If you have seen The Outfield in concert & would like to share it with us, feel free to email your story to The Outfield Tour Stories. (Please let us know whether you want your email address included in the story. Thanks.)

#20 - Date Submitted: 7-28-98 Submitted By: "Bruce Sarte"

I saw The Outfield play on the Voices tour at the Garden State Arts Center (now PNC Bank Center) in New Jersey. They were opening up for Mike and the Mechanics, but I really only went to see The Outfield. The played a high energy set that included an awesome extended version of I Don't Need Her and culminated with Your Love at the end which brought the entire Arts Center to its feet and has everyone singing along and jumping up and down. After they guys were done Brian and I looked at each other and agreed that in comparison Mike and the Mechanics would have been a huge let down so we took our great memories of the guys with Paul Reed behind the drums and left. The show was fabulous and I look forward to seeing them every show they are in the Philadephia area!

Bruce Sarte brew@fast.net

#19 - Date Submitted: 7-28-98 Submitted By: "Tom Jonas"

The first time I had ever even noticed the band was back in 1989 when I saw a friend of mine walking around with a "Voices" tour shirt on. I said "Outfield? I've never heard of them..." and he proceeded to tell me how much they kicked ass for about the next 2 hours. Later that day, we went over to a girl's house and she had "Say It Isn't So" on the CD player and I was hooked. Pete, my friend with the shirt, had seen them just the day before I became an Outfield junkie! What made it even worse and tremendously ironic was the fact that that was the last time the guys have played in Cleveland (1989)...and I thought I was going to have to live with that knowledge the rest of my life. Now they're back and I'm going to see them if it's the last thing I do!!! My friends and I even had to fashion up our own concert t-shirts because we didn't have any! Thanks for coming back guys...I know this excellent gazebo in North Olmsted, Ohio that would love to see you guys rock!!!! (Inside joke)

Tom Jonas 9@pop.service.ohio-state.edu

#18 - Date Submitted: 7-16-98 Submitted By: "Sean"

My sister and I saw The Outfield in 1987, at the Ionia Free Fair in Michigan. They were sandwiched in between a punk band from Lansing called the Doughboys, and Starship, who were headlining the show. The Outfield was the best part of the ticket! The boys cranked out most of "Play Deep," and debuted some tunes from the as yet to be released "Bangin'." It was great to get chance to see them. I'd become an instant fan upon hearing "Say It Isn't So," and then the rest of the album (purchased quickly after hearing Say It Isn't So), several months earlier while I was living on Guam. Still have the pennant from the show. It'd be great to see the boys again, as it's been 11 years, and I'm still a big fan!

Cheers!

Sean GbozGtr@aol.com

#17 - Date Submitted: 5-6-98 Submitted By: "B"

My tour story began July 17th, 1987 at Fort Wayne, Indiana. Since I was only fourteen years old, my mother drove me to the Coliseum and waited for me outside. The Outfield opened for Night Ranger. The crowd was very unruly: pulling a knife on me to move in my space, and pushing me. While The Outfield played their set, I yelled several times to Tony to help me. He stopped the show many times saying, "Quit it; You are hurting each other!!" The crowd pushed me futher and futher away from the stage until I couldn't see them. I fainted in the hallway from total exhaustion. After I regained my strength, I snuck backstage because I wanted to thank The Guys for their efforts. I did not get the priviledge until August of '89.

"B" BelHoc123@aol.com

#16 - Date Submitted: 5-2-98 Submitted By: Aram Karakashian

Hello, I thought I would share my Outfield in concert experience. In 1985 or 1986 I saw the Outfield open up for the Starship at the Zoo Amphitheater in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It was a beautiful, warm, summers evening and the concert was held outdoors. I usually don't say anything bad about any bands or artists but let me just say this, the Outfield absolutely blew the starship off of the stage. The sound was crisp, clear and flawless and the band was as tight as any I had ever seen. For the last ten years or so I have been involved in the music business in many different facets. I was the tour manager for Atlantic Recording Artists, "Boa" and we toured extensively with "White Lion," "Extreme," and several other popular metal bands. In the late 80's and early 90's I was the tour manager for "Alan Miller" and we toured extensively with Loverboy and Cheap Trick. Being involved so heavily with music, after a while you hear so much of it you get somewhat sick of hearing it night after night however, the Outfield is one of those bands that makes you proud to be a lover of music. I used to take the CD, "Play Deep" on the tour bus and listened to it whenever I needed a dose of great music. Before the band would go on I used to play the CD over the p.a. as "warm up" music for the audience. I will never forget that night for many different reasons. Not only did the "Outfield" put on a stellar performance, they made me realize that music is much more than recording to receive a paycheck. As a trio, the Outfield personify what rock music should be. Talk about Tight! Look up Tight in the dictionary and you should find a picture of the Outfield. I also used to make the band listen to the CD all the time and would try to emphasize that music is much more than carting around 12 Marshall JCM-900 stacks and using enough hairspray to create a serious fire hazard. Well, enough of my rambling. I truly hope to be able to see the Outfield live just one more time, hell, I hope to see them much more than that.

Aram Karakashian BOSTONRCKS@AOL.COM

#15 - Date Submitted: 4-18-98 Submitted By: Jim Alsinger

I first saw the Outfield in concert during the summer of 1987 during their bangin' tour at Blossom Music Center in Akron, Ohio. They opened up for Night Ranger and they rocked!!! They opened up with "Main Attraction" and continue their short set with such hits as "Somewhere in America", "Say it isn't so", and "Since you've been gone" to name a few. Of course they closed with "Your Love" and the place went nuts. Night Ranger also put on a very good show.

I don't want to ramble or cut this short, but the Outfield concert will always remain deeply imbedded in my memory because of a number of things. The music was positive and it was basically all about having a good time unlike in recent years where all we hear about is how life sucks(which is B.S.). Another thing, it was before my senior year in high school and I had to take summer school and seeing the concert was a nice break even though I had to pay for it the next morning. Mainly because we didn't get home until 2 or 3 in the morning and I had class from 8am till 12 noon(You try dealing with 4hrs of government with only 5hrs of sleep). But I had company as my friends Biggs, Scott, and Jeff went also and they were in my class.

Thanks again John & Tony for all of the memories

Jim Aslinger ace@onebellevue.com

#14 - Date Submitted: 2-27-98 Submitted By: Robert Hensley

I've been an Outfield fan since I picked up a demo of a group called the "Baseball Boys" several months before they were to change their name to the Outfield and tear up America with "Play Deep"-----a classic CD which still sells extremely well down in Texas and (Juarez) Mexico........

I couldn't wait to see this amazin sounding band in concert. When i first played there tape to my friends everyone thought they were BOSTON----I guess they sound similar! well my chance finally came, they were the opening act for Jefferson Starship in 89' I think, but alas it was never to be. I became violently ill before the show and was forced to give up my tickets to my sister-------she said it was the greatest concert she had ever seen!!!!!!! DAMN---she didn't even bring me a shirt!!!!! For years a dreaded never getting to see them-----the first cd I ever bought was Voices of Babylon-------when I worked in a record store we sold more copies of Diamond Days than any store in America, over a thousand units a month! 10 thousand+ total, well every good memory I've had in high school and beyond can be associated with the Outfield!!!!!

This story does have a rather happy ending although I've never been able to see the Outfield while I was working for the UT El Paso Prospector I made it a point to get get an interview, in Sept of 1992 I was connected to John Spinks from their limo on there way to a promo concert in Baltimore and then to a baseball game------We chatted for awhile and the highlight of my questioning was telling John he resembeled Ted Danson of "Cheers" fame and asking him when he was going on that show. He laughed a good hearty laugh, told Tony Lewis who I could hear laughing in the background with their manager Kip! He replied "Well Woody didn't give me a call yet but I'm still waiting"......

Robert Hensley Sevenr7@aol.com

#13 - Date Submitted: 2-25-98 Submitted By: Teri Rigotti

It was November 11, 87 when we saw The Outfield in Laramie Wyoming. I have been a DIE HARD OUTFIELDER since 1985 (and it NEVER stopped) and had seen them a few times in Denver Colorado. I had never been to concerts unless it was THE OUTFIELD. But this time was different. This was the first time it was "their"show. They were headlining and Jimmy Davis and Junction were "opening for them". I had a backstage pass I had gotten from a dj friend of mine. Before the show I got to go backstage. Then we got to watch the guys do a sound check. It seemed so unreal sitting there watching them. You could tell they have a fun with what they do as they were joking around a lot. During the show we had front row seats and it wasTOTALLY awsome. Words could never explain the feeling of being front row of an Outfield concert. They were so loud but that didn't matter. They knew how to sing and how to move on thestage. They would run across the stage and jump around on the stage. They were just too good to believe. They played most of their songs, and a few new songs. It was sooo cool to hear songs that were not heard by anyone else yet. Watching them move and dance on stage was unbelievable. I felt like I was in a dream and didnt want to ever wake up. Leaving was hard, as that meant the show was over and they would be moving on. Unfortunately, they didn't return for another show after that year. We have ALL waited patiently for many years for them to return, knowing that one day THE OUTFIELD WOULD BE BACK.

WELCOME BACK GUYS : )

Teri Rigotti Outfieldwy@aol.com

#12 - Date Submitted: 2-24-98 Submitted By: Britt Landrum

It was November 5, 1987 (my 18th Birthday!) and I was finally going to see The Outfield. It was special because I had missed them twice before due to unexpected circumstances. The first time was during Spring Break on Pensacola Beach (where I live), and they were opening for Starship. Only, I couldn't get there because the traffic was so heavy! Then, I missed the same gig that Chris talks about in '87 at FSU because I was a coach that year and we had a makeup game scheduled at the very last minute.

Fortunately, they came around to the Gulf Coast again to the University of South Alabama for Homecoming during the Bangin' tour. We got there early, so we went around and collected all of the promotional posters we could find (it's the same picture that is on the front page of your site!) The things I remember most about that gig are: John had a stack of Marshalls that literally covered the ENTIRE stage (and I do mean all of it)! They blew us away when they opened with "Main Attraction". I kept thinking to myself I can't believe there are only three people on that stage because they were jumping around and working the crowd so well - there wasn't any dead space at all - Tony and John both had on wireless mics and guitars which had a lot to do with it. Also, Tony kept saying "USA Today" over and over again - mocking the school's abbreviations with the newspaper of the same name. He thought that was really funny.

I almost missed them again in Atlanta (I think it was called Rupert's?) doing an acoustic set while promoting "Rockeye" because I forgot my tickets and they were sold out (Dohhh!). I barely made it back to see Tony wail on "Nervous Alibi". Everyone was afraid to go down to the floor so they just stayed in their seats. Tony and John couldn't believe it, and neither could I. Needless to say, I was front and center,

Thanks, Britt Landrum BLandrum3@amstaff.com

#11 - Date Submitted: 2-24-98 Submitted By: Scott Ditzenberger

I was the first person in my neighborhood to get a cd player back in 1986. I'll never forget how much I played "Play Deep", the first cd I ever bought. Soon after, most of my friends in high school were asking to borrow it. This album was practically an Anthem at the time. Finally my friends and I got around to seeing The Outfield at the Garden State Arts Center near my home town in New Jersey. They were opening for Mike and the Mechanics. I'll never forget that when they started playing, three people next to me said "Damn, I remember these guys! I loved this band!!!" The show sounded great; they were certainly at the peak of their career. Wow, has it really been so many years....

Thanks for the great site

Scott Ditzenberger - currently of Akron OH scott22@uakron.edu

#10 - Date Submitted: 2-22-98 Submitted By: James

This is a sad, sad story about a couple people who missed the Outfield by inches. My girlfriend and I had three tickets to see the Outfield in upstate N.Y. This was probably around 1989-1990. We brought a friend of mine who wasn't 18, because he had a car and we didn't. The club wouldn't let him in since he had no I.D. He told us to go see the concert and he would wait in the car. My girlfriend and I sat and watched about 15 minutes of the opening act when guilt overwhelmed us, and we regretfully left to rejoin our friend. I hope the Outfield go on tour again, somehow, because the show I missed was from the Voices of Babylon Tour, and it's my opinion that they were at the peak of their powers then. Let's hope they go on the road soon!

James milkman@interport.net

#9 - Date Submitted: 2-18-98 Submitted By: Jim Coughlin

I am a die hard Outfield fan!! My band [Heartbreaker] was lucky enough to warm up The Outfield at Brassy's in Coco Beach FL. It was April fools day 1986 and I remember thinking this is a joke. I couldn't believe it was happening. Your Love was all over the radio at the time, and I really dug their sound. Needless to say, but they were awsome that night.

Some time later in Minneapolis in 1992 I was able to meet them again when Tony and John did a promotional acoustic set for Rockeye. It was so cool to hear an acoustic version of nervous alibi[Play Deep]. Well, we still warm up for some national acts now and then, but we will always look at each other and say, "nothing will top The Outfield night!"

Jim Coughlin hoodie@ibm.net

#8 - Date Submitted: 2-13-98 Submitted By: Chris Pate

I have been listening to the Outfield since high school. In 1987 my freshman year at F.S.U. the Outfield performed for the homecoming concert. Heart couldn't make it, so the Outfield pinched hit. I was glad they did because the concert rocked. The entire civic center was packed.

Chris Pate

#7 - Date Submitted: 2-9-98 Submitted By: Charlie Dillon

I have remained a true die-hard fan of The Outfield from the first time I heard "Your Love!" But I am one of the unfortunate ones when it comes to concert stories. Here is my sad story...

When I turned 15, I was living in Indiana. For my birthday, my parents had promised me among other things, a trip to Kings Island theme park just outside Cincinatti, Ohio. August 11 was my birthday, but because it landed on a Friday that year my parents thought that it would be too busy at the park to go on the exact day of my birthday. We agreed to go on Monday, Aug. 14 when the park would have less visitors. (Here's where to get out your hankies!)

I was having a good time at the park until I notice a sign that listed concert performances for all those groups who would be visiting the park in August. And as you may have already guessed... The Outfield played the park on my birthday" Friday, August 11. I had missed them by three days. They were opening up for Mike + the Mechanics.

I still to this day dream about what an unforgettable birthday I would've had if I could have seen my favorite band playing live that day. And to all those who had that opportunity, I am truly jealous!

Thanks goes to Danny for this remarkable homage to The Outfield from a one fan who appreciates it so much. Keep us updated Dan!

Charlie Dillon CPDillonJr@aol.com

Houston, TX

#6 - Date Submitted: 2-8-98 Submitted By: Bill Pressly

1993 , While the Program Director of KKYK in Little Rock, Arkansas we flew the Tony & John in for a special "Rockin' The Rock" Concert. The day before the show, me & my girlfriend along with Bubba Wayne (MCA) took the band out for Beer & Bar B Q. at Shugs.

There was a band playing in the bar that night, and after a few brews John asked me to see if the band wouldn't mind them playing a few tunes!The band thought it was cool...and the drummer knew all their songs...so they rocked!

We didn't introduce them, we just let them start playing. The first song they kicked into was "Your Love". I'll never forget, when they started the song this girl standing right next to me said "Man, they sound just like the Outfield". No Sh*t!

Bill Pressly wildbill@z100rocks.com

VP/GM Z-100 Rocks, Jonesboro, Ar.

#5 - Date Submitted: 2-6-98 Submitted By: Roy

I saw the outfield play in 1985 in the gym at New Paltz college in New Paltz, N.Y.

They opened up for the " Hooters". [ I know you remember them]. I think the tickets were eight dollars. What a bargain! I still listen to my cassette of "play deep" once in awhile because the music reminds me of good times from the eighties. Good luck on the site.

Sincerely, - Roy

#4 - Date Submitted: 2-4-98 Submitted By: Chris Miller

I remember when i first listened to the outfield on that first release of the video,"Say it Isn't So",i knew that they were an awesome group, and my good friend from Warren, Ohio..went to see them at the Ohio State Fair in 89' for the "Voices" tour...we bought up most of the merchandise and we got as close as we could to the stage..they started with "voices", of course, and ended with, of course,"Your Love"... they played mostly everything from "Voices" and "Bangin"..we had a blast..we were praying for the next tour to happen,but... you all know that didn't happen... one of the best concerts i have ever seen and still a die-hard fan to this day...

- Chris Miller sinklub@hotmail.com

#3 - Date Submitted: 2/2/98 Submitted By: Skip Daly

I saw them on August 7, 1989 at Merriweather Post Pavillion in Columbia, MD as the opening act for Mike & the Mechanics. They played the following:

Voices Of Babylon, Since You've Been Gone, Say It Isn't So, No Point, Bangin' On My Heart, All The Love In The World, Mystery Man, My Paradise, I Don't Need Her, Your Love

ENCORE: Inside Your Skin

I *think* this is the correct order...I know the first few songs and the last few songs are in the right order. Anyway, they JAMMED. When they left the stage, the crowd was chanting "OUTFIELD!... OUTFIELD!", and they got an ENCORE! (Remember that they were just an OPENING ACT!). Amazing show...

- Skip Daly sdaly@cda.com

#2 - Date Submitted: 2-1-98 Submitted By: Daniel Dever

I saw the Outfield back in July of 1987, in Merryville, Indiana (Chicago area). They were doing a benefit concert with Tiffany and Tepau. Tiffany and Tepau got booed off the stage because everyone was there to see the Outfield. Now the Holiday Star Theater in Merryville, Indiana is not very large but it rocked with all us Chicago area Outfield fans there. Was a great time and experience to see these 3 guys live! The Outfield was a great part of the late 80's and early 90's!!!!

- Daniel J. Dever Georgia01@webtv.net

#1 - Date Submitted: 10-31-97 Submitted By: Thomas Biewald

I'll tell you this, it was so awesome. It was about ten years ago when I was a freshman at the University of Dayton (Ohio) and one of my friends there, who was a huge Outfield fan also, went to go see them at Wright State University. The concert tickets were only $8 and it was only a crowd of 2500 - 3000 people!!! It was in a basketball gymnasium they had there.

The two of us got there kind of late, but the doors were not open yet. It took us a little bit of time to get thru the crowd, but we made it up to the front of the crowd right up to the doors. As soon as they opened up the doors, we flew in there and were in the front row!! It was just like having the band in your living room. It was louder than hell but worth every second of it. They played everything from Play Deep and played stuff from Bangin' (then unreleased). We almost got some drumsticks after the show, but some other dude got them instead. It was so cool when Bangin' came out because we had heard those songs as live and not as the polished up versions for the album. Our ears were shot to hell after being in the front row, but who cares, it was the OUTFIELD!!!!!

By the way, cool web page! It's good to find some Outfield stuff on the web.

Thanks, - Thomas "B. WILD" Biewald b-wild97@dlrweb.com