. Dance With The Dragon

Encore

07. White Rabbit

08. Rock 'n' Roll Is Good Time Music

Jefferson Starship - 1982-05-28 - San Francisco, CA (SBD)

1982: I try not to post anything from Jeffeson Starship after 1979 as I'm no fan of the direction the band took in the 1980s, especially since they released a tune that many feel is the worst rock song of all time, We Built This City On Rock and Roll (go here for more on that!). But I'll make an exception with this soundboard recording from May 28, 1982, 4 decades ago today. First, the concert features original Jefferson Airplane members Grace Slick & Paul Kantner. Second, the show was a benefit for Viet Nam Veterans. Third, and finally, the bill also featured Country Joe and the Garateful Dead, making this a 1960 reunion of bands who firmly opposed the war in Viet Nam.

Los Lobos - 1989-05-27 - Oakland, CA (SBD)

Los Lobos
1989-05-27
In Concert Against Aids
Oakland Coliseum Stadium 
Oakland, CA
Soundboard recording
320 kbps
Artwork Included

01. Tuning & Introduction
02. Evangeline
03. Don't Worry Baby
04. Will the Wolf Survive?
05. I Walk Alone
06. The Giving Tree
07. Let's Say Goodnight
08. Ay Te Dejo en San Antonio
09. Someday
10. Georgia Slop
11. Shakin' Shakin' Shakes
             
Encores:
12. I Got Loaded
13. Why Do You Do?

Los Lobos - 1989-05-27 - Oakland, CA (SBD)

1989:  On May 27, 1989, 33 years ago today, Bill Graham produced  the "In Concert Against Aids" Festival which included such acts as Tower of Power, Joe Satriani, Los Lobos, Tracy Chapman and the Grateful Dead. Thsi sounbaord recording captures Los Lobos from that show - if you search the blog yoi'll also find sets from the Daed and Fogerty.

Joan Jett - 1988-05-27 - Asbury Park, NJ (FM)

Joan Jett  
& The Blackhearts
1988-05-27
Asbury Beach Party
Asbury Park, NJ
WNEW-FM Broadcast
320 kbps
Artwork Included

01. Light Of Day
02. I Hate Myself For Lovin' You

Joan Jett - 1988-05-27 - Asbury Park, NJ (FM)

1988: Between 1986 and 1993, WNEW-FM, New Yorks premier classic rock station, hosted an annual beach part of the Friday of Memorial Day wekkend. The 1988 event, which featured Joan Jett, Georgia Satellites, Roger McGuinn, and hometown hero Glen Burtnik. drew a crowd of 70,000 to Asbury Park, 4 times the town's population.  The show, held on Friday morning, right before teh start of the 3 day weekend, also drew criticism from area school boards as thousands of high school students skipped class to rock out on the beach. You can read more about the show here.This FM broadcast captures a part of Joan Jett's set from the show, on May 27, 1988, 34 years ago today.

June's Theme At So Many Roads

Incredibly, it will be 55 years ago June 1 that the Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play! That album launched what will forever be known as The Summer Of Love, and that's our theme for June. 

So in June, we'll focus on bands that figured prominently in the Summer of Love, such as The Beatles, The Jefferson Airplane, The Grateful Dead, Jimi Hendrix, etc. In addition, we'll bring you the complete Monterrey Pop Festival, the historic event that launched the rock festival era that culminated with Woodstock 2 years later. Moreover, we'll branch out to cover all of 1967 in our posts, as it was a legendary year for debut albums, hit singles, innovations in music, and even Monkeemania.

Enjoy the tunz!

The Pretenders - 1994-05-26 - New York, NY (FM)

The Pretenders
1994-05-26
The Academy Of Music
New York, NY
Soundboard Recording
224 kbps
Artwork Included

CD 1:
01. Downtown
02. Message Of Love
03. Talk Of The Town
04. Hollywood Perfume
05. Money Talk
06. I Go To Sleep
07. Don’t Get Me Wrong
08. My City Was Gone
09. Bold As Love
10. 977
11. The Phone Call
12. Bad Boys Get Spanked

CD 2
01. Night in My Veins
02. Love Colours
03. Kid
04. Middle Of the Road
05. Band Intros > Mystery Achievement
06. I’ll Stand By You
07. Back on the Chain Gang
08. Stop Thy Sobbing
09. Precious
10. Brass In Pocket

The Pretenders - 1994-05-26 - New York, NY (FM) 

1994: In May 1994, The Pretenders released their 6th studio album, entitled, Last Of The Independents. The disc yielded the single I'll Stand By You, which went to #16 on the Billboard charts in the US, and included a cover of Bob Dylan's Forever Young. The album also marked the return to the band of drummer Martin Chambers, who had been fired by Chrissie Hynde, 8 years earlier. This FM broadcast captures them on tour in support of   Last Of The Independents, in New York on May 26, 1994, 28 years ago today.

Gregg Allman - 1987-05-25 - Austin, TX (FM)

Gregg Allman

1987-05-25

Auditorium Shores

Austin, TX

FM Broadcast

320 kbps

Artwork Included

01. DJ Intro

02. I Don't Want You No More >

03. It's Not My Cross To Bear >

04. Old Time Feelin'

05. Faces Without Names

06. Trouble No More

07. Anything Goes

08. Hot 'lanta

09. I'm No Angel

10. Statesboro Blues

11. Please Call Home

12. Whipping Post

13. One Way Out

Gregg Allman - 1987-05-25 - Austin, TX (FM) 

1987: In 1982, the Allman Brothers Band broke up, unable to operate as band anymore due to tensions, alcohol and drugs. Dickie Betts explained that "we broke up in '82 because we decided we better just back out or we would ruin what was left of the band’s image." For most of the next 5 years, Greg Allman wandered around in a drunken haze, unable or unwilling to make new music. He later explained that “No two ways about it, the ’80s were rough. [...] It was seven years of going, "What is it that I do?” Being self-employed your whole life, that becomes a certain rock, a reinforcement. When that’s gone, not only are you bored stiff, but you just want to cry—"What do I do? I know I used to serve a purpose." In 1987, somehow, Allman again found that purpose, recording a solo album for Epic Records appropriately entitled I'm No Angel. The title track became a top 40 hit, and Allman went on tour in support of the disc. This FM broadcast captures him on May 15, 1987, 35 years ago today, in Austin, The success of the album brought new attention to the Allman Brothers, which was further reinforced 2 years later by the release of the box set Dreams, celebrating the band's 20th anniversary. As the 1980s closed, the Allman Brothers would reform, and stay together for another quarter century!

Spin Doctors - 1992-05-24 - Asbury Park, NJ (SBD)

Spin Doctors
1992-05-24
Fastlane
Asbury Park, NJ
Soundboard Recording
320 kbps
Artwork Included

CD 1:
01. Introduction
02. Circumlocution >
03. Fire Escape Mothers
04. What Time Is It
05. Turn It Upside Down
06. Little Miss Can't Be Wrong
07. Freeway Of The Plains >
08. House (Cut in the middle from tape flip)

Disc 2:
01. Yo Mama's A Pajama
02. Forever Collapses (Chris tells Greek myth of Persephone)
03. Jimmy Olsen's Blues
04. Indifference
05. Off My Line
06. Lady Kerosene

Spin Doctors  - 1992-05-24 - Asbury Park, NJ (SBD)

1992: In August 1991, the Spin Doctors released their debut album Pocket Full Of Kryptonite, but it barely received any commercial or critical notice. It took almost a year before folks picked up on the album, bolstered by MTv playing videos of Two Princes and Little Miss Can't be Wrong. Sales suddenly took off, with the album certifying gold by September 1992, and reaching triple platinum status by June 1993. The disc peaked at #3 on the Billboard charts, and the 2 singles mentioned previously both cracked the top 20. By the way, the album got its title from a line from its opening track, Jimmy Olsen's Blues, which didn't chart when originally released, but eventually cracked the Billboard Top 100 after the band's big commercial breakthrough. This soundboard recording captures the band at In Asbury Park, just about the time their debut album was streaking up the charts, on May 24, 1992, 30 years ago today.

Bob Weir - 1990-05-23 - Steamboat Springs, CO (SBD Matrix)

Bob Weir 

& Rob Wasserman

1990-05-23

Sheraton Ballroom 

Steamboat Springs, CO

Soundboard Recording

320 kbps

Artwork Included

1st Set:

01. Tuning

02. Festival

03. Twiight Time

04. City Girls

05. Fever

06. Eternity

07. Desolation Row

08. Heaven Help The Fool

Set 2:

01. Tuning

02. Blackbird

03. K.C. Moan

04. Artificial Flowers

05. Looks Like Rain

06. The Winners

07. Easy To Slip

08. Bass Solo

09. Victim Or The Crime

10. Throwing Stones

Encore:

01. Encore Break

02. When I Paint My Masterpiece

Bob Weir - 1990-05-23 - Steamboat Springs CO (SBD Matrix)

1990: During the late 1980s, Bob Weir teamed up with bassist Rob Wasserman and the duo toured for seven years under names such as Weir/Wasserman and Scaring the Children. In 1994, Weir and Wasserman participated in the Woodstock '94 festival. Jay Lane was added on drums and Matthew Kelly on guitar and harmonica in 1995. They played their first show as a full band on April 22, 1995, billed as Friends of Montezuma and then as the Ratdog Revue. They played their first show as Ratdog on August 8, 1995. Just 1 night later, Ratdog would play an emotional show in tribute to Jerry Garcia, Weir’s brother in music and band mate in the Grateful Dead, who passed away that same day, Weir continued with Ratdog after the end of the Grateful Dead, touring regularly for almost 20 years, though recently he has spent time on other projects such as the Dead & Company, Campfire Band and the Wolf Bros. This soundboard matrix  recording captures Weir & Wassermann in their early days, on May 23, 1990, 32 years ago today, in Colorado.

Elvis Costello - 1991-05-22 - Santa Barbara CA (SBD)

Elvis Costello 

& the Rude 5

1991-05-22

Tour Rehearsals

Arlington Theatre

Santa Barbara, CA

Soundboard Recording

320 kbps

Artwork Included

01. (The Angels Wanna Wear My) Red Shoes

02. Invasion Hit Parade

03. Watch Your Step

04. Georgie And Her Rival

05. Home Is Anywhere You Hang Your Head

06. Suit Of Lights

07. So Like Candy

08. Accidents Will Happen

09. You Bowed Down

10. Hidden Charms

11. All Grown Up

12. Couldn't Call It Unexpected No. 4

13. The Other Side Of Summer

14. Strange

15. How To Be Dumb

16. Alison

17. Sweet Pear

18. Bama Lama Bama Loo

19. Playboy To A Man

20. Everybody's Crying Mercy

Elvis Costello - 1991-05-22 - Santa Barbara CA (SBD)

1991: On May 14, 1991, Elvis Costello released his 13th studio album, entitled Might Like A Rose. Costello had oped to rlease the disc under his given name, Declan Mcmanus, but ecord label pressures, won the day and the release was as an Elvis Costello record.  The disc went to #55 on the Billbiard Cahrts in the Us and climbed all the way to #5 in the UK. This soundoard recording captures Costello in rehearsals for his tour in Support of Mighty Like ARose, in May 22, 1991, 31 years ago today. (Note - this is  listed as being from May 23 and/or May 24).

James Taylor - 1981-05-21 - New York, NY (SBD)

James Taylor

1981-05-21

Radio City Music Hall

New York, NY

Soundboard Recording

192 kbps

Artwork Included

01. You Can Close Your Eyes

02. Mona (Story And Song)

03. Wandering

04. Sweet Baby James

05. Riding On A Railroad

06. It's Gonna Work Out Fine

07. How Sweet It Is

08. Brother Trucker

09. Hey Good Looking

10. Walking Man

11. Hard Times

12. Stand And Fight

13. Up On The Roof

14. Fire And Rain

15. Blossom

16. Millworker

17. 12 Gates To The City

18. Steamroller

19. Daddy's All Gone

James Taylor - 1981-05-21 - New York, NY (SBD)

1981: In 1981, James Taylor released the album Dad Loves His Work, which just like 6 of his previous 8 albums, made it to the top 10 on the Billboard charts (the other 2 by the way made the top 20!). Taylor’s life, however, was about to change dramatically. His then wife, Carly Simon, had given him an ultimatum: cut back on his music and touring, and spend more time with her and their children, or the marriage was over. The album's title was JT’s answer, and their divorce soon followed. Whether it was related or not is debatable, but with the end of his marriage’s end also came an end of JT’s chart success. He would not have another top 10 album until Hourglass in 1997, a gap of 16 years. This soundboard recording captures aylor on tour in support of Dad Loves His Work, at Radio City Muisic Hall, on May 21 1981, 42 years ago today.

Ian Hunter - 1980-05-20 - Los Angeles, CA (FM)

Ian Hunter 

with Mick Ronson

1980-05-20

The Roxy

Los Angeles, CA

KMET-FM Broadcast

320 kbps

Artwork Included

CD 1:

01. FBI 

02. Once Bitten Twice Shy 

03. Who Do You Love 

04. One Of The Boys 

05. The Truth, The Whole Truth, Nuthin' But The Truth 

06. Silver Needles 

07. Angeline 

08. Man 'O War 

09. Just Another Night 

CD 2:

01. Standing In My Light (intro only)

02. Bastard 

03. All The Way From Memphis 

04. Cleveland Rocks 

05. We Gotta Get Out Of Here 

06. All The Young Dudes 

07. Slaughter On 10th Avenue 

08. Walkin' With A Mountain

09. Irene Wilde 

Ian Hunter - 1980-05-20 - Los Angeles, CA (FM)

1980: In March 1979, Ian Hunter released the album You're Never Alone with a Schizophrenic, which was produced by his long time collaborator Mick Ronson. The album included the tunes Just Another Night and Cleveland Rocks, the videos for which would eventually get plenty of airplay on MTv. This Fm broadcast captures Hunter on tour in support of the disc, in Los Angeles on May 20, 1980, 42 years ago today.

The Clash - 1982-05-20 - Lochem, Netherlands (FM)

The Clash -

1982-05-20

Openluchttheater, 

Lochem, Netherlands

FM Broadcast 

320 kbps

Artwork Included

01. London Calling

02. Safe European Home

03. The Guns of Brixton

04. Train in Vain

05. Clash City Rockers

06. Know Your Rights

07. The Magnificent Seven

08. Ghetto Defendant

09. Should I Stay or Should I Go

10. Police and Thieves 

11. Brand New Cadillac 

12. Bankrobber

13. Complete Control

14. Career Opportunities

15. Clampdown

The Clash - 1982-05-20 - Lochem, Netherlands (FM) 

1982: In 1982, The Clash were riding the crest of a wave of popularity triggered by 2 huge radio and MTV hits, Should I Stay or Should I Go, and Rock the Casbah. Two of my buddies from college and I got tickets to see the Clash at the University of Pennsylvania on August 27, 1982. The saga of that show - especially the trip there - is one of my favorite tales from my book!  Less than 2 months later, the band would be opening for The Who at Shea Stadium, with many saying that they stole the show from the classic rock veterans. Who knew then that it was the beginning of the end? Within a year, Mick Jones had left the band. But, for a few brief moments in 1982, the Clash were on top of the rock world. This FM broadcast captures them during taht commercial peak, in the Netherands, on May 20, 1982, 4 decades ago this very.

Sheryl Crow - 1994-05-19 - Winterhur, Switzerland (FM)

Sheryl Crow

1994-05-19

Albani

Winterhur, Switzerland

FM Broadcast

320 kbps

Artwork Included

CD 1:

01. Reach Around Jerk

02. All I Wanna Do 

03. Can't Cry Anymore

04. Run Baby Run 

05. Love Is A Good thing

06. No One Said It Would Be Easy

07. Solidify 

08. The Na Na song

CD 2:

01. Strong Enough > Leaving Las Vegas 

02. What I Can Do For You 

03. I Shall Believe

04. Volvo Cowgirl '99

05. On The Outside 

06. *voice over* 

07. Happy

Sheryl Crow - 1994-05-19 - Winterhur, Switzerland (FM)

1994: Sheryl Crow released her debut album, Tuesday Night Music Club, in August 1993. For over a year, almost no one noticed. Her first single in Europe, Run Baby Run, also released in 1993, failed to chart (though it would be re-released later with better results). She found some modest success with her first US single, Leaving Las Vegas, which went to #60 on the Billboard charts. Then, on October 1, 1994, everything changed. That day, she released her 2nd US single, All I Wanna Do, a catchy tune based on a poem called Fun. The tune was a surprise hit, climbing to #2 on the Billboard charts. All I Wanna Do would win two Grammys in 1995, for Record of the Year and for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Sheryl would also win the Grammy for best new artist. The song would also propel Tuesday Night Music Club up the charts, with the album reaching the #3 position while selling over 7 million copies. Sheryl was the new Queen of Rock, a position she has maintained for almost 3 decades! This FM broadcast captures Sheryl on the cusp of her commercial breakthrough, in Switzewrland on May 19, 1994, 26 years ago today.

Van Morrison - 1985-05-18 - Capitol Theatre, NJ (SBD)

Van Morrison 

1985-05-18

Capitol Theatre

Passaic NJ

Soundboard Recording

192 kbps

Artwork Included

CD 1:

01. Inarticulate Speech Of The Heart #2

02. Baby Please Don't Go > Gloria > Here Comes The Night > Brown Eyed Girl

03. Jackie Wilson Said

04. Help Me

05. It's All In The Game > You Know What They're Writing About

06. Dweller On The Threshold

07. Vanlose Stairway

08. Tore Down A La Rimbaud

09. The Master's Eyes

CD 2:

01. Haunts of Ancient Peace

02. She Gives Me Religion

03. If You Only Knew

04. What Would I Do

05. Cry For Home

06. Summertime In England

07. Full Force Gale

08. Bright Side of the Road

09. A Sense Of Wonder

Van Morrison - 1985-05-18 - Capitol Theatre, NJ (SBD)

1985: Van Morrison spent the 1980s in quest of more spiritual and transcendent music, songs that would satisfy his soul. His 1985 album, Sense Of Wonder, reflected that quest, as the disc was filled with references to poets such as Rimbuad and Yeats, as well as lyrics that commented on nature’s beauty and God’s love. Interestingly, the original pressings had to be recalled when The Yeat’s estate refused to allow Morrison's musical version of the poem, "Crazy Jane on God" to be included on the album. Morrison substituted the tune If You Only Knew in place of the Yeats' recording. Morrison went on a limited tour in support of the album, playing 7 shows in Australia in February and March 1985, then following that with just a dozen shows in the US. This soundboard recording captures Van The Man at the Capitol Theatre in Passaic, NJ on May 18, 1985, 37 years ago this very day. The set list features 4 tunes from Sense Of Wonder - Tore Down A La Rimbaud, The Master's Eyes, If You Only Knew and the title track, while steering away from some of his more commercial works, such as Moondance and Wavelength. That said, the idea of Van The Man playing spiritual music in a concert hall that served as an X-rated movie theater by day paints quite a contrast. 

Black Crowes - 1995-05-17 - Los Angeles, CA (SBD)

The Black Crowes
1995-05-17
Pantages Theater
Los Angeles, CA
Soundboard recording
320 kbps
Artwork Included

CD 1
01. Black Moon Creeping
02. A Conspiracy
03. Jealous Again
04. Title Song
05. Black Moon Jam > 
06. My Morning Song
07. Seeing Things

CD 2:
01. Wiser Time
02. Sting Me
03. She Gave Good Sunflower
04. Stare It Cold*
05. Woke Up This Morning *
06. Hard to Handle *
07. Bad Luck Blue Eyes Goodbye
08. Pimpers Paradise
09. Remedy

*with The Dirty Dozen Brass Band

Black Crowes - 1995-05-17 - Los Angeles, CA (SBD)

1995: In November 1994, The Black Crowes released their third album, entitled Amorica. The album cover, which featured a picture taken from a 1976 bi-centennial edition of Hustler that showed a bikini bottom that failed to cover all of a women’s pubic hair, generated a host of controversy. Some retailers refused to carry the album until the record company re-issued the disc with an alternate cover. Despite the controversy - or maybe because of it - Amorica climbed to #11 on the Billboard charts. This FM broadcast captures the Black Crowes on tour in support of their controversial albumin Oklahoma City on May 10, 1995, 27 yars ago today. 

TEN RULES OF THE ROAD I LEARNED AT MY FIRST CONCERT: AN ORDINARY GUY'S LIFETIME OF LIVE ROCK & ROLL - Ordinary Guy, Extraordinary Concerts!

Ordinary, Guy, Extraoridnay Concerts:

• Elton John's 60th Birthday
• John Belushi joins the Dead on stage
• Springsteen & The Last Great Show
• The (next to) Last Play at Shea
• CSNY reunite after a quarter century
• A concert in a parking lot
• the Grateful Dead during a tornado
• Meeting a band while driving on 43rd Street
• A Stills, Betts, Santana guitar jam
• the largest concert in New Jersey history
• U2's emotional tribute to 9/11
• McCartney, Springsteen, Van Zandt - on stage together
• and countless more

BUY IT HERE IN THE US!

Rave reviews for TEN RULES OF THE ROAD I LEARNED AT MY FIRST CONCERT:

- a 4.50 star rating on Amazon!

- a 4.56 star rating on Goodreads!

Here's just a sample of what folks are saying about TEN RULES OF THE ROAD I LEARNED AT MY FIRST CONCERT:

- "As a fan of rock shows myself, this book written by a fellow fan was fun to read, and reminded me of many of my own long-forgotten concert stories. Definitely recommended." 

 -"Insightful, poignant and just plain joyful." 

- "Truly a book for music fans of the 70’ s onward. Love the personal thoughts of sharing the music with his wife and kids." 

 - It was a lot of fun to hear about the author's experiences from the time of his first concert to sharing those experiences with his teenage boys. There is a lot of truth in his "rules" 

 - "The book is well-written and a fun reminder of my younger days. Just an enjoyable read!" 

 - "A hero for our times - he sees great shows, learns about life, and gets the girl. What's not to like?" 

 - "The author takes you on a tale of wonder through the ups and downs of going to concerts." 

- "I would recommend this book for anybody who loves live music - especially those, like me, who enjoy the anticipating and reliving almost as much as actually being at the concert." 

 - "I've got to say that Speedy's book is a little known gem and a real joy to read... the author's genuine love of live music comes through wonderfully." 

 - "Excellent account of the rock concert experience from 1976 to today. Very well written and extremely entertaining." 

- "Great for anyone who loves live music... Lots of fun anecdotes and details that really make you feel like you're sitting with someone, listening to stories about concerts."

- "It's a love letter to live music."

- "If you grew up in the 1960s or 1970s and enjoyed going to.rock concerts, then Speedy's story is your story. This tale reminds you of the best and worst parts of attending concerts, and captures the magic of those moments when the music was truly transcendent. Well written, engaging and filled with truth is stranger than fiction moments, Ten Rules is a must read for any rock music fan."

BUY IT HERE IN THE US:

The Rules:

Rule #1: You Can’t Get Good Seats, But The Scalpers Can

Rule #2: Expect The Unexpected On The Way To Or From The Show

Rule #3: No Concert Ever Starts On Time

Rule #4: Rejoice - There Is No Opening Act

Rule #5: Rock Concerts Are Rarely Played At A Venue Meant For Music

Rule #6: Enjoy The Special Guests - They’re a Rare Event

Rule #7: The Set List - The Bad News - The Band Will Never Play Everything You Want To Hear

Rule #8: The Set List - The Good News - The Band Will Always Play An Unanticipated Tune You’ll Never Forget

Rule #9: Elvis Has Left The Building - Once The Houselights Come On, The Show Is Over

Rule #10: Don’t Miss The Moment - Go To Every Show You Can

BUY IT HERE IN THE US:

- Only $6.99 for the Kindle Edition

- Only $12.99 for the paperback 

- And always FREE on Kindle Unlimited! 

 Also available in Kindle in: UK, DE, FR, ES, IT, NL, JP, BR, CA, MX, AU, and IN 

Also available in Paperback in: UK DE FR ES IT JP

Counting Crows - 1992-05-16 - San Francisco, CA (SBD)

Counting Crows

1992-05-16

Slim's 

San Francisco, CA

Soundboard Recording

320 KBPS

Artwork Included

01. Open All Night 

02. Anna Begins

03. A Mona Lisa

04. Omaha

05. Love And Addiction

06. Ghost Train 

07. Round Here 

08. The Greening Of America         

09. Margery

10. 40 Years

11. Rain King

12. Sullivan Street

13. A Murder of One

Counting Crows - 1992-05-16 - San Francisco, CA (SBD)

1992 -  Someone must have had a premonition when they asked a then relatively unknown band to fill in for Van Morrison, who skipped his own induction, at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony on January 16, 1993. Later that year, that band released the album August & Everything After, which went to #4 on the Billboard charts in the strength of such songs as Mr. Jones, Round here and Rain King. The Counting Crows had arrived. This FM broadcast captures the band about a year before their commerical breakthrough, in Sn Francisco, on May 16. 1992. 30 years ago today.

Crosby & Nash - 1998-05-15 - Berkeley CA (SBD)

Crosby & Nash 

with Phil Lesh

1998-05-15

Sing Out For SEVA Benefit Concert

Berkeley Community Theatre 

Berkeley, CA

Soundboard Recording

320 kbps

Artwork Included

01. Intro by Wavy Gravy

02. I Used To Be A King

03. Stage Banter

04. Laughing

05. Stage Banter

06. Box Of Rain

07. Wooden Ships

08. Wavy Gravy's Encore Encouragement

09. Tuning > Band Chatter

10. Ripple

11. Stage Banter

12. Teach Your Children

13. Amazing Grace

14. Outro by Wavy Gravy

Crosby & Nash - 1998-05-15 - Berkeley CA (SBD)

1998: On february 15, 1998, 2 dozen years ago today, David Crosby and Graham Nash, always activists who believed in using rock music to support political and social causes, played a benefit concert for SEVA, as captured in this sounboard recording. They were joined on stage by Phil Lesh, long time bassist for the Gratefu Dead, the band that played the forst ever benefit concert for SEVA.. The SEVA foundation, an international health organization, is best known for its work in Africa and Asia, but began helping Native American communities in the US in 1982. Since 1979, rock musicians have partnered with SEVA to raise funds. Artists such as the Grateful Dead, The Band, Bruce Hornsby, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt, Graham Nash, Country Joe McDonald, Maria Muldaur and Paul Simon, just to name a few, have participated in dozens of shows over the last 43 years (go here for more on SEVA benefit concerts).

Tom Petty - 1995-05-15 - Miami FL (ALD)

Tom Petty 

& The Heartbreakers

Miami Arena

Miami, FL

ALD Recording

320 kbps

Artwork Included

CD 1:

01. Love Is A Long Road

02. You Don't Know How It Feels

03. Listen To Her Heart

04. I Won't Back Down

05. Free Fallin'

06. You Wreck Me

07. Diamondhead

08. Mary Jane's Last Dance

09. Cabin Down Below

10. Learning To Fly

11. Time To Move On

12. The Waiting

13. Girl On LSD

14. Wildflowers

CD 2:

01. Yer So Bad

02. Around & Around

03. It's Good To Be King

04. Driving Down To Georgia

05. Refugee

06. Runnin' Down A Dream

07. Honey Bee

08. American Girl

09. Alright For Now

Tom Petty - 1995-05-15 - Miami FL (ALD)

1995: In November 1994, Tom Petty released his 2nd solo album, entitled Wildflowrs, which was also his first recording as part of a new deal with Warner Records.  Despite the solo billing, the disc whicch would eventually certify 3x platimum in the US, featured every member of the heartbreakers except drummer Stan Kynch.  Petty and the Heartbreakers lauched a tour in support of the album on February 28, 1995, which ran through June 9.  This ALD recording caotures the band during that tour, in Miami on May 15, 1995, 27 years ago today.

Graham Parker - 1982-05-14 - Chicago IL (FM)

Graham Parker

1982-05-14

Park West

Chicago, IL

FM Broadcast

320 kbps

Artwork Included

01. Discovering Japan

02. Jolie Jolie

03. Fear Not

04. White Honey

05. Thankless Task

06. Howlin' Wind

07. Stick To Me  (MISSING)

08. Passion Is No Ordinary Word  (MISSING)

09. Can't Wait A Minute  (MISSING)

19. No More Excuses

11. Heat Treatment

12. Dark Side Of The Bright Lights

13. You Hit The Spot

14. Another Grey Area

15. Stupefaction

16. Big Fat Zero

17. Empty Lives

18. Nobody Hurts You

Graham Parker - 1982-05-14 - Chicago IL (FM)

1982: In 1982, Graham Parker returned to the U.S. to promote Another Grey Area, his seventh album in six years. Parker was no longer backed by The Rumour and had moved from Mercury Records to Arista in the process. His new band was comprised of former members of Billy Joel's band, studio players who worked on the LP, and guitarist Brinsley Schwartz, the lone holdover from the Rumour. This FM broadcast captures Parket during that tour, in Chicago, on May 14, 1982, 4 decvades ago today.