I remember the televised protests in the States when Concord was a thing (not having a pop at the US, it was what it was). Later years driving around Heathrow on the M25 when it was taking off and it looked had a purpose even within a few hundred feet off the ground, could have sworn I saw afterburners. Other airliners would be labouring up in comparison (it appeared so I know it was not so) and Concorde was off like a rat up a drain pipe.
Then at the right time of day (further to the west off the UK) you would get the thumps in the distance as the sound barrier was passed a few times out to sea.
Oh well. Bring on its successor where ever it is.
Years ago, I worked on a project for the CAA/NATS in the UK. We got shown around the control tower at Heathrow, including the radar rooms and finally, up into the tower. It was just dusk, and Concorde was taking off, and yes, full afterburners! Quite incredible to see a passenger aircraft hurtle down the runway with 4 12-foot blue flames out the back... and off it went, stunningly quick. Not long after that, an aircraft that had recently taken off declared an emergency and requested a return to Heathrow. Smooth as you like, not even a raised eyebrow, the ATC's shuffled the aircraft around in what I can only describe as aerial choreography to make a gap for him in the pattern. Safely landed, they shuffled everyone back and nobody even noticed. As slick, confident and professional as you'll ever see.
I now live in rural Hungary, where sonic booms are quite common, from Gripens or MiG 29's. I'm sure they shouldn't be doing it but what the hell - it's an awesome sound and I love it! Sounds like the cast iron door to Hell being slammed shut! Makes the windows rattle and the roof tiles jump!