By Melissa Burbidge
In 1985, Elton John strutted on to the stage of the Marriott Center in a glistening red tuxedo jacket and a straw rimmed hat, while a crowd of nearly 10,000 wildly anticipated what would be an 'ear splitting' performance.
John was one of many top hit artists that left their mark in the books of BYU history. However, entertainment such as this remains just that - history.
Most students at BYU probably cannot reminisce about late night 'pillow concerts' on the lawn and the floor of the Wilkinson Student Center or fan-fighting evenings in the Marriott Center.
But for students of the 70s and 80s, this was the norm.
Tiffany, a top musical artist from the 80''s is making a debut with a free concert on Monday at BYU.
Opening the lid to a concert crazy past is a little too presumptuous.
However, Thom Carter, executive director of campus activities, hopes the concert will set a precedent for BYU to rethink the concert series.
Whether or not the means to revive a long-lost history is possible, on Monday Tiffany will give students a chance to push play on a past that has been paused.
The Osmonds, The Sylvers, Kenny Loggins, Barry Manilo, Seals and Crofts, Neil Diamond, Jimmy Messina, Kenny Rogers, Chicago, Olivia-Newton John, The Carpenters and Dionne Warwick only begin a long list of top performers who have appeared in concert at BYU.
Introducing himself as the 'Father of Puff,' Peter Yarrow 'sang his way into the heart of many with oldies such as ''Puff the Magic Dragon,''' in 1983, said a former BYU reporter.
Others like pop-rock duo Hall and Oates visited BYU in 1984 for a 'welcome break before finals' said Maria Farha, a former BYU reporter.
Crowds roared for this 'high energy performance' after the group''s drummer appeared in BYU Glen Kozlowski''s football jersey, she reported.
Hall and Oates definitely provided a welcome break that came at exactly the right time.
'I''m glad there''s only one more day of class because I''m deaf,' said Jerri Yesman, a former sophomore from San Jose, CA., majoring in special education.
Deaf may not be what BYU students are looking for, but one student at BYU says she would love to attend such concerts.
'There is always a shortage of things to do in Provo, so if BYU had concerts I would totally go,' said Stefanie Lamborn, a sophomore from BYU majoring in business.
BYU is not standing still in efforts to bring artists to campus, said Larry Duffin, director of special events.
'We love the entire package that concerts bring to BYU.
'They give increased experiences for students, value for the community and generate funds for operational costs.
'The difference is that today the availability and competition is different,' he said.
When the Delta Center in Salt Lake City was built almost 10 years ago, the Marriott Center was no longer the biggest and best facility, Duffin said.
Carter said the direction of the music industry no longer makes it easy to bring uplifting, wholesome concerts to campus.
A review of Elton John''s 1985 concert in BYU''s newspaper said, 'the distinctive odor of marijuana wafted through the audience, causing concert goers to sniff the air and look around for the source.'
Regardless, Duffin said honor code issues are not a reason for less top-hit entertainment.
Artists who come to BYU must abide by the honor code and Duffin said most artists are very willing to do so.
One of Bill Cosby''s typical acts is performed with a cigar in his mouth. But, when appearing at BYU, Cosby gladly conformed to BYU standards, Duffin said.
Cosby said he would not use a cigar in his act because he had too much respect for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Duffin said.
While some artists are willing to alter their performance for BYU requirements, Duffin said the performers who are dubious do not even approach BYU.
Head-banging hard rock may never find its place at BYU; however, Monday''s free concert with Tiffany will bring back a big name from the journals of our childhood.