Now that the days of high-energy closers are basically over, we can probably conclude that it never got better than 1995 Madison. The last 3 minutes of that finals night performance will go down in history for anyone who saw it.
They took the wind out of the stadium all the way until the Cavies arrived. My seats were side 2-35, 12 rows up it was 2 minutes of standing room only.
Could you imagine a corps coming out in 2024....and basically just saying "EFF IT!! HIGH LOUD AND FAST...." and doing a show of POWER and going for the crowd reaction and NOTHING MORE?
A bygone era for sure. Madison in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s was about as good as it got. They always scored well. They did not win all the time but MAN DID THEY WIN THE CROWD almost EVERY time. I was lucky to have seen many of those shows live.
Competed against the Scouts in the late 70s and early 80s. Always, always, always found a way to catch parts of their show when we toured together. The shear, earth shaking power of their horn line was amazing. And the other commenter is correct...closers like the 70s, 80s, and 90s are long gone.
I do appreciate the talent and commitment of today’s corps members. But...DCI today can’t touch the sheer power and excitement of days gone by! Those elements faded in the 2000’s. Let’s have someone take a chance and come out like it’s the 70’s or 80’s!
1984 and 1997 should be in there too...although I realize you were trying to not duplicate closers, 1994's Malaga and 1996's Malaguena (eapecially that closing drill maneuver!) are equally worthy.
The neat thing about watching '94 is that the audience doesn't quite know what's going on until the last set when they suddenly surge up out of their seats...
Now that the days of high-energy closers are basically over, we can probably conclude that it never got better than 1995 Madison. The last 3 minutes of that finals night performance will go down in history for anyone who saw it.
This is so true
They took the wind out of the stadium all the way until the Cavies arrived. My seats were side 2-35, 12 rows up it was 2 minutes of standing room only.
What comes around goes around. Scouts tradition of playing Malaguena will have its Phoenix moment at some point.
What a shame that Madison will never be this good or exciting again!! Standing ovation way before the show is over, sure don't see that anymore!
Could you imagine a corps coming out in 2024....and basically just saying "EFF IT!! HIGH LOUD AND FAST...." and doing a show of POWER and going for the crowd reaction and NOTHING MORE?
I was at the World Championships when they did Malagueña…I’ve never recovered
A bygone era for sure. Madison in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s was about as good as it got. They always scored well. They did not win all the time but MAN DID THEY WIN THE CROWD almost EVERY time. I was lucky to have seen many of those shows live.
Competed against the Scouts in the late 70s and early 80s. Always, always, always found a way to catch parts of their show when we toured together. The shear, earth shaking power of their horn line was amazing.
And the other commenter is correct...closers like the 70s, 80s, and 90s are long gone.
1994 is MISSING.
Chills, can drum corps ever reach these levels again? Perhaps….but it won’t be Traditional, Loud, and Magical.
My best friend as a kid was soprano in 95 he is the 3rd one along in the quartet. Terence Smith. Great trumpet player. ✌️😎
I marched alongside him in 95 my rookie year. Taz
Great guy with great chops!
I know scouts won in 88 and it's a great show but my favourite scouts show has to be 1995.
Man drum corps back then drove with emotion. Drum Corps now especially after 2012, it just became more odd.
always loved the white pants
No props, just power
I do appreciate the talent and commitment of today’s corps members. But...DCI today can’t touch the sheer power and excitement of days gone by! Those elements faded in the 2000’s. Let’s have someone take a chance and come out like it’s the 70’s or 80’s!
89,90,96 also epic closers
now let's see the most breathtaking closers prior to 1985. Or most exciting openers.
No 97???? Great choices otherwise. 95....jesus....
I should have included it! Pirates of Lake Mendota is a fantastic show!
1984 and 1997 should be in there too...although I realize you were trying to not duplicate closers, 1994's Malaga and 1996's Malaguena (eapecially that closing drill maneuver!) are equally worthy.
The neat thing about watching '94 is that the audience doesn't quite know what's going on until the last set when they suddenly surge up out of their seats...