When I think about the many shows that I was lucky to experience, there are some venues that are just very special to me. Whether they are an amazing-looking venue or a hole in the wall. But I will highly recommend all of these venues:

4. House of Blues Boston – On the back half of my career at Zildjian, there were many House of Blues shows. This venue always hosted to have the most trouble getting into the venue. It was the place where I did my first and only crowd surfing (during Taking Back Sunday). August Burns Red, many times with Matt Greiner. See Marylin Manson for the first time. The band The 1975 talking with the singer who was like, watch this, he stuck his head out and the girls screamed and then we looked out and it was like who are those creepy guys. Then also meeting my favorite band for the first time Jimmy Eat World. That experience was very special. The venue had a unique backstage area that was two levels and an upper level that you had to be tall or upfront or you couldn’t see a damn thing.

3. MGM Grand/Foxwoods Theater – Now there were only a few shows that I experienced at this venue but being able to see Alice Cooper in 2010 on Halloween with my brother was quite a special show. At the time the drummer was Eric Singer and if you have ever been to an Alice Cooper show, it is a stage performance and music all in one. It was a special experience. I also met Ronnie Vannucci of The Killers for the first time. And his first comment to me was “Do these jeans make my butt look too big!” Anyway, my favorite show of all time was at this beautiful venue.

2. Xfinity Center – Tweeter Center, Great Woods, Comcast Center, whatever you call it, from 2008 to 2016, if it was summer, I was at the Xfinity Center. Especially the Warped Tours. They were there every year, whether there was torrential rain, tornado warnings, or over 100 degrees I was there. I had discovered new bands, ran back and forth from the parking lot to the backlot. The nice older lady would always let us in even if the band forgot to answer their phone. I also loved their catering when I was offered. I probably saw more bands there than anywhere else Warped Tour would have 8 stages with bands every 15 minutes. The venue itself was a nice venue, with great views. 

1. Worcester Palladium – Yes. Hole in the wall but it was where I got my photography skills started. It was where I filmed the most bands and where I ended my career with Zildjian. A lot of progression in my life was part of the palladium. Even where I started my road trip with the band We Came as Romans or where Dean Fisher got his start with me. I remember being thrown up to name a few highlights. But it may have sticky rugs, dim lighting (good for that), small and dingy dressing rooms, and bathrooms, but to me, it was home and it was special.

An important honorable mention was Gillette Stadium as that is where I proposed to my wife. It was before a Luke Bryan show and it was special. There are many venues with special memories but these have some unique moments and were personally special to me and my experiences.