Ticket Stub Time Travels

 21 years ago today... December 29, 1995 - Tempe, AZ Regional favorite Jerry Riopelle played a rock concert at Electric Ballroom. Riopelle was a headlining star in Phoenix and Hawaii (?!?) and was known for hosting multiple New Years Eve shows at Celebrity Theatre. One of those nights is captured on a CD titled "Rockin' in the Round." Electric Ballroom was one version of the long-time rock club on Apache Road, also known as Dooley's and After the Gold Rush among other monikers. It was a major venue in its day and is missed.

 30 years ago today... December 28, 1991 - Las Vegas, NV Siegfrieg & Roy peformed their magic show with white lions and tigers at The Mirage Resort and Casino. This was touted at the most visited show on the Vegas strip during its long run through the 90s and early 2000s. We had excellent seats up front and were amazing by the illusions on stage. Sadly, the show ended when a white tiger bit into Roy's neck in a 2003 performance. Both magicians have died in the past two years. A sidebar memory of this show was riding the elevator with Jefferson Airplane guitarist Paul Kantner and briefly chatting him up. He was surprised to have been recognized.

 6 years ago yesterday... December 27, 2015 - Glendale, AZ Behind eight sacks of Aaron Rodgers, the Arizona Cardinals dominated the Green Bay Packers 38-8 at University of Phoenix Stadium clinching a first-round bye in the playoffs. Dwight Freeney had 3 sacks and Calis Campbell 2.5 sacks, forcing Rodgers into two fumbles that were returned for TDs. Carson Palmer threw for 265 yards and a TD in the rout.

 17 years ago today... December 26, 2004 - Cincinnati, OH The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the New York Giants 23 - 22 in the snow at Paul Brown Stadium. This game was held in the midst of the "great Christmas snowstorm of 2004" as it was known in the area, a rare phenomenon we experienced while visiting family for the holidays. Wary of the weather but wanting to see another stadium, we bought scalper tickets for the Club Level, allowing us a warm and dry retreat from the elements. To reach the actual stadium seats, ushers escorted patrons with a snow shovel and dug out the row to your seat. Of the 60 minute game clock, we spent an estimated 15 minutes sitting in the cold and snow and 45 minutes drinking in the Club lounge. Eli Manning quarterbacked the Giants, Jon Kitna for the Bengals. Neither team was .500 at the time.

 Yesterday... December 25, 2021 - Glendale, AZ The Indianapolis Colts defeated the Arizona Cardinals 22-16 on Christmas night at State Farm Stadium.

 16 years ago today... December 24, 2005 - Tempe, AZ  The Arizona Cardinals said goodbye to its college stadium home with a 27-21 win over the Philadelphia Eagles at the last NFL regular season game scheduled at Sun Devil Stadium. The Cardinals were promised a new stadium when they bolted St. Louis for the desert. It took 18 years of play at Arizona State University's Sun Devil Stadium and a very close vote at the ballot box before they could move to a modern new facility in Glendale. In this game, Cardinals QB Josh McCown threw TD passes to Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. Both of the WRs went over 1,300 yards on the season in this game. Former Illini Neil Rackers added two field goals for Arizona. Head Coaches were Andy Reid for the Eagles and Denny "they are who we thought they were and we let 'em off the hook" Green. While this was the last NFL game ever planned to be played at Sun Devil Stadium, loyal readers of TSTT will recall the October 27 post remembe...

 10 years ago today... December 23, 2011 - Phoenix, AZ  Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band rocked the US Airways Center. Bob has been a concert favorite of ours since we were introduced to him the summer of 1976 and the debut of "Live Bullet." By 2011, Bob's long hair had turned silver and he played some of the show seated with acoustic guitar. Saxophone player Alto Reed and bassist Chris Campbell were still in the band, a large group with backup vocalists and horns. Here's a link to the setlist: https://www.setlist.fm/.../us-airways-center-phoenix-az...

 34 years ago today... December 20, 1987 - Tempe, AZ  Irish rockers U2 played a concert at Sun Devil Stadium that was filmed and recorded for the movie and album "Rattle and Hum." All tickets were priced at $5 to insure a full house in the stadium. BB King opened the show and is featured in the rockumentary movie. This show was the second of two nights of performances, both of which sold out.

 11 years ago today... December 19, 2010 - Phoenix, AZ  The Judds brought their final farewell tour to US Airways Center. Billed as "The Last Encore Tour," the mother-daughter duo played their career retrospective hits fronting a large band. We were guests of the promoter.

 9 years ago yesterday... December 18, 2012 - Phoenix, AZ For Stray Cat frontman Brian Setzer brought his Christmas Rocks Extravaganza with a full orchestra to Celebrity Theatre. A Setzer show is one of the only times Celebrity Theatre removes the seats in the pit in creating a dance floor. Brian's concerts are a swingin' good time.

 10 years ago today... December 17, 2011 - Phoenix, AZ  An annual fund raising event for the Christian faith-based Solid Rock Foundation, Alice Cooper's Christmas Pudding was held at Comerica Theatre. The celebrity headliners on this night included Judas Priest singer Rob Halford, Korn bassist Brian "Head" Welch, Motley Crue singer John Corabi, The Tubes, Kip Winger and Orianthi. A holiday tradition for us, we have attended 14 of the 19 Puddings to date.

 9 years ago today... December 16, 2012 - Glendale, AZ Arizona Cardinals cornerback Greg Toler returned an interception 102 yards for a touchdown in highlighting a 38-10 victory over the visiting Detroit Lions at University of Phoenix Stadium. Lions QB Matthew Stafford was picked off three times and Bennie Wells scored three TDs for the Cardinals. Former Illini RB Mikel Leshoure scored a TD for the Lions. Third-stringer Ryan Lindley quarterbacked the Cardinals who snapped a nine-game losing streak in a bad stretch of Big Red football. Cardinals defensive tackle Calis Campbell autographed his photo on the game ticket.

 14 years ago today... December 15, 2007 - Phoenix, AZ  Alice Cooper held his annual Christmas Pudding fund raiser for the Christian-faith based Solid Rock Foundation at Dodge Theatre. On this night, the celebrity acts included local favorites Roger Clyne & the Peacemakers, Flo and Eddie of The Turtles, Jordin Sparks, comedian Gary Mule Deer and California Transit Authority. This is a holiday tradition for us, having attended 14 of the 19 held to date.

 3 years ago today... December 14, 2018 - Phoenix, AZ  In what would be the final tour of his prolific career, John Prine showcased his new album "Tree of Forgiveness" in a concert at Celebrity Theatre. John employed a full band for this tour that was a career retrospective while highlighting the new record. It would be the last time we would see him perform as he died from Covid-19 just 16 months following this show. John Paul White of the duo The Civil Wars opened the concert and joined Prine for a few duets. I took these cell phone photos from our sixth row center seats. Here's a link to the setlist: https://www.setlist.fm/.../celebrity-theatre-phoenix-az...

 21 years ago today... December 13, 1998 - New Orleans, LA The Atlanta Falcons defeated the host New Orleans Saints 27 - 17 at the Louisiana Superdome. Chris Chandler threw for 345 yards and 2 TDs for the Falcons while Jamal Anderson added 148 yards on the ground. Kerry Collins threw three picks for the Saints. The was our first visit to the Superdome and our introduction to the rivalry of the "Dirty Birds" and "Who Dat?" We were impressed by the entrepreneurial attitude of local residents selling Bloody Mary's and other cocktails from card tables and coolers in their front yards.

 3 years ago yesterday... December 12, 2018 - Mesa, AZ  Robert Cray Band played the Blues in a concert at Ikeda Theatre at Mesa Arts Center.

 7 years ago... December 11, 2014 - Phoenix, AZ Charlie Daniels Band played a holiday show at Celebrity Theatre.

 15 years ago today... December 10, 2006 - Phoenix, AZ  The Midnight Rider Gregg Allman and his Friends played southern rock at Celebrity Theatre.

 44 years ago today... December 9, 1977 - Carbondale, IL Comedic duo Cheech and Chong brought their trademark stoner humor to the SIU Arena. Dave was not there One-hit-wonder act, The Sanford-Townsend Band, ("Smoke From A Distant Fire") opened the show.

 14 years ago today... December 8, 2007 - Phoenix, AZ The Radio City Rockettes brought their Christmas Spectacular to Dodge Theatre. This was the touring company of the New York City-based precision dance group. The company is comprised of tall women with long legs known for their synchronized kick lines. We enjoyed getting a taste of the Radio City Music Hall's holiday season tradition in the snowless desert. We attended as part of a employee holiday party that Therese planned and hosted for her staff. The dance company no longer tours nationally so now you need to visit the Big Apple to catch them.

 8 years ago today... December 7, 2013 - Phoenix, AZ  Alice Cooper held his annual "Christmas Pudding" holiday show at Comerica Theatre. This variety show raises money for Cooper's Solid Rock Foundation, an Christian faith-based organization for teens to experience music and the arts in programs free of charge. Kids from Solid Rock perform in the first half of the show with Alice's celebrity friends performing the second half. On this date, all four members of KISS, sans makeup, took the stage in the only time I can recall Alice NOT closing the show. Motley Crue lead singer Vince Neil, rock & roll hall of famer Joan Jett, singers from Ratt and Winger and blue collar comedian Bill Engvall were also part of the fundraising event, with Seinfeld actor John O'Hurley serving as emcee. We attended this year's event last Saturday night at Celebrity Theatre, the 14th Pudding performance we've attended of the 19 held to date. It's become a holiday traditi...

 35 years ago today... December 6, 1986 - Scottsdale, AZ Jazz piano virtuoso Ahmad Jamal performed in concert at Scottsdale Center for the Arts. Jamal was regarded as one of the top band leaders in jazz and the cool jazz movement, known for his understated instrumental versions of "Poinciana," "But Not For Me" and "One." I met him a few months earlier when I promoted his appearance at the Boojum Tree Jazz Lounge. When he returned for a gig in Scottsdale, he hooked us up with tickets as his guest. With a sponsorship agreement from Steinway, Jamal declined to play any other brand of piano. This created an added expense for the Boojum Tree, as the house Yamaha piano had to be removed, and a Steinway delivered and tuned for his performance. In the photo, Jamal is showing me his chops, tickling the 88's in the studios of public radio KMCR (now KJZZ) prior to a live on-air interview.

8 years ago yesterday... December 5, 2013 - Phoenix, AZ  New Riders of the Purple Sage played a club concert at the Rhythm Room. Original members David Nelson on guitar and Buddy Cage on pedal steel were still with the group. The small club was packed wall to wall for the sold out show.

 7 years ago... December 4, 2014 - Phoenix, AZ  December 4, 2014 - Phoenix, AZ - John Prine performed in concert at Celebrity Theatre. Iris Dement opened the show and joined John for a few duets they recorded on his "In Spite Of Ourselves" album. Here's a link to the setlist: https://www.setlist.fm/.../celebrity-theatre-phoenix-az...

 43 years ago today... December 3, 1978 - Carbondale, IL Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band rocked a college campus audience at the SIU Arena. This was my introduction to The Boss and he and the band did not disappoint. We were all blown away. Springsteen's energy was amazing and he turned the arena into a raucous revival. A highlight was Bruce and sax player extraordinaire Clarence Clemons combining for a terrific version of "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" with Bruce dancing on a tower of speakers adorned with Christmas lights. This show transformed us from casual listeners to raving fans in one of the best live performances I had seen to that point. To this day, the E Street Band remains a powerful live concert force. We're looking forward to seeing the new "No Nukes" live performance filmed in 1979, between the two concerts he played in Carbondale in 1978 and 1980. Here's a link to the setlist: https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/bruce-springs...

 15 years ago today... December 2, 2006 - Phoenix, AZ  The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Challenge brought four top college basketball programs to US Airways Center. This inaugural event saw Gonzaga defeat Texas 87-77 and Arizona gained minor revenge over Illinois 84 - 72 in a college basketball doubleheader. Texas got 29 points from freshman sensation Kevin Durant in the only year he would play collegiately. The year prior, Arizona suffered one of the most amazing come-from-behind losses in hoops history when it lost to Illinois 90-89 in the 2005 Regional Final in Chicago, setting the stage for the Fighting Illini to reach the NCAA Final Four and an appearance in the championship game versus eventual champ North Carolina. In a role reversal, the Illini blew a 16 point lead in this game. The starters who went to the Final Four had graduated and this was a whole new team. Bruce Weber got T'd up complaining about the severe foul differential. My mom was in town ...

 12 years ago today... December 1, 2009 - Glendale, AZ Kiss brought its Alive 35 Tour to Jobing.com Arena. The tour celebrated the 35th year of Kiss as a band. Here's a link to the setlist from this night: https://www.setlist.fm/.../jobingcom-arena-glendale-az...