Music History

Weekly Survey. You’re God’s promoter. What’s your all-time fantasy dream gig?

This is an extremely speculative weekly survey question, one that is very simple but at the same time very hard.

If you could put together the ultimate fantasy gig: a pre-opener, opener and headliner–how would that look?

And this isn’t just any gig. You have been appointed as God’s promoter. That means you can choose from any artist, living or dead from any era. What would your ultimate show be?

I’ll start. After running through a bunch of permutations, my night would look like this:

  • 6:30 doors open
  • 7:30: Oasis (Knebworth 1995 lineup)
  • 8:30: The Clash (as they were immediately following the release of London Calling)
  • 9:45: The Beatles (circa early 1969)

I realize that the Clash kinda sticks out, but I don’t care. Cast your own gig. Go on.

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 39980 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

5 thoughts on “Weekly Survey. You’re God’s promoter. What’s your all-time fantasy dream gig?

  • 1st up. oasis Knebworth….agreed
    follow by GnR -Use you Illusion era
    Headliner. Smashing Pumpkins- Siamese Dream era

    Reply
  • 6:30 doors open
    7:30: Stone Roses, 1989
    8:30: Chicago, 1970 (this slot fluctuates, but the Tanglewood concert on YouTube convinced me they’re on of the most underrated live bands of all time)
    9:45: Led Zeppelin, 1973

    Reply
  • Mostly agree with you…

    Pre-Opener – Bob Dylan (1975 Rolling Thunder Revue era)
    Opener – Oasis (Maine Road, 1996 era)
    Headliner – The Beatles (1969)

    These are my three favourite acts of all time, though, so it seemed obvious. The harder question for me would is which 3 artists would I choose after these.

    Reply
  • Pre-opener – The Doors circa 1968
    Opener – Nirvana circa 1992
    Headliner – Elvis Presley circa 1958

    At the Cabaret Music Hall in Montreal

    Reply
  • 6:30 doors open
    7:30: The Mission (1986 “God’s Own Medicine” era)
    8:30: Suede (original 1992/93 lineup w/ Bernard Butler)
    9:45: Fleetwood Mac (1977 “Rumours” era)

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.