The best concert you've seen

[Guido Henkel]

Since we've been talking about it in another thread, here's a question for everyone.

What was the best live concert you've ever seen - live, not on a DVD or so. You know, a show you went into and came out going "OMG, I can't believe this just happened!"

Here are my three most memorable shows

#1 - The Scorpions - I was not fan at all of the band and my friends dragged me into this show. I came out absolutely amazed at how well the guys played, how amazingly energetic and personable they were on stage, and how heavy their set was. I expected a bunch a mushy ballads and they would just not stop going for the jugular with tracks like "The Zoo," "Breakout" and others. Amazing show I still remember very vividly after 20 years. Oddly enough I had the chance to play soccer with them a few years later, hahaha! and again I was totally blown away by the fact how friendly and personable they were.

#2 Robben Ford - If you've ever seen Robben live, you know what I'm talking about. Playing as a three-piece it is just amazing what these three guys can do in terms of musicianship. Again, Robben was so incredibly personable that he would even give autographs between songs during the show when people stuck pieces of paper in his face from below. Needless to say he's a real badass on the guitar, of course.

#3 Iron Maiden and Kiss - I have a tie here. Iron Maiden has always been one of my favorite live bands and it was customary for my friends and I to go see them religiously every chance we got. Great show, great vibes always, great songs and awesome musicians.
On the other hand I always wanted to see Kiss in their original line-up and never had the chance to because they barely ever toured Germany where I grew up. So when they went on their reunion tour in 1996 I had to see them and it was quite an experience. I think it was more the nostalgia and the effect per se that worked its magic on me than the show or the music itself. But the fact to finally experience it first-hand was absolutely mind-boggling.

[Davex]

Hmmmm... Some of the shows that come to mind for me are Tom Waits, Peter Gabriel (a few times over the years), Aerosmith (a bunch of times and every time was fantastic), Bauhaus, Prince, Husker Du, The Who (First show, 1980!), Genesis, Cheap Trick (always a blast), Iron Maiden (Guido is right. I must have seen them 5 times at least), Butthole Surfers (one of my favorite shows ever), Ween (Many times!), Sonic Youth (Daydream Nation tour), Anthrax (Among The Living tour)... Man, there are so many! I'll shut up now. Oh wait. Frank Zappa was definitely top 3.

[Brickman]

I have to remember back throughout the years for this one. Here goes:

1. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Phenomenal sounding band. Every song you hear is a hit. Very tight group of musicians. Nothing fancy, but great rock n roll.

2. Van Halen - Come on. Diamond Dave and Eddie tearing through 25 70's and early 80s gems. See the "off topic" thread.

3. ZZ Top - Hands down the best stage show I have seen. Saw them in 1991 on the Recycler Tour. Moving sidewalks, women in construction hats, one of those big magnets that pull out the compacted cars after being crushed, Cool laser show, etc.

4. Queensryche - Saw them in 1991 on the Empire tour. Great live band and Geoff Tate can hit the notes live that he hits on the record. Plus, midway through the set, they stop and play all of Operation: Mindcrime.

5. Ozzy Osbourne - Saw him in 1992. He is a maniac! Jumping around, mooning the crowd, having a great time. He also sounds great live.

Metallica (pre Napster) should be in that list somewhere too. And Megadeth. And Priest. And Cheap Trick. And Stone Temple Pilots. And Disturbed.......

I like different shows for different reasons, such as stage show, set list, etc. but I cannot stand when a band sounds like dried dog poo live. That's why I never went to see Guns N Roses in concert.

[Cos56]

Ok. after some clean up n work on my endI can signnon now :)

Crazy!!!! Guido & Brickman have some of My faves I've seen & Still see when they Tour...

VH - Never got to see David Lee Roth in the heyday & Am Finally going This Friday Feb 1st @ the pepsi center in denver, I've see VH with sammy a few times & He was Great!!!!!

Queensryche IS Another fave of mine & they were just here last week but I passed & I'm now sorry I did as they did a acoustic set with their new covers CD & OLD QR Stuff!!!!! I Saw OMC in its Popularity & QR ARE Awesome & The OMC & OMCII tour Was Incredible. QR is in MY Top 3 & below are My top 2 & Who I've seen Numerous times....

Iron Maiden - Without a Doubt the Greatest Metal Band Ever & Still Are!!!!! I've seen them since I was a jr high kid with Number of the Beast & Dickinson's taking over the band, I Try Not to miss a tour & Have'nt, They ARE Amazing in Concert & NO ONE in the bizz today can come close to matching their shows!!!!!!! BTW Their New CD is Awesome!!!!!! & Shows they Still are on top of their game..

Lastly IS Rush. I've seen them for about as long as I have Iron Maiden - IM & Rush ARE My 2 Alltime faves. My Favorite Rush Show was Last summer at red Rocks where I was 1st row!!!!!! No one infront of me but Geddy lee & he was 5 feet away. man what a show, Entre Nous, Digital Man, Circunstances & All the Great songs they hardly ever play, All this & Red Rocks too - I Saw them at Red Rocks on their 30th Anniv tour but the seats were dead last but Still the Sound & view WERE Amazing!!!! - This next go round on june 5th : ) : ) I Am Attending again I Have 1st Row again but I'm more in the middle, slight left a bit & I'm psyched....

So yeah Maidens - Powerslave tour IS a fave as they All ARE.

Queensryches - Operation Mindcrime WAS Incredible

And Rush's - Snakes & Arrows Tour Was one of the greatest shows I've been too & The CD Kicks Major Arse!!!!! also....

I've seen MANY a show, but Those 4 ARE Tops in my book....

Matt

[Guido Henkel]

Queensryche was very close to make it on my list as well. I saw them on the Mindcrime and Empire tours and they were indeed awesome. Queensryche has long been one of my favorite bands and "Operation Mindcrime" is still the single-best rock record made in the 80s. The talent in that band at the time was staggering to say the least. However, since Chris DeGarmo was forced out of the band it isn't worth much.

Didn't know Maiden has a new album. I have "Dance Of Death," which was okay but felt a little uninspired. Cos56, are you talking about "A Matter Of Life And Death?"

I have heard great things about Rush live. I've never really followed the band for some reason but everyone I know said they are an absolutely amazing live band.

[Guido Henkel]

Although they are not necessarily concerts that changed the world, I thought Judas Priest used to put on cool shows during the 80s, that were always money well spent, and I also loved to see Dio live every time, with his sword-fights, dragons and stuff.

Alice Cooper, of course is a top-notch live act and I also always loved to see Toto live - in fact, both Toto and Steve Lukather with Los Lobotomies.

Then of course, there's Steve Vai who will simply make you want to throw your guitar away every time you see him live because he is simply out of this world.

I guess, I could just go on and on and on... LOL

[blammo]

- Eagles on their "Hell Freezes Over" Tour
- Neil Young (HL) with Soundgarden and Blind Melon
- Eric Clapton at the Ritz theatre in New York.
- Matthew Sweet on his "Girlfriend" tour
- Joe Jackson on his "Big World" tour at Radio City Music Hall
- Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers on there "Southern Accents" tour (OUT-frickin-STANDING...pro'lly the best show I've seen) and on his "Full Moon Fever" tour with the Heartbreakers.
- R.E.M. on their "Reckoning" tour in 1984.
- INXS on their "Kick" tour at Radio City Music Hall...with a million screaming scantily clad women with 80's hair....big mofo hair!!

There were so many, but, those are the ones that stand out. I don't think they made me say to myself "OMG I can't believe this happened"...well, the INXS did, but,....they were all great shows.

1st concert I ever went to...1984, Judas Priest on their "Defenders of the Faith" tour...Great White opened for em...yyeeeee-ikes!!....

[Davex]

Blammo reminded me of Neil Young. I saw hime a handful of times iand he was great. Also, Motorhead! And speaking of the Eagles (Near the top of my least liked bands right under Bob Seger), I'll never forgive them for that 'Hell Freezes Over' tour. They were the first of the 'big' bands to reunite but more importantly, they were the first to go for the $100+ ticket price and people paid it. Soon after, everyone else started to reunite and get even more. Then any band that played in an arena started asking for, and getting, big ticket prices. And it all started with the Eagles. Tickets went from $30 to up over $100 in the span of a couple of years whereas, my first shows (early 80's) were $10 and they generally rose slowly over the next 15 years to the $30-$40 range. Rant over.

[Jason Briggs]

-
- Joe Jackson on his "Big World" tour at Radio City Music Hall



How was Joe Jackson? I like Real Men and It's Different for Girls,
along with Breaking us in Two and Is She Really Going Out with Him.
I had a live mp3 version of It's Different for Girls, he starts
the song and the crowd is clapping their hands together in tune
and he stops the song and laughs and asks - Please don’t do
that! I can't do the song when you are doing that! It was funny.

[Cos56]

Queensryche was very close to make it on my list as well. I saw them on the Mindcrime and Empire tours and they were indeed awesome. Queensryche has long been one of my favorite bands and "Operation Mindcrime" is still the single-best rock record made in the 80s. The talent in that band at the time was staggering to say the least. However, since Chris DeGarmo was forced out of the band it isn't worth much.

Didn't know Maiden has a new album. I have "Dance Of Death," which was okay but felt a little uninspired. Cos56, are you talking about "A Matter Of Life And Death?"

I have heard great things about Rush live. I've never really followed the band for some reason but everyone I know said they are an absolutely amazing live band.

>
Queensryche was very close to make it on my list as well. I saw them on the Mindcrime and Empire tours and they were indeed awesome. Queensryche has long been one of my favorite bands and "Operation Mindcrime" is still the single-best rock record made in the 80s. The talent in that band at the time was staggering to say the least. However, since Chris DeGarmo was forced out of the band it isn't worth much.

Didn't know Maiden has a new album. I have "Dance Of Death," which was okay but felt a little uninspired. Cos56, are you talking about "A Matter Of Life And Death?"

I have heard great things about Rush live. I've never really followed the band for some reason but everyone I know said they are an absolutely amazing live band.
>
Yes Guido. OMC WAS & Stil IS Awesome!!!! & The Best concept CD Ever!!!

Maidens Dance of Death was Good - Yes I LOVE a Matter of Life & Death!!!!
Truly a Great CD - from the opening - A Differebnt World - These Colours Don't Run, To the Song The Pilgrim & My Favorite - For the Greater Good Of God!!! I Think it's some of Maidens Best in years & IMHO that's saying a Lot, It's a Solid, Balls Out, Hard Rocking CD. I'd Buy it if you're a IM Fan!!!! or if You just like great hard Rocking Music....

Rush ARE Awesome. They've been kicking *** for Years & Are Still Going strong & Their NEW CD Snakes & Arrows is Excellent & Strong!!!!! Yes RUSH Are Amazing Live, Not like Maiden is but Who is like Maiden?? but Rush are 2nd to None & Anyone who's a fan or who just likes them a little, should get Tixx, You WON'T be disappointed as they are So Tight as a Band & Like each other so much that it transfers over to such a Amazing & Enjoyable show, This Tour WAS their best ever & I've seen em numerous x's on 8-9 tours..

I Saw them Last summer July 2nd at jones beach, Long Island while I went back to visit friends & family,40th row center, then I Saw them in August at Red Rocks here where I Now live, 1st row, With Geddy 5 feet from me & No one inbetween!!!!! Rush is Now going back out statting this may & on June 5th I have Tixx in the 1st row AGAIN but in the Middle/center this time, So I'll see it All this go round - BTW Neil Pert is a Frigging Machine!!!!!!! The Man is Jaw Dropping to watch from that close & IS The Greatest drummer I've ever seen & I've seen many....

Matt

[Brickman]

I'm glad to see there are so many of us with similar musical tastes. I love going to concerts and I don't get to very often with two young kids. I was going to go to the QR OM 1 and 2 concert, but I sold the tickets. The DVD was really good though.

Iron Maiden's "A Matter of Life and Death" absolutely blew me away with how good it was. They are touring with a Powerslave-era set this year. I hope they come close by.

AC/DC is another band that I would love to see and haven't yet. I hear they have an album coming out sometime in 08, so maybe someday.

ROCK ON GUYS!!!!!!! (I'm making the Dio heavy metal symbol as I type this)

[Guido Henkel]

You mean, this? |m| LMAO

[blammo]

DaveX, I gotta tell ya, from '84 to '92 I was management in a chain of stores that (back then) was only around the east coast. We soon got
TicketMaster in all our stores. MAAAAAN, did we have to pick and choose which shows we were gonna spend our money on.
Anyway, the home office would get the skinny before-hand on what concerts were gonna be the big-ticket ones. And sometime, sometimes, they'd ask us pee-ons if we want some tix. And they came thru for us.
Eagles was one of those free rides.

Jason, I thought Joe Jackson was the greatest thing to hit vinyl when I bought "Look Sharp" and "Jumpin Jive" NEW the days they came out. He was up there with Elvis Costello on my "hip" parade.
When Jackson played "Monday Papers" (that's right, "Monday Papers", renamed because of changing times...) and intro'd it with a reason a little more then that, it became one of the greatest show's I'd ever seen.
"Acropolis Now", a greek-type instrumental, he previewed at the show.
But, on his album "Blaze of Glory", the way "Sentimental Thing" has the continuity right into "Acropolis Now"...aaaahh, genius.

Or, maybe...it's just me.....

[kamikazesquid]

Smashing Pumpkins - MellonCollie tour
Radiohead - 1st time was at Stone Mountain outside Atlanta for the Amnesiac tour, 2nd time was the Hollywood Bowl for Hail to the Thief. both amazing shows.
Iron Maiden, Motorhead & Dio - and for free when i lived in Dallas
Billy Joel - saw him once by himself and again with Elton John
Foo Fighters - 1st night of the acoustic shows w/ frank black acoustic...amazing show
Poison - Front Row!

Blammo, i ust to work at a Specs Music in Sarasota Fl and we had a ticketmaster as well. always great being able to pull tickets fast before the normal tickets :) and then being able to return tickets for the better tickets that came up day of show. oh how i miss those benefits.

[Davex]

Ahh, yes Guido. Around those same years I was working for a local record shop. I was at First Avenue free of charge every weekend and then some. I also had a friend who worked at Ticketbastard so I always got great seats to any show I wanted and even the World Series!

[Guido Henkel]

You guys were right "A Matter Of Live And Death" is pretty awesome. Thanks for the tip! I had completely overlooked that one.

[Cos56]

You guys were right "A Matter Of Live And Death" is pretty awesome. Thanks for the tip! I had completely overlooked that one.
>
It truly IS a Awesome CD.. from the Opening & Blistering, Different World - These Colours Don't Run- Brighter then a Thousand suns -- Which is a intense song, Then there's the Catchy - The Pilgrim - & Then The Reincarnation of Benjamin Breeg - & Currently one of My favorite Tunes on the CD & Slowly becoming one of my favorite Maiden tunes - For the Greater Good of God - It's such a Kick Arse song...

Quick thing about Iron Maiden - Yes they ARE Still Popular here but Not like they were in the HeyDay of the 80's When they Were the Kings of metal in the USA - Still to this day though, Maiden is Still Monsterously Huge Overseas & Play outdoor stadiums!!!!! where they play their NEW Stuff to audiences who Love it, Yest over here they pretty much alter it to be a kind've hits + tour. Me??? I'll take BOTH as I Love The New stuff & The Old & Hearing the GREATEST Metal song ever - Hallow Be Thy Name - Never gets old for me....

I Could Go on n on about Maiden as they are in My top 2 if not #1. this New CD is So great. Just read the lyrics to the opening of The Longest day & For the Greater Good of God - Yeah I say it again - These Guys Kick Arse - Then There is Bruce Dickinson - Who I think is one of the Greatest Lead Men ever!!!!! & Who is a pretty interesting guy who's done some really cool things in his life - Just Wikipedia jis name Bruce Dickinson as well as Iron Maide - BOTH are fun reads....

Matt Up The Irons!!!!!!

[Kent Wolf]

Andrew WK in a smallish club on the "I Get wet" Tour

Heaven and Hell - With Ronnie James Dio doing all the Sabbath Stuff

Rob Zombie- Educated Horses Tour "Headlining"

Slayer - Cult Tour

Priest, AC/DC and Maiden are on my must see list

[Bad Guy (Ariel)]

A standout for me has to be KISS when they first reunited in the mid-nineties with all the original members and the 70's costumes, makeup & stageshow. I'd always been a KISS fan, but had only seen them in the eighties, unmasked, so to speak, and with different lineups.
To top it all off, they started the tour at Tiger Stadium right here in Detroit, so we got to see the very first reunion concert.
And if that wasn't enough, Alice In Chains was the opening act! Bonus!

All in all, I've probably seen KISS about 14x. Forget Ringling Bros., KISS is the Greatest Show on Earth! ; )
I've been to tons of shows, but some other concerts that stand out:
Iron Maiden (2x), Judas Priest (3x), Aerosmith (Lost count), Prince, Elton John, Billy Joel, Elton John AND Billy Joel (Piano Men Tour), INXS (w/ Michael Hutchence, R.I.P.), Rolling Stones (Steel Wheels Tour), Robert Plant & Jimmy Page, Tool (3x), Alice Cooper (About 6x), Ozzfest w/ Ozzy, Tool & Megadeth, Ozzfest w/ Ozzy, Korn, Marilyn Manson & Chevelle, Red Hot Chili Peppers w/ get this, Smashing Pumpkins & Pearl Jam as their opening acts, Pearl Jam (3x), Metallica (6 or 7x, including the Master of Puppets Tour, their final with Cliff Burton, R.I.P.), Guns N' Roses (about 6x), Alice in Chains in a small club in Detroit, KISS & Aerosmith (@ Comerica Park), R.E.M., Jane's Addiction (2x), Motley Crue in Vegas (Insane!), Stone Temple Pilots w/ Disturbed & Godsmack, AC/DC, Dio, Nine Inch Nails (3x), David Bowie (3x), and lots more I can't remember right now.
Most recently, about a week ago, saw Velvet Revolver and the following night at the same venue Lenny Kravitz. Both Rocked!

[Brickman]

Since everybody here is loving the Maiden, I thought I would share.

I just found the Eddies Archives metal box cd set with the shotglass and the parchment. 6cds worth of unreleased live material and bsides for $60 in a used book store. Set is in NM condition. When I looked it up on half.com and ebay, I saw that they were going anywhere from $285 - $400.

[Brickman]

I had to update this thread.

Last night, I saw Iron Maiden (for the 1st time) on their Somewhere Back In Time Tour in San Antonio. It was an absolutely mind-blowing concert. Hands down, the best live show I have ever seen (including VH a few months ago). The Powerslave stage setup was amazing, and the setlist was perfect. I was somewhat worried because the show last night was the opening of the 2nd leg and the band hadn't played in 2 months or so, but they knocked it right out of the park from the opening riff of "Aces High" to the end of "Hallowed Be Thy Name". They are some of the finest musicians in metal, and Bruce Dickenson's vocals were awesome (a friend at the show who has seen Maiden 5 times commented that Bruce has never sounded better). My only complaint was I wish Steve Harris' bass was turned up some to hear the "gallop" a llittle more.

If you have a chance to see this show, GO! You will not be disappointed. Can't wait for the dvd!!!!

[Guido Henkel]

Hmmhhh... now you want to make me go see them again. They're playing a two-night engagement here on the 30th and 31st.

But speaking of music, anyone else looking forward to Judas Priest's new album in 3 weeks?

[Brickman]

Guido,

If possible, go see them. If you like the 80's era songs (the setlist is at wikipedia under Somewhere Back In Time Tour) you will love it.

Yes, I am really looking forward to the new Priest album. Double CD set about Nostradamus?? What's not to love about that?

[Davex]

I remember seeing the original Powerslave tour. I saw them 4 or 5 times back in the day. Very memorable live! I've been thinking about seeing them if they come around for old time's sake!

[Guido Henkel]

Here's my thinking. I've seen Iron Maiden so many times - the first time on their Killers tour - and the every subsequent year until "Somewhere in Time." So I've seen the band plenty! But the thing is, they have been getting older which means that the on stage action is inevitably much much more laid back and slower. What I'm trying to say is that I'm not sure I want to ruin my impression of one of the most energetic live bands at the zenith of their career by seeing them as some "old men" - no disrespect meant at all.

[Brickman]

I understand what you are saying Guido. I have never seen them live before, but I have watched the Live After Death DVD several times. I didn't notice any real difference in the onstage energy. Bruce Dickenson was all over the place all night. Steve Harris also. He was running all around the stage. Dave Murray and Adrian Smith didn't do a whole lot of running, but Janick Gers was kicking and spinning and jumping a lot.

I don't think it would ruin your previous experiences. The lights and stage show is top notch. The pyrotechics and fireworks are still there. Plus the setlist is all "Seventh Son" and before (with the exception of the song "Fear of the Dark")

BTW, it looks as if the new Priest cd will come with a lawn seat ticket for the upcoming metal masters tour, which is Judas Priest, Heaven and Hell (Dio with Black Sabbath for those who don't know), Testament (their new cd is great!) and Motorhead. At least Amazon had it stated that way.

[homer1971]

my favorite band is U2 but the best concert i've seen was when the Foo Fighters passed thru here this last january that was AWESOME! they played all the hits and then some with 2 encores. the stage had an extension so that they could play "in the round" acoustic and plugged in. second best....U2 where i was within bono sweat range. first concert....don't laugh....cyndi lauper....but got in for free cause my friend's mom worked security for the show.
julie

[Brickman]

Just bought the new Priest cd and redeemed the code for a free lawn seat to the Metal Masters tour when it stops in Dallas this summer. Best Buy had the double cd for 11.99.

[Bad Guy (Ariel)]

Saw the reunited Stone Temple Pilots a couple of weeks ago. If you like them, go check 'em out live. Great live band.

[kamikazesquid]

just got my seating assignment for the upcoming Radiohead tour. 4 rows from the stage at the hollywood bowl :)

needless to say i'm excited.

[Cos56]

Here's my thinking. I've seen Iron Maiden so many times - the first time on their Killers tour - and the every subsequent year until "Somewhere in Time." So I've seen the band plenty! But the thing is, they have been getting older which means that the on stage action is inevitably much much more laid back and slower. What I'm trying to say is that I'm not sure I want to ruin my impression of one of the most energetic live bands at the zenith of their career by seeing them as some "old men" - no disrespect meant at all.
>
Saw Rush again this june 25th at Red Rocks It was resceduled & They ARE Still Incredible & Better then Ever - I Had 1st row again, Last year was infront of Geddy, This Year it was Alex - I Can be seen in Pic # 2 at their site, under multimedia, then Rush on the road, Choose DENVER, And it's the pic after the Red Rocks sign, I'm to Alex's right & I Have my hat on :)

Iron Maiden. HUGELY Disappointed they chose frigging new mexico???????? over Denver when Denver has Always Sold out & has a Huge Maiden core, new mexico is a Head scratcher & My buddy said he talked to some bookers & They WON'T rescedule there again - But Damn I Could'nt get there for that show & I'm still Bummed as Maiden & Rush share My #1 Favorite Band spot...

The Foo fighters are here at red Rocks on July 14th & 15th & I Wanna check em out as I Hear they are very good live...

Cos

[Joe Davis]

We were just talking about this on another forum.

Gotta say my favorites were:

Pink Flod: Division Bell Tour

Bon Jovi with Skid Row

Tina Turner

Motley Crue and Whitesnake

Would love to see Van Halen with Dave. Also Aerosmith and The Stones

[Ben Smalley]

Gnarls Barkley, North Mississippi Allstars, and String Cheese Incident

[Brickman]

Metal Masters Tour in 2 days!! Priest, Heaven and Hell, Motorhead,and Testament.

Can't wait for AC/DC to tour this fall. I have not seen them yet.

[kamikazesquid]

going to see Radiohead on Sunday at the Hollywood Bowl. 5th row from the stage just right of center.

[BigRob]

I don;t remember great concerts... I remember great times at concerts... I went to an HFStival (sponsored by a local radio station) after graduating hike-school and and Gwen stephani was performing with her first band in these great plasticy pants that showed off her tremendous... well... anywhoo,
I also remeber this Jimmy Buffett concert which was the first time I felt fake tits on a chick other that a stripper and I did coke for the first and only time... That was great...
And I remember a Hootie and the Blowfish concert where I hooked up with very cute chick...
There was a Smoke n Groove concert which I don't remember well, but the guy from Fugees did a backflip while playing guitar and the guys from Phish played three and four instruments at the same time...
Anywhoo, I've loved many a concert, but the music and musicians have always been just parts of the whole.
BigRob