By John Murphy
Concerts. I’ve seen a ton. And they’ve ranged from great to average to sub-par.
My top two are AC-DC in Mountain View and Bruce Springsteen in Oakland. But checking in at No. 3 is a surprise – Day on the Green No. 1 on May 24, 1975 at the Oakland Coliseum. Yes, I’m old.
The bill consisted of Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Bob Seger, Chicago and the Beach Boys.
I was 19 years old then and working for the San Bruno Recreation Department. My co-worker, Steve “Obbie” O’Brien and I decided on a whim to attend this concert. We left San Bruno directly from a rec department event, knowing we’d be late.
Obbie was a cross-country runner with a bushy hairdo and an infectious, fun-loving attitude. He made everything seem like a great idea. We climbed into his 1950s Buick, he popped in a Beatles’ eight-track and we were off.
We didn’t even have tickets. But true to form on this wondrous day, Obbie chatted up some Oakland cops outside the coliseum who were so charmed they gave us free tickets they’d confiscated from scalpers. Free tickets!
Entering the coliseum, spirits were high. We missed the first four acts but would still see the headliners, Chicago and the Beach Boys. Bring it!
I think Chicago played first, then the Beach Boys. It was magical. Then it got even better as both bands took the stage for a battle of hits.
The Beach Boys played “Little Deuce Coupe” or one of their great songs. Chicago countered with “Saturday in the Park” or some such hit.” The Beach Boys responded with maybe “Surfin’ Safari.” Chicago rolled out “25 or 6 to 4” or whatever. Amazing stuff. And the fans went wild.
By now we had joined a long conga line and were dancing around the Oakland As infield — laughing and singing in the warm sun with a slight beer buzz and feeling free.
I’ve been to dozens of concerts since then and didn’t have half the fun. Now we’re in a pandemic and we’re social distancing and I couldn’t try to duplicate this experience if I tried.
But every day I go for a long walk and I’m usually tuned to a classic rock station. And when I hear a Beach Boys or Chicago song it takes me back to May 24, 1975. Good times.
Main Street Dog 