Classic Rock At Wembley, London. Quiz

Answer: Status Quo

This was my first visit to Wembley. I never arrived again on foot! Originally opened in 1923 Wembley, it was famous for staging the 1948 London Olympics and the site of the 1966 England win in the soccer "World Cup". It was redeveloped and reopened in 2007.

The "Oxfam Walk" was hard work for my young legs, but I made the 30 miles (48Km). Gun, The Love Affair and Yes were also on the bill. I don't remember much about the music other than enjoying it. I was probably too tired, at least I got in for free!

Answer: The Who

"Wembley", as the venue is known as in the UK is not just a stadium, there's a large indoor venue that was once known as the "Empire Pool" and later just "Wembley Arena". One Monday in March 1981 I was indoors at the "Arena" for The Who. Keith Moon, "Moon The Loon" had died 3 years earlier and the drums were in the capable hands of ex-Faces drummer Kennny Jones. Support was excellent: "Heavy Metal Kids".

Answer: John Fogerty

Friday 22nd June 2007 was a real night to remember. John Fogerty played a brilliant set the night before he headlined at the Glastonbury Festival. Every song he played was a hit that everyone in the crowd recognised and he played about 30 of them! Originally with Creedence Clearwater Revival, one of the few bands to be recognised everywhere by just their initials, John forged a successful career as a solo artist. Definitely one of my best shows ever.

Answer: Queen

Queen were at the top of their game when they played outdoors at the stadium in July 1986. They were touring to promote the "A Kind Of Magic" album. The show included big inflatable replicas of the band as portrayed on the album cover which were set free to float over London. The support was very competently supplied by Status Quo.

Answer: Alice Cooper

Thursday 11th September saw me again at the "Empire Pool" for the first time I caught Alice Cooper live. Little did we know at the time but they were filming the "Welcome To My Nightmare" video. Whilst slightly disappointed that Alice didn't come to a sticky end via hanging or beheading at the end of the show it was a great spectacle of shock rock theatre.

This was also the first time I'd seen a wireless microphone! The last Alice show I saw at Wembley was in 2007 when he was beheaded and supported by Joan Jett and Motorhead. What a gig!

Answer: David Lee Roth

VH were of course Van Halen, after leaving the band and going solo "Diamond Dave" ensured that for the crowd at the "Arena" March 1st 1991 showtime was just like living in paradise. As a solo artist, with his own band David Lee Roth gave a stunning performance to promote the "A Little Ain't Enough" album. The support was by Warrant who supplied the "Cherry Pie".

Answer: Thin Lizzy

Probably my all time favourite band, Thin Lizzy were out on the road and played Wembley Empire Pool on Friday June 23rd 1978. Their live album "Live And Dangerous" had been released three weeks earlier. The previous time I'd seen them was three months before on March 29th at "The Rainbow" in North London when the "Live And Dangerous" video was shot.

Answer: The Rolling Stones

Outdoors again in July 1990 was the last time we saw The Rolling Stones with original bass man Bill Wyman as it was his last tour with the band. At the time I was such a Stones' nut that I went to all three nights. The Rolling Stones always put on a big show and these were no exception with huge inflatables and an even bigger stage as well as lots of great songs.

Answer: David Bowie

On Monday evening third of May 1976, David Bowie revealed his "Thin White Duke" to London. The first of three nights at Wembley. This was a huge departure from "Ziggy Stardust" or "Aladdin Sane". The show began with some black and white German "Arthaus" film and I felt truly sorry for the fans who had turned out in full "Aladdin" makeup and costume. My ticket was courtesy of Wasps Rugby Football Club who were acting as "security" for the show, yes, I was once (and only once) a bouncer.

Answer: Spinal Tap

Spinal Tap on the 30th June 2009 gig was my last visit to Wembley before I came home to Australia. It was billed as the "One Night Only World Tour". They might be actors but they rock and their opening song "Tonight I'm Gonna Rock You Tonight" wasn't an empty promise.

The opening shout from the band "Hello Wimbledon" went down a storm. Among the special guests were ELP keyboards man Keith Emerson and The Darkness vocalist Justin Hawkins, neither of whom I'd seen before.