The Music Never Stopped

A Half-century of Concerts at Illinois State University

Story by John Twork
Web design by Ella Jahraus

All photos in this story are from performances at Illinois State University.

From the “Prince of Darkness” to the “Queen of Soul,” dozens of music’s brightest stars have shined at Illinois State University over the past half-century.

Braden Auditorium (originally named Union Auditorium from 1973-81) has hosted over 300 concerts during its 50-year run as Illinois State’s intimate, 3,500-seat theatrical venue. Larger shows rocked Horton Field House beginning in 1964 until Redbird Arena (now CEFCU Arena) opened in 1989. And, before Illinois State’s modern venues, students danced to the likes of Count Basie at McCormick Gym.

Through more than five decades of concerts at Illinois State, generations of Redbirds share memories of belting out lyrics at live campus shows—from Aerosmith’s “Sweet Emotion” in 1975 to Noah Kahan’s “Stick Season” in 2023.

Here are our top 50 concerts of the past 50-plus years at Illinois State.

50

Mötley Crüe

Redbird, 3/14/90

View setlist

49

Neil Young and Crazy Horse

Redbird, 1/25/91

View setlist

46

LL Cool J

Braden, 11/18/91

A ticket stub for Neil Young and Crazy Horse; a photo of Frank Zappa; a Frank Zappa concert poster; a ticket stub for Phish.
Noah Kahan plays guitar and sings.

45

Noah Kahan

Braden, 3/20/23

Fifty years after the curtain rose on Braden Auditorium (then Union Auditorium), it remains a coveted venue for touring artists and fans alike. Pop-infused folk singer-songwriter Noah Kahan sold out Braden for his performance at Illinois State during the 2023 spring semester. A few months later, the rising star played Chicago’s iconic Lollapalooza music festival ahead of a sold-out international tour.

Alumni in the Spotlight

A few alumni stars have appeared on Braden Auditorium’s stage years after they were regulars in Illinois State’s classrooms. Country singer-songwriter Suzy Bogguss ’79, a Grammy award-winning musician, performed at Braden in 1999 to raise funds for Illinois State’s yet-to-be-built Center for the Performing Arts. Comedian Craig Robinson ’94 played the keyboard alongside his band, The Nasty Delicious, at a 2014 Family Weekend musical-comedy show at Braden.

A photo of Suzy Bogguss; a photo of Craig Robinson.

44

Alabama

Redbird, 10/21/89 (with Suzy Bogguss ’79); 3/24/91

43

Willie Nelson

Braden, 9/17/05

42

Tom Petty/Lenny Kravitz

Redbird, 2/16/90

Read the Vidette article on Kravitz

41

P!nk

Braden, 9/27/02

Read an article

A newspaper photo of Randy Owen of Alabama; a newspaper clipping reading 'Willie Nelson Takes The Stage At Braden'; a photo of Tom Petty; and a photo of Lenny Kravitz performing at the Gallery.

A few hours before opening for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, 25-year-old Lenny Kravitz, bottom right, appeared at The Gallery in Downtown Normal where he was honored by Illinois State’s Black Writer’s Forum “for his outstanding work in the music industry,” according to a February 19, 1990, Vidette article. “What can I say? This is my very first award,” Kravitz proudly told the packed crowd. When asked by an audience member if he would play “Rosemary,” a song off his debut album, at that evening’s concert, he said it wasn’t on the setlist. “So, on the spur of a moment, Kravitz was handed a guitar by someone in the audience and showed the crowd real, honest music, the way it is supposed to be,” according to Vidette writer Kawone Harris ’93.

Iggy sings onstage.

40

Iggy Azalea

Braden, 10/18/14

Australian rapper Iggy Azalea rode a wave of newfound stardom into Braden Auditorium, with her song “Fancy” topping the Billboard Hot 100 list a few months before arriving in Normal. Along with her hit single, Azalea brought to Braden two dresses for the show that each needed to be shortened by an inch to better accommodate her onstage dance performance. Scrambling with the unexpected request, Braden manager Barb Dallinger, ’81, M.S. ’01, contacted Melissa Schrier ’86, a friend and sewing hobbyist. Schrier dropped what she was doing, picked up her sewing machine, and set up in Braden’s star dressing room. Just a couple hours ahead of showtime, Schrier finished the dresses, which Azalea wore for the evening’s sold-out concert. Before going on stage, Azalea signed Schrier’s sewing machine. “That was incredibly sweet of her,” Dallinger said.

water bottle

Questionable Riders

Longtime Braden manager Barb Dallinger has read dozens of tour riders listing items that performers request—or demand—for their performances. Dallinger often parsed the lists by asking managers, “Is it a ‘must have,’ or a ‘want?’” One unnamed star requested a six-pack of white athletic socks and undershirts because she liked the feel of new socks after a show. Dallinger politely declined. Another asked for a specific brand of bottled water only available in Colorado. After arriving in her dressing room to find a case of Evian, Dallinger said the star threw each bottle into the hallway, yelling, “This is not the water I ordered!” Dallinger fondly remembers country band Lonestar’s request for “a meal like grandma would make on Sunday.” “The catering group knocked it out of the park,” Dallinger said. “They made fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans, and pie. It was incredible!

39

Lenny Kravitz

Braden, 10/10/98

38

Stevie Ray Vaughan/Double Trouble

Braden, 2/15/84

37

Foo Fighters

Braden, 10/20/97

View setlist

36

Sheryl Crow

Redbird, 2/22/95

View setlist

A ticket stub for Lenny Kravitz; a ticket stub for the Foo Fighters; a Redbird; and a newspaper clipping reading 'Sheryl Crow flies into Braden'

Brad Paisley plays guitar and sings.

35

Brad Paisley/Sarah Evans

Braden, 2/24/05

In search of a quiet spot after soundcheck to write music with his acoustic guitar, country singer-songwriter Brad Paisley wandered up a spiral staircase connecting the stage level of Braden Auditorium to the upper level of the Bone Student Center. According to former Braden manager Barb Dallinger, Paisley ended up in the former Office of Alumni Engagement, where he was greeted by collective, surprised exclamations of “Brad Paisley?!” Staff set Paisley up with a private conference room where, for the next few hours—as Dallinger frantically searched for the missing country star—he strummed away, potentially working on his next hit single.

Read an article

Bill Monroe

New Friends of Old Time Music

Founded by former Illinois State University students Greg Koos and Mike Metcalf ’71, the New Friends of Old Time Music was a student organization that put together a remarkable run of weekly music shows on campus from 1970-87. The free concerts featured “traditional American music,” according to Koos, including signature folk, bluegrass, and blues. New Friends performers included John Prine, Leon Redbone, Tom Waits, Steve Goodman, Bill Monroe, pictured, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and many others.

34

Carole King

Union, 1/23-24/76

Read an article

33

Tim McGraw

Redbird, 10/21/94; 4/10/96 (with Faith Hill)

32

James Taylor

Braden, 2/19/82; 4/22/84; Redbird, 10/29/94

31

Diana Ross

Redbird, 2/19/90

Read an article

A newspaper clipping reading 'King dazzles, delights first night out'; a cutout of James Taylor, and a photo of Diana Ross.
Julie Andrews sits in the Signature Room

Signature Room

For a half-century, artists preparing for a show at Braden Auditorium have been surrounded by the stars who shined onstage before them. Covering the cinder block walls, ceiling tiles, bathroom—even the clock—in the star dressing room, are signatures, messages, and artwork penned by past performers. From a flowingly scripted “Prince” (the “I” dotted by a heart) to a 4-foot-tall chili pepper drawn by none other than the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the dressing room is a living time capsule of Braden’s storied history

29

The Temptations

Horton, 12/10/72

Read an article

28

Tony Bennett

Braden, 9/29/84

Read the Parents’ Day program

27

Ray Charles

Braden, 10/31/92

A photo of the Temptations on-stage at Horton; a cutout of Tony Bennett singing; a newspaper clipping reading 'Ray Charles powers up crowd'; a newspaper cutout of Genesis in a press conference.

Normal Mayor Richard T. Godfrey proclaimed November 7, 1983, as “Genesis Day” in honor of the band’s decision to open its 12-week North American tour in Normal. Phil Collins, middle, and his fellow band members accepted a plaque marking the honor and held a press conference for local media.

If there ever was a band that could conquer the acoustic atrocities of Horton, it is Genesis. But that’s no surprise. -David Bill, Pantagraph

Gloria Estefan sings onstage.

25

Gloria Estefan/Miami Sound Machine

Redbird, 11/11/89

Less than 10 months after Redbird Arena’s inaugural concert (featuring glam metal band Ratt in January of 1989), Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine heated up Illinois State’s newest venue with their high-energy, Latin-influenced music during Parents’ Weekend. The Grammy-nominated group packed their 90-minute show with dance-worthy hits—opening with “Conga” and closing with an encore of “Get on Your Feet,” which was then No. 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. Vidette writer Susie Ginther ’90 noted the concert’s entertaining theatrics, including a “colorful light show,” plus “an astounding alto saxophone solo played by Mike Scaglione.”

Read an article

A team pushes road cases up a makeshift ramp onto the stage in Horton.

‘We’re on Your Way’

Bloomington-Normal has long attracted top-tier touring musicians. This is due, in part, to the community’s location at the intersection of three interstates, inevitably placing it in the middle of cross-country tours. “Our marketing campaign (to tour promoters) for a while was, ‘No matter where you’re going, we’re on your way,’” said longtime Braden manager Barb Dallinger. The community, including its college students, also has a reputation of supporting live music, according to former Pantagraph arts and entertainment editor Dan Craft. “It’s a strong music town,” Craft said.

24

Snoop Dogg/LMFAO

Redbird, 4/9/10

23

Commodores

Union, 11/12/76

Read an article

22

Red Hot Chili Peppers
Smashing Pumpkins
Pearl Jam

Braden, 11/26/91

21

Sting

Redbird, 2/18/91

A newspaper clipping reading 'Commodores present soul spectacular'; A ticket stub for the Red Hot Chili Peppers; a cutout of Sting.
Newspaper ad for Barry Manilow show.
The album cover of Peter Gabriel's Plays Live

Plays Live

A live recording from English rocker Peter Gabriel’s concert at Braden Auditorium was incorporated into the 1983 double album and long-play cassette, Plays Live, which featured 16 songs primarily recorded at four Midwest venues. It was subsequently rereleased in remastered CD and digital formats. The Vidette concert review, which praised Gabriel’s “well-refined form of art-rock,” noted that Gabriel told the audience, “Those of you who are observant may have noticed a very large truck outside. It is in the process of recording you at this very moment.”

19

KISS/Rush

Union, 4/12/75

Read an article

18

Dolly Parton

Braden, 9/20/92

17

Gladys Knight

Horton, 2/8/74; Braden, 9/9/00

Read an article (’74)

16

Johnny Cash

Braden, 9/12/82

Read an article

A newspaper clipping of Gene Simmons performing on stage; a review of Dolly Parton's performance; a newspaper clipping reading 'Knight, Osbourne bare souls at Braden'; and a photo of Johnny Cash.

As the lights died and the backing band entered in twos, the audience became excited. A sweet but raspy voice came from somewhere, ending the wait. With enough sequins and hair to kill Liberace once again, Dolly Parton entered the stage and blew away the audience. -Bruce Whitenack, The Vidette

Newspaper spread of the Smashing Pumpkins

15

The Smashing Pumpkins

Redbird, 3/23/94; Braden, 10/4/07

Four years after playing at The Gallery, a college bar in Downtown Normal, Chicago-based alternative rockers The Smashing Pumpkins returned to Normal in 1994—with two platinum records under their collective belts—to open their spring tour at a sold-out Redbird Arena. Fans were treated to a high-energy concert featuring two encores. “Thanks to you 10 people who used to come see us at the Gallery,” lead singer Billy Corgan told the crowd between songs. The Smashing Pumpkins previously opened, along with Pearl Jam, for the Red Hot Chili Peppers at Braden Auditorium in 1991, and they returned to headline a Braden show in 2007.

Controversial Acts

The long list of concerts in Normal includes a handful of notoriously controversial performers, none more so than heavy metal rocker Marilyn Manson, who played Redbird Arena in 1997. “There was so much controversy,” said longtime Pantagraph arts and entertainment editor Dan Craft. “Church groups were protesting, and the anti-Marilyn Manson faction blew it up into a front-page news story.” Craft also recalls controversy surrounding rock band Jefferson Starship’s 1982 performance at Horton Field House. “A local minister had discovered what he believed to be a satanic message recorded backwards on a Jefferson Starship record,” Craft said. “Starship’s Paul Kantner went on WJBC radio’s afternoon show, Problems and Solutions, and had a live debate with the minister before that evening’s concert.” In both cases, the shows took place without any major incidents.

A newspaper clipping and photo of Jefferson Starship's Paul Kantner and a local minister debating; a photo of Marilyn Manson sits next to a newspaper clipping of a group of students praying.

14

Bruce Springsteen

Braden, 10/1/96

View setlist

13

Joni Mitchell

Horton, 2/27/76

12

Ozzy Osbourne

Redbird, 4/22/96

A collage of a cutout of Bruce Springsteen and a review of his concert; a photo of the stage before the Joni Mitchell concert; a newspaper clipping reading 'Ozzy delivers big at Redbird'; and a cutout of Angus Young of AC/DC.

“I’m feeling pretty normal tonight,” Bruce Springsteen joked to a full-capacity crowd at Braden Auditorium Tuesday night (during his solo, acoustic Ghost of Tom Joad Tour). I’m in a normal place with a bunch of normal people,” said “The Boss.” “It feels good to be normal.” -Matt Miller, The Vidette

Barb Dallinger poses with BB King.

9

Bob Dylan

Braden, 11/14/90; 10/29/19; Redbird, 2/13/99

7

Stevie Wonder/Styx

Horton, 2/22/73

Read an article

6

Fleetwood Mac

Union, 9/25/75

Read an article

A collage of a guitar, a newspaper clipping reading 'Horton transformed to Wonderville' an advertisement for the Fleetwood Mac show, and a Beach Boys review.

After singing 18 songs, the Beach Boys took a small intermission. Joyce Kay, an usher for the performance, found herself enjoying the show as she repeatedly got up to dance and sing along. “I think [the show] is fantastic,” said Kay. “It makes me feel young again. It makes me feel like I’m a student again at ISU.” – Becky Fletcher, The Vidette

Newspaper spread of the Grateful Dead

5

Grateful Dead

Horton, 4/24/78

Widely revered by “Deadheads” as one of the best shows from one of the band’s best tours, the Grateful Dead’s Horton Field House concert was immortalized in a limited edition, three-CD live album produced by Grateful Dead archivist David Lemieux in 2013. The show—part of the ISU Entertainment Committee’s Springfest—was recorded by Grateful Dead audio engineer Betty Cantor-Jackson. “It’s long been one of my favorite shows from a really, really good tour,” Lemieux said in a video introducing the live album. “What we have is this incredible show, start to finish.” Lemieux said he ranks the renditions of “Scarlet Begonias>Fire on the Mountain” and “The Music Never Stopped” at Horton among the band’s best versions ever.

An aerial shot of campus covered in a large crowd during the Rites of Spring.
The official ISU Rites of Spring button with a smiling sun on it.

Rites of Spring

Held from 1972 to 1977, the Rites of Spring—Illinois State’s version of Woodstock—were free, all-day events anchored by emerging musicians performing on a stage on the south end of the Quad. In its final year, the Rites drew nearly 20,000 students from across the country to see a lineup that included REO Speedwagon and the Charlie Daniels Band. Excessive drinking and the use of recreational drugs by many of the event’s attendees along with the festival’s cost to the University led, in part, to the Rites’ demise.

4

Aerosmith

Horton, 9/16/75

A photo collage of a Redbird, a news clipping of Steven Tyler singing, and a photo of Prince singing.
Elton John sings while playing piano.
Aretha Franklin singing onstage.

1

Aretha Franklin

Braden, 10/12/95

For 50 years, Braden Auditorium’s towering walls have reverberated some of the finest voices in music—none more magnificent than Aretha Franklin’s. “Franklin proceeded to prove that she still reigned as the Queen of Soul while presenting her wide vocal range to the audience,” wrote the Vidette’s Carrie Browning ’96. “She asked the audience for a little help with the old favorite ‘Think.’ Franklin was surprised with the enormous response from the audience and moved onto ‘Respect.’ The entire audience stood up, rocked with the music, clapped their hands, and yelled out “R-E-S-P-E-C-T.’” Franklin later played a “slow but sweet” rendition of “You Send Me” on Braden’s grand piano before closing with “Spirit in the Dark,” leaving the audience “impressed with Franklin’s style and pizzaz,” according to Browning.

What memories do you have of concerts at Illinois State? Did we miss your favorite show? Share your stories and photos

Special thanks to Julie Neville, M.S. ’12, Illinois State University senior archives specialist, and Bill Kemp ’88, M.S. ’00, McLean County Museum of History librarian.

Cover by Half Hazard Press

STATE

Like a flash, Illinois State men’s basketball forward Harouna Sissoko streaked across the court to block Damarco Minor’s fastbreak dunk attempt with one minute remaining, triggering the red- and white-clad crowd to unleash a piercing burst of sound not felt in Horton Field House for 34 years.

Appears In

Sissoko’s gutsy hustle play—seemingly fueled by 3,420 buzzing fans packed shoulder-to-shoulder—helped the Redbirds hold off Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), 77-71, Saturday, December 10, 2022, in the first men’s basketball game played at Horton Field House since December 2, 1988.

“I love this place,” said Redbird men’s basketball legend Doug Collins ’73 following the “Return to Horton” victory. “To have a day like today was so important—I think that our guys got a chance to feel what I felt every night I played. This was the kind of crowd that we had. The energy and the excitement and the love.”

Harouna Sissoko attempts a shot in the lane with his right hand
Harouna Sissoko attempts to score over the top of SIUE defenders during the Return to Horton.

A consensus All-American in 1973, Collins averaged a program-best 29.1 points in three seasons playing for head coach Will Robinson from 1970 to 1973, and he is the program’s all-time leading scorer with 2,240 points. Horton Field House, which opened in 1963, was Collins’ home.

“The crowd lifts you here,” Collins said. “That loose ball that you might not be able to get; with that extra energy from the crowd—maybe you get that.”

After singing the Illinois State fight song with the pep band, cheerleaders, and fans to celebrate their hard-fought win, Redbird players and first-year head coach Ryan Pedon embraced Collins who was standing, smiling proudly, at his courtside seat.

“Since taking this job, I have gotten to know Doug and realized the passion that he has for this place. It oozes out of him, and he cares so much about Illinois State,” said Pedon. “He wants to be a part of this community and this basketball program for life, and I admire that so much.”

The day before Illinois State’s throwback game, Collins took the team on a personal tour of Horton. He showed them his team’s old locker room and spoke about the past—and the future.

“Now we’re in the spot where you’re going to win people’s hearts by the way you play,” he told them.

Redbird junior guard Darius Burford said it is always “special” when Collins visits. “Every time I see him, it’s like, ‘Man, that’s the GOAT (greatest of all time),’” Burford said with a smile.

The idea for a Return to Horton game, featuring Collins, was born from Director of Athletics Kyle Brennan’s conversations with longtime Redbird supporters upon his arrival at Illinois State in 2021.

“So often, the stories led back to starting their love for ISU Athletics at Horton and seeing Doug Collins play,” Brennan said. “They told me how intimidating the atmosphere was and talked about the great wins we had over teams like UNLV. Everyone spoke about it with such nostalgia, and I thought, ‘Why can’t we play a game in there?’”

Brennan said four months of planning went into the event, and he credited his staff for overcoming multiple challenges associated with hosting a modern college basketball game in 59-year-old Horton Field House. Part of the setup included moving Doug Collins Court in sections, on forklifts, from CEFCU Arena to Horton where members of Illinois State’s Army ROTC assisted the field house crew with installation.

“My goal with this game was to bring our generations of fans together and let everyone enjoy it—those who are experiencing it for the first time and those who are getting to walk down memory lane,” Brennan said.

Fans cheer in Horton Field House
Doug Collins, middle, is among fans cheering on the Illinois State men’s basketball team during the Return to Horton game.

Bill Gaddis ’68, M.S. ’76, and Dr. Lynn Gaddis ’71, M.S. ’91, Ed.D. ’02, were among the fans crowded into Horton’s lower bleachers, behind the media table, for the Return to Horton. Pinned to Lynn’s red Illinois State crewneck sweatshirt was Bill’s class of 1968 pin.

“This is how we dated—following the Redbirds at Horton,” Lynn said. As a student, she recalled once becoming part of the action when Percy Family Hall of Fame men’s basketball forward Dr. Tom Taulbee ’70, M.S. ’71, Ed.D. ’73, leapt into the student section, over the top of her, diving for a loose ball.

After Lynn and Bill married and had children, they purchased season tickets in Horton’s legendary, towering north endzone bleachers. “That’s where we stood the whole game. And it was noisy, and the whole section of bleachers swayed,” Lynn said. “There were so many last second shots and so many amazing players. Noise breeds noise. So, when somebody stood up and started yelling, then everybody got into it.”

Lynn and Bill recalled watching Redbird basketball greats such as Taulbee and fellow Illinois State hall of famers Dr. Jerry McGreal ’68 and Steve Arends ’69; and memorable opposing coaches including Tulsa’s Nolan Richardson—remembered by Redbird fans for his polka dot ties and shirts—and Bradley’s Dick Versace—known for his animated personality and white, curly hair.

“There’s a lot of good memories,” Bill said. “It’s just a good feeling to come in here.”

Red Alert student section leader Trevor Arbogast, a junior history education major, did his part to energize Horton. Wearing a retro Doug Collins No. 20 T-shirt—one of 1,000 given to students by Collins—Arbogast was hoarse from yelling and cheering and sweaty from jumping around the front row of the packed student section.

“This game is everything—especially as a townie,” Arbogast said. “I’ve always dreamed of coming here for a game, but I never thought it would happen. Students love the opportunity to be here right on the floor, to be able to bring some of that juice and that energy.”

  • Darius Burford attempts a shot over an SIUE defender
  • Ryan Pedon and the ISU bench celebrate with fans in the background
  • Student's wearing retro Doug Collins No. 20 T-shirts cheer
  • Fans cheering for the Illinois State men's basketball team
  • Two Illinois State men's basketball players defend an SIUE player with the ball
  • Sixteen former men's basketball players standing at center court
  • Reggie Redbird, wearing red and white striped pants, high-fives a fan
  • Members of Illinois State's Army ROTC assemble sections of Doug Collins Court at Horton Field House
  • a basketball in the foreground with Horton Field House's arched, glass wall in the background

During halftime, more than a dozen former players spanning six decades of Redbird men’s basketball were recognized at center court. Among them was hall of famer Rickie Johnson ’86, who played at Horton from 1982-1985.

“This is totally amazing,” Johnson said. “I get it now. I didn’t hear any of this as a player because I had a job to do. But now, as a fan, I get it.”

Dr. Jill Hutchison, M.S. ’69, Illinois State’s hall of fame women’s basketball coach from 1970 to 1999 said several of her former players traveled to Normal to once again experience a game under Horton’s arched, metal roof.

“I can’t imagine all of the memories they’re thinking about now,” Hutchison said. “It’s really loud—the acoustics in here are terrible; but in a game situation, it was great because people could make a lot of noise. They’d pound on the floor of these bleachers, and they’d rattle this place.

Doug Collins embraces Harouna Sissoko
Doug Collins congratulates Illinois State’s Harouna Sissoko following the Return to Horton victory over SIUE.

“We hosted the first women’s basketball national tournament in here (in 1972), which was really exciting. It was probably one of the coolest things I ever got to do. This brings back a lot of those memories.”

In the days leading up to the throwback game, men’s basketball coach Ryan Pedon said he wanted to bring his team into Horton with an appreciation for “all those who came before us—all of the players, all of the alumni, all of the fans that have seen games over there.”

“We want to wake up the echoes,” he said.

Pedon, who donned a retro-style maroon and gray plaid jacket as he paced up and down the sideline directing his team, said the atmosphere was “electric.”

“I know us playing a game in here meant a lot to a lot of people,” Pedon said. “I wanted, as a coach, so badly for our players to feel the magic that this place provides.”

Collins said he felt the “magic” return to Horton. “Just to see our guys make the big plays when they had to do it, and then feel the crowd,” Collins said. “And afterwards to go out and hear the guys singing the Illinois State fight song—it’s what college sports is all about.”

Wearing a green sequined suit, platform shoes, and rounded white-rimmed glasses, 25-year-old Elton John electrified Horton Field House’s capacity crowd with a two-and-a-half-hour spectacle of theatrical musicianship 50 years ago.

“It was magical,” said John Dallinger ’74, a junior when Elton John performed at Illinois State University October 11, 1972. “I remember him standing, playing the piano, kicking his legs backward, high up in the air. He was almost parallel to the ground, still playing the piano. We’d never seen anything like it before.”

Black and white photo of Elton John standing, playing the piano
Elton John played Horton Field House October 11, 1972.
Photo by The Vidette.

Although Dallinger and his friends weren’t too familiar with then-newcomer Elton John’s music when the show was announced, they decided to go. It would be fun even if they didn’t know the songs, they thought. Two days before tickets went on sale, they pitched a tent on the quad to hold their spot in a growing line from Old Union where the tickets would be sold.

“We camped for two nights and played cards, and I’d say we studied, but that probably didn’t happen,” Dallinger said. “We did try to go to our classes. If we were going to get a ticket, that’s what we had to do. So that’s what we did.”

The group was accustomed to waiting in line for tickets—usually for seats to watch the Illinois State men’s basketball team featuring All-American Doug Collins ’73. With a room atop Watterson Towers, Dallinger had a bird’s-eye view which proved beneficial for landing tickets.

“We’d look out, and once people started getting in line, that’s when we went and got in line,” Dallinger said.

He and his five buddies who met as freshmen in Manchester Hall secured 12 seats to the Elton John show—for themselves and their girlfriends—for $5 apiece. With tickets in hand, the group began preparing for the concert.

“Somebody found an album, and so we started listening to it a little bit ahead of time,” Dallinger said.

On the night of the show, Dallinger sat next to his girlfriend—now wife—Judy (Schwiderski) Dallinger ’74, clustered together with their friends in bleachers at the back of Horton Field House overlooking the floor and facing the stage for an unobstructed view of the prolific “Rocket Man” and his grand piano.

Black and white photo of Elton John playing the piano
Elton John played Horton Field House October 11, 1972.
Photo by The Vidette.

“He’d jump on the piano, and he’d jump off the piano bench. He’d play standing up. I didn’t have any idea it was going to be like that,” Dallinger said. “I guess that’s why it was kind of magical, because it was something you didn’t expect—that you really loved.”

Dallinger said he and his friends were yelling, screaming, singing, and dancing until the show ended around midnight.

“The crowd was definitely excited to be there,” Dallinger said. “He could get the crowd going, and when he got them going, it got him going too.”

In his review of the Elton John show, The Vidette feature editor Mike Waters ’73 said the audience was treated to a “masterpiece” of a concert. “Without letting up, he hit high point after high point, continually bringing the audience screaming to their feet,” wrote Waters. The Vidette also published a photo spread from the show.

Dallinger was hooked. He and his friends didn’t miss another campus concert. Over the next few years, they saw Chicago, The Guess Who, The Temptations, John Denver, Sha Na Na, and B.B. King—all at Illinois State.

Judy (Schwiderski) Dallinger and John Dallinger pose in front of the stage at a recent Elton John Concert
Judy (Schwiderski) Dallinger ’74 and John Dallinger ’74 recently saw Elton John perform during his “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour, 50 years after first seeing him at Horton Field House.

But for Dallinger, nobody quite compared to Elton John. Dallinger and his wife have remained fans for the past five decades. They’ve seen Elton John in concert four times, including during his “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour on September 30, 2022, in Arlington, Texas—nearly 50 years to the day that that he captivated the Horton Field House crowd.

“It’s pretty amazing to look back and say, ‘We’ve followed this guy for 50 years, and we still enjoy what he’s doing,’” Dallinger said. “To see him again and know that he’s almost as good as he was—it’s kind of amazing that he can do this for 50 years and still be this good.”

Dallinger still keeps in touch with his college concert buddies who are now spread across the country. They occasionally get together to reminisce. And whenever Dallinger reflects on his time at Illinois State, he thinks fondly about meeting his wife, cheering on the Redbird basketball team, and seeing Elton John.

“It was one of the early highlights of my life,” Dallinger said. “It’s something I’m never going to forget.”

The Illinois State Athletics Department will serve as host to the 17th annual Taste of Redbirds on Saturday, February 5, before the Redbird men’s basketball team takes on Southern Illinois University at 7 p.m. on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena.

The pregame Taste of Redbirds will be held at Horton Field House from 4-6:30 p.m.

Entrance to the Taste of Redbirds is free. Tickets for purchasing food, soda, and water are $1 each and will be sold starting one hour before the event on the east concourse of Horton Field House, and then inside the field house when the doors open at 4 p.m. Food vendors charge between one and four tickets for their food items.

The 2022 food vendors will include Avanti’s, Denny’s Doughnuts, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Papa John’s, Pizza Ranch, Noodle’s and Company, and DP Dough. Attendees 21 years of age and up can enjoy beer and wine throughout the event.

The event will also host a trunk show with Alamo II selling licensed Illinois State merchandise.

Bloomington native and local musician Dan Hubbard will provide musical entertainment during the event.

The Reggie’s Kids Club Fun Zone will have activities for children including Fun on the Run Inflatables, Pop-a-shot, cornhole, and more.

For questions about this promotion, or to buy tickets, please call the Redbird Athletics Ticket Office at 309-438-8000, or visit GoRedbirds.com/tickets.

You’re graduating! Here at the Alumni Engagement office, we know how rewarding college graduation can be, but we also know how hectic it can be. In order to have a stress-free commencement day, here are some tips:

1. Show up on time: Be sure to arrive at least one hour prior to the start of the ceremony with your cap and gown. Please encourage your family and guests to also arrive early. Doors will open one hour prior to the start of each ceremony.

2. Know where to go: For bachelor’s degree and master’s degree candidates with ceremonies in Redbird Arena, check-in will be at Horton Field House, located north of Redbird Arena. Enter Horton Field House from the south side, facing the Turner Hall/Redbird Arena parking lot. Doctoral degree candidates will receive separate check-in instructions via e-mail.

3. Leave your personal belongings at home: Commencement gowns do not have any pockets, and there is NO storage for personal belongings. Please only bring your cap, gown and smiling face. Leave all other personal belongings at home or with family members. The university is not responsible for any lost or stolen items. No bags, backpacks or boxes, except for purses and medical equipment, will be permitted in Redbird Arena for commencement.

4. Dress appropriately: Comfortable shoes are a MUST as you will be standing in the line-up room prior to the ceremony, and you don’t want to trip when you’re walking across the stage. In order to have the best commencement experience, please be conscious of what you wear.

5. Be responsible: Possession and/or consumption of alcohol at commencement are strictly prohibited. Any student in possession of alcohol will not be allowed to participate in commencement. Please be responsible. You don’t want to ruin your big day. Please also know that students must participate from the start to the end of the ceremony program.

6. Stop by the Alumni Association table: The Alumni Association would like to offer you a free gift! Be sure to stop by the table in Horton Field House. OR complete your new grad survey now and skip the line at the Alumni Association table. Take the survey, show your verification email, and get your gift when you check-in.

More questions about graduation?

When the Illinois State football team hosts its 2015 home-opening game against Morgan State, all Reggie’s Kids Club members will have the opportunity to RSVP for one free game ticket per member.

Advance registration for this special event is required by Friday, Sept. 4, and the offer is not valid on game day. A special invitation and ticket order form will be sent out to all club members, and parents can fill out and return that mailer to purchase additional discounted $12 tickets, when reserving the free kids club member tickets.

As a special bonus, the first 500 kids to reserve their free ticket will also receive a voucher for a collectible Redbird football Oyo figure presented by Hy-Vee Bloomington. This voucher can be redeemed on game day at the Kids Club Fun Zone located inside Horton Field House. All fans in attendance will also be treated to halftime fireworks presented by WBNQ.

The Fun Zone will feature free activities for kids club members and their families prior to all home games, and is presented by Macaroni Kid Bloomington-Normal. Activities will run from 4:30-6:30 p.m. for the game against Morgan State and will feature 15-minute Zumba Kids Fitness and Family WERQ Dance classes taught by Four Seasons Health Club instructors, a rock climbing wall from Upper Limits, bounce houses from Fun on the Run, and face painting courtesy of the Zoo Lady.

Reggie’s Kids Club is sponsored by Papa John’s Pizza and is free to join for kids ages 12 and younger. Members receive free admission to most home athletic events, a monthly newsletter, special event invitations, and a birthday card from Reggie Redbird. To sign your children up to receive this special football offer, please call the Redbird Athletics Ticket Office at (309) 438-8000 or register online at GoRedbirds.com/tickets.

In anticipation of Illinois State making history Tuesday, December 2STATEside asked seven prominent members and chroniclers of the Illinois State community what they consider to be the most important day in the life of this 157-year-old institution. (more…)

Spring commencement is just around the corner and is an exciting time for upcoming graduates. This is a time of celebration to honor the future alumni of Illinois State University. The spring 2014 graduates will be recognized at the following ceremonies:

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For the 11th year running, Athletics will host the Taste of Redbirds event in Horton Field House prior to the Illinois State-Drake men’s basketball game Saturday, February 1, at Redbird Arena. (more…)

Illinois State alumni are invited to an exciting evening of Illinois State basketball January 11 that will feature the annual pregame event and a “slam dunk” of a ticket special as the Redbird men’s basketball team takes on Loyola. (more…)