6 Rock Bands and the Stories of Their First Gigs
Even though these bands have gone on to perform in front of massive crowds, every band had to start somewhere. Yes, never forget that even the most popular bands in…
Even though these bands have gone on to perform in front of massive crowds, every band had to start somewhere.
Yes, never forget that even the most popular bands in the world have humble beginnings. More often than not, these acts played in half-empty rooms in front of just a handful of people. Those people were likely friends or family. Worse, many of these bands would likely tell you some of their early shows were in front of even less than that.
However, it's in those moments where bands often remember how those very first shows really allowed them to cut their teeth. They helped bands realize their performance style and truly craft who they were. If you were among the lucky few who saw a band in a tiny venue before they blew up, those shows are often a badge of honor for the fan. There is something so special about seeing a band from its early beginnings grow into something grand before your eyes. There's a good chance that whoever was at these gigs, those people talk about them fondly and with pride.
RELATED: Rock Hall: Every Multiple Inductee in Its History
The bands highlighted in this list cover a unique swath of rock history. Three of them have been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. It wouldn't be outrageous for the other three bands to be inducted one day, either. The dates of these first shows span took place in the '60s, '70s, '80s and '90s. The youngest band on our list had their first show in 1997 when the founding members were 13 and 10, respectively. This band literally had their dad play their show with them. Now, they play arenas
With this in mind, here are six bands and the main details about their first gigs. Some of them will undoubtedly surprise you.
Aerosmith
Jamie McCarthy/Getty ImagesNEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 20: (L-R) Brad Whitford, Tom Hamilton, Joey Kramer, Joe Perry, and Steven Tyler of Aerosmith attend the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall on August 20, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
The Rolling Stones
Keystone Features/Hulton Archive/Getty ImagesRolling Stones singer Mick Jagger and guitarist Keith Richards opening fan mail during the early days of the band, circa 1963. (Photo by Keystone Features/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Motley Crue
Emma McIntyre/Getty ImagesLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 04: (L-R) Tommy Lee, Nikki Sixx, Vince Neil, and Mick Mars of M?tley Cr?e attend the press conference for THE STADIUM TOUR DEF LEPPARD - MOTLEY CRUE - POISON at SiriusXM Studios on December 04, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
Foo Fighters
John Phillips/Getty ImagesLONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 21: *** EDITORIAL USE ONLY IN RELATION TO THE BRIT AWARDS 2018*** (L-R) Rami Jaffee, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett, Dave Grohl, Pat Smear and Taylor Hawkins of Foo Fighters, winner of the Best International Group award, pose in the winners room during The BRIT Awards 2018 held at The O2 Arena on February 21, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by John Phillips/Getty Images)
Muse
Dave J Hogan/Getty ImagesBILBAO, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 04: (L-R) Dominic Howard, Matt Bellamy and Chris Wolstenholme of Muse attend the MTV EMAs 2018 at the Bilbao Exhibition Centre (BEC) on November 04, 2018 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Dave J Hogan/Dave J Hogan/Getty Images for MTV)
Halestorm
Neilson Barnard/Getty ImagesLOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 10: Halestorm attends the 61st Annual GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center on February 10, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
