S01E09 – The Ticket Stub Master

December 10, 2023 Charles Zona 00:26:3824.40M 0 Comments

In this episode of “Seeing Them Live,” Charles welcomes guest Andy to share memorable concert stories. Andy discusses his extensive collection of concert ticket stubs, mentioning that he has about 350 concert stubs and over 125 stubs from other events. The conversation takes a nostalgic turn as they reminisce about concerts they attended together since seventh grade.

Charles asks Andy about his first concert, and Andy’s unique response involves distinguishing between tickets with stubs and those without. He reflects on his early concert experiences, particularly at Chicago Fest, where he saw acts like the Greg Kihn Band and the Joe Perry Project. The discussion delves into the significance of ticket stubs as memory triggers, providing insight into the concerts and events they attended.

The conversation also touches on the value of concert tickets as collectibles. Andy shares that some of his Grateful Dead tickets from the 1980s are now worth more as collectibles than the original ticket prices. The mention of different venues and festivals like Chicago Fest sparks memories of specific shows and experiences, including encounters with iconic musicians like Muddy Waters.

The conversation transitions to discussing the unique aspects of certain concerts, such as the legendary “wall of sound” designed by Owsley Bear Stanley for the Grateful Dead. Andy explains that, while he didn’t witness the wall of sound, it was a significant part of the band’s history. The discussion also covers social protocols at concerts, including designated areas for different groups of fans, such as the “deaf zone” for those going deaf and the presence of spinners (dancers).

As the episode progresses, the hosts explore Andy’s decision to swear off heavy metal concerts and share anecdotes from specific shows, both positive and challenging. The episode concludes with a brief mention of the Ticket Stub Museum, a concept introduced by the hosts, and the idea of incorporating personal stories or notations for each ticket in the museum. They express enthusiasm for the tangible and sentimental value of physical ticket stubs in contrast to digital ticketing.

Bands Mentioned: Almond Brothers, Bob Dylan, Bob Weir, Grateful Dead, Greg Kihn Band, Iggy Pop, Jane’s Addiction, Jason and the Scorchers, Jerry Garcia Band, Jethro Tull, Joe Perry Project, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Neil Young, Phil Lesh, Ramones, REM, Santana, Slayer, Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Moody Blues, Vulgar Boatmen.

Venues Mentioned: Alpine Valley (mentioned in connection with Iron Maiden), Champaign (general reference), Chicago Fest, Chicago Theater, International Amphitheater (mentioned in connection with Iron Maiden and Judas Priest), Las Vegas (mentioned in connection with Bobby Weir), Mabel’s (venue in Champaign, mentioned in connection with Otis and the Elevators), Salt Shed (King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard concert), Soldier Field (mentioned in connection with Chicago Fest with Stevie Ray Vaughan), UIC Pavilion.