My first concert was The Cars, probably in 1978. It was disappointing, they only did a one and a half hour set. The warm up band sucked. Some punk duo, keyboards and a singer, if you could call him one. The audience did not approve. Someone tossed a toilet paper and hit the keyboards. That was hilarious.
The next show was Bruce Springsteen, December 1978 ( I know "First Concert"). I only showed up because a friend sold t shirts at the old Providence Civic Center and offered me a chance to make a few bucks. I was supposed to meet him at a certain door, he never showed up. This concert had sold out in less than an hour when it was announced, weeks before, but so many people showed up the night of the show that they opened up the blue section in the back of the stage. They asking price was $8 a seat, I had $10 on me so I gambled. It was a gamble because I wasn't really a Springsteen fan at the time, I just heard a few songs on the radio. But I thought I would make my money back, plus some more. When I found my friend's boss he said he sent Russell to another arena, and no, he didn't need the extra help. So here's me with a ticket to a show for an artist I wasn't very familiar with, so I stayed. When I got to my seat the guy immediately in front of me pulled out an ounce of weed. I reached over with my last two dollars and asked if he could sell me some. He waved me off and said he'll be passing around for everyone. That was no lie. Weed and a few bottles of Jack Daniels he smuggled in. The show was Fantastic to say the least. I then knew what all the fuss was about.