September 2,1981 Prairie Capital Convention Center. With Def Leppard supporting High and Dry. I grew up in Decatur about a half hour away. My friend's first show. Randy was amazing. Went to the January 26th 1982 show in Champaign, Illinois at the Assembly Hall University of Illinois. From Decatur not far away. Didn't last long . Rudy Sarzo, Randy, and Tommy Aldridge kicked into Over the Mountain. I didn't see Ozzy hit the the stage because I had my binoculars on Randy Rhoads. The lights came on. I do remember me and my friend staying as long as we could hoping Ozzy would come back out. There was no rioting or really anybody pissed off. More disappointed . Central Illinois folk were pretty humble, specially in the early 80's and were concerned about Ozzy including me and my friend. I did attend the Springfield concert earlier that year.

There is a date that needs added. My first concert was New England, UFO and Cheap Trick. Prairie Capital Convention Center. February 6th , 1981. I remember New England's drummer came down from the riser and having the longest hair I'd ever seen. Michael Shenker was playing lead guitar and his Marshall amp head quit working. He shoved the stack and it fell over. Roadies had another whole Marshall stack put in place quickly. Not just the head. My older friend's girlfriend was pulled up on stage along with quite a few others for Bun E. Carlos drum solo. They gave them Bun E. masks to wear. My friends are amazed I remember long term so well. Considering all the partying we did.

Found the date December 2, 1984. Dio and Dokken , NBC arena Honolulu.

Prairie Capital Convention Center Springfield, Illinois. I saw Ozzy with Randy Rhoads, Def Leppard opening. Pete Willis on guitar. Saw many concerts there. I'll look them up. This is fun.

Not in New England, the band.

Cool sight by the way. Even though my last concert concert was 14 years ago, Van Halen 2008 in Dallas. I refuse to pay the high ticket prices now. My first concert was @1980 New England, UFO ( with Michael Shenker) and Cheap Trick . Probably paid less than $15. I'll look up that show.

There is a Dio concert from 1984 missing. I would have to get a hold of my ex wife to see if she knows the month. That isn't going to happen. I was stationed at Schofield Barracks, Oahu, Hawaii. We were newlyweds married in August of 1984. It was her first concert , about my 20th. Neil Blasdell Center , Honolulu. NBC arena. Dokken opened for sure. It was definitely towards the last quarter of the year. Some Marines got busted smoking weed next to us . I felt something hit my shoe and looked down . One of them threw a baggie down . I put my foot on top of it , size 12 and the police didn't see anything. They were escorted out and I got some killer Hawaiin. Nice to be friends with the NCO in charge of urinalysis.