Although I have no musical talent of my own I am a music fan and I love going to live concerts, especially if I can get a good seat. Here are my ten favorite concerts that I’ve seen over the last 30 years.
10. The Police; This was before the internet. I walked about two miles in the snow and waited outside in the freezing cold for four hours to buy tickets. I got a little frostbite in my toes but it was worth it. They were my favorite band at the time.
9. Yes: Unbelievably musically talented band. They were a bit past their prime when I saw them, but they played all their classics and it was still a great show.
8. Nine Inch Nails: I was an usher at this show an got to stand wherever I wanted to watch. After an intermission the lead singer came back out on stage and just destroyed everything on stage at the end of a song.
7. The Grateful Dead: It wasn’t the band that was fun to watch, it was the people in the crowd, or more specifically in the parking lot. The goings on in the parking lot before and after the show is a show in itself.
6. Sting: When I saw him he had a sign language interpreter on the side of the stage who was signing the lyrics and moving in time to the music. It was beautiful to watch.
5. 3OH3! If you don’t know them, I’m not sure how to describe their music. It’s kind of rap/hip-hop-pop alternative. Doesn’t matter. They put on a really fun show that has the whole crowd jumping from start to finish.
4. Paramore: I just saw them in July. Hayley Williams has a brilliant stage presence. She’s neither big nor loud. She’s a small woman filled with energy who knows how to play to an audience and the cameras. Thoroughly entertaining.
3. All Time Low: They’re an alternative/pop-punk band who never gets any radio play yet sells out shows all over the world. I have no idea how people know about them. I’ve seen them four times thanks to my son’s love of their music. They’re just guys having fun playing music and making jokes.
2. Blink-182: I’ve seen these guys four times. The first was when they were a young band just making it big. My first impression was they were just trying to emulate Green Day. Now they put on a professional, slick show with lots of lights and lasers. I like shiny things.
1. Green Day: If you’ve read my blog for any length of time you know of my love of Green Day whom I’ve seen five times. When I first heard their song Basketcase in 1994 I was hooked. The music struck a chord with me. Their concerts are an experience. They involve the audience as much as they can. You walk out feeling like it wasn’t their concert, but our concert.
So what were your favorite concerts and why?
Have a great Tuesday!~ Phil