The first time I saw ZZ Top in concert was 22 years ago at the now defunct Richfield Coliseum outside of Cleveland, Ohio. It was an awesome show back then and ZZ Top still puts on one heck of a show now.
One of the most fascinating things about watching ZZ Top this time around was what could have easily been a documentary in itself. The screen behind the band showed what could easily be called a historical montage. Car rims, wrenches, music video clips, a photo history and other images associated with ZZ Top were blended together perfectly and made for as much as a show as the band did.
Aerosmith also shows no sign of slowing down. When we entered the venue before the concert Guitar Hero Aerosmith footage played on the screens. Joking around I said something about how Aerosmith is the only band that I know of that would tour to promote a video game.
I don’t know if that was the point of the tour, but the band did capitalize on Guitar Hero during the encore. When the band returned to the stage Joe Perry was dressed in the same outfit that was used in the game. After Steven Tyler told him he was being creepy, Perry broke into the solo that was recorded for the guitar duel portion of the game.
Joey Kramer celebrated his birthday on stage as Steven Tyler had everyone in attendance sing Happy Birthday to him. More audience participation was in order during Walk This Way as Tyler picked a young lady out of the audience to fill in for Run DMC. Everything was accompanied by a stellar light show.
As much as I wish I could have been closer to the bands and not have to rely so much on the projection screens to see what was going on down on the stage, lawn seats aren’t really all that bad at Nissan. The hill that the pavilion opens into provides a natural stadium seating area that is great for people watching prior to the concert and between bands.
Nissan Pavilion Information
Located at 7800 Cellar Door Drive in Bristow, Virginia, Nissan Pavilion opened its doors in 1995 with the Village People. Since opening its gates, as it were, Nissan has become a tour stop for everyone from Madonna to Ozzfest. The venue even served as a campaign rally spot for President Obama in 2008!
Nissan Pavillion is owned and operated by Live Nation, a concert promotional company that signs acts to exclusive promotional contracts and owns many of its own venues world wide. Seating about 25,000 people, it is the largest venue in the Washington DC Metro area and each year hosts graduation ceremonies from high schools in both Prince William and Fauquier Counties.
This is one venue you will defiantly want to arrive early to in order to prevent a half hour walk from the parking lot to your seat. If you arrive before the venue opens, tailgating is not allowed, but there is a picnic area where you can enjoy food that you have brought with you.
For those with lawn seats, you can bring your own blankets and chairs or you can rent lawn chairs for $5.00 each. It’ a first come first served thing and there is no guarantee that there will be any chairs left if you arrive late. Cameras are not allowed in the venue and all events go on rain or shine so dress accordingly.
While the walk up the hill to the lawn area takes a good deal of exercise, the hill provides its own version of stadium seating where you can get a good view of the event. Two large screens also facilitate being able to see what is going on stage for those seated in the lawn area.
Food and drinks is provided by Grillers and Domino’s Pizza. If you plan on indulging in one or more of the $12.00 beers available, make sure you have your ID on you at all times. When they say zero tolerance, they aren’t kidding. We watched as one under aged concert attendee was arrested for possessing.
Directions to Nissan Pavilion
Nissan Pavilion is located around 35 miles outside of DC off of Route 66 West. Once you exit Route 66 the way is well marked. The local police department puts out electronic road signs guiding the way and the closer you get to the venue the more they direct traffic.
A word of advice, visit Mapquest or Google maps and map your way back home from the venue and do not expect to just go back the way you came. There is no Route 66 East ramp to go back the way you came.
If you are coming from points east, Route 15 South is followed in. It’s a very rural area with a great view of the Appalachian Mountains in the distance. A left turn onto Route 29 will put you in contact with road signs marking the way. If you are coming in from Route 15 be ready to deal with road construction and detours. There are a number of traffic circles being built.
Prince William Parkway can also be used and will have signs leading the way.
Virginia Hotels
There isn’t much going on in Bristow, Virginia. Prince William County is still pretty rural with a lot of farms. There is a noticeable amount of construction going on about five minutes from Nissan Pavilion where some areas are being built up to accommodate shopping centers and restaurants.
About 20 minutes away is the city of Manassas where you can find shopping, restaurants, a number of hotels, clubs, and if you are into historical sight-seeing, National Battlefield Park.
This is one of the best concerts I have ever been to and the crowd that showed up was probably the most diverse I have ever seen at a concert. Every age group was present from little kids who came with their parents to folks older than my dad. Thank you RazorGator for the Excellent concert tickets!
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