A JOLT FROM JILL: CONCERTS, CONCERTS AND MORE CONCERTS!

by Jill Rumbley-Beam

Music has been the soundtrack of my life, and over the years, I have been fortunate enough to attend concerts featuring some of the greatest artists and bands in music history. From powerful rock anthems of Journey, Boston, ZZ Top, Led Zeppelin, Ozzy Osborne, Black Sabbath, Chicago, New Kids on the Block, and Styx to the unforgettable performances of Tom Jones, Janet Jackson, Dunn, Michael Jackson, the Beach Boys, Rod Stewart, Three Dog Night, Bread, George Strair, Garth Brooks, Brooks and Earth Wind and Fire, the Spinners, Van Halen, Sammy Haggar, Mick Jaggar and the Rolling Stones, Kansas, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and the timeless legacy of the Beatles. Each concert became more than just a show-it became a memory, a milestone, and a chapter in my personal journey.

These performances provided excitement, inspiration, and a sense of connection that only live music can create. There were also a lot of surprises along the way. Each artist brought unique energy to the stage, reminding me of special times in my life. I would always appreciate the incredible talent before me, and every artist left an impression. This article will reflect on some of the concerts mentioned and how I recognize that music is a celebration of the artists, the performances, and the many experiences that continue to be memories on my mind, long after the final encore!

My first experience of attending a concert was hearing the Beatles on September 18, 1964, at the Dallas Memorial Auditorium with my babysitter. I was only ten years of age, bear in mind. There were 10,000 people, and I experienced a 30-minute concert. Then my babysitter took me to the hotel where they were staying, the Cabana Hotel. I remember it was pandemonium. There were people in the fountain, glass breaking, and more. I was a little frightened, so we left abruptly. This was an experience I’ll never forget. I’m not sure if Mom knew we were going to this concert or not! It’s our secret.

The next concert I attended was Three Dog Night and Rod Stewart at the Cotton Bowl, at Fair Park on August 19, 1972. I graduated from High School in 1972, and I remember getting to see this concert in the press box because I knew the people who ran the Cotton Bowl. It was thrilling to see them from such a high point of view!

This is a concert I’ll never forget. I was married to my “Practice Husband,” and he loved rock and roll. He had always wanted to see Ozzie Osborne. It was June 5, 1981, at The Will Rogers Auditorium in Fort Worth. Ozzie called it his Blizzard of Oz Tour, and thank God he did not bite the head from a bat, which he was famous for.

This story tops them all! Unfortunately, I had vocal nodules removed in 1984 from teaching too many Jazzercise classes a week, and I literally committed vocal suicide. After the surgery, the doctor told me I had to go on complete vocal rest and could not speak or whisper for a month. I am a huge fan of Michael Jackson, and on June 13, 1984, the Jacksons were coming to Dallas for their Victory Tour. I went to the concert and couldn’t utter a yell or word. You talk about hard, but I got to see the Jacksons!

I remember having a good friend who was a big fan of Tom Jones. I wasn’t much of a fan and didn’t follow his concerts. She got two tickets, and she asked me to go, so I agreed. The concert was at the Dallas Music Hall in 1977. When he started singing his signature song, “It’s Not Unusual”, ladies started throwing their underwear on the stage. Really? This dude got more underwear thrown at him than I have in my underwear drawer, and that’s a lot! I know, too much information.

I attended the ZZ Top concert at the Memorial Auditorium on September 22, 1983. I was a huge fan. I’ll never forget: they had steers, cows, and other animals on stage, and the concert was so loud I had to put gum wrappers in my ears, but I still got to hear ZZ Top.

I guess the above concerts were my “TOP” memories of my concert going. These concerts, just like all music, gave me joy and excitement, emotional connection and stress relief, where I was able to escape daily routines and responsibilities.

Forget the ticket price…go to a concert!