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California for Daft Punk (2006)Ìý
(Rigsy - ATL Presenter)

In 2006, one of my favourite bands announced they would do seven very special gigs inside a giant pyramid, in what was set to be one of the most spectacular tours of all time. I had no choice,ÌýI HAD to be at one of these seven gigs. So I booked tickets to the Coachella festival in California. Granted Daft Punk blew my mind that weekend, but shortly after they announced more shows, including one in... Dublin. The absolute scoundrels would tour the pyramid for another year and I'd see them at Oxegen the following summer. If I ever see Messrs. de Ö÷²¥´óÐãm-Christo or Bangalter they're getting a wee slap.

Glasgow for Smashing Pumpkins (2000)
(Amy McGarrigleÌý- ATL Content Assistant)

I wept. I seriously wept when Smashing Pumpkins announced their demise before I ever had aÌýchance to see them live. Thankfully, they announced a farewell tour and I automatically pleaded with my parents for a loan and permission to go.ÌýBeing but fifteen, myÌýsister had to chaperone meÌýtoÌýGlasgow and I just remember itÌýsomehow hadÌýeven worse weather than home, but this was no tourist trip!

I demanded we went ridiculously early, and sat outside the SECC for hours meeting fellow obsessive fans. The hoursÌýsittingÌýaroundÌýpaid off, and we got frontÌýrow, where my fragile little mind had a wee break down in excitement. Though the main image I remember is Billy Corgan wearing a black, leather dress...ah..yes.. It was theÌýMachine Tour. Ah well....Ìý

London for Blur (2009)Ìý
(Phily Taggart - ATL Content Assistant)

The Brit poopers were the very first band I ever owned an album of, I loved them so much that I was infact banned from playing 'Country House' in my house (ironically in the country) by my parents. It was the second night of their reunion gigs in Hyde Park that I and two of my good mates attended. This was the first time I had ever seen Blur and I always had the worry in the back of my mind that it may be the last too, so I was definately up for savouring the moment. Vampre Weekend got our quirky pop juices flowing just nicely to set us up for the pièce de résistance. Blur came on played Tender and I nearly had a wee man cry. I didnt though, I can't stress that enough, I'm dead hard. It probably still remains one of my favourite gigs ever.

Edinburgh for Dead Kennedys (2004)
Steven Rainey - Old ATL Chum and Contributor

To say that I was excited about seeing punk legends The Dead Kennedys, would be an understatement. The fact that frontman Jello Biafra had long since departed the band did little to dampen my spirits. Nor did the 5 hour drive to Edinburgh - this was the DKs, man. You go the extra mile.

Turns out I wasn't prepared for the most terrifying gig of my life. Surrounded by skinhead punks, I immediately began to re-think my choice of brown corduroy trousers and tan trenchcoat, standing out somewhat amidst a tide of black t-shirts and jeans.

As my companion sank beneath the tide of the increasingly exuberant mosh pit, I began to think that I'd be stranded in Edinburgh forever, orphaned by punk (metaphorically). I needn't have worried, the band delivered a blistering set, and eventually, after all the carnage had subsided, both my companion and I emerged from the wreckage, knowing we'd both seen something pretty special.