Returning from my sixth Godspeed You! Black Emporer show, I'm reminded of a task I've been meaning to do for several years. I've meticulously kept track of every band I've seen since 2009, so I've always wanted to document every band I've seen prior. The great thing about GY!BE shows is when they aren't blowing your face off with heavy riffs and drums, the nostalgic imagary in the background conjurs up memories of your youth. They are experts at tugging at your emotions, which is why I routinely see people crying their eyes out at their shows. Tonight made me think of all the shows I've experienced as a younger man. Life has been moving at 98 miles per hour for the past five years, and has slowed down to a manageable 62, so I have time now I didn't have before.
Luckily I grew up in a city lacking live music. My college days were the same. It's the main reason I moved to Portland after graduating, because I needed more live music in my life. I was also so broke until my late twenties, that I hadn't attended a large amount of live music events. My first four years in Portland, I don't think I attended more than one show! Therefore, this shouldn't be too tough to document.
I'll rely on my fantastic memory for the acts I've seen, and google for the dates. Eventually I'll dig through my pile of ticket stubs to fill in the blanks. This is a work in progress that might never be completed. For those of you who randomly still follow this blog (stalkers!), you might find some of these hilarious, or unequivalently awesome. Either way, this is more for me. Bookkeeping if you will. As always, all shows in Portland unless otherwise noted.
7/17/1992 - Boyz II Men, MC Hammer (Anchorage, AK)
5/19/1995 - Foreigner (Anchorage, AK)
7/11/1995 - Blues Traveler (Anchorage, AK)
3/19/1996 - White Zombie (Anchorage, AK)
4/26/1996 - Jawbreaker, Ween, Foo Fighters (Pullman, WA)
4/28/1996 - No Doubt, Goo Goo Dolls, Bush (Spokane, WA)
9/6/97 - Santana (George, WA)
10/1/1997 - Mighty Mighty Bosstones (Moscow, ID)
6/26/1999 - Melvins (Seattle, WA)
6/30/2000 - Roger Waters (George, WA)
11/5/2001 - Tricky, Tool (Spokane, WA)
9/1/2004 - Prince
5/29/2005 - Arcade Fire, Kanye West, Modest Mouse, Pixies (Sasquatch! - George, WA)
9/20/2005 - Wolf Parade, Arcade Fire
8/25/2007 - Incubus, Modest Mouse (Download Festival - George, WA)
9/24/2007 - LCD Soundsystem, Arcade Fire (Seattle, WA)
4/21/2008 - Fuck Buttons, Caribou
