Atlanta Concerts July, 1975

A rock devotee told me some time ago that there will be two types of people in Atlanta in July, those with tickets to see the Rolling Stones and those without.

The news of the Stones’ first Atlanta appearance came into this town some time ago on a wave of rumors and has been floating on a sea of hype since. The atmosphere in which tickets sales for this event were carried out irritated and annoyed many. The principle problem was that by the time the sale of tickets was announced to the general public, nearly all tickes were sold, or at least claimed by those already in line. It seems that most of the 17,000 or so souls who purchased tickets had the information leaked to them beforehand by someone in the know. Since the Stones are playing only one set at the Omni and not the Stadium, the situation worsened, since there are probably twice as many people wanting tickets as those that have them. So now diehard Stones fanatics must pay blood money to scalpers or indulge in other semilegal activities (I recommend neither), in order to see the so-called world’s greatest rock and roll band.

None the less, when it’s all over, those with tickets will have seen and enjoyed (provided that the Stones did their part) and all those wthout tickets will have heard about the concert more times thasn they’ve ever wanted.

Opening that July 30th show for the Rolling Stones will be the Meters. Late note: Tickets for the Jacksonville concert are still available. VIBES was told to call “the City of Jax...or a local radio stion.”

In other concert activity this month, James Brown, the self-styled Godfather of Soul, famous for his politics, R&B, and bad album covers, will bring his Revue to the Omni on the Fourth of July.

The fifth of July will see the “Return of Lynyrd Skynyrd” at the Omni. When Skynyrd last played this city they adopted Atlanta as their spiritual home because of this city’s long anding devotedness. Since then they’ve “gone out and won devotees nationwide” as well as another hit single.

Appearing with Lynyrd Skynyrd will be the Charlie Daniels Band. It should be noted that all seats for for this concert at the Omni are being sold on a general admission basis (could this be the end of the Omni’s Brown Shirts reign of arrogance?).

On July 8th the Average White Band will headline at the Auditorium. Last year the AWB convinced the multitudes that they were one of the most impressive R&B acts ever to come from across the Atlantic. The most worthwhile feature about them is that they achieved this status, not through the typical burnt cork methods employed by other U.K.acts, but through tightness and sheer ability. Appearing with the Average White Band at the Auditorium will be Kokomo and Mother’s Finest.

On July 17th this season’s best outing of southern boogie will take place at the Lakewood Fairgrunds. Appearing on that date will be Hydra (their first appearance in town in some time), Cowboy, Outlaws, Eric Quincy Tate and Shade. This concert is being held as a benefit for the Fox and the Cyclorama.

On July 22 Tens Years After will be in concert at the Auditorium. Over a year ago, TYA disbanded after Alvin Lee felt he had played “I’m Going’ Home” one time too many. But with this apperaance, it appears that Lee’s absence was only a sabbatical.

On July 27th the Electric Light Orchestra, one of the few charming Anglo bands left, will perform at the Auditorum. ELO attracted considerable attention this past ar with their rock symphony Eldorado.

Black Sabbath is another Limey band, but they are in no way charming. B.S. will be featured at that same hall July 24th.