Last time I saw you was 37 yrs ago ! Chicago's 1975 Concert History. Concert added by Nancy . What an incredible experience and memory to have forever! As the fourth of July approaches this year, how I would so love to see Elton John again in a concert like that one! GitHub export from English Wikipedia. Here it was our nation's 200th birthday and on the most important day of the year, my hero was going to be right in my backyard, to be specific just 20 miles from my hometown of West Bridgewater, Mass. I had been a fan all through high school and saw him at the Boston Garden in 1974 At the end of that concert he brought Stevie Wonder out and they did Honky Tonk and Superstition. I will never forget where I was, who I was with, or what I did. Then in 1985 he met Ryan White and that courageous boy ignited a spark in Elton. He said to me What took you so long ! The latest news on WordPress.com and the WordPress community. July 4, 1976, Elton John performs at Schaefer Stadium, Foxboro, Massachusetts. Im glad I found this site and the opportunity to share my remembrance of July 4th, 76. 5,6,7,8 open up the f**ing gate. Philadelpha Freedom When that stage rolled out and the Statue of Liberty stood on the piano we all just looked at each otherthen Elton jumped off and Grow Some Funk of Your Own cranked! The facility was built in a low-cost "bare bones" manner with unexceptional architectural elements, and had very few modern amenities. Although the official spelling of the town's name is "Foxborough", the shorter spelling was used for the stadium. (The second night was filmed by MTV for promotional purposes.) This is my 2nd post , to give pause and reflect on how great and rather simple it was to enjoy things then. As a result, when Kiam himself was crippled by financial troubles, he sold the Patriots to James Orthwein in 1992. King and Charles Mingus. The field was PACKED. We got to the stadium around 11 a.m., and didnt leave till midnight. I said I did, but she was only 12. Amazing isnt it how this one concert has impacted so many people. [8] The concert aired as Good Vibrations From Central Park on August 19, 1971.[9]. Roger Pope Drums She started walking down the aisle, turned around and came back and asked whats her name. Schaefer Stadium, Foxborough, United States. I remember that the ticket cost 10 dollars, and that when the concert ended not so late, at about 11 pm, i had to find a way to get back to Newton where my family lived (I was a tourist from Israel). My memory is not as sharp as a lot of what I have read here, but the entire day was one I will never forget. And with the help of god i took my pocket full of small bills and prowled screaming i need one!!! I have been a huge fan of Elton and his band members on that tour, in fact I just received a Hawaiian shirt from Sue Pope, (wife of the late great drummer Roger Pope) it was one of Rogers favorite shirt. For these shows, Elton and the band shared the stage with the New York Community Choir and performed encores with Kiki Dee, Alice Cooper and the drag queen, Divine. I remember thinking that after they cleared the stage after Dave that nothing was being set up for Elton and it would never get going. Joe Sia photo. The show was scheduled to start at 9PM and after the stage was cleared prior nothing seemed to be happening for set up. The general contractor who built the stadium was a Massachusetts-based company named J.F White Contracting Co.[citation needed], Ground was broken in September 1970,[7] and it cost $7.1million,[7] only $200,000 over budget. You want to get closer? he said. Most folks know the T stops running @ 1AM. I LOVE Elton John, and have always enjoyed hearing my dad relay the story about the day he and the crew transported Elton and his band . It featured a number of notable performances. Schaefer Stadium, Foxborough, United States. Live. I love everyones recollection of this fabulous, historic event. The $2, [Commissioner of Parks August Heckscher] said, would have been 'too expensive for a lot of New Yorkers. louder than the concorde but not quite as pretty, Laura Benanti and other Coronavirus stars, I bought the last Purell: Virus threat brings out our worst behavior. Orthwein then put the team on the market, but the wording of the operating covenant required any potential buyer to negotiate with Kraft. Schaefer Stadium, Foxborough, MA, United States Jul 25, 1976 Fleetwood Mac Schaefer Stadium, Foxborough, MA - Jul 25, 1976 Jul 25 1976 Eagles Schaefer Stadium, Foxborough, MA - Jul 25, 1976 Jul 25 1976 Dave Mason Schaefer Stadium, Foxborough, MA - Jul 25, 1976 Jul 25 1976 Boz Scaggs Schaefer Stadium, Foxborough, MA - Jul 25, 1976 Jul 25 1976 I wish I could remember that portrait of Elton in the fireworks, but unfortunately, I dont. Date Location Venue; August 8, 1976: Erie, Pennsylvania: Erie Stadium: August 14, 1976: Fargo, North Dakota: Civic Auditorium: August 15, 1976: Minot, North Dakota The 70's Crowd of 32,247 come to support UH against Texas A&I for the stadium's first season opener on September 13th 1975 - The Hawaiians play Jacksonville in the very first professional football game Soccer star Pele and New York Cosmos lure 21, 705 for victory over Team Japan on April 7, 1976 Elton John 4 July 1976 19 Songs, 1 Encore. At 17, I had been an Elton John fan my whole teen life. Well of course I did but there were too many people on the field. M8s blowing up all around us was a little scary, but Ill never forget that show. John. Then you heard someone count it off and they played Grow Some Funk of Your Own as the staged came from behind the curtain and moved to the front.The crowd roared and went wild. [5] The performers included Carly Simon, who made her TV debut, Ike & Tina Turner, Kate Taylor, Boz Scaggs, and the Beach Boys. [citation needed] A natural grass field was installed before the start of the 1991 season. The Dave Matthews Band played seven shows at the stadium from 1998 to 2001. I said Sharon. Mark stood behind me, held me, swaying. in my 1968 Dodge Charger. After off-loading the band, we parked outside the stadium and shut down to await the end of the concert. Indian Hills Cross Country and Track and Field practice at this facility through a partnership with the Ottumwa Community School District. It planted tons of seeds for our careers and life, and 40 years later, Mike has had a great career as a Disc Jockey (including 92 PRO-FM) and is a professor who teaches the history and business of radio, and I have worked as a producer and promoter with amazing artists including Christina Aguilera, The Beach Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and many many othersand that weekend with Elton John definitely was a central moment (among many great ones along the journey) that paved the way for the life we have now. Well , I thought I was getting a counterfeit ticket but gave him a 10 bill. 7/13/1973. The crowd went wild as he finished with three finales, Saturday Nights Alright for Fighting, Your Song, and Pinball Wizard. God, bless us, for we know not if its dark outside or light. Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds What a special moment in time! This was because the Patriots received no funding from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or the town of Foxborough; indeed, it was one of the few major league stadiums of that era that was entirely privately funded. With their two first-rounders in 1976, the Patriots selected Arizona State cornerback Mike Haynes and Ohio State safety Tim Fox. Welcome aboard David! 1. 1976-1982: 1994 (Pro: 1997) 33: Kevin Faulk: RB: 1999-2011: 2016 14: Steve Grogan . The concert was incredibly fun and exciting. Some nice memories there, thanks for sharing! Therefore, given the choice between paying $100 for one or the other, Ben will buy the concert tickets, and Carly will buy the television. We left two days early from.our home in NH with youthful anticipation of nights in a hotel with the opposite sexand what a night we had. I was there too-drove from Pittsfield MA. Vladimir Beara arrive bientt au pays. The stadium opened in August 1971 as Schaefer Stadium,[2] primarily as the home venue for the renamed New England Patriots of the National Football League. [44] The Sullivans' financial picture was so dire that even when the Patriots made Super Bowl XX, the team didn't bring in nearly enough money to service the debt from the Victory Tour. Elton John has just one concert at Schaefer Stadium on 4 July 1976. The stadium was the site of several games in both the 1994 FIFA World Cup and the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup. I was the copilot of the helicopter that brought the group up to Foxboro from JFK. In this day and age, we all need a little Elton to raise our spirits! That is so cool!!! Over the next several years, there were regular changes in the line-up but by 1975, a stable lineup emerged with Peter Green, Mick Fleetwood, John and Christine McVie, Lindsey Buckingham, and Stevie Nicks becoming the core line-up of Fleetwood Mac. It was our nations Bicentennial celebration. On that day, along with 60,000 other fans, I got to see Elton John perform in concert at Schaefer Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. Its Elton-licious!!! Empty Sky The venue hosted numerous significant soccer matches, including six games in the 1994 FIFA World Cup. We drove up the night before and camped in the woods near the stadium, and went in as soon as the gates opened. [citation needed], The original name in 1971 was Schaefer Stadium for the brewery of that name in an early example of the sale of naming rights. When the Sullivan family went into bankruptcy after sponsoring the Jackson's "Victory" Tour, Kraft bought the stadium. . Years later, Elton revealed he wasnt sick but was heavily into drugs at that time, so his performances were sketchy. Also felt it was a cant miss date. Ottumwa's historic stadium was named for Walter Schafer, a 1913 graduate of Ottumwa High School. Hi KarenI was there too! Eltons entrance being dropped from the helicopter was spectacular. Festival was due to take place at The Boston Arts Project in a loft over a bar at 1088 Boylston St. but it had lost it's license after a police raid five days before) March 6-8, 1969 The Boston Tea Party, Boston, MA (supporting Chicago) J.Geils Band March 14-15, 1969 Woodrose Ballroom, South Deerfield, MA (supporting The Velvet Underground) [6][7] Art Garfunkel and George Harrison also appear as non-performers. Hailing from Oklahoma, US, Leon Russell (born April 2nd, 1942) was one of the most important session musicians of the 60s/70s, before becoming a successful recording artist in his own right. When this agreement expired after the 1982 season, Anheuser-Busch took over the rights. He was a fave and I had Yellow Brick Road on vinyl and cassette. In an early example of stadium naming rights being sold to corporations, the stadium was named after the . Thanks for your post. I was there too ! Im sure the Pops were glimmering that year, but what we got was ELECTRIC!!! Glad everyone who has responded to this blog post remembers it so well too! A few moments later his helicopter hovered above to right of stadium , it was absolute pandamonium inside as we all waited, you couldnt think it was that crazy! Back then he liked to throw piano benches. I went to both shows at that time. Ill never forget it either. Peace to all Americans, to the americans who do not kill their own for political gain.. to those who live and love openly. We had alot of fun on the way and were excited not knowing what we were about to see.This was the first concert of my life and to see my idol in person was unbelievable. He cleaned himself up and his life and career lit up. However, as in 1992, Kraft refused to let the Patriots out of their lease. I wonder. Ever the punsmith, Elton declared that the missing percussionist was "Ray Cooper-ating from surgery. An omnivorous couple's perspective on all things om-nomable in Fairfield County, CT. where the coffee shop ends & the cooking begins. Just found this and wanted to leave my memories. ? lol, http://floridatheatre.com/event/dave-masons-traffic-jam/?utm_source=Dave+Mason+Winner+02%2F23%2F14&utm_campaign=Dave+Mason+Winners+02%2F23%2F14&utm_medium=email. Patty. Some 38 years later, still remember this 4Th Thanks for the pix Pat !! Elton hit most of my favorites that night Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding, Benny and the Jets. Eltons a billionaire because of the likes of me. What an amazing concert. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Uploaded by Stephen Roth Elton John Jul 06, 1976 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Uploaded by Stephen Roth Good Morning to the Night Bennie and the Jets Philadelphia Freedom I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues Border Song Tiny Dancer Have Mercy on the Criminal Love those outfits! Inexpensive tickets, which started at $1 in 1967 and rose to only $3 by 1976, further contributed to the event's popularity. [21] From 1983 through 1987, BC used Schaefer/Sullivan Stadium as an alternate home venue to host crowds larger than could be accommodated on campus at Alumni Stadium. After that summer I went off to college, Mark went back to high school and we never saw each other again. Also 24 ounce beers? I was beside myself. I had just turned 20 4 days before and had stopped by a friends house to catch up. Davey Johnstone Electric guitars, banjo, mandolin, rhythm guitar, background vocals, slide guitar. 7/30/1972. Fleetwood Mac Schaefer Stadium, Foxborough, MA - Jul 25, 1976 Jul 25 1976. My friend Paula was going to the concert too and said her father could drive us. We had only been dating a few months and had a passion for Monty Python. Such an electric experience! ), Grow Some Funk of Your Own Guestpectacular Events; Artists; Festivals ; Places ; Covid-19; Terms; Login with Spotify ; Espaol Elton John concerts at Schaefer Stadium on Foxborough Elton John has just one concert at Schaefer Stadium on . The last time I saw him was in 2006 at an Oracle Conference in San Francisco which was more of an intimate party for 10,000 techies. Im also somewhat amazed (and also quite pleased ) at how well hes been able to attract new audiences. Yeah, I took my passion for Elton and ran with it, apparently. South Boston, I was there on that fantastic day on July 4, 1976, spending the Bicentennial with the biggest musical act on the planet at that moment, Elton John. [8] In order to host the FIFA World Cup (and later, the New England Revolution), several rows of seats were removed to accommodate a soccer pitch with acceptable dimensions to FIFA.[43]. Seen him a few times since and all were good, but not as electric as that 4th of July night. Love Song It was part of the Louder than the Concorde But Not Quite As Pretty Tour. By the late 1990s, Foxboro Stadium had become functionally obsolete by modern NFL standards. Thanks for sharing. Ive never been to a more exciting concert! Jackie Crook More information Elton John, 1976 i was there 4th july 1976 schaefer stadium foxboro,ma.still my fav concert 37 years later.xx Blues Rock Rock N Roll Elton John Costume Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Bernie Taupin Captain Fantastic Taron Egerton More information . Home; About; Program; FAQ; Registration; Sponsorship; Contact; Home; About; Program; FAQ; Registration; Sponsorship . Wow, thats pretty amazing! I was ten years old and at first, my parents brought me and my older brother there just to listen outside the fence because we were huge EJ fans (thanks to our parents). It also lacked luxury boxes, an increasingly important source of revenue for other teams in the league. We had nice loge seats facing the stage I think they cost $16. Eltons gold rimed glasses were easily seen in his seat as he watched the crowda reaction. They can be seen in a book called Its a Little Bit Funny in which photographer David Nutter followed Elton on his 1976 tour taking pictures. I got to shake his hand when he finished which was pretty cool, even for this old guy. I have some cool photos from that day too that Ill have to find and post sometime. Ive lost count but would say I have seen EJ about 25 times over the years, including an acoustic show he did with Ray Cooper at the Boston Music Hall in the late 70s. George on Pine Mountain in Georgetown (Redding), CT. George and Sharon, Id be interested in sharing your story. . Your email address will not be published. Hi Sharon, as I responded to your dad, I think this story is really cool and fun and would love to share it in my newspaper. ALL PRAISE DUE TO ALLAH. A little late to the party with this. I still turn up the car radio when I hear them.After Boz was done my friend said to me Do you think Elton will use that black piano for his show? I laughed and said No way. i had my first born Tyeasha R. Rivers Terry, yes it was a beautiful day that Ill never forget. What a great experience! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Mar 29, 2023 KISS August 29 th 1976 Braves Stadium Concert Poster $6. John again appeared in a Face to Face concert with Billy Joel on July 18, 1994. Mar 30, 2023 Schaefer Music Festival at Harvard Stadium Handbill. you were AWESOME tonight ! Although I didnt get to meet him, the 12 lucite platforms with goldfish in them that he had on backstage were amazing. The duo became instant starters for the Patriots and helped solidify New England's most noticeable weakness in the defensive backfield. There are some things well just never forget. Kenny Passarelli Bass Then Elton arrived. I think Ill remember it until the day I die. Such a great Fourth of July. It was the best Fourth of July ever. Elton John Piano, Vocals Now the anticipation was really growing because Elton was next.It really didnt matter that right before he came on it started raining and never stooped. It was the best Fourth of July ever. I bought the tickets for my boyfriend for his 18 th birthday. Six of us jumped in a car in Portland Maine and headed out, getting there while Dave Mason was playing his set. After all these years, that Fourth of July concert is the one I will never forget, so glad I went to it! Great memories John, I will check your site out. As this week was winding down, Elton notified the band that he was taking a break from touring and the group soon disbanded. One of my best memories from youth In 1983 Miller Brewing Company took over sponsorship with the name Miller Time Concerts on the Pier until 1988. Knowing that the revenue from the Patriots would not be nearly enough to service the debt, the Sullivans quietly put the team and the stadium on the market. The first concert of 1976 was scheduled for July 11 with Aerosmith, Todd Rundgren's Utopia, Jeff Beck (with the Jan Hammer Group) and Derringer. When Kiam and Sullivan tried to sell the team to interests in Jacksonville, Kraft effectively stymied the deal by refusing to let the team out of their lease, which contained an ironclad commitment to play in the stadium until 2001. I was there! Elton John Jul 4, 1976 1 encores, 19 songs. We had gen adm. tickets too so spent a lot of the time roaming around trying to get closer to the stage. Amazing show and memories are still so vivid. I have a bad photo of it somewhere. With this in mind, Kraft swooped in and bought the team himself. Use this setlist for your event review and get all updates automatically! Its a bit tattered but Ive held onto it for almost 40 years along with the program from his 1974 tour. The festival was sponsored by Rheingold Breweries until 1968, when the task was handled by F. & M. Schaefer Brewing Company. Yes, I have treasured that piece of paper with Elton Johns autograph ever since I received it in 1976! schaefer stadium concerts 1976. Also went to November 1974 at the Garden. Like yourself I have been an Elton fan since first seeing him perform in 1974, I was 14. On that day, along with 60,000 other fans, I got to see Elton John perform in concert at Schaefer One of the guards watched us outside the fence for about 15 minutes or so and then he opened the gate and let us in for free. The wind & effects of Funeral for a Friend opened what was the shortest 2 and 1/2 hour concert I ever saw. For the next 2 and 1/2 hours he had everyone in the palm of his hand. By crossing over with Broadway scores such as The Lion King, the younger generation loves Elton too. [17] After Sullivan went bankrupt and Robert Kraft purchased the stadium, Kraft stripped Sullivan's name and renamed the venue "Foxboro Stadium". In 1989 Reebok took over sponsorship of the concert series at Pier 84, renamed Reebok Riverstage, which lasted through 1990. Take a look at my website http://www.little-dirt-cowboy.co.uk We ended up close to the stage. Graduate of Framingham North High class of 75 and still a great fan of Elton. Eltons a billionaire because of the likes of me. . In all my years, I cant think of a better concert experience than that one. Joueurs et encadrement . Three Dog Night. The concert started with opening act John Miles. I remember fireworks too. $10 ticket to see one of the most memorable concerts of a lifetime. Wow, now thats being a FAN! Ray Cooper Percussion (He got sick at beginning of tour and was out for most of it. It was the FIRST concert I ever went to. Hi George, what a great story! 11 junio, 2020. Buckingham left in 1987. followed by Nicks in 1991 and Christine McVie in 1995. Leaving the field & on the bus back to Boston my ears were ringing attempting to replay what we just saw. $150.