The Orbit Room- Bobby Guy’s Favorite Grand Rapids Concerts

Earlier than Van Andel Arena, before 20 Monroe Live was downtown Grand Rapids, back when the Intersection was in Eastown, the Orbit Room was the place to see a show. These are the ones I remember from back in the day.

I've always loved going to live shows. The first major concert I saw- the one I chose to spent my money on, was Judas Priest at Wings Stadium. Kalamazoo was a big trip for a kid who grew up in Holland. Ever since then I've been road-tripping and  spending my hard-earned cash on that magical you-had-to-be-there-anything-can-happen live experience.

Although I hadn't been there in years, I was sad to hear of the sudden closing and likely demise of the Orbit Room in Grand Rapids. From the early days of Club Eastbrook, it was a fun place to experience a show. These were some of my favorites:

• Dream Theater- It was 1993 and they were incredible. What I most remember, though, is Doug Pinnick of the opening band making eye contact with everyone in the first 10 rows- this King's X fan included.
• Billy Squier/Aldo Nova- It was so damn loud you couldn't tell what song either one was playing until they got to the chorus (and I know these songs).
• Social Distortion- Mike Ness is everything.
• Arc Angels- Charlie Sexton on Guitar along with Doyle Bramhall II from Fabulous Thunderbirds and Stevie Ray Vaughan's rhythm section. I wish these guys would have put out more than 1 record. Sass Jordan opened- anybody remember her?
• I had a great date for Jack's Mannequin and Matt Nathanson talked about everyone getting drunk and going to the strip club (Sensations?) after the show.

That's all I can recall, but I'm sure I was at more shows than this that I can't remember- it was the 90s and I was drinking a lot. Share your favorite memories of Club Eastbrook/The Orbit Room in the comments below.