'Proud of this:' Milwaukee's Violent Femmes excited to make history, playing 1st show at Fiserv Forum

MILWAUKEE -- The Killers and the Violent Femmes played the first ticketed event at Fiserv Forum Tuesday night, Sept. 4, as the new arena officially opened!

An historic night in Milwaukee started with a bang. Fans waiting outside, some for hours, had to take cover and get inside a little early as storms rolled into downtown Milwaukee on Tuesday evening. Soon, the Violent Femmes welcomed fans to the first concert at Fiserv Forum.

Fans wait for first concert outside Fiserv Forum -- The Killers and Violent Femmes

Fans ushered inside Fiserv Forum early after storms rolls through ahead of first concert at new arena

Chris Adler

"I mean, it’s amazing! It’s going to be very cool," said Chris Adler, former band member.

"The Femmes come out and we give it right away. The first couple steps walking out, seeing my people -- when I say 'my people,' we’re all fellow Milwaukeeans. I always love that. Being a Milwaukee boy, I’m proud of this happening for Milwaukee," said John Sparrow, Violent Femmes drummer and South Milwaukee native.

Milwaukee turned out for the big show.

First concert at Fiserv Forum: The Killers and Violent Femmes

"We appreciate the fans -- 40 of them sleeping outside the venue (Monday) night to get in. That’s not lost on us," said Sparrow.

John Sparrow, Violent Femmes drummer and South Milwaukee native

John Sparrow, Violent Femmes drummer and South Milwaukee native

FOX6 News caught up with some of those fans, standing in line hours before the show. We also caught up with a former band member.

"I worked for the Violent Femmes from 1993 to 1997. I was the monitor engineer. Went all over the world. Loved it. An amazing experience," said Adler.

The tour stops since 1996 may have changed, but their sound keeps people coming back.

Violent Femmes play first show at Fiserv Forum

"I believe they’re the biggest band from Milwaukee," said Adler.

Some were eager to see The Killers, the first big headliner at the new arena.

The Killers

"We like The Killers a lot, and we thought it would be cool to go to the first thing at the Forum. We’re big Bucks' fans, so we thought it’s kind of exciting to go check it out before the game," said Kurt Pockhert.

Many we spoke with said they were excited to be a part of Milwaukee history.