May 24, 2025: The Opening Act

It was my first one.

My friends and I, at 15yrs old, tested our wings a bit. And somehow, we convinced our parents to let us go to the Greensboro Coliseum for a concert.

This was 1985, so who did we want to see?

Hint: he had a tune that became among the best-selling singles of all time.

The answer: Bryan Adams.

(The song: “Everything I Do, I Do It for You.”)

Before the show, we ate burgers at the legendary Darryl’s Restaurant, then shouted ourselves hoarse to “Summer of ’69,” “Heaven,” and “Run to You.”

That night marked the beginning of many concerts I’d attend, including an unforgettable one in Ohio featuring The B-52’s.

Those memories came back today as Jess and I joined several friends at a local venue. On a perfectly sunny day, we listened to local bands play pop covers from the 80s and 90s.

However, on this afternoon, there were no Bryan Adams gravel-voiced power ballads. Though I did enjoy Duran Duran and Flock of Seagulls.

Oh well, I guess some things are meant to stay in the Coliseum.