Smashing Pumpkins at Trito's Uptown

All i remember about this show is that it was kinda boring.  But i got in for free, so there's that.

Fishbone, Ipso Facto at SIU Springfest

7 Seconds, Poster Children, bad flannel at Mabel's

I think i was at this show...  I know i saw 7 Seconds at Mabel's with Johno, and this is the only time i can find they played there, so...

I'm pretty sure that 99 Red Balloons was the only song i recognized.

Speaking of 7 Seconds and Johno, some time after this (maybe right after, maybe a couple of months later), Johno and i drove up to see them in my '78 rabbit (which, while old, wasn't nearly as old at the time as it sounds now).  The show was at Bowen Park up in Waukegan.  One of Johno's favorite bands playing in one of his favorite parks - the stage was set for an epic show.  Unfortunately, the car broke down (can't remember what exactly, but it certainly didn't go) in a toll plaza on the way up.  We called my mom somehow (cell phones were still only on Star Trek at this point) and she sent a tow truck.  Alas, she sent it to the wrong toll plaza, so it didn't come for hours.  We missed the show, but had the longest, strangest conversation while stuck in the car.  I don't remember many of the specifics, but i know we did touch on semis driving sideways down the highway and phlegmsicles.  And was this the genesis of the word 'flabbergasket'?  If so, we certainly owe the tow truck mixup a huge debt.

The rabbit would never be driven by me again (and probably no one else).  The repairs required cost way more than it was worth, so my mom donated it to the Zion high school auto department.  At least we all thought she did.  Months later, i got a notice that it had been abandoned near the high school...

Jane's Addiction at Mabel's

This show was amazing.  I remember they closed with Chip Away played on pickle buckets.  When Johno and i left the show, we were literally steaming because of how hot and sweaty we were (and it was cold out).  I think we went to a party afterwards.

Volcano Suns, Poster Children at Trito's Uptown

I remember being at this show, but honestly don't remember much about it.  I'm not even sure who i went with.  Johno? Gumby?  Both seem likely due to the time period and venue, but i really don't recall.

The only thing that sticks in my head after all these years is the drummer's hair waving crazily about.  Which is odd, since in every picture the internet turned up the drummer has short hair.  Oh well.

They Might Be Giants at Mabel's

The second time seeing They Might be Giants at Mabels.  The second time being flogged by Frank's hair.  You'd think i'd find a better place to stand.

Fishbone at the Metro

We drove up from Champaign.  I can't remember who all "we" was.

Schooly D opened.  He likes his women middle-aged - between 11 and 13.  This is a lot less funny now that i'm not 19 years old and have teenage children of my own.

Fishbone was, of course, amazing.  I stage dove for the first and only time.  I was not caught.

fIREHOSE, Screaming Trees, Poster Children at Mabel's

I hadn't heard any of these bands at the time.  Well, i don't remember Poster Children playing the show, but maybe i had heard of them (?).  My boss, Mike Lit, highly recommended the show, and we went together.  Can't say i remember much about the show, except liking it.

My brain seems to be conflating this show with this one.

INXS at Poplar Creek

I did not go to this show with Bonnie.  We had gone to Depeche Mode together the previous month, and she said she wanted to go with her other friends to this show.  I'm still not entirely sure what that was all about, but we weren't officially dating and it still depressed me.

I think I ended up going with Greg Brown, but I really don't remember.  I do remember we were all the way in the back at the top of the hill that the lawn formed.  So when INXS dedicated "(Kiss the Dirt) Falling Down the Mountain" to the folks at the top of the hill, it was in fact dedicated to me.

Also, this was my sister Chris' birthday.  I don't remember it from then, but maybe she went with Bonnie.  That would explain some things, as we didn't really get along back then...