It was 25 years and one day ago that the reborn Big Star—original members Alex Chilton and Jody Stephens, plus Posies Jon Auer and Ken Stringfellow—played a historic show in the parking lot of the Missouri Tigers’ basketball arena in Columbia, which became the title of the ensuing live album on Zoo. Our own Karen Glauber and Bud Scoppa, who have some history with the legendary cult band, wouldn’t have missed this special occasion for the world. Immediately below, engineer/producer Jim Rondinelli remembers that magical day and the events leading up to it.

“25 years ago, on one of the proudest if most intensely stressful days of my life, I had the honor of recording Alex Chilton, Jody Stephens, Ken Stringfellow and Jon Auer for the Big Star Columbia album.

“We had a few days of rehearsals in Seattle, but logistics precluded a full sound check on the day of the show. The final album is presented as the show was played---one shot, no overdubs. Oh yeah—I should mention that this show of a lifetime was happening outdoors in a leaky tent.

“This shot was taken behind the old MetroMobile remote truck just after we completed recording. [Zoo’s] Bud Scoppa fearlessly supported my scheme to capture the show as a record from day one, and deftly shepherded the album to release. I remember Karen Glauber, James Barber, Scott Byron and I all being in a state of disbelief that it actually happened. Some feared Alex wouldn’t show. I never did. And despite his reputation, let it be known that Alex was a dream to work with from rehearsals through the completion.

“Somehow, it did happen. And somehow, the rain held off until evening. I feel lucky to this day just to have been there to see it all happen.

“I do miss those days.”