Manitobans Recall Memorable First Concert Experiences

Memories of first concerts can evoke powerful emotions, as Manitobans recently shared their unforgettable experiences with music. From iconic rock bands to pop sensations, these stories highlight the lasting impact live performances have on individuals.

Bruce Haining vividly remembers his first concert on a warm July night in 1977 at the historic Winnipeg Arena. After spending four hours in line, the rush to enter was exhilarating. “Pandemonium,” he described, recalling how he felt swept off his feet as the crowd surged forward. The moment he saw the members of Kiss, dressed in striking leather outfits and face paint, brought the audience to a frenzy. During the concert for the “Love Gun Tour,” he was mesmerized as Paul Stanley sang “I Stole Your Love,” and the crowd sang along, recalling tracks from the 1975 album Kiss Alive! “A fantastic concert,” he said, particularly remembering Gene Simmons breathing fire on stage.

As part of a community outreach initiative, CTV News invited viewers to share their first concert experiences, and the responses were heartfelt. Alex Todd recounted her first concert at age 14, catching a bus with her crush to see Chicago perform at the old Winnipeg Arena in 1972. For her, it was a combination of a first date and a memorable musical experience. “The show was fabulous, and I was mesmerized by all of the instruments and the ‘big’ production numbers,” she reflected.

Linda Ericsson also shared a cherished memory from 1967. At just 11 years old, she walked with her sister to see The Monkees during their first Canadian performance. Tickets sold out rapidly the day they were released, and extra standing room was made available. “It was festival seating,” she noted, explaining how she found herself separated from her sister during the show. The performance was an unforgettable experience, especially as a blizzard swept into Winnipeg that evening.

In contrast, Chantal Kreviazuk attended her first concert in her late teens, having grown up in a protective environment. She had long envied her brothers’ concert outings, particularly a Police show. Finally, she saw Sting during “The Dream of the Blue Turtles Tour.” “When I say I was a Sting and Police fan, that doesn’t even begin to describe it,” she said, emphasizing the excitement she felt at seeing him live. Her surprise encounter with Sting days later, when he entered a lounge where she was performing, made the experience even more memorable, although he seemed less than thrilled to meet her.

Winnipeg’s current mayor, Scott Gillingham, recalled his first concert experience as well. He attended an INXS performance in the late 1980s, sitting in the upper deck of the Winnipeg Arena. “The late Michael Hutchence was the lead singer, and I just remember that being a fantastic concert,” he said, reflecting on the vibrant energy of live music.

For Ace Burpee, a local radio personality, his first concert experience is a matter of perspective. He considers his first big stadium show to be Iron Maiden, but also cherishes a performance he attended by Wandering Wayne Wazny at a festival in Cooks Creek, saying, “I consider that my first concert because the guy’s awesome.”

The significance of these musical memories is further supported by research conducted by Eisha Naodu, a post-doctoral associate at Duke University. Her studies on the psychological effects of live music reveal that shared experiences foster a sense of connection and community. “We hypothesized that crowds taking in the same live music experience something called collective effervescence,” Naodu explained. This phenomenon occurs when large groups share an emotional experience, creating a sense of transcendence.

The findings suggest that such moments can generate lasting happiness, a sentiment echoed by many who shared their concert stories. “Some people, even in my family, can remember every concert they went to, the time of year, the openers, where they went for dinner that night,” Gillingham noted. “I’m not like that, but I do remember that concert.”

Kreviazuk expressed a profound appreciation for the memories created through music, stating, “Music is like a reflection of being alive and being present. So we hold these memories so, so dear, and we can put ourselves in that moment. It’s spectacular.”

Many viewers also shared their memorable first concert experiences. A few notable mentions include:

– “My first concert was Streetheart in 1979 at the old arena.” – Brunel Lionel
– “I was 11 years old when I saw Gary Lewis and the Playboys in 1963. It cost $3.” – Mary Hnatiuk
– “I was 18 and went to see Nazareth. I couldn’t hear anything for two hours after that concert.” – Janice L.
– “My first concert was the Rolling Stones in Montreal, summertime 1972. It was extremely hot in the Montreal Forum.” – Howard Schulman

These personal stories illustrate the indelible mark that live music leaves on individuals, forming connections that last a lifetime. Whether it’s the thrill of a packed arena or the nostalgia of a cherished memory, the power of music continues to resonate deeply in the hearts of those who experience it.