My Ten Favorite Concerts ....So Far Quiz

Answer: Sheila E

"Purple Rain" was shot all around Minneapolis, Minnesota but the majority of the film is set at the First Avenue nightclub downtown. I got inside information that Prince would be playing an after hours concert there. An amazing night of funk, rock, and R&B by the legend. I remember "Computer Blue" being a standout and Sheila E was playing drums, dancing with the Purple One, and singing harmony.

Sheila E's full name is Sheila Cecilia Escovedo.

Answer: U2

September 11, 2001 changed the way Americans thought about their country, safety, and future. After the tragic terrorist attack in NYC, U2's tour went on pause. When they returned, they played an emotional concert at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. Lead singer Bono calmed the crowd with his spiritual anthems and passionate plea for peace.

A scroll of the fallen lives at the World Trade Center played during the concert set.

Answer: Live And Let Die

The Beatles stopped touring in the mid 1960s so many have never seen the Fab Four perform live in person. Fortunately I was able to see Paul McCartney at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. Together with members of Wings, Paul put on a set that was half his solo/Wings work and half Beatles' favorites. One highlight was the pyro inside the closed arena during the theme to "Live And Let Die". I had just seen Metallica and their fire and pyro for "Fuel" paled in comparison to McCartney's version of the James Bond classic.

Answer: Lynyrd Skynryd

While way too young to appreciate the show, my cousin took me to a Southern rock show with Charlie Daniels Band and the original Lynyrd Skynyrd. Lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, guitarist Steve Gaines, and his wife Cassie were all with the band that night. October 20, 1977 saw a tragic plane crash in Mississippi take the lives of six including the three mentioned. My show contained the first live performance of "That Smell", an anti-drug anthem of the 1970s.

Answer: Beastie Boys

On July 2, 1986 at the Mecca Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, three hip hop music legends performed that eventful night, LL Cool J, RUN DMC, and the Beastie Boys. The Beastie Boys were the opening act and their debut album "License To Ill" was rising on the charts. The trio were based out of New York City. The tour was called "Raising Hell" in support of RUN DMC's new album.

Answer: Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood

Sometimes you're in the right place at the right time. The day before the Grand Ole Opry show, I ate dinner and watched a band at the Friends In Low Places nightclub on Broadway in Nashville. The club was opened by Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood. Yearwood is a singer and a chef and designed the menu at the club.

The married couple inducted Lainey Wilson into the Grand Ole Opry Hall of Fame the next evening. In addition to Lainey Wilson, the lineup included Wynonna Judd and Terri Clark that eventful night in 2024.

Answer: Tom Petty

In 2014, I had the pleasure to see two of the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame members. Steve Winwood opened with hits with the Spencer Davis Group, Blind Faith, and his solo career. Then came Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, originally from Gainesville, Florida.

Their setlist that night opened with "So You Wanna Be A Rock And Roll Star" and "Mary Jane's Last Dance". A lost treasure song by Petty, "Rebels" was added to the Tampa setlist. Sadly, Tom Petty passed away in 2017.

Answer: Ricky Martin

Three Latin male superstars on stage and there appeared to be no jealousy or competition, just a goal to put on an incredible night of Latin music. Ricky Martin opened the concert with his 1999 viral hit, "Livin' La Vida Loca". His set was the most traditional including beautifully choreographed Spanish female dancers. Pitbull's set was nothing but excitement. Strobe lights, huge hits, you felt like you were in the club and everyone was smiling and dancing. Enrique brought it altogether with an incredible mix of Spanish and English songs that totally enthralled the crowd.

Answer: Chris Cornell

From their first tour in support of "Hybrid Theory" and opening for Korn, I never missed a concert by Linkin Park. The 2008 concert outside of Ybor City in Tampa was part of Projekt Revolution and included the incredible, passionate vocals of Chris Cornell.

He was a member of Temple of the Dog ("Hunger Strike"), Soundgarden, and Audioslave. On this night, Cornell had his own set and came back to join Linkin Park. I also had tickets to Linkin Park's August 2017 concert but sadly, lead singer Chester Benningtoon took his life just four weeks before the show.

Answer: Elton John

I had a music website for much of the 2010s and the first post featured Elton John's "Your Song". In 2022, it was my pleasure to see Sir Elton John for the second time. He had announced his retirement from touring and was making one last world tour. His stop in Tampa was unforgettable and a montage of his career played during "I'm Still Standing".