5 vintage photos from Portland concerts from years past
Historic Portland Venues Re‑ignite 1970s‑80s Music Scene in Snapshots
Portland, Maine – A set of five black‑and‑white photos, each capturing a different iconic artist at one of the city’s former concert venues, has resurfaced, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the 1970s and 1980s music scene that once thrummed through the Cumberland County Civic Center and the University of Southern Maine’s gymnasium.
The photographs, shot by staff photographers Gordon Chibroski and Doug Jones, chronicle performances by the Village People, Johnny Cash, Toto, Eric Clapton, and Queen. All five were taken between April 1979 and August 1980, a period when ticket prices were a fraction of today’s rates. For instance, the U.S. Maine gym ticket for Toto’s April 15, 1979, concert cost a modest $8.
Village People – April 28, 1979
The Village People appeared at the then‑Cumberland County Civic Center on April 28, 1979. The band was introduced by opening act Gloria Gaynor. The photo captures the group on stage, their trademark costumes still vivid even in monochrome.
Johnny Cash – May 6, 1979
Just a week later, on May 6, 1979, the Civic Center hosted a matinee featuring country legend Johnny Cash. Cash performed alongside his wife, June Carter, and the Carter Family, a trio that had long been a staple of Cash’s backing ensemble. The photo shows the band in a relaxed, mid‑performance stance, reflecting the intimate feel of the evening.
Toto – April 15, 1979
On April 15, 1979, the University of Southern Maine’s gym hosted the rock group Toto. The image, taken by Chibroski, shows lead guitarist Tom Kelly and bassist Steve Luthaker positioned on stage. The gym, a relatively small venue compared with the Civic Center, offered an up‑front view of the musicians, a detail that has endeared the photo to local fans.
Eric Clapton – April 13, 1979
Earlier in the month, on April 13, 1979, Eric Clapton performed at the Civic Center. The photograph captures Clapton’s guitar, a testament to the guitar‑centric show that drew fans from across New England. While the photo does not include audience members, it highlights Clapton’s presence in a city that had become a stop on his touring circuit.
Queen – August 27, 1980
Queen’s August 27, 1980, show at the Civic Center was part of the “The Game” tour. The photo, also taken by Chibroski, shows Freddie Mercury and Brian May in the midst of a performance, a moment that fans still talk about. The band’s set list that night featured crowd‑pleasers such as “We Will Rock You,” “Another One Bites the Dust,” “You’re My Best Friend,” and the operatic “Bohemian Rhapsody.”
A Snapshot of Portland’s Musical Heritage
The five images serve as a reminder of how Portland once served as a stage for some of the world’s biggest acts. The Cumberland County Civic Center, which was later renamed the New England Center for the Arts, remained a key venue for touring musicians until its closure in 2005. The University of Southern Maine’s gym, meanwhile, played a vital role in bringing rock and country acts to a more local, campus‑centric audience.
For many longtime Portlanders, the photos conjure memories of Saturday nights and Sunday matinees that seemed more affordable and intimate than the high‑price concerts of today. While the city’s current venues—such as the Portland Music Hall and the Seaport Amphitheater—continue to host touring acts, the nostalgia captured in these photographs underscores the enduring place of live music in Maine’s cultural fabric.
