Whether your first concert was with your parents or your friends, it’s an experience no one forgets. We asked the 5280 editorial staff about their first concerts. The list below is as varied as it is embarrassing.

Jessica Farmwald, copy chief
John Mayer and Maroon 5 in Indianapolis.

Mary Clare Fischer, editorial assistant
My parents took me to Peter, Paul and Mary when I was three. My first concert without my parents was Ashlee Simpson with my best friend in Michigan.

Jerilyn Forsythe, digital associate editor
My first concert was ‘N Sync, with my mom. Unsupervised it was Green Day, Blink 182, and Jimmy Eat World just a couple years later. I thought I was really cool for being there.

Natasha Gardner, senior editor
I’m from North Dakota, so I saw a lot of no name shows with my family. My first big concert was the Red Hot Chili Peppers in college.

Luc Halstead, editor-at-large
I went to John Denver when I was 8 or 9 with my dad in Chicago. My first concert on my own was Yes. My tastes have evolved since then, hopefully.

Lindsey B. Koehler, deputy editor
I went to Paula Abdul’s Spellbound tour in Atlanta. I thought it was pretty cool at the time.

David McKenna, art director
I saw both Bruce Springsteen and U2 in the summer of ’92. It virtually ruined all other bands’ stadium shows going forward.

Lindsey R. McKissick, assistant editor
‘N Sync, Ricky Martin, and the Vengaboys played at the B96 Summer Bash in Chicago.

Chris Outcalt, associate editor
I saw the Dave Matthews Band in Saratoga Springs, New York. I went with two friends in middle school and one of their moms. Béla Fleck and the Flecktones was the warm-up band.

Dana Pritts Smith, associate art director
The Steve Miller Band.

Daliah Singer, senior associate editor
Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera was my first concert without my parents.

Geoff Van Dyke, editorial director
Rick Springfield with my parents.