Five Concerts I'd Like to See Before One of Us Dies

I've seen just about every band and singer I ever wanted to see. I've seen Depeche Mode, R.E.M., Def Leppard, Tears for Fears, Simple Minds, The Cars, INXS, Van Halen, Queensryche, Soul Asylum, U2, The Who, and just about every Christian band and singer I've ever listened to.

There are some bands that can't be seen (Nirvana comes to mind first), some that could be seen, but not as they were at the height of their careers (Journey, Fleetwood Mac), and still others who just don't perform live (Kate Bush is WAY at the top of that list).

So who's left? These are the top five groups that I would pay semi-ridiculous ticket prices and drive at least 2-3 hours each way to see (I would be willing to drive longer if gas didn't cost almost $4/gallon in the midwest). That means St. Louis, Memphis, or Little Rock (for sure), and maybe Tulsa, Kansas City, or Nashville (depends on cost and my schedule). Also, these are acts that are either a) touring or b) could conceivably tour at some point in the future.

1. The Cure
I was a late-comer to the Cure phenomenon; I didn't really become a fan until the nineties, but "Just Like Heaven" is my favorite song of all time, and "High" is in my top five favorite albums of all time. Closest available appearances: Chicago/Aug. 2 (working); Austin, TX/Oct. 4-6 (too far).

2. Rush
Neal Peart is the reason I became a drummer. Do I need to explain any further? Closest available appearance: Kansas City/Aug. 4 (working).

3. Pearl Jam

I came this close to getting tickets to see Pearl Jam back when I lived in St. Louis. The guy right in front of me literally bought the last tickets available before they put up the "Sold Out" sign. My sister was with me, and she was an even bigger Pearl Jam fan at that time than I was—so disappointing. I've never even gotten close since.  Closest available appearance: Chicago/Aug. 19 (sold out—it figures!).

4. Cyndi Lauper

In the early eighties, most pop fans went Gaga (see what I did?!) for Madonna. Not me—my first two cars were easily identified by the "I Love Cyndi Lauper" bumper sticker. Thirty years later, Cyndi's a Tony winner and the toast of Broadway, while Madonna...say, does anyone know where Madonna is these days? Never mind, I don't care. Closest available appearance: Biloxi, MS/June 29 (too far away).

5. Barry Manilow

Closest available appearance: Evansville, IN/June 26 (too far/work next day).

Mock me all you want; if you're honest, you're just like these guys: