Francesca's Most Memorable Concerts
In the first of what we hope will be a series of music-related lists from New Zealand personalities, presenting Francesca Rudkin's Most Memorable Concerts, in no particular order...
1. Coldplay - Private Gig, Galatos 2001
This was a private gig that Coldplay did when they were in
Auckland for the Big Day Out. The place was packed, it was an
intimate occasion, and everyone there felt that they had seen
something special.
2. Ryan Adams, Forum Theatre, Melbourne, 2002
Absolutely fantastic. Adams played for 3 hours and
wouldn't stop. The venue operators turned on the lights to get
Adams to stop, but he threw a tantrum - stomped feet and all - and
they allowed him to play a few more songs. I brought a tour t-shirt
- the only time ever!
3. U2, Love Town Tour, Lancaster Park, Christchurch,
1989
I was 16 when U2 come to town in Christchurch. I hadn't
seen that many gigs this big before and I was smitten by stadium
rock. Some friends and I were about 80 metres from the stage and we
were desperate to get nearer to the front. We dropped to your knees
and crawled. Luckily it was a dry autumn, and it was surprisingly
easy to get through peoples legs. It was well worth the crawl.
4. Bailterspace, Sweetwaters, Puhinui Reserve, South
Auckland, 1999
It was just a perfect moment in what was a shambles of a
festival. I went home happy.
5. Shihad
Anywhere, anytime. I have rarely been disappointed in a
Shihad gig over the last 10 years. They are still the sexiest live
band in NZ.
Honourable Mentions
Marilyn Manson, Powerstation, Auckland, 1997
I was working at MAX TV at the time, and this was a group outing.
It was entertaining, ridiculous and amusing, especially when Manson
came into the back bar to select a group of young woman to
accompany him for the evening. No, I was not one of them.
BDO - 2003
The first year in about 7 where I didn't have to work at
the BDO, and I wandered around catching bands such as PJ Harvey,
Wilco, Queens of the Stone Age and Jane's Addiction. I was as happy
as could be.
