Bye-Bye, Bo
I had a chance to see Bo Diddley play at the Columbia Arena in Fridley (of all places) back in 1987. It was some sort of back to the 50's show with a bunch of other legends most of whom I cannot recall. Freddie Cannon and the Coasters and some others. Really all I was there for was to see Bo. All of the performers were backed by the Rockin Hollywoods. The show was general admission with cheapie seats up in the stands and the premo spots down on the main floor.
Bo was the last artist to perform. A lot of the people left after "their" artist was finished, so it was during the confusion between sets I was able to sneak my way down to the main floor and get up close to the stage. I cannot tell you how many people ended up seeing that show, because once Diddley took the stage I never looked behind me. What I do know is that the dude played his heart out for us - It was all the Hollywoods to do to keep up with him. By the end of the set their clothes were soaked through with sweat.
I was less than 10 feet from the guy and we made eye contact many times while he played. I can only imagine what he must of thought of me, some long-haired teenager, dancing unrestrained to his music in front of all those forty-something classic car owners.
You hear a lot about performers who play their best, even when it is to an empty room. I have never forgotten how this Rock & Roll hall of famer played such a big show, even in a half-empty hockey rink. Easily the best show I have ever seen.
Bo Diddley was the real deal.
Labels: Music
2 Comments:
WOW you got to be kidding! I was at that concert as well! Back then I was into the 50s car shows, I had a 58 plymouth 2 door hardtop that looked like from the movie "Christine".
I seem to remember someone there trying to do buddy holly songs and even wore the funky glasses.
All and all a great show, wow hard to believe that was over 21 years ago!!!
Thanks for the memories
MT
MT - Too funny! I would have been the guy driving the '66 Impala 4-door sedan. That car was a patchwork quilt - One front fender was blue and the other was white, the rest of the car was cream with red and gray primer polka-dots. It was a lot like the condition that Christine was in at the beginning of the movie! I wasn't there for the cars though, I was definitely there for the music.
There was a rumor that Bo would be appearing at the nearby TR McCoys for autographs, so I spent some time walking around in there like a dork, carrying around my guitar hoping to get Bo's autograph on my guitar.
Years later I would sell that guitar to help extend my first marriage by another month. But fate eventually brought it back to my hands. I keep it and still play it now, and it serves as a very real reminder of the kid I was all those years ago.
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