Concert and sports venues come and go, but how many American cities can lay claim to hosting events at an auditorium built from two surplus World War II airplane hangars? Until the Civic Center opened in 1982, the Fieldhouse was the go-to venue for touring acts to play Peoria. With a capacity around 7800, not every major band came to town, but there were plenty of memorable concerts at that funky old double hangar.

Former Peoria resident, John Amberg, shares about his first concert experience when he saw Bily Joel and The Beach Boys at the Glen Oak Amphitheater in 1976.