The best concert I ever saw

Trent Reznor and Nine Inch Nails blew me away in 2014 at Jones Beach Theater.

About 10 years ago on my birthday, August 1, I decided to make the trek out to Jones Beach Theater on Wantagh, Long Island. I had been to this venue before to see friends like Aerosmith, but I was curious about what a Nine Inch Nails show would be like at a venue like Jones Beach.

Jones Beach is an outdoor amphitheater, and you can literally feel the breeze from the ocean while in the crowd. It may not be one of my favorite venues ever, like the Hollywood Bowl or the Greek Theatre, but the summer air and vibes will sweep you up in the moment.

Nine Inch Nails performing on August 1, 2014 at Jones Beach Theater. Credit: Greg Cristman via brooklynvegan.com.

I should tell you, I’ve always been a NIN fan, but a bit more passive. I think they're amazing, but I couldn't tell you every album or even their best albums. Before this show, I hadn’t seen them play live before.

Little did I know that this show would turn out to be the very best concert that I have ever seen in my life. Think about that statement … The best concert you have ever seen! It can be tough to recollect all the shows you’ve ever seen, if you're like me and have been going to concerts for the better part of 40 years.

I think Triumph, Earth, Wind & Fire, Iron Maiden, and Shaun Cassidy were amongst some of my first shows ever. An eclectic line-up, I agree. And who knew I would veer more into Maiden territory than Cassidy, but it is what it is.