Brazos Reads: Legendary Performances in Aggieland

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"Live from Aggieland" is available through Texas A&M University Press in Hardback

Live from Aggieland: Legendary Performances in the Brazos Valley by Rob Clark Most people don’t usually think of Bryan College Station and “music scene” in the same thought. More likely the sister cities bring to mind Texas A&M University and the Fightin’ Texas Aggies. It’s even probable that our friends down the road in Austin are more often associated with an abundance of good music and memorable concerts. Rob Clark’s new book, “Live from Aggieland: Legendary Performances in the Brazos Valley,” details all the reasons why those thoughts should be revised.

Bryan College Station can lay rightful claim to a fair few up-and-comers, established musicians, and notable concerts. Clark details them all through decades of concerts. He starts with none other than The King – Elvis Presley circa 1955. His chronicle ends with country-pop superstar Shania Twain’s 1998 concert. Everything in between is no less exciting or memorable; some may even come as a shock.

Many locals know of Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keene’s ties to B/CS, but did you know R.E.M. played locally not once, but twice? Do you know the story behind Johnny Cash’s controversial visit to Aggieland? What about Garth Brook’s decision to end his 1991 tour with three concerts in the newly completed Reed Arena? All of these musical notes and more are within the pages of “Live from Aggieland” as Clark not only details the memorable concerts, but also offers a brief history of each performer. Whether you were in a seat for these performances or are armchair hearing it for the first time, one thing is certain – B/CS as a music scene is worth exploring.

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