I admit that I don't really HAVE a concert bucket list. But maybe I should make one out. I began to contemplate that very thought this weekend after seeing Barry Manilow on his farewell tour in Cedar Rapids this past Friday night. Sure, it's possible I got a little too emotional during 'Mandy', but seeing the 72-year-old Manilow sing his way through his greatest hits one last time made me think. What if I'd missed this?

The Manilow concert coupled with the recent death of Merle Haggard, an artist I never saw in concert, made me realize something. If you have the chance to go see an icon of music, regardless of the genre, go. You simply never know if a tour is going to be someone's last. I realize we've been fooled before with 'farewell tours'. After a few years and the artist needs some money, they're back! But what if they don't come back?

I had the chance several years ago to go see Paul McCartney in Ames. For reasons that were financial and timing related, I didn't go. I kick myself for that one. He may never get that close again! I mean, I passed up the chance to see a BEATLE! I know that Paul is still doing tours and does visit the U.S., but that was one that I'll always regret.

So this year, I'm trying to make sure I don't pass up any 'bucket list' worthy shows. Garth Brooks in Des Moines is one that I knew I had to see. I missed out on the Garth phenomenon the first time around. But his time, I'll be there. I'm a huge fan of The Beach Boys. They'll be in Cedar Rapids this summer. I plan on seeing them. Brian Wilson and his band is performing the album 'Pet Sounds' in concert for the final time. The closest show is 4 hours away. I don't care. That album is one of my favorites of all time and I can't miss the chance to see it done one final time live.

I'll leave you with one show that I went to that I'm glad I said 'yes' to. Several years ago, I took my dad to see Glen Campbell in Riverside. My father grew up with his music and I had grown to love it. It was a show I'll never forget, and a memory with my dad I'll cherish. It was also shortly before Glen revealed his Alzheimers. A few short years later he was done touring. We got to see his final Iowa show. Talk about a 'bucket list' concert. No matter the venue, or the cost, or the genre, get out and see the legends before they're gone.

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