Photo courtesy of Dana Gorab

The first time I cried at a concert was during my teenage years growing up in Manchester, U.K.

I was about to set off to return to my country of birth, Australia, when a family friend who knew I was crazy into bands and was busting to see live music got me a ticket to see Slade as a going away gift.

I had been listening to a lot of punk and heavy guitar bands like Motorhead so I was a bit unsure as I had only seen Slade on the television. The big night arrived and we caught the bus to the Manchester Apollo. There were crowds lining up all the way down the street. It was a cold winter night and I had only seen crowds like this at a football match.

Everybody was happily singing, having a few drinks as they made their way inside. We got our seats which I thought were odd. I was under the impression that you stood up to see a band.

I didn't really pay much attention to the support band then, but that has changed these days. I love watching them now; when I see a big act it is always a joy to see emerging acts get an opportunity.

It seemed like an eternity between the sets for the stage set up but it was probably only 30 minutes. As my excitement was building and the tension in the room was electric, the lights went down. The music coming through the massive speakers stopped. The boys walked on stage and took position. Lead vocalist Noddy Holder came out; the crowd roared, got to their feet and bang! Like a rocket was launched and landed in my heart. Slade ripped into their first song, “Cum On Feel the Noize”. I’d never experienced volume at that level ever before or since. The loudest band I’ve seen to this day, Noddy had an energy like no other. The whole band was bouncing, the crowd was jumping and the seating was not needed that night.

I turned to my friend. I knew this would be our last hoorah before I left for Australia. Tears were rolling down both our cheeks. This was an incredible night of rock and roll and I have been a big fan of Slade ever since.

I arrived in Australia a few weeks later, bought a second hand guitar, learnt some chords and started busking. Life felt good.