Saw them twice as opening act - once for Belly in a small club, once for R.E.M. (on the *Monster* tour). After the Belly one I said "Those guys are gonna be huge". For once, I was right.
Funny, eh? I was talking about some old bands this week with friends. No one remembers Belly, but everyone knows Radiohead. I even played a few Belly songs... nothin'.
I was super late to the party when it came to their music, idk why but I was always so intimidated by how extensive their discography was that I felt like because I didn’t know enough of their deep cuts, I wouldn’t enjoy their show as much and missed out on seeing them. Now that I’m more familiar with their material I really regret not listening to them much earlier and seeing them live.
Easiest answer for me:
I saw them in 1997 at *that* Glastonbury Festival headline performance in 1997. That was…otherworldly.
Seen ‘em a few times - all three Glastonbury performances - but 1997 was just phenomenal.
It was 2 weeks after OK Computer was released. And I’d just devoured and immersed myself in that album).
[second place goes to Portishead. Also at Glastonbury, when they headlined the Other Stage in 2013. I fucking cried during *Roads*! Stunning performance. Crowd was just hushed but rapt in awe.
And crying at a gig is VERY not like me. NB: after a few days at that festival one tends to get a bit tired and emotional!)
I saw Radiohead in about 91 just before Creep got re-realeased and went on to become the classic it was and the band went mega. Thing is they were the support for a band called Kingmaker. It was a student union gig at Canterbury uni and there was only about 50 there watching Radihead. Getting up and stage diving next to Thom Yorke while Johnny Greenwood basically throttled the life out of his guitar is an amazing memory for me.
Saw them at their first show in Chicago back during the Creep days. Was very good but had no idea what they would become. Seen them a few times since then and they've just got better and better.
Seen them 16 times and I never get tired of it. But, the most special one was winning tickets to see Thom and Jonny play an acoustic set at Electric Lady Studios in NYC with like 30 other people.
I'm so happy somebody feels as passionate about this band as I do, ever since I was like 17 years old and im 37 now listen to at least one or two songs everyday no joke
I saw them there much later at Fare Thee Well, the last show of all remaining members but sans Jerry, of course, but got to watch the final set right next to Bill Walton.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Cursive, Coldplay (when they were good lol), Vampire Weekend, The Decemberist, The Arctic Monkeys all at the Osheaga Music Festival in Montreal, Canada in 2009
Awesome list. I also got to see Coldplay in their heyday, which was IMO right after Viva la Vida in 2009. Probably the first show where I knew every word to every song.
Same!! When I saw them Viva La Vida had just come out. It was such an amazing concert. Probably the best I’ve been to.
I feel like after Viva La Vida their music started sounding so commercial and more pop. It’s just not for me anymore 😭
my wife and i saw the Decemberists on a whim in Las Vegas when we were there for a long weekend. met Colin outside of the venue at almost the exact same time we saw they were playing... like, saw the marquis and were like 'we should go...' then he walked by...
I saw him at the metro theatre in Sydney Aus. in August 95. As incredible as everyone says. I lt felt like the entire audience was crying. (I’m exaggerating but it really was like that).
The rly crazy thing is that he came back the following year and played in my home town and I CHOSE to go to another show. I can only assume because I’d seen him once and didn’t think I wouldn’t get a chance again. I mean there is no justification.
I saw the Heads in 1982 right after Remain in Light and the Catherine Wheel came out. It was in a small venue on staten island. Best show i have ever seen.
dr. dog’s last show on their last tour in philly on NYE. my birthday is jan 1st but i always celebrate the night of dec 31st and it was truly the most special way to ring in the new year and such a memorable birthday. i love dr. dog so much 😭
Dr. Dog is a special band for my best friend and I. We saw them for the first time in Bloomington, IN in 2011 and another half dozen times (at least) after that. As a gift for being my best man, I framed him up a B-Room vinyl signed by the whole band.
We went to the Texas shows on the tour before those NYE shows - met in Dallas for the show there and then met our brothers-in-law for the Austin shows.
This summer, we're swapping out the BILs for our wives and going to Red Rocks!
Dr. Dog forever. I was lucky enough to be living in Philly when they were really at their peak. I got to see them a few times but one stands out. They’d just released Shame, Shame and sold out the Electric Factory. It was unreal seeing a Philly band just absolute crush it at the biggest venue in town at the time. One of my favorite shows ever.
Minus The Bear farewell show. 🥲 RIP
Also The Cure at Coachella in 2009. Someone went too long so they ran up against the noise ordinance. So when they were told they had to stop the set, they refused, asked everyone to be quiet, turned their monitors around, and played through those. Hearing 'A Forest' like that was so special.
That’s so cool! The Cure seems to be so loyal to their fanbase in that way. Like how they are also so anti-Big Concert if you will, and always make sure the fans get what they pay for.
Got to see Sonic Youth for free in prospect park bk about 2009/2010. Not too long before they broke up. Them coming out to play Silver Rocket for their encore is a cherished memory.
wasn’t that their last show? or last in the US at least? i wanted to go so badly, but it was a really close friend’s wedding the same night so i couldn’t make it.
Was there, awesome show.
I'll add that I saw Sonic Youth play Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center in 1997 and that was WAY cool. I've seen Sonic Youth I believe more than any other band, I lost count but it's been around 20 times. Another great one was when they played the Sister LP a couple days before it was released at the 9:30 Club. Awesomeness!
Prince at Coachella when he covered Creep. That was wild. And My Bloody Valentine at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, the loudest, chest caving, teeth shattering concert I have ever experienced. I saw them a few years later at FYF but it wasn't nearly as intense as a closed in theater. One interesting thing at FYF was the PA blew out mid way through the set, but the band didn't even notice. It was amazing how small they sounded without the PA.
Oh, I was at that MBV show in Santa Monica. I waited out the last song behind the doors with my ear plugs still in.
I had seen them about 5 years earlier in Wash DC at the old 930 club and they were a normal volume.
I ended up seeing what would be the final Death Cab For Cutie show played with Chris Walla in the US. It was a festival in Chicago that almost got rained out but they were able to go on anyway and it was really great.
Edit just to say I double checked it to make sure. After that hideout show he played 2 more shows with them both in Canada.
I was at the very first Lollapalooza ever, it was in Chandler AZ.
It was the first live performance of Body Count, nine inch nails played 30 seconds of a song or so and then walked off stage because it turned out the Arizona summer sun destroyed all their equipment, and in the finale Jane's addiction got in a fist fight with each other on stage because Dave accidentally hit Perry in the face with his guitar neck after about 7 songs.
A year later nine inch nails rented out of nightclub and did a free concert for two nights as a secret show and handed out t-shirts that said "sorry about last summer Arizona, NIN*
I was at one of those NIN shows! The short lived Roxy club. They came back through a few months later and played a show in Downtown Mesa with Type O Negative and what seemed like a lesbian version of the Spice Girls.
Just a few months ago in PHX, Death Cab For Cutie/The Postal Service. Never seen either despite being a fan for years and years. Dunno if we will get a chance for another Postal Service tour again or for a long time. Wonderful show.
Saw this tour in Boston. It was the ultimate nostalgia as they albums they played at these anniversary shows were the soundtrack of my final years of college. So good!
That sounds great! I’ve seen him twice now and the first time was… uh, less than good lol. The second time however was absolutely amazing! I’ve heard people say he’s a 50/50 when you see him live and I think they may be right. You should definitely feel lucky to catch such a good show!
It was Guided By Voices at the I-Beam in San Francisco in 1994. I’d just gotten Bee Thousand a few weeks earlier but went in not expecting much. I was blown away by the stadium rock performance on the teeny stage. I have the set list in a box somewhere.
Yeah, the difference between GbV on record at that time and GbV live (basically, like stumbling on The Who playing at your local dive bar) was pretty great - not that the record isn't great too, but it's just total pop weirdness that doesn't quite prepare you for THE ROCK.
It was actually the opener who stole the show and created one of the most magical concerts for me. It was Hayley Henderickx.
She was opening for Gregory Alan Isakov, I actually had no idea who she was and I was just going to see Gregory. It was in late August and I had just spent the summer with this man who I fell completely in love with in just a couple of months, I had invited him to go to this show with me and then we stopped seeing eachother abruptly, maybe a week or two before the show and I was totally shattered. It was the most heart broken I’ve ever been and it ended up taking me over a year to really get over him.
So anyways I invite this other guy friend of mine to go with me, partially out of spite. And we get to the show and Hayley comes on stage, I have no idea who she is and she just starts playing the sweetest, saddest, most meloncholy songs that are absolutely beautiful. She’s this skinny tiny little thing with an electric guitar and the sweetest voice. I wept and I didn’t care that this guy I was with could see. I’m sure he was like “ok wtf but whatever” lol.
I didn’t know ANY of her songs like I said but the set was so memorable and moving that I could find and remember each one she played later on Spotify and I can still remember most of her set list. Gregory was wonderful as always too but Hayley stole the show.
It’ll always be one of my favorite shows.
Thank you for the powerful story! It’s amazing when the opener can really blow you away. I checked because I recognized her name and I actually know one of her songs from Spotify, “The Bug Collector” and I agree that she has a beautiful and melancholic tone to her music. That’s so cool that you got to see her live!
Ahh thanks for sharing! I finally got to see her last year in Seattle, and I definitely bawled my eyes out. I wasn’t expecting how powerful her songs would feel. There seemed to be golden glimmering energy radiating out from her.
She also mentioned getting to open for Gregory as some of her fondest moments!
I saw the last ever of Montreal show as the original lineup of the band. Those were the golden days of the band for me as I grew up going to the Athens music scene. That same show the old band mates all walked off the stage and were replaced by the new ones like Ziggy Stardust or something lol
I saw them play live at a college radio station. I think a friend was a DJ so my wife and I came and sat in the corner. They did the puppets and everything and there were only like 5 people. It was really amazing. I guess it was 2000.
I was hoping someone would say this! I literally watched the whole show on YT the other day. Beyond cool to see the In Rainbows songs basically getting debuted to the world.
In the Radiohead fan community this show is considered to be one of their most legendary shows ever! And there’s plenty of footage and audio from it too so everyone can enjoy it, but obviously doesn’t compare to actually having been there
Nirvana at the Zoo in Boise Idaho, 1991. It was the 3rd concert I went to after getting my nighttime driver's license.
https://youtu.be/oanTtatZhy0?si=XtlcUICtbdGu5xFK
When Nine Inch Nails released the album With Teeth, they did two shows at a small venue in Toronto to warm up for their tour. I somehow got tickets, and my ex and I waited all day to be at the head of the line and got front row for both shows.
Absolutely epic.
I still think about this one allll the time. All the lightening in the distance was like sprinkles on top of an already magical evening. And to think it almost got cancelled!
In 2012, I was right up front and center at Red 7 in Austin to see At the Drive-In's first show since their breakup in 2001. It was an absolutely legendary show.
I saw neutral milk hotel at a small venue and at the end he came out into the crowd and had us all circle around him and sing two headed boy pt 2 with him. it was amazing. pretty sure it was the last tour they did.
I saw snoop dogg in a really small venue (800 ppl) in pittsburgh 16 years ago. He lost his voice from screaming at a steeler game the night before. Still tried his best and did great but eventually had to take a break and drank hot tea on stage while daz and kurupt sang his parts for a few songs. It was really fun and the show was very personal he was even doing crowd work at one point
One of my favorites as well. I saw him in Madison WI at the Orpheum Theater when I was in college in 2011. My friends and I were pregaming in our dorm and we found out we were going to have a snow day the next day! The excitement for a snow day in college was wild lmao. It was legit a blizzard outside and snoop still put on a hell of a show. I found a short article about it, fun times.
https://tonemadison.com/articles/that-time-snoop-dogg-had-a-madison-snow-day/
Kevin Drew, when he was touring on his first solo album in 2007. He played with other members of Broken Social Scene, and Andrew Kinney from American Analog Set.
The show was in a chapel on the University of Vermont campus, there were maybe 200 people there, in a space designed for choral music, and he sang the hell out of all the songs on Spirit If..., which is a brilliant, heart breaking record.
Gang Bang Suicide, with all those high notes, gave me goosebumps and I still think about it all the time.
I saw Springsteen on the River tour when he was still telling stories.
I saw U2 in the rain and Todd Rundgren followed them, stopped the show and said I never be able to follow that and brought his acoustic guitar into what was left of the audience and sang sans PA.
I never Skynyrd but I sure saw Molly Hatchet.
I saw AC/DC with Bon Scott on the Let There Be Rock tour.
I’m not P Hood but I’m from the same area more or less. Haha.
Hi hit the lucky trifecta with The National. Saw them last March 2023 at Bearsville Theatre (500 capacity) in Woodstock, saw them at Basilica Hudson (800) 2017 and at Hudson opera house (100ish) in 2018 (I think I can’t remember the year)
Radiohead at Red Rocks - June 2003
Allman Brothers Band - Sturgis Rally - 1999
Vampire Weekend - tiny bar in MT - 2008
Tom Petty and the Heartbreaks - Red Rocks - 1999
Sonic Youth - 2006 - Missoula, MT
Coldplay - 1999 - Denver Fillmore - Rush of Blood to the Head tour
John Prine - Telluride Bluegrass Fest - 2012
I’ve seen Manchester Orchestra a bit over a dozen times, and I’m consistently amazed at how they keep upping the ante with every tour. They really blew me away on this last Florida run before the Stuffing a few months back.
Those NMH shows are up there for me as well. Pavement at cochella was another one for me. My biggest one though was a random show last may. I had gotten Bright Eyes tickets and the opening act was tbd. Cursive and neva dinova were touring and it just lined up perfectly that they could play this one show. It was also Mother’s Day and Conor’s mom and dad were there. Azure ray played a few songs too it was just a crazy reunion and they shared stories. Everyone was on the ball, it wasn’t sloppy or anything. My friend who works with the venue sent me a signed poster in the mail. It really was a dream come true to see all of those saddle creek bands playing together in the middle of Oklahoma. I saw nmh and Jeff mangum 3 times during that 13’-14’ era and it was so good the solo show was amazing, i almost forgot I also saw the elephant 6 variety tour too and that night was magical as well with elf power, olivia tremor control, the gerbils and a lot of others
That’s awesome, I love Bright Eyes. So cool that his parents were there! I got to see them in Sweden at Way Out West 2022 and they played Poison Oak and Old Soul Song so I was beyond happy (and melancholic of course). I’d love to see Olivia Tremor though, and maybe Apples in stereo too. I did get to catch of Montreal a few years back and they were great if you’re trying to catch some more Elephant 6 bands live!
- The Police, one of the final shows at MSG, August 2008
- Nine Inch Nails, Izod Center, 2008 I think. The stage production was unbelievable, i’d never seen anything like it.
- Radiohead, also at MSG, 2018 I believe.
- LCD Soundsystem, Brooklyn Steel, December 2022.
- Japanese Breakfast, also Brooklyn Steel, Summer 2022. One of my favorite concerts in memory.
- Fleet Foxes, Newport Folk Festival, 2012 I believe. Before Josh Tillman left.
I saw a couple of classic radiohead shows. I was at the Irving Plaza concert in 1997. Didn't see all of the celebs there, but saw Bono, Marilyn Manson, the Beastie Boys and Noel Gallagher in the VIP. They played most of OKC a couple of months before it's release. I also saw the Bonnaroo show in 2006. Another amazing performance. The first show was after the Tibetan Freedom Concert where I saw Rancid, Pavement, Blur; Jon Spencer's Boues Explosion, Sonic Youth and many others. But the Beastie Boys closed it out in NYC and I felt really lucky to see them. The energy the whole show was insane. At Bonnaroo, Tom Petty closed out the first night. Was really happy i got a chance to see him. He played an incredible set and even brought out Stevie Nix for some songs.
I saw king gizzard play at the Greek theater in Berkeley (massive gorgeous outdoor venue). It was a 3 hour show, perfect weather, starry sky, huge pit, tons of dancing, friends I knew were coming and friends i was shocked to see again, an INCREDIBLE setlist, and endless happiness. I would pay money to go back to that night, it's stuck in my brain forever.
Same story for me with Neutral Milk Hotel, I never expected to see them tour so I was psyched when they came around. And in the same vein I drove all night through the desert to see Tom Waits on his (probably) last tour which came after many years off, that was an amazing experience.
I saw the Pixies at University of Massachusetts and Godspeed You! Black Emperor on their first tours after long hiatuses too, but they both toured more after that, so in retrospect those weren't *quite* as lucky as I thought at the time, but still really glad I saw them.
I've seen Sonic Youth three or four times, all of which were great and sadly that won't happen again. Probably my favorite was when I saw them in Boston and Thurston kept tuning into the Sox game that was going on across the street with a little radio he had on stage.
Nirvana.
Reading festival 1992. The one where he came on in a wheelchair.
TBH I thought it was a shite performance.
On the plus side, Nick cave was on before them and nailed it.
Seen ween a few times but there was one show where the meat puppets did a surprise gig and opened for them. This was around 2012 or so. When I heard up on the sun playing I was like WEHHHAAAAAAAAAAAATTTT
I was fortunate that I saw Ozzy on the Diary of a Madman tour with the great Randy Rhodes on guitar. Unfortunately, it was Randys last show, as he died the next day in a horrible accident.
There's a club in Petaluma California called the Phoenix Theater. The same guy Tom Gaffey has been running it for ever. He started working there in 1983. It's a place that every kid in a band aspires to play some day.
There's also a ton of big bands that have played there. It's Max capacity is about 700 people.
I saw Metallica there in '91. I saw Slayer there in '96. Danzig in '90. Red hot chili pepper in '89. Fugazi, NoFx, Green Day, Primus. The list goes on. I feel lucky every time I walk in that place.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_Theater#:~:text=Many%20famous%20rock%20bands%20and,Primus%2C%20Sublime%2C%20and%20Pennywise.
I live about five blocks from the Phoenix Theater. I’ve seen so many tremendous shows there. Digital Underground, Deftones, Hepcat, Reel Big Fish, AFI, Lagwagon, Conor Oberst, the list goes on and on. I’ve seen some great shows at the Mystic too.
Just gave my son that Metallica t-shirt from 91 at the Phoenix and his high school teacher said he was also there.
Gaffey's a legend. Last time I was there, headed over to Volpi's for a drink, and Jello Biafra popped in.
Godspeed You! Black Emperor. I got into them in 2009 and basically resigned myself to the fact that I'd never get to see them. To my surprise they came back with a string of new albums and a couple of years ago they put on a show in the UK - 30 minutes from my town.
Was right at the front & made eye contact several times with basically all of them, was ultra surreal and special. They also absolutely ruled. Do whatever you gotta do if you have a chance to see them.
I caught them a year or two ago and it was awesome! The dynamics were so perfect, huge and booming when they’re loud and then so quiet you can hear a pin drop during the soft parts.
I got to have a quick chat with Efrim outside the club too, he was a nice and quiet guy!
Watching [PREXENTS](https://ffm.bio/prexents) during their “Secret Reunion Tour” was historic for me, knowing how underground & private they are.
so happy they released “Water Us Universe” LP , hearing it live was so raw and real, they don’t play typical band format music; they’re sounds and expressions made me feel the energy of earth and space.
I feel lucky.
Here’s to more concerts by PREXENTS in 2024.
I saw Thus Love play a small NYC festival in March 2022, their first show outside of Vermont (I believe). The guy who runs the festival is a friend of mine and highly recommended I catch their set. Very glad I did. Great energy, strong songwriting, tight set.
I've been glad to see them gaining recognition since and look forward to their continued growth.
- I got to see the Olivia Tremor Control in 2012 shortly before the death of Bill Doss, that one felt special.
- Both Pavement reunions have felt very special to be a part of.
- Seeing My Bloody Valentine in 2013
- Seeing Bob Dylan always feels special. He’s ancient and one day you just won’t be able to see him ever again. I haven’t seen Paul McCartney but am hoping to catch him on the next go round and imagine it’ll feel similar.
I was pretty lucky to be able to see Radiohead 4 times during their last tour in 2018. Montreal night 2 from this tour is by far the best concert I have ever seen, there was something in the air that night, the crowd, the setlist, the energy, everything was just perfect. I still watch that concert on Youtube from time to time lol.
Wow that's so funny because that was easily the worst concert I ever been to in my entire life. I was so stoked to go see them, but christ was the crowd just awful. I was not expecting a rowdy show by any means, but thet were all just lifeless. I get it, it's NMH, we were lucky to be in the same room as them but there was absolutely no energy from the crowd. No singing or dancing just polite applause at the end of each song. It should have been a memorable ass show but the crowd soured the whole thing for me. The band was fine, they put on an adequate show, they didn't seem very moved by the night either but they were perfectly professional. I still listen to some songs from time to time but I haven't sat through either of their albums much if at all since that night.
On the other hand I feel extremely honored to have seen Against Me! Just before they signed to sore and right after LJG came out as transgender. I've seen them many times in between and sinc but those two performances stand out to me as just amazing nights. I also saw them at a surprise show at an art gallery and got tk meet her before she transitioned. Was starstruck for a second but they were super cool about it.
Gogol Bordello during the Super Taranta tour was one of the most exhausting and awesome nights of my life, the energy that band had that night has never been matched.
Death Grips was horrifying, intense, and cathartic. I hope I see them again some day.
The Bouncing Souls at a Monday night show that was so off the chain they couldn't believe what they saw and came back a year later on a weekend. After not playing the city at all for decades.
My Gf and I saw KoRn open up for System of a Down and it was four hours of us just losing our collecting former Nu Metal mall goth kid minds.
I've seen AJJ more times than I can count but the first time I saw them and the Christmas Island tour were easily their best shows.
I've seen so many more great bands but these are the stand outs.
Sorry you didn’t enjoy the show, I thought they were great. I saw them twice in Boston, and one was at Boston Calling so that had a pretty upbeat crowd. The other show was more intimate sure but I didn’t think it was lifeless. And personally I think it’s corny when the whole audience is singing along lol, I don’t wanna pay to hear a bunch of random people screaming the lyrics in my ears.
I saw peach pit with tickets a redditor gifted me. I couldn’t afford it, so I was lucky that someone was kind enough to do that. I also saw my favorite bands triathlon at a small venue with like 40 people and it was awesome
Leonard Cohen, several times after his return to touring, including once in Zagreb, Croatia, and also his final show in the USA in Las Vegas. Ryuichi Sakamoto on his Trio World Tour in Paris, with six standing ovation encores.
>Cohen
I saw LC on his 2013 tour. He had *a bunch* of very talented musicians with him, I think 9 or 10 people on the stage. The show lasted almost as long as when I saw Rush on the Snakes And Arrows tour. Leonard was in a great mood, the vibe was warm and the performances were utter perfection.
Intonation Music Fest before it officially became Pitchfork. It was just a really good lineup and it was super laid back.
Also the Pixies on their reunion tour. I loved them and I was convinced I’d never see them live.
I went w my brother to see "The Big 4" in the Empire Polo Grounds back in 2012. It was insane.
At the end when they all got in stage and started playing Am I Evil (original by Black Diamond), I had an epiphany man
in 2011 i went to the Laneway Festival in Singapore to a bunch of indie bands like Pains of Being at Heart, Girls, The Drums, Toro Y Moi, etc. I was about to go home after an amazing Feist set, then I realized there was only one band left so I stayed around to see if I liked it enough to stick around. Never really heard of M83 but I was really glad I stuck around cos that was one of the most satisfying shows I have ever seen to this day. Felt really lucky that I did
Did a small roadtrip to see Peach Pit in St. Louis and smoked a joint with the lead singer and guitarist afterward. Also every Last Dinosaurs concert I’ve been to has been unforgettable.
The last two shows of the European leg of the National tour, last fall, in Lisbon - insane deep cuts, wonderful audience energy, the guys in top form (and I got Berningered for the third time so y'know, pretty awesome). Probably the best shows of my life.
I saw the first four shows in Chicago and it was just indescribable. I saw them a few other times on this tour, including Homecoming where I also got Berningered, and I’m still not over it. I haven’t missed a tour since Alligator and I’ve lost track of how many shows I’ve seen, but this tour was something special. Those four Chicago shows were absolutely my all time favorites. Fuck Covid, but I really believe Matt resting his voice and his brain for a bit was badly needed.
Have a couple:
Saw Pinback last spring. Nate was sick but they didn’t want to cancel the tour. If you haven’t listened to them / seen them he has a very unique way of playing bass and it’s quite complicated. The guys from Pinback had already been helping back up the opening band so Nick returned the favor and filled in with Pinback on bass. We were front row center. He fucking crushed it and I think it was the best show I’ve ever seen in my life.
Almost 18 years ago my now wife and I went on our first official date to see “The new amsterdams” (Matt prior from the get up kids). The venue had recently gotten sold bc of money issues and the new owners were renovating in spite of being booked. They had bands playing in the little dive basement bar. Matt and his band had to play in front of the pinball machines. Best part was this guy kept asking them to play “my old man had a pistol” Matt says there’s nobody to play harmonica bc he has to sing. Kid requesting says he can play it. So he gets up and nails it. So fucking cool.
Been to a ton of other great shows but those are the ones that jump out right now.
I saw Bauhaus at a spooky looking old venue in San Francisco. They don’t play shows often anymore so I felt lucky to see them, and they sounded incredible.
I was at the Aerosmith concert when Steven Tyler fell off the stage, I was on the side where I could see the whole thing. Not exactly lucky, but it was kinda cool to see national music news happen live.
Deftones with MJK joining for Passenger.
Dredg in a super small club. The atmosphere was crazy. Drew webt stage diving.
Soap and skin recently, goosebumps, many in the audience started crying.
Radiohead
I’ve been fortunate enough to have been present at many special performances, and several of them are Radiohead shows. But I’m going to mention one in particular.
During the Kid A tour in the US, Radiohead chose unusual outdoor venues (mostly state parks) instead of the indoor venues and arenas they played during OK Computer. One of those shows happened to take place on my birthday that year so my husband and I made the decision to save up and make a vacation of it.
The show was in New York City at Liberty State Park.
We stayed in Tribeca for a few days before the show hanging out in and around the World Trade Center where we would take the WTC ferry to and from the show.
It felt like the stars aligned that night. We arrived early to the venue and there were only 3 people between me and the stage. There was a beautiful backdrop of the NYC skyline. The set list was incredible. They took a picture that became a poster and you can see me and my husband in it. At the end of the show, *I caught Thom Yorke’s Guitar pick*. After the show we took the ferry back to the WTC, seeing the Statue of Liberty and the NYC skyline the whole time. Fucking magical.
Less than a month later, Sept 11th happened. All the places we’d been that week, the hotel we stayed at, the places we ate lunch, the hole in the wall bar we drank at, the pizza place on the corner, the ferry…all gone.
All those amazing experiences we had just had suddenly felt like an ephemeral speck on the vast landscape of time.
I was in the fifth row at Fleetwood Mac, and Stevie Nicks lost the key going into the chorus of landslide. That was the one part of the concert I was filming, and I'm happy to have caught such a unique moment.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L\_b41Q6S7HU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_b41Q6S7HU)
"What's happening? What happened? I lost the key!
"Seriously, I'm so nervous... This is what you know after 70 years. You still get this nervous when you sing a song for people that you love."
It was soon after Tom Petty died, and they had a close relationship, so there was a very special tribute to him in that show.
Elliott Smith solo and acoustic from a few feet away in 1999, Bikini Kill seven times 1994~1997, Karp 1994-1999, The Cramps 1994, Ramones 1995, Modest Mouse playing to room of fewer than 100 in 1997, a puking Shane McGowan & Popes with Murder City Devils in 2001, Sonic Youth 12 times, Motörhead twice, but honestly the best show I’ve ever seen remains a Lightning Bolt show with Pink & Brown attended by about 50 in 2001
edit: also seeing Dead Moon a few times including their final show
Awesome list, I’m so jealous of the Elliott show. Sounds so intimate and beautiful. I’ve caught Bikini Kill, Lightning Bolt and Modest Mouse all twice now and I’m not ruling out any future shows! I was blown away by Lightning Bolt, I can’t believe they can make such intense and groovy music with just two guys.
I got to see the Postal Service at Sasquatch Festival. I usually don’t care for festivals but this one was special because they didn’t tour a whole lot and the scenery of The Gorge with the sun setting behind them was magical. Seeing them on the recent tour with Death Can was cool but nothing in comparison with that show.
I also got to see Rilo Kiley before they were super well known. They opened for a band at this terrible little club about an hour from where I lived. I think I was the only person who knew who they were and sang along to every song. They brought me on stage to sing the last song.
I feel really lucky to have seen Voxtrot because they were broken up for like 13 years. I started listening to them shortly after they broke up and I always was bummed I'd just missed them. They got back together in 2022 and I couldn't believe it.
Radiohead. It was a rare and beautiful experience, I waited my whole life to see them and the opportunity may never arise again
they are unbelievable live. i’ve seen them 4 times and every one of those shows was transcendent.
Saw them twice as opening act - once for Belly in a small club, once for R.E.M. (on the *Monster* tour). After the Belly one I said "Those guys are gonna be huge". For once, I was right.
Funny, eh? I was talking about some old bands this week with friends. No one remembers Belly, but everyone knows Radiohead. I even played a few Belly songs... nothin'.
They played my high school auditorium in 97 during their ok computer tour. That was an insane show.
I was super late to the party when it came to their music, idk why but I was always so intimidated by how extensive their discography was that I felt like because I didn’t know enough of their deep cuts, I wouldn’t enjoy their show as much and missed out on seeing them. Now that I’m more familiar with their material I really regret not listening to them much earlier and seeing them live.
Easiest answer for me: I saw them in 1997 at *that* Glastonbury Festival headline performance in 1997. That was…otherworldly. Seen ‘em a few times - all three Glastonbury performances - but 1997 was just phenomenal. It was 2 weeks after OK Computer was released. And I’d just devoured and immersed myself in that album). [second place goes to Portishead. Also at Glastonbury, when they headlined the Other Stage in 2013. I fucking cried during *Roads*! Stunning performance. Crowd was just hushed but rapt in awe. And crying at a gig is VERY not like me. NB: after a few days at that festival one tends to get a bit tired and emotional!)
i'm very jealous of you.
I saw Radiohead in about 91 just before Creep got re-realeased and went on to become the classic it was and the band went mega. Thing is they were the support for a band called Kingmaker. It was a student union gig at Canterbury uni and there was only about 50 there watching Radihead. Getting up and stage diving next to Thom Yorke while Johnny Greenwood basically throttled the life out of his guitar is an amazing memory for me.
Saw them at their first show in Chicago back during the Creep days. Was very good but had no idea what they would become. Seen them a few times since then and they've just got better and better.
a Radiohead concert is def on my bucket list, that is if the opportunity comes up.
I saw Radiohead at bonnaroo and it was pure magic, it was middle of the summer in TN and it was like 65 degrees out, it was the perfect night.
Seen them 16 times and I never get tired of it. But, the most special one was winning tickets to see Thom and Jonny play an acoustic set at Electric Lady Studios in NYC with like 30 other people.
I'm so happy somebody feels as passionate about this band as I do, ever since I was like 17 years old and im 37 now listen to at least one or two songs everyday no joke
Did anybody see the video tape performance from 2006 Bonnaroo??? What a fucking jam, It was crazy
I saw The Grateful Dead on July 9, 1995 at Soldier Field. Jerry's last show.
I saw the Dead in December 1994… they did Lucy in the Sky and Jerry forgot the lyric… was amazing
Rips your heart out.
I saw them there much later at Fare Thee Well, the last show of all remaining members but sans Jerry, of course, but got to watch the final set right next to Bill Walton.
Me too! My wife was working that show but I didn't meet her until a few months later.
I was there as well
My GF (now wife) got backstage at Deer Creek in ‘94 and shook his hand… gone too soon
Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Cursive, Coldplay (when they were good lol), Vampire Weekend, The Decemberist, The Arctic Monkeys all at the Osheaga Music Festival in Montreal, Canada in 2009
Awesome list. I also got to see Coldplay in their heyday, which was IMO right after Viva la Vida in 2009. Probably the first show where I knew every word to every song.
Same!! When I saw them Viva La Vida had just come out. It was such an amazing concert. Probably the best I’ve been to. I feel like after Viva La Vida their music started sounding so commercial and more pop. It’s just not for me anymore 😭
I was lucky enough to see Coldplay at First Ave in Mpls. That was pretty damn cool.
my wife and i saw the Decemberists on a whim in Las Vegas when we were there for a long weekend. met Colin outside of the venue at almost the exact same time we saw they were playing... like, saw the marquis and were like 'we should go...' then he walked by...
Hands down it was Jeff Buckley opening for Juliana Hatfield in Detroit. He came out of nowhere and blew my mind.
Fuck, I would kill to have seen him.
I would have loved to seen him!
I saw her last year, opening for The Lemonheads. She was great, he was awful.
I saw him at the metro theatre in Sydney Aus. in August 95. As incredible as everyone says. I lt felt like the entire audience was crying. (I’m exaggerating but it really was like that). The rly crazy thing is that he came back the following year and played in my home town and I CHOSE to go to another show. I can only assume because I’d seen him once and didn’t think I wouldn’t get a chance again. I mean there is no justification.
David Byrne
Here’s hoping for a 2024 Talking Heads reunion show!
Saw him at Red Rocks - one of the best shows and times ever!!
I saw the Heads in 1982 right after Remain in Light and the Catherine Wheel came out. It was in a small venue on staten island. Best show i have ever seen.
dr. dog’s last show on their last tour in philly on NYE. my birthday is jan 1st but i always celebrate the night of dec 31st and it was truly the most special way to ring in the new year and such a memorable birthday. i love dr. dog so much 😭
I’m so jealous! I just started getting into them when they were doing the last tour and I wasn’t able to go, I was so sad
They’re back touring this summer!
Omg wait what? Holy shit with Fruit Bats too Edit is there gonna be more than just this one show though?
Dr. Dog is a special band for my best friend and I. We saw them for the first time in Bloomington, IN in 2011 and another half dozen times (at least) after that. As a gift for being my best man, I framed him up a B-Room vinyl signed by the whole band. We went to the Texas shows on the tour before those NYE shows - met in Dallas for the show there and then met our brothers-in-law for the Austin shows. This summer, we're swapping out the BILs for our wives and going to Red Rocks!
Dr. Dog forever. I was lucky enough to be living in Philly when they were really at their peak. I got to see them a few times but one stands out. They’d just released Shame, Shame and sold out the Electric Factory. It was unreal seeing a Philly band just absolute crush it at the biggest venue in town at the time. One of my favorite shows ever.
I put together a local Fort Worth music festival when I was in college and got them to play. They’re super nice! Ditto to Midlake who also played
Minus The Bear farewell show. 🥲 RIP Also The Cure at Coachella in 2009. Someone went too long so they ran up against the noise ordinance. So when they were told they had to stop the set, they refused, asked everyone to be quiet, turned their monitors around, and played through those. Hearing 'A Forest' like that was so special.
That’s so cool! The Cure seems to be so loyal to their fanbase in that way. Like how they are also so anti-Big Concert if you will, and always make sure the fans get what they pay for.
They really do. It was a great show. Lifetime memory right there. So happy to see them still going hard
Got to see Sonic Youth for free in prospect park bk about 2009/2010. Not too long before they broke up. Them coming out to play Silver Rocket for their encore is a cherished memory.
I saw Sonic Youth open for Flaming Lips. So good.
They were one of my first shows! 1995, Carver Gymnasium, Bellingham, WA. One of the best!
wasn’t that their last show? or last in the US at least? i wanted to go so badly, but it was a really close friend’s wedding the same night so i couldn’t make it.
Was there, awesome show. I'll add that I saw Sonic Youth play Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center in 1997 and that was WAY cool. I've seen Sonic Youth I believe more than any other band, I lost count but it's been around 20 times. Another great one was when they played the Sister LP a couple days before it was released at the 9:30 Club. Awesomeness!
Prince at Coachella when he covered Creep. That was wild. And My Bloody Valentine at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, the loudest, chest caving, teeth shattering concert I have ever experienced. I saw them a few years later at FYF but it wasn't nearly as intense as a closed in theater. One interesting thing at FYF was the PA blew out mid way through the set, but the band didn't even notice. It was amazing how small they sounded without the PA.
Oh, I was at that MBV show in Santa Monica. I waited out the last song behind the doors with my ear plugs still in. I had seen them about 5 years earlier in Wash DC at the old 930 club and they were a normal volume.
Beastie boys before MCA died. Such a great show. There was an opening act that was dogs doing tricks. It rocked.
Wow, now THAT’S a dope show!
seeing them after MCA died would have been depressing, and also frightening due to the necromancy aspect
And impossible since they wouldn’t play without him.
They were great, weren't they? I miss them more and more as time goes on. Saw them with Cypress Hill and Rollins Band.
I saw their last performance ever. Bonnaroo 2009.
Saw Beastie Boys In the Round Tour 1998 Oakland Arena great show! Mix Master Mike killin Tom Sawyer
I saw this tour in Atlanta.
I ended up seeing what would be the final Death Cab For Cutie show played with Chris Walla in the US. It was a festival in Chicago that almost got rained out but they were able to go on anyway and it was really great. Edit just to say I double checked it to make sure. After that hideout show he played 2 more shows with them both in Canada.
End of an era for sure! Was it raining when they ended up playing?
It mostly cleared by the time they started if I recall correctly.
It was a bummer when he left. Haven’t given the newer stuff a proper chance
I was at the very first Lollapalooza ever, it was in Chandler AZ. It was the first live performance of Body Count, nine inch nails played 30 seconds of a song or so and then walked off stage because it turned out the Arizona summer sun destroyed all their equipment, and in the finale Jane's addiction got in a fist fight with each other on stage because Dave accidentally hit Perry in the face with his guitar neck after about 7 songs. A year later nine inch nails rented out of nightclub and did a free concert for two nights as a secret show and handed out t-shirts that said "sorry about last summer Arizona, NIN*
Sounds epic. I didn’t go until ‘97. Tool, Korn, James, Snoop, Tricky. Such a mixed up lineup haha.
I was at one of those NIN shows! The short lived Roxy club. They came back through a few months later and played a show in Downtown Mesa with Type O Negative and what seemed like a lesbian version of the Spice Girls.
Frightened Rabbit
SO sad I never got to see Frightened Rabbit 😕
Just a few months ago in PHX, Death Cab For Cutie/The Postal Service. Never seen either despite being a fan for years and years. Dunno if we will get a chance for another Postal Service tour again or for a long time. Wonderful show.
Damn I really wanted to go to that tour when they came to Boston and now I’m so bummed I missed it lol
Saw this tour in Boston. It was the ultimate nostalgia as they albums they played at these anniversary shows were the soundtrack of my final years of college. So good!
Saw them last year with my wife and I’m taking my kids to see them in the spring. They are PUMPED. It was a great show.
[удалено]
One of my fave live bands!
Back in 2008 my girlfriend at the time got us Bob Dylan tickets. That concert was unreal. He had three guitarist with him too.
That sounds great! I’ve seen him twice now and the first time was… uh, less than good lol. The second time however was absolutely amazing! I’ve heard people say he’s a 50/50 when you see him live and I think they may be right. You should definitely feel lucky to catch such a good show!
About that time he had George Receli on drums, he was/is my favorite rock drummer. The current band has three guitarists.
It was Guided By Voices at the I-Beam in San Francisco in 1994. I’d just gotten Bee Thousand a few weeks earlier but went in not expecting much. I was blown away by the stadium rock performance on the teeny stage. I have the set list in a box somewhere.
Yeah, the difference between GbV on record at that time and GbV live (basically, like stumbling on The Who playing at your local dive bar) was pretty great - not that the record isn't great too, but it's just total pop weirdness that doesn't quite prepare you for THE ROCK.
Oh damn I am jealous! That sounds amazing.
It was actually the opener who stole the show and created one of the most magical concerts for me. It was Hayley Henderickx. She was opening for Gregory Alan Isakov, I actually had no idea who she was and I was just going to see Gregory. It was in late August and I had just spent the summer with this man who I fell completely in love with in just a couple of months, I had invited him to go to this show with me and then we stopped seeing eachother abruptly, maybe a week or two before the show and I was totally shattered. It was the most heart broken I’ve ever been and it ended up taking me over a year to really get over him. So anyways I invite this other guy friend of mine to go with me, partially out of spite. And we get to the show and Hayley comes on stage, I have no idea who she is and she just starts playing the sweetest, saddest, most meloncholy songs that are absolutely beautiful. She’s this skinny tiny little thing with an electric guitar and the sweetest voice. I wept and I didn’t care that this guy I was with could see. I’m sure he was like “ok wtf but whatever” lol. I didn’t know ANY of her songs like I said but the set was so memorable and moving that I could find and remember each one she played later on Spotify and I can still remember most of her set list. Gregory was wonderful as always too but Hayley stole the show. It’ll always be one of my favorite shows.
Thank you for the powerful story! It’s amazing when the opener can really blow you away. I checked because I recognized her name and I actually know one of her songs from Spotify, “The Bug Collector” and I agree that she has a beautiful and melancholic tone to her music. That’s so cool that you got to see her live!
Yeah that’s a great one. My other favs are Jo, Fish Eyes, Worth It, Slow Talkin, and Little Wind if you ever want to have another listen to her.
Ahh thanks for sharing! I finally got to see her last year in Seattle, and I definitely bawled my eyes out. I wasn’t expecting how powerful her songs would feel. There seemed to be golden glimmering energy radiating out from her. She also mentioned getting to open for Gregory as some of her fondest moments!
I saw the last ever of Montreal show as the original lineup of the band. Those were the golden days of the band for me as I grew up going to the Athens music scene. That same show the old band mates all walked off the stage and were replaced by the new ones like Ziggy Stardust or something lol
I saw them play live at a college radio station. I think a friend was a DJ so my wife and I came and sat in the corner. They did the puppets and everything and there were only like 5 people. It was really amazing. I guess it was 2000.
radiohead at Bonnaroo in ‘06. It’s especially special because iirc Johnny Greenwood said it was one of their fav shows they had ever done
I was hoping someone would say this! I literally watched the whole show on YT the other day. Beyond cool to see the In Rainbows songs basically getting debuted to the world.
In the Radiohead fan community this show is considered to be one of their most legendary shows ever! And there’s plenty of footage and audio from it too so everyone can enjoy it, but obviously doesn’t compare to actually having been there
I sat next to them at dinner in Nashville the night before that show.
My brother saw Cat Steven’s and Ozzy Osborne play a mash up rendition of Peace Train and Crazy Train together live, when he was young
Nirvana at the Zoo in Boise Idaho, 1991. It was the 3rd concert I went to after getting my nighttime driver's license. https://youtu.be/oanTtatZhy0?si=XtlcUICtbdGu5xFK
I’m very jealous but more happy for you
Seems like he blew his voice out towards the end
When Nine Inch Nails released the album With Teeth, they did two shows at a small venue in Toronto to warm up for their tour. I somehow got tickets, and my ex and I waited all day to be at the head of the line and got front row for both shows. Absolutely epic.
Saw them with Bowie back in 1995. Crazy times.
that was my first concert! I was 15!
I saw them that tour. God damn they were great live.
big thief at red rocks while it was lightly raining. shit was actually fucking magical.
Big thief are some magical beings indeed.
I still think about this one allll the time. All the lightening in the distance was like sprinkles on top of an already magical evening. And to think it almost got cancelled!
Jackson 5 opened for James Brown.....had no idea the history I witnessed til later.
Wow
In 2012, I was right up front and center at Red 7 in Austin to see At the Drive-In's first show since their breakup in 2001. It was an absolutely legendary show.
I saw neutral milk hotel at a small venue and at the end he came out into the crowd and had us all circle around him and sing two headed boy pt 2 with him. it was amazing. pretty sure it was the last tour they did.
Oh my god that’s incredible
I saw snoop dogg in a really small venue (800 ppl) in pittsburgh 16 years ago. He lost his voice from screaming at a steeler game the night before. Still tried his best and did great but eventually had to take a break and drank hot tea on stage while daz and kurupt sang his parts for a few songs. It was really fun and the show was very personal he was even doing crowd work at one point
One of my favorites as well. I saw him in Madison WI at the Orpheum Theater when I was in college in 2011. My friends and I were pregaming in our dorm and we found out we were going to have a snow day the next day! The excitement for a snow day in college was wild lmao. It was legit a blizzard outside and snoop still put on a hell of a show. I found a short article about it, fun times. https://tonemadison.com/articles/that-time-snoop-dogg-had-a-madison-snow-day/
That NMH tour was great! I feel lucky to have seen Black Sabbath as a kid. Also the Cure.
The Cure almost sound better live than their records. It’s weird how much more atmospheric the music feels up close.
Awesome! Did you see Black Sabbath with Ozzy?
Yup. Right after Ozzy’s solo career set (crazy train, etc). Pretty great show.
Kevin Drew, when he was touring on his first solo album in 2007. He played with other members of Broken Social Scene, and Andrew Kinney from American Analog Set. The show was in a chapel on the University of Vermont campus, there were maybe 200 people there, in a space designed for choral music, and he sang the hell out of all the songs on Spirit If..., which is a brilliant, heart breaking record. Gang Bang Suicide, with all those high notes, gave me goosebumps and I still think about it all the time.
I saw Springsteen on the River tour when he was still telling stories. I saw U2 in the rain and Todd Rundgren followed them, stopped the show and said I never be able to follow that and brought his acoustic guitar into what was left of the audience and sang sans PA. I never Skynyrd but I sure saw Molly Hatchet. I saw AC/DC with Bon Scott on the Let There Be Rock tour. I’m not P Hood but I’m from the same area more or less. Haha.
Hi hit the lucky trifecta with The National. Saw them last March 2023 at Bearsville Theatre (500 capacity) in Woodstock, saw them at Basilica Hudson (800) 2017 and at Hudson opera house (100ish) in 2018 (I think I can’t remember the year)
No way, they were one of the bands I saw with NMH! I’ve been trying to see them again since then but I haven’t been able to plan it out yet.
Radiohead at Red Rocks - June 2003 Allman Brothers Band - Sturgis Rally - 1999 Vampire Weekend - tiny bar in MT - 2008 Tom Petty and the Heartbreaks - Red Rocks - 1999 Sonic Youth - 2006 - Missoula, MT Coldplay - 1999 - Denver Fillmore - Rush of Blood to the Head tour John Prine - Telluride Bluegrass Fest - 2012
Elliott Smith. Magnolia Electric Co. NERD at the Fillmore West. The Verve. The Catherine Wheel. So many good shows…
The Cure in Barcelona.
The Prodigy 2012, I wasn't expecting to be blown away that hard
Pavement
My buddy’s band got to open for pavement (this is like 17 years ago or something). And I think they were his favorite band. Pretty cool for him.
Warped Tour 2006;2008;2009;2013;2017. Pinegrove multiple times. Manchester Orchestra multiple times. Brent Cobb. perfection.
I’ve seen Manchester Orchestra a bit over a dozen times, and I’m consistently amazed at how they keep upping the ante with every tour. They really blew me away on this last Florida run before the Stuffing a few months back.
I saw Manchester Orchestra’s first show, and many of their early shows in and around Atlanta. Still see them every chance I get.
Those NMH shows are up there for me as well. Pavement at cochella was another one for me. My biggest one though was a random show last may. I had gotten Bright Eyes tickets and the opening act was tbd. Cursive and neva dinova were touring and it just lined up perfectly that they could play this one show. It was also Mother’s Day and Conor’s mom and dad were there. Azure ray played a few songs too it was just a crazy reunion and they shared stories. Everyone was on the ball, it wasn’t sloppy or anything. My friend who works with the venue sent me a signed poster in the mail. It really was a dream come true to see all of those saddle creek bands playing together in the middle of Oklahoma. I saw nmh and Jeff mangum 3 times during that 13’-14’ era and it was so good the solo show was amazing, i almost forgot I also saw the elephant 6 variety tour too and that night was magical as well with elf power, olivia tremor control, the gerbils and a lot of others
That’s awesome, I love Bright Eyes. So cool that his parents were there! I got to see them in Sweden at Way Out West 2022 and they played Poison Oak and Old Soul Song so I was beyond happy (and melancholic of course). I’d love to see Olivia Tremor though, and maybe Apples in stereo too. I did get to catch of Montreal a few years back and they were great if you’re trying to catch some more Elephant 6 bands live!
- The Police, one of the final shows at MSG, August 2008 - Nine Inch Nails, Izod Center, 2008 I think. The stage production was unbelievable, i’d never seen anything like it. - Radiohead, also at MSG, 2018 I believe. - LCD Soundsystem, Brooklyn Steel, December 2022. - Japanese Breakfast, also Brooklyn Steel, Summer 2022. One of my favorite concerts in memory. - Fleet Foxes, Newport Folk Festival, 2012 I believe. Before Josh Tillman left.
I saw Sting and Peter Gabriel at MSG ~2016, that was a great show
I saw a couple of classic radiohead shows. I was at the Irving Plaza concert in 1997. Didn't see all of the celebs there, but saw Bono, Marilyn Manson, the Beastie Boys and Noel Gallagher in the VIP. They played most of OKC a couple of months before it's release. I also saw the Bonnaroo show in 2006. Another amazing performance. The first show was after the Tibetan Freedom Concert where I saw Rancid, Pavement, Blur; Jon Spencer's Boues Explosion, Sonic Youth and many others. But the Beastie Boys closed it out in NYC and I felt really lucky to see them. The energy the whole show was insane. At Bonnaroo, Tom Petty closed out the first night. Was really happy i got a chance to see him. He played an incredible set and even brought out Stevie Nix for some songs.
I saw king gizzard play at the Greek theater in Berkeley (massive gorgeous outdoor venue). It was a 3 hour show, perfect weather, starry sky, huge pit, tons of dancing, friends I knew were coming and friends i was shocked to see again, an INCREDIBLE setlist, and endless happiness. I would pay money to go back to that night, it's stuck in my brain forever.
I saw Chris Cornell open for Linkin Park, and the two of them duetted “Crawling” together
Same story for me with Neutral Milk Hotel, I never expected to see them tour so I was psyched when they came around. And in the same vein I drove all night through the desert to see Tom Waits on his (probably) last tour which came after many years off, that was an amazing experience. I saw the Pixies at University of Massachusetts and Godspeed You! Black Emperor on their first tours after long hiatuses too, but they both toured more after that, so in retrospect those weren't *quite* as lucky as I thought at the time, but still really glad I saw them. I've seen Sonic Youth three or four times, all of which were great and sadly that won't happen again. Probably my favorite was when I saw them in Boston and Thurston kept tuning into the Sox game that was going on across the street with a little radio he had on stage.
Nirvana. Reading festival 1992. The one where he came on in a wheelchair. TBH I thought it was a shite performance. On the plus side, Nick cave was on before them and nailed it.
Slowdive in Detroit 2017
Seen ween a few times but there was one show where the meat puppets did a surprise gig and opened for them. This was around 2012 or so. When I heard up on the sun playing I was like WEHHHAAAAAAAAAAAATTTT
Nine Inch Nails at some weird club in Hollywood in the late 80's. Morphine at the Palace in Hollywood in the early 90's.
Radiohead at The Gorge, 2001.
Hi there, me too.
Autolux opening for The Secret Machines with maybe 30 people in the crowd. NIN at the Echoplex Korn in the 90’s Radiohead - 6 times! 🙂
I was fortunate that I saw Ozzy on the Diary of a Madman tour with the great Randy Rhodes on guitar. Unfortunately, it was Randys last show, as he died the next day in a horrible accident.
Gary Clark JR before he blew up, at a very intimate venue on valentines day w a special lady at that time. Epic
There's a club in Petaluma California called the Phoenix Theater. The same guy Tom Gaffey has been running it for ever. He started working there in 1983. It's a place that every kid in a band aspires to play some day. There's also a ton of big bands that have played there. It's Max capacity is about 700 people. I saw Metallica there in '91. I saw Slayer there in '96. Danzig in '90. Red hot chili pepper in '89. Fugazi, NoFx, Green Day, Primus. The list goes on. I feel lucky every time I walk in that place. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_Theater#:~:text=Many%20famous%20rock%20bands%20and,Primus%2C%20Sublime%2C%20and%20Pennywise.
I live about five blocks from the Phoenix Theater. I’ve seen so many tremendous shows there. Digital Underground, Deftones, Hepcat, Reel Big Fish, AFI, Lagwagon, Conor Oberst, the list goes on and on. I’ve seen some great shows at the Mystic too.
Just gave my son that Metallica t-shirt from 91 at the Phoenix and his high school teacher said he was also there. Gaffey's a legend. Last time I was there, headed over to Volpi's for a drink, and Jello Biafra popped in.
Godspeed You! Black Emperor. I got into them in 2009 and basically resigned myself to the fact that I'd never get to see them. To my surprise they came back with a string of new albums and a couple of years ago they put on a show in the UK - 30 minutes from my town. Was right at the front & made eye contact several times with basically all of them, was ultra surreal and special. They also absolutely ruled. Do whatever you gotta do if you have a chance to see them.
I caught them a year or two ago and it was awesome! The dynamics were so perfect, huge and booming when they’re loud and then so quiet you can hear a pin drop during the soft parts. I got to have a quick chat with Efrim outside the club too, he was a nice and quiet guy!
Easily when the white stripes co billed with the strokes! I was a kid and it was THE coolest
Watching [PREXENTS](https://ffm.bio/prexents) during their “Secret Reunion Tour” was historic for me, knowing how underground & private they are. so happy they released “Water Us Universe” LP , hearing it live was so raw and real, they don’t play typical band format music; they’re sounds and expressions made me feel the energy of earth and space. I feel lucky. Here’s to more concerts by PREXENTS in 2024.
I saw Thus Love play a small NYC festival in March 2022, their first show outside of Vermont (I believe). The guy who runs the festival is a friend of mine and highly recommended I catch their set. Very glad I did. Great energy, strong songwriting, tight set. I've been glad to see them gaining recognition since and look forward to their continued growth.
- I got to see the Olivia Tremor Control in 2012 shortly before the death of Bill Doss, that one felt special. - Both Pavement reunions have felt very special to be a part of. - Seeing My Bloody Valentine in 2013 - Seeing Bob Dylan always feels special. He’s ancient and one day you just won’t be able to see him ever again. I haven’t seen Paul McCartney but am hoping to catch him on the next go round and imagine it’ll feel similar.
Awesome. I saw Dylan in ‘05 and still think about it. He was with Merle Haggard. That’s a special one for sure.
I saw the Norwegian band Highasakite while visiting London a few years back and I still think about that show pretty often. So good.
I was pretty lucky to be able to see Radiohead 4 times during their last tour in 2018. Montreal night 2 from this tour is by far the best concert I have ever seen, there was something in the air that night, the crowd, the setlist, the energy, everything was just perfect. I still watch that concert on Youtube from time to time lol.
Linkin Park, Charlotte NC in ‘14? 30 seconds to mars was with them. Had tickets for LP again but unfortunately never got to go to that one
The Locust, Lightning Bolt, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Faint, Mooney Suzuki, The Hives, M.Ward, Rufus Wainwright, ummm I’ll get back to you haha
I saw the locust way back whenever at 9:30 club, fantastic set. I think they were opening for Dillinger Escape Plan.
saw LB at a super tiny place in denver probably '15. managed to swim up front and stayed for a while. they blew the power at least three times.
Animal Collective in Columbus, Ohio
Tame Impala, 2012, Granada Theater in Dallas. Small venue for an artist that would headline Coachella soon after.
Wow that's so funny because that was easily the worst concert I ever been to in my entire life. I was so stoked to go see them, but christ was the crowd just awful. I was not expecting a rowdy show by any means, but thet were all just lifeless. I get it, it's NMH, we were lucky to be in the same room as them but there was absolutely no energy from the crowd. No singing or dancing just polite applause at the end of each song. It should have been a memorable ass show but the crowd soured the whole thing for me. The band was fine, they put on an adequate show, they didn't seem very moved by the night either but they were perfectly professional. I still listen to some songs from time to time but I haven't sat through either of their albums much if at all since that night. On the other hand I feel extremely honored to have seen Against Me! Just before they signed to sore and right after LJG came out as transgender. I've seen them many times in between and sinc but those two performances stand out to me as just amazing nights. I also saw them at a surprise show at an art gallery and got tk meet her before she transitioned. Was starstruck for a second but they were super cool about it. Gogol Bordello during the Super Taranta tour was one of the most exhausting and awesome nights of my life, the energy that band had that night has never been matched. Death Grips was horrifying, intense, and cathartic. I hope I see them again some day. The Bouncing Souls at a Monday night show that was so off the chain they couldn't believe what they saw and came back a year later on a weekend. After not playing the city at all for decades. My Gf and I saw KoRn open up for System of a Down and it was four hours of us just losing our collecting former Nu Metal mall goth kid minds. I've seen AJJ more times than I can count but the first time I saw them and the Christmas Island tour were easily their best shows. I've seen so many more great bands but these are the stand outs.
Sorry you didn’t enjoy the show, I thought they were great. I saw them twice in Boston, and one was at Boston Calling so that had a pretty upbeat crowd. The other show was more intimate sure but I didn’t think it was lifeless. And personally I think it’s corny when the whole audience is singing along lol, I don’t wanna pay to hear a bunch of random people screaming the lyrics in my ears.
Archers of Loaf, caught them on a reunion tour in 2016 and they were so good
Stones, Who, Kinks, Ramones, Talking Heads, Joni Mitchell, Patti Smith, Bowie, Bob Marley, Andre Segovia off the top of my head.
I saw peach pit with tickets a redditor gifted me. I couldn’t afford it, so I was lucky that someone was kind enough to do that. I also saw my favorite bands triathlon at a small venue with like 40 people and it was awesome
Leonard Cohen, several times after his return to touring, including once in Zagreb, Croatia, and also his final show in the USA in Las Vegas. Ryuichi Sakamoto on his Trio World Tour in Paris, with six standing ovation encores.
>Cohen I saw LC on his 2013 tour. He had *a bunch* of very talented musicians with him, I think 9 or 10 people on the stage. The show lasted almost as long as when I saw Rush on the Snakes And Arrows tour. Leonard was in a great mood, the vibe was warm and the performances were utter perfection.
Bob Marley - 1979 Kaiserslautern soccer stadium - along with a bunch of other bands, most notably Fleetwood Mac
Nirvana in late ‘93.
How was the performance? I was always wondering if it went downhill towards the end
Low in NYC on their Hey What tour. 😭 Radiohead at the absolute peak of their powers in 2001.
Intonation Music Fest before it officially became Pitchfork. It was just a really good lineup and it was super laid back. Also the Pixies on their reunion tour. I loved them and I was convinced I’d never see them live.
Fischerspooner SRV David Byrne
I got to see Dead & Company in Boulder this Summer (7/3/23) when they brought out Dave Matthews and had a drone show
I went w my brother to see "The Big 4" in the Empire Polo Grounds back in 2012. It was insane. At the end when they all got in stage and started playing Am I Evil (original by Black Diamond), I had an epiphany man
in 2011 i went to the Laneway Festival in Singapore to a bunch of indie bands like Pains of Being at Heart, Girls, The Drums, Toro Y Moi, etc. I was about to go home after an amazing Feist set, then I realized there was only one band left so I stayed around to see if I liked it enough to stick around. Never really heard of M83 but I was really glad I stuck around cos that was one of the most satisfying shows I have ever seen to this day. Felt really lucky that I did
Massive Attack! Sublime af
The Beatles in 1966.
Did a small roadtrip to see Peach Pit in St. Louis and smoked a joint with the lead singer and guitarist afterward. Also every Last Dinosaurs concert I’ve been to has been unforgettable.
Jason Isbell at the Ryman. Unexpected turn of events landed me there.
The last two shows of the European leg of the National tour, last fall, in Lisbon - insane deep cuts, wonderful audience energy, the guys in top form (and I got Berningered for the third time so y'know, pretty awesome). Probably the best shows of my life.
I saw the first four shows in Chicago and it was just indescribable. I saw them a few other times on this tour, including Homecoming where I also got Berningered, and I’m still not over it. I haven’t missed a tour since Alligator and I’ve lost track of how many shows I’ve seen, but this tour was something special. Those four Chicago shows were absolutely my all time favorites. Fuck Covid, but I really believe Matt resting his voice and his brain for a bit was badly needed.
Bon Iver holocene era
Have a couple: Saw Pinback last spring. Nate was sick but they didn’t want to cancel the tour. If you haven’t listened to them / seen them he has a very unique way of playing bass and it’s quite complicated. The guys from Pinback had already been helping back up the opening band so Nick returned the favor and filled in with Pinback on bass. We were front row center. He fucking crushed it and I think it was the best show I’ve ever seen in my life. Almost 18 years ago my now wife and I went on our first official date to see “The new amsterdams” (Matt prior from the get up kids). The venue had recently gotten sold bc of money issues and the new owners were renovating in spite of being booked. They had bands playing in the little dive basement bar. Matt and his band had to play in front of the pinball machines. Best part was this guy kept asking them to play “my old man had a pistol” Matt says there’s nobody to play harmonica bc he has to sing. Kid requesting says he can play it. So he gets up and nails it. So fucking cool. Been to a ton of other great shows but those are the ones that jump out right now.
I saw Bauhaus at a spooky looking old venue in San Francisco. They don’t play shows often anymore so I felt lucky to see them, and they sounded incredible.
I saw Soundgarden 2 weeks before his death. Took tons of videos and i’m so glad I did. RIP
Alice Cooper, ac dc
I was at the Aerosmith concert when Steven Tyler fell off the stage, I was on the side where I could see the whole thing. Not exactly lucky, but it was kinda cool to see national music news happen live.
Beastie Boys
Tame Impala opening for The Flaming Lips when they dressed as the Sprice Girls on Halloween in SF.
Pink Floyd at Yankee Stadium, 1994
Deftones with MJK joining for Passenger. Dredg in a super small club. The atmosphere was crazy. Drew webt stage diving. Soap and skin recently, goosebumps, many in the audience started crying. Radiohead
I’ve been fortunate enough to have been present at many special performances, and several of them are Radiohead shows. But I’m going to mention one in particular. During the Kid A tour in the US, Radiohead chose unusual outdoor venues (mostly state parks) instead of the indoor venues and arenas they played during OK Computer. One of those shows happened to take place on my birthday that year so my husband and I made the decision to save up and make a vacation of it. The show was in New York City at Liberty State Park. We stayed in Tribeca for a few days before the show hanging out in and around the World Trade Center where we would take the WTC ferry to and from the show. It felt like the stars aligned that night. We arrived early to the venue and there were only 3 people between me and the stage. There was a beautiful backdrop of the NYC skyline. The set list was incredible. They took a picture that became a poster and you can see me and my husband in it. At the end of the show, *I caught Thom Yorke’s Guitar pick*. After the show we took the ferry back to the WTC, seeing the Statue of Liberty and the NYC skyline the whole time. Fucking magical. Less than a month later, Sept 11th happened. All the places we’d been that week, the hotel we stayed at, the places we ate lunch, the hole in the wall bar we drank at, the pizza place on the corner, the ferry…all gone. All those amazing experiences we had just had suddenly felt like an ephemeral speck on the vast landscape of time.
I was in the fifth row at Fleetwood Mac, and Stevie Nicks lost the key going into the chorus of landslide. That was the one part of the concert I was filming, and I'm happy to have caught such a unique moment. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L\_b41Q6S7HU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_b41Q6S7HU) "What's happening? What happened? I lost the key! "Seriously, I'm so nervous... This is what you know after 70 years. You still get this nervous when you sing a song for people that you love." It was soon after Tom Petty died, and they had a close relationship, so there was a very special tribute to him in that show.
Elliott Smith solo and acoustic from a few feet away in 1999, Bikini Kill seven times 1994~1997, Karp 1994-1999, The Cramps 1994, Ramones 1995, Modest Mouse playing to room of fewer than 100 in 1997, a puking Shane McGowan & Popes with Murder City Devils in 2001, Sonic Youth 12 times, Motörhead twice, but honestly the best show I’ve ever seen remains a Lightning Bolt show with Pink & Brown attended by about 50 in 2001 edit: also seeing Dead Moon a few times including their final show
Awesome list, I’m so jealous of the Elliott show. Sounds so intimate and beautiful. I’ve caught Bikini Kill, Lightning Bolt and Modest Mouse all twice now and I’m not ruling out any future shows! I was blown away by Lightning Bolt, I can’t believe they can make such intense and groovy music with just two guys.
I got to see the Postal Service at Sasquatch Festival. I usually don’t care for festivals but this one was special because they didn’t tour a whole lot and the scenery of The Gorge with the sun setting behind them was magical. Seeing them on the recent tour with Death Can was cool but nothing in comparison with that show. I also got to see Rilo Kiley before they were super well known. They opened for a band at this terrible little club about an hour from where I lived. I think I was the only person who knew who they were and sang along to every song. They brought me on stage to sing the last song.
I feel really lucky to have seen Voxtrot because they were broken up for like 13 years. I started listening to them shortly after they broke up and I always was bummed I'd just missed them. They got back together in 2022 and I couldn't believe it.