They were really fun years. I was a booking agent at Lycoming first, then Bloom. Got to meet a ton of bands and talked to dozens. The Hooters and the Outfield toured the East Coast for quite a while and got to meet them. Also got to meet, invited into a bed with Joan Jett, she was a bit late to get on stage, banging her lead guitarist in her trailer. I took a hard pass. Lol. The best was 38 Special at Lycoming. Donnie Van Zant was the bomb. Just real folks. The contracts were pretty difficult for colleges at the time because alcohol was not allowed. So I got Donnie a few bottles of Jack. Specifically told him, keep in behind stage. He comes out slugging on stage. Didn't go over well. Lmao. Really great guys. Donnie was the nicest guy I've ever met. He was just down to earth and incredibly accommodating.
That said, the best performer I've ever seen live, and met, helped to book, was Gary Allen. That was back around 2001 in VA at the Pittslyvania County, VA fairgrounds. The Man to Man album. Massive lightning storm at the fairgrounds. He played for an hour starting at 9pm. Took a break, told everyone to take cover an he would be back. He played till 1am. He's a Bakersfield, Cali guitarist, enough said.
I was also luck to see Journey's last concert with Steve Perry at the Meadowlands. Another great live concert in awful weather, probably the best, was the Goo Goo Dolls live in Buffalo, their hometown back in 2004, July 4th. Played in an absolute downpour and lightning. John was the bomb back home. Both my nephews are born and raised in Buffalo.
