BAM Column: Looking back and forward on state’s big concerts
Brad Paisley will play Tulsa’s BOK Center on Jan. 24. (Associated Press photo)
A version of this story ran in Monday’s Life section of The Oklahoman.
Concerts abundant in state
One of the top perks of my job as an entertainment writer has to be the abundant opportunities to take in live music.
Regular concert-goers know that there’s just something about the immediacy, the energy and the sonic impact of a great live show. (By the same token, nothing disappoints quite like a poor showing from a favorite band or solo artist.)
Fortunately, I saw several terrific shows in 2008, including a few on my long-term to-do list. Hearing one of my rock ‘n’ roll heroes, Ann Wilson, belt out “Barracuda,” “Magic Man” and The Who’s “Love Reign O’er Me” makes my list of top musical moments. The Journey, Heart and Cheap Trick bill not only sold out the Zoo Amphitheatre, it was named 2008’s top package in Billboard’s Touring Awards.
Since Christine McVie seems happily retired, I’ll probably never meet my goal of seeing Fleetwood Mac perform live. But as consolation prizes go, you can’t beat singer/guitarist Lindsey Buckingham’s sizzling show at Tulsa’s historic Brady Theater, which stands as one of the best concerts I’ve ever seen. Now, I just need to catch Stevie Nicks live.
The opening of Tulsa’s BOK Center attracted many great talents. I got to experience vibrant homecoming shows for Carrie Underwood and Rascal Flatts’ Joe Don Rooney, my second outing with classic rockers the Eagles and a thunderous return to form by Metallica in the new arena.
Despite the efforts of Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor, and my own wishful thoughts, the new venue didn’t host a 2008 show from semi-retired Owasso superstar Garth Brooks. But hope springs that I’ll get to hear the country luminary live someday.
I also made my first pilgrimage to Tulsa’s fabled Cain’s Ballroom in October, when my sister-in-law and I took each other to see Cross Canadian Ragweed.
In 2009, I’m making it a goal to see shows in other state venues I’ve never visited or haven’t been to in a while, such as the Blue Door, VZD’s and the Wormy Dog. And I’m hoping to catch a few Oklahoma talents I have yet to see live, including Samantha Crain, Stoney LaRue and Colourmusic.
Several high-profile shows already have been announced for the year, including AC/DC, Brad Paisley, The Pretenders, Jewel and Billy Joel-Elton John. So far, it looks like 2009 will be another big and busy year for concert-goers and entertainment journalists.
-BAM
If you enjoyed this post, please consider to leave a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader.
I guess when we voted to improve the Ford Center, we didn’t read the fine print that stated that all major concerts will now be held in Tulsa. Eagles, Carrie Underwood, Metallica, AC/DC, Elton John, etc. I don’t know of any concerts presently scheduled in the Ford Center.