Where do I start?
DEVO has always been my favorite band. Saw them in early 80s at the Universal Ampitheatre (now the Gibson). Mark flew in over the audience! I saw them headline the Run Hit Wonder race at the Coliseum, and I've seen then in a small venue (the Canyon Club) from a couple of feet away.
Oingo Boingo in 1980 at the Wolf-Riss Miller Country Club in Reseda. This was before ANYONE had heard of them. Lots of slam dancing that night. I actually came in contact with Danny Elfman (long story) through work. He got me backstage passes when Oingo Boingo and X were playing the Pacific Ampitheater in 82 IIRC. Billy Zoom of X was insanely good and never moved his feet an inch the entire concert. Saw them again in 85 at the Universal Ampitheatre. Was so drunk that night I almost got kicked out of the show!
In reference to some others posts - Styx playing the Pantages during the theatrical run of the Paradise Theatre tour before they did the stadium shows. It was like watching a play. Fantastic. BTW, Dennis DeYoung has actually performed with them live recently.
Sat front row center in the studio when Jeff Lynne of ELO was doing the dress rehearsal for his Zoom show. I was the ONLY one in the audience. Very cool feeling to get a private show. I wanted to see him at the Bowl this year but damn ticket snipers got all the good tickets.
Debbie Harry opening for The Ramones who opened for ZZ Top at the Greek. Fourth row center for that show. Unbelievable line up.
Some other memories - an unknown band called U2 opening for the J Geils Band (who was AMAZING). The lead singer of the J Geils Band was SO energetic on stage it was phenomenal. Beastie Boys opening for Madonna (yes, I admit it!). Summer Strut at Anaheim Stadium in 1982 with Foreigner, Loverboy, Scorpions and Iron Maiden.
Ah, youth....