This thread has been a great read. It is refreshing to read about people's personal experiences with the so-called "greats" as well as the not-so-greats.

There are the bad nights every musician has, but we don't seem to be hearing about those, as much as we are hearing about the act being too under the influence, showing up late or not at all, and what seems to be the very rare occurence of prima donnaism.

Very interesting. Worst concerts ever for me were Canned Heat (even travelled some distance for it) and (very sadly) Jeff Beck.

Most frightening audience experience was a tie, and included the above Jeff Beck concert (general admission, no chairs, and a surge toward the stage that nearly killed several audience members who were trampled a la the Who debacle) and a Led Zeppelin concert in an arena when the lights came up suddenly for no apparent reason, the band stopped, and people began panicking thinking there was a fire.