.jpg)
About
My First Gig™ is a storytelling music podcast sharing life-changing, live music experiences from artists, musicians, sound engineers, photographers, authors, and more. In their own words, hear interesting stories recounting firsthand moments, behind-the-scenes details, and unforgettable events that altered and redirected their lives. Through these compelling tales of first-time live music adventures, listeners will be candidly informed and entertained by those who were there.
MFG explores the journey set in motion after that pivotal live music experience. The show that made the most significant impact. From stadiums to tiny rock clubs—early live music experiences shaped the artists we admire—but who inspired them? In our laid-back yet insightful conversations, we'll share fascinating stories, rediscovered music history, and great band recommendations—plus informative tales of writing, documenting, recording, touring, gear, and the realities of life on the road.
This all began early morning—September 17, 2013. While looking across the bay at the Oakland Coliseum—it struck me—exactly 30 years had passed since my first concert (David Bowie) and it took place there! I emailed two highly admired and respected music authorities to seek their opinion. One was acclaimed music author and rock photographer Bob Gruen, who politely replied, "This is interesting. Most people remember their first and it would be fun to hear all the different stories." The other was highly regarded music journalist and biographer, Chris Salewicz, who also responded with appreciated support. I had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with both gentleman at a special Joe Strummer Tribute/Benefit show in Dec '07—and since several of their books are favorites of mine, who better to ask—right?
​
So, a book idea from 12 years ago is a radio-style podcast today (three years after the iPod was discontinued). As Ray Davies put it on The Kinks rockin' live album One For The Road, "Rock bands will come, rock bands will go—but rock 'n roll's gonna go on forever!" With that rightfully said, which band or artist was your pivotal, life-changing live music experience? How did it impact or change the course of your life? Feel free to share as much as you’d like about your life's music journey.
​Everyone has an enlightening, historic, or mind blowing live music story to share—looking forward to hearing yours!
Salud,
-Marc
​
​​​​​​​​​San Francisco, California
Haight/Ashbury
“Music is probably the one real magic I have encountered in my life. There's not some trick involved with it. It's pure and it's real. It moves, it heals, it communicates and does all these incredible things."
—Tom Petty