Guns N’ Roses, Key Arena, 2011 Part I: The Before

I’ve known about this show for a little while, but honestly I just didn’t have any interest.  And it’s NOT because I’m some kind of purist who won’t acknowledge the band without Slash, Duff, and the rest.  Let’s face it, Slash is super-talented, but he’s not the be-all, end-all of guitarists.

It’s mostly just because … I’ve never really been a fan of Guns N’ Roses live.

The Bands I Grew Up With

I’m convinced I’m going to get a little older and I’m going to forget everything I used to know.  Alzheimer’s doesn’t necessarily run in my family (as far as I know), but I have a poor memory as it is.  If I don’t chronicle these types of things, they’ll be lost forever.

One day, I’d like to look back on my writing – having forgotten everything I’ve ever experienced and ever written about – and smile with a twinkle in my eye.  Oh yeah, I remember that …

Here’s a list of bands I grew up adoring.  My musical heyday ranges from probably 1988 through probably 1994.  Oh sure, bands have come after; just like I eventually came to appreciate bands that came before.  But, this window, this is where it’s at.

These bands aren’t necessarily my FAVORITE bands, but they’re among them.  And some of them probably are.  I’m using my iPod to help out with this, because if I tried to go off of my memory alone, I’d surely leave out a few.