Opening Day Concert

[Tom Steber]

Any word yet on if their going to do it this year and if so, who?

[izznsky]

I always look forward to the opening day concert. The Eagles would be an awesome show!

[Frank Giger]

They should go local - Petra Weitz and the All Girl Polka Revue gets my vote!;)

[Tom Steber]

The latter of those two posts has a better chance of happening. As much as everyone would love to see them, I'm sorry but the Eagles will never be playing Oshkosh. WAY out of the price range. Even with Ford paying the bill or most of it.

[CarlOrton]

Since we've strayed a slight bit..... The best concert we've had, so far, IMHO, was Chicago a few years ago. They played all the "right" songs for our demographic and just made it an enjoyable evening. Most of the bands, although we like the artists in general, we end up leaving early just because it was, well, "eh...".

Well, of course them and the Beach Boys....

[rv8bldr]

I would really like to see Boston. Their music is classic.

[Floatsflyer]

It's early but would love to see The Moody Blues. They're still touring quite a bit.

[Rod Schneider]

Or, they could use the space to display more airplanes, since this is an airplane event. (or, at least, it was.........)

[Kurt Flunkn]

Ditto Rod! I'd like to see the Ford exhibit and main stage gone. In it's place I would put last year's grand champion aircraft from any category and any new experimental designs.

[Floatsflyer]

Hey Kurt, I just got a call from EAA, they wanna know when they can expect your cheque.....you know, the one that replaces the Ford sponsorship. Let me know when you're ready to transfer the funds. Thanks very kindly!

[Tom Steber]

Having attended Oshkosh every year since it moved to Oshkosh in 1970, I understand some people still wishing there was no openning day concert. But unlike some of the more recent "seating/gathering areas" that popped up over the last couple years, I actually like the concert. I remember when it was only in Theater in the Woods. Like with John Denver back in the day. But as time goes on and things have gotten bigger, things must also change. I don't stay every year for the concert (I drive back and fourth from Green Bay). I only stay if I want to see the band. One I left because the weather looked so bad (The Doobie Brothers) and of course I'm kicking myself to this day for leaving because I really wanted to see that one.
My point here is, it's now part of the tradition of Oshkosh to have the concert. And Rod, you'd never know there was a concert there by Tuesday morning and it get's filled in with all kinds of aircraft. So just try and roll with it guys. You'll have a lot more fun. Oshkosh to me is all about having a great time around some great people and great airplanes every summer. If they throw in a good concert, it just makes it more fun. Now, how about Fleetwood Mac? :)

[JimRice85]

I just wish Steve Miller played more songs from the 70s that I knew and less new stuff I'd never heard. :)

[AV8NLVR]

I was just reading that Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers are playing a series of small venues and outdoor festivals over the summer, I wonder if they could be a possibility. I think they'd fit the demographic - certainly if Foreigner and the Doobies did. "Learning to Fly" at Airventure!

[Floatsflyer]

I was just reading that Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers are playing a series of small venues and outdoor festivals over the summer, I wonder if they could be a possibility. I think they'd fit the demographic - certainly if Foreigner and the Doobies did. "Learning to Fly" at Airventure!

Hey, for a first post, that's a damn good suggestion. Maybe he'd bring what's left of the Traveling Wilburys as well. Now that would be a concert!!

[Zack Baughman]

I have not yet heard ANYTHING about who the opening day act might be, but man o' man would it be cool if it were Tom Petty!

[AV8NLVR]

His mid summer dates are not yet set, the website says check back next week so that's when we'll know where he'll be on the 29th :) Tom, I was there the year that the Doobie Brothers came. I also lived in Green Bay. I remember standing around under a wing while it was pouring and I didn't have rain gear - and then they had to dry off the stage but I stuck it out. When they finally went onstage a lot of people had left and I got pretty close. :)

[JimRice85]

I'm just surprised how old some of those bands have gotten while I've stayed as young (at heart) as ever. :D

[Tom Steber]

Now don't go rubbing it in about the Doobie's. Hey, I think they even had tornado warnings (or watches) going on all around us. Skies were just black. I remember telling my wife and brother, "There's no way their going to be able to go on". So we hit the car, drove home. Went on the computer and there they were playing! (Insert head hitting wall sound)

[provoshane]

I enjoy the concerts. I do have to say that after camping out in the hot sun a few hours to get a good spot, it does aggravate me when the inevitable and insensitive boobs creep in during the concert and stand in front of me, blocking my view. I get that it is going to happen but it still pisses me off sometimes :)

[Bob Collins]

You know who would be great? America. I saw them up at Big Top Chatauqua a few years ago in Bayfield, Wisconsin and they still sound great. And I think we forget how many hit songs they had. Their career very much tracked along the Eagles' too. Or everyone can just watch this. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HgJR2dK68A) :D

[MNWORD]

America would be Good and they are still available on the 29th of July 2013............Hmmmmmm.

[rleffler]

I'm just surprised how old some of those bands have gotten while I've stayed as young (at heart) as ever. :D


Tell me about it........

I spent many years in the late 70's and early 80's as an audio engineer working for several Nashville based acts. The problem is with many of the popular groups of that time period is that many are approaching their 60's and 70's. Some are still healthy and capable of performing, but I've also seen some that while healthy have lost capabilty to perform well due to age related issues. It's amazing how old some of the folks I used to work with are getting. I still see some of them when they performed in the area. Then I'm reminded when I look in the mirror, I probably come across to them as getting older too.

The good news is that we have a hobby that keeps us all young at heart.

[Bill Greenwood]

I hope the Eagles don't play at EAA. Nothing to do with their music, but one of them has been very anti- gen aviation. He has or had a house overlooking the airport here and didn't like the airport noise.
He got the county attorney to take legal action to stop night flights by gen aviation. He secretly gave $100,000 to the county to fight against private aviation.

It was a large hassle for a lot of people, and his funding and position only came out later. I can't recall for sure which member of the band it was, this was about 15 years ago.

[stummers]

Tom Petty would be great, but Jimmy Buffet would be the ultimate!! $(Again very pricey)$

[Jim Hann]

Jimmy Buffet would be the ultimate!! $(Again very pricey)$
Now you are talking!!!

[Bill Greenwood]

John Oates of Hall and Oates is a pilot.

I wonder if John Denver was ever asked to sing at EAA, when he was alive. He would have been good, his music was easy to listen to and would appeal to a broad middle range of people, just like most of the crowd at EAA. And John really was a pilot, he was a pilot before he became a celebrity, his Dad was an Air Force crew.
I didn't know him well, but he came to a party for our airshow at our house once. Strangely he never took part in our local airshow, he seemed to be away performing mostly.
His fatal accident was a sad thing that should have been avoided.

He's an actor, not a singer, but I have met Kurt Russel at the airport when he was flying a Mooney similar to one I owned. He seems like a nice guy and pretty down to earth.

[avinuts]

I've been attending EAA Oshkosh Since 1972. I have seen a lot of changes over the years. Some I have liked and some not. See what you want, attend what you like, there is plenty to do and see and believe me, you wont get to experience it all. Isn't it nice to have an event that seems to try and provide something for everyone? Whether you are a pilot or not, a male or female, age 3 or age 90, day or night you will find something to do. We have seen the opening day concert(loved the Beach Boys), The Lt. Dan Band, The Blooze Bros. and many others. Just because you might not like 100% of the venue doesn't mean that it should be restricted for others. Hope to see you all at Oshkosh!!

[Tom Steber]

I wonder if John Denver was ever asked to sing at EAA, when he was alive. He would have been good, his music was easy to listen to and would appeal to a broad middle range of people, just like most of the crowd at EAA. And John really was a pilot, he was a pilot before he became a celebrity, his Dad was an Air Force crew.
I didn't know him well, but he came to a party for our airshow at our house once. Strangely he never took part in our local airshow, he seemed to be away performing mostly.
His fatal accident was a sad thing that should have been avoided.


I know he did play in Theater in the Woods. May have played there more than once. Can't remember the year or years though. I think he brought his Steen Skybolt.

[Bear]

While not the opening day concert. On the Lt. Dan Band's website, it shows them playing the Friday night show at Theater in the Woods again this year. :thumbsup:

[Zack Baughman]

While not the opening day concert. On the Lt. Dan Band's website, it shows them playing the Friday night show at Theater in the Woods again this year. :thumbsup:

Nice to see you on here Bear!

[AV8NLVR]

I doubt the Eagles would ever be considered; they'd be too expensive. Now Jimmy Buffett - he's a pilot himself so he might appreciate this g/a gathering. He fits the demographic but I wonder if his theme is too "tropical" for Wisconsinites :) But it would definitely be fun!

What about Iron Maiden with Capt. Bruce Dickinson, maybe flying in & parking the band's 757 in the middle of the Square - now THAT would be an attraction (though a little too heavy metal probably) :D

[Jim Hann]

Unfortunately, the closest we've gotten to Jimmy is his Albatross (back when it was airworthy) coming in 2001 to advertise Margaritaville Tequila! :-( ah to dream though!

[Bill Greenwood]

What's with all these guy suggestions? Let's get some attractive,fiesty ladies on stage. That's what EAA needs more of. My vote goes for Dixie Chicks. I haven't heard the song, but I was reading about them yesterday and a new song they wrote called "Traveling Soldier" that is said to be great and fits right in with the situation that a lot of soldiers are in these days.

I remember just after I finished college and was leaving in a few weeks to go into the air force, that there was a popular John Denver song "Leaving On A Jet Plane". It had a lot of meaning for me, and still has an impact every time I hear it. The last thing I wanted to do was get on a plane and head for Vietnam, or most anywhere away from the life I had been lucky enough to know.
Maybe that is why I don't really like jets to this day, other than as a fast and safe way to travel.

And yes, I have seen Beyonce perform, but I don't think she is in the EAA price range or maybe the demographic either.

[AV8NLVR]

When has the concert been announced in recent years? I cant remember but it seems to me that march 8th is a little late. I wonder if they're having to shuffle the cards around because of dropping all the military demos and statics........

[rleffler]

When has the concert been announced in recent years? I cant remember but it seems to me that march 8th is a little late. I wonder if they're having to shuffle the cards around because of dropping all the military demos and statics........

Just checked the archives. Steve Miller was announced on March 8th last year.

http://www.airventure.org/news/2012/120308_stevemillerband.html

[crusty old aviator]

Big City Bob and the Ballroom Gliders, out of Milwaukee, get my vote!

[Floatsflyer]

Big City Bob and the Ballroom Gliders, out of Milwaukee, get my vote!

:) That's a damn good band name. Best band name ever though has to be Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys. Before some of you get offended and begin to call the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith, they're a real country rock band, very popular and well known and been around since the 70's. Kinky is a very colourful individual with a very interesting life and background. He was a serious candidate for Governor of Texas in 2006, came in 4th out of 6 running.

[JimRice85]

Expect the Dixie Chicks would be a bit too controversial. I know I would not attend their show.

[Floatsflyer]

What's controversial about the DC's?

[Hal Bryan]

It was a political showdown during the Bush (43) administration. Google it if you want to learn more - we are not going to have that discussion here.

[rwanttaja]

What's controversial about the DC's?
Basically, a member publicly expressed a political opinion that was contrary to that held by the majority of its fan base. Those of us of a certain age remember the firestorm ignited by John Lennon in '66 when he claimed that the Beatles were "more popular than Jesus." Same sort of thing, only political rather than religious.

Ron Wanttaja

[Bill Greenwood]

Doesn't D C stand for Douglas Commercial as is DC-3?

[AV8NLVR]

No, Dixie Chicks.

[provoshane]

Rick Springfield will be in the Wisconsin Dells the Friday before Oshkosh.

[Tom Steber]

I took my wife to see him a couple years ago. Still puts on a good show. Good band. He had a lot of hits.

[Joe Delene]

I'll go on record as a fan of most 1st day concerts. I really enjoyed REO Speedwagon 2 years back. From the crowd I'd say REO hit the demographics about perfect, can't please everybody. Hopefully they are getting close.

[kmacht]

If EAA is really serious about attracting younger folks to aviation how about a band that someone under the age of 35 recognizes and listens to. I'm not saying that REO Speedwagon, Chicago, or Steve Miller aren't great bands just that they were in their prime years ago and don't resonate with younger folks. A popular country singer with recent hits would probably draw a much larger crowd with a mix of younger and older generations in my opinion.

Keith

[AV8NLVR]

I don't think Nine Inch Nails or P!nk will ever be performing at Airventure :D lol

But seriously.... the reason they pick what they do is the demographic which is probably similar to the general target audience for most advertising: 45-54 males. (maybe plus or minus a few). My theory is that is because those are the people who have the most disposable income to spend on general aviation. Sure, its about the passion for flying which you can have at 7 or 77, but its a business too. They display planes & parts for people to buy & build.

[Floatsflyer]

And now for something completely different and involving aviation history. The Corrigan Brothers Band from Ireland. To celebrate the 75th anniversary this year of famous aviator "Wrongway" Corrigan, who flew from NYC to Ireland in 1938 in record time instead of California as planned, they have written a song and produced a video to commemorate the event. The video contains all original footage of the time.

http://youtu.be/8J0tFZDRHhw

I'm told that folklore suggests he always had intended to fly to Ireland but created this diversion in order to avoid the apparent strict regulations of the time for flying the Atlantic. He was a hailed a hero and was fetted with a parade like Lindy.

[Dan]

Steve Martin is touring with the bluegrass band. That would be a big change from Steve Miller band last year. So far, the choices each year have been really good, even including the 'Beach Boys' who I am not especially fond of.

Looking forward to hearing the announcement...

[Dan]

If EAA is really serious about attracting younger folks to aviation how about a band that someone under the age of 35 recognizes and listens to. I'm not saying that REO Speedwagon, Chicago, or Steve Miller aren't great bands just that they were in their prime years ago and don't resonate with younger folks. A popular country singer with recent hits would probably draw a much larger crowd with a mix of younger and older generations in my opinion.

Keith

My daughter (19) really liked The Steve Miller Band last year, so don't give out hope fo the younger ones...

[Dan]

Peter Frampton was just on AXSTV...very good, would be very good to see there...

[provoshane]

Saw Peter Frampton at Ravinia a couple of years ago. He does put on a good show and is definitely the right age/time period for our group. His between-songs conversation is excellent as well.

[AV8NLVR]

Somehow I don't think anything will be happening on opening night. An announcement would have surely come by now. A lot of things are going to be different with Airventure this year.

[avinuts]

Provoshane, we were just in your fine city of Boerne, TX in February to visit my niece there. Very nice community and people. Thanks for the hospitality!

[Tom Steber]

Somehow I don't think anything will be happening on opening night. An announcement would have surely come by now. A lot of things are going to be different with Airventure this year.

I'm starting to wonder about that too. I'm sure that like many other airshows/fly-ins this year they are left scrambling to find replacements for all the military stuff. Not to mention that Mr. Hightower is now gone. I think they may have their plates full.

[AV8NLVR]

On top of replacements for the aircraft acts there's also that big, empty, new control tower to worry about :(

[Tom Steber]

On top of replacements for the aircraft acts there's also that big, empty, new control tower to worry about :(
Tower will be fully manned. If it's not, I'll buy you addmission for the week.

[Mayhemxpc]

In a briefing given by knowledgeable people which I attended last week, it was said that the tower being opened and operational for AirVenture was not a sure thing.

[Dick Knapinski]

In a briefing given by knowledgeable people which I attended last week, it was said that the tower being opened and operational for AirVenture was not a sure thing.

Well, we'd like to know who those knowledgeable people are. Because they're not correct. Who were you talking to? If you don't feel like sharing that contact on a public forum, feel free to email the info directly to me at communications@eaa.org. Thanks!

[Dick Knapinski]

We've got a couple of them in the hopper for the opening-night concert. Just waiting for signed contracts.

[Mayhemxpc]

Good to hear. Responding to your email address with details.

[Tom Steber]

We've got a couple of them in the hopper for the opening-night concert. Just waiting for signed contracts.
Thanks for chiming in Dick. I know this must be a busy year for you! :rollseyes:

[provoshane]

Won't be Heart. They are playing at Ravinia that night.

[Rob Flansburg]

Won't be Heart. They are playing at Ravinia that night.

This actually makes me think it might be Steely Dan. Playing Milwaukee the night before and Fort Wayne the night after.

[AV8NLVR]

This actually makes me think it might be Steely Dan. Playing Milwaukee the night before and Fort Wayne the night after.

eh, I'll skip Monday then.

[Tom Steber]

If it was Steely Dan, I'd skip watching the airshow just to get up close for the band! It'll never happen though.

[Hangar10]

I know it is a complete long shot, but I was just listening to Sixx Sense on the radio and he was talking about Van Halen going on tour this year. He said that the only North American show scheduled so far was in Wisconsin in July. He didn't mention date or location.

Coincidence?

[AV8NLVR]

Hmmmm..... Van Halen is booked for Rock USA in Oshkosh on July 20th!

[Hal Bryan]

Finally, we can let the cat out of the bag...Chicago!

http://www.airventure.org/news/2013/130501_chicago-ready-to-rock-opening-night-concert.html

[Floatsflyer]

Chicago's great but was hoping for someone previously unseen like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Oh well, maybe next year.

[jimdc8]

Chicago is awesome...best concert at Airventure so far! Great to see them back!

[CarlOrton]

I agree with you, JimDC8! I've seen them all, and that one a few yrs ago *was* just about the best. Of course, musical tastes run the full spectrum, but for this guy, I let out a whoop when the tweet hit my phone!

[JimRice85]

I've seen Chicago. Not my first choice, but probably a good middle of the road show.

[provoshane]

Since it took so long to get someone booked, I am wondering if they were holding out for someone else, and this was their backup option...

[Dick Knapinski]

Since it took so long to get someone booked, I am wondering if they were holding out for someone else, and this was their backup option...

Actually, there are a few things involved. One is finding the groups that will be enjoyed by a fairly wide audience. Two is seeing if those performers are touring and in the general area during AirVenture week. Three is, of course, price (we're somewhat under the required budget for the Rolling Stones, for instance <g>). Four is working with the various band bookers to see if a deal can be worked out. There might be several offers out at any time early in the game before it gets narrowed down. Sometimes it goes very quickly, sometimes it takes a little longer to find the right band, right date and right contract. It took a little longer this year, but we're very happy to have Chicago back.

In 2010 when they last appeared at OSH, it was a beautiful, warm, sunny evening -- the perfect antidote to "Sloshkosh" up to that point!

Hope that helps clarify things!

Dick Knapinski
EAA Communications

[Joe Delene]

Sounds fine by me, I'll try to be there.

[BeagleOne]

(we're somewhat under the required budget for the Rolling Stones, for instance <g>).
Hope that helps clarify things!

Dick Knapinski
EAA Communications

I think EVERYONE is under the required budget for the Stones, including them! Did you see that they have had to lower ticket prices because their ticket sales were so bad?

[Roger Janssens]

Well, I'm happy to see that Chicago is coming back. I missed them in 2010 as I was still driving up from Rock Falls after the DC-3 meet there, and as far as I'm concerned it's bands like them that I'm looking forward to for the opening concert.