Originally published in Guitar World magazine · August 2021
life-changing concert moments (excerpt)
By Live Wires
Article1 min read
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A bevy of name-brand guitarists – from Morello to Strauss to Bonamassa to Reid – name their favorite, most life-changing concert moments
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John Petrucci
Rush, Nassau Coliseum, Long Island, NY, 1982
“My first concert. I was 12, and I can still remember it like it was yesterday. The whole arena smelled like pot – I’ll never forget that. At that time, Rush were like these mythical figures to me; they didn’t exist in the real world. Suddenly, there they were, in the same place as me – I couldn’t believe it. Even though I had terrible seats, I didn’t care. When they played ‘La Villa Strangiato,’ Alex Lifeson did a solo that ripped my face off. Everything about the show was phenomenal. It was very inspiring.”
Tommy Emmanuel, Town Hall, New York City, 2018
“My wife, Rena, and I went to see Tommy play a solo show in Manhattan, and man, it was such a beautiful experience. Watching Tommy play was like seeing the reason the guitar was invented. His talent is just beyond words, but he also draws you in with his warmth and humor. We were in the second row, and I guess he spotted me and knew who I was, because he asked for me to come backstage and say hi. He was so nice to Rena and me. It was great to make that personal connection with him.”