Dream Theater. Simply because I’m a big fan, and their live shows always has something their studio recordings don’t have, such as a song suddenly containing an improv section.
Been to four of their shows so far.
EDIT: Oh, and Devin Townsend. He was the warmup act of the previous DT concert, and I didn’t know such a high entertainment/mass ratio was possible in a single person.
I unfortunately can no longer stand Labrie’s live vocals. I saw them in their latest tour, just so I could see them back with Portnoy, but that’s probably the last time for me. I shouldn’t be comparing them, but because they are contemporaries, Russel Allen (with Symphony X) just blows him out of the water as he’s still amazing live.
Been a fan since Images and Words, finally saw them last year. Can confirm the live show is incredible.
Can’t wait to catch another one.
2 bands:
Guster: omg it is so much fun to watch the unique drum set, and their stage show is always fun
The Mountain Goats: I mean they are my favorite band, I love the existentialism in their music.
The thing their shows have in common is they are having a lot of fun, they respect their fans, they appreciate that their fans came to see them, and they still love making music.
I saw Jonathan Colton once, and he talked with such disdain toward the audience. It was so disparaging towards his fans I refuse to listen to his music now. Kind of the opposite of what I’m describing.
Wise Guys. Wonderful band with extremely smart and funny texts. Reason no longer visiting concerts: They disbanded.
I’ve seen the Grateful Dead and Phish many times.
But others I’ve seen multiple times and would see again (if possible):
Paul Simon Stevie Wonder King Crimson Joe Walsh Santana Neil Young Weird Al Camper van Beethoven Jethro Tull James Taylor David Bowie
Weird Al Yankovic! He’s cool! Love him!
Dead Can Dance.
Flogging Molly! Took my girlfriend (now wife) to see them for the first time 23 years ago. She loved it, so I figured she was worth keeping. We’ve seen them eight times now over the years, always a great show. Thankfully Dave King made it through his head injury and coma, so the band may be back playing again this year.
BTBAM - 8x - They’re just phenomenal live. It’s a shame their crowd is on the older side now because they were one of the scary bands when I was younger. Like you’d go in their pit and be afraid. Now everybody is bopping around and there’s less chaos. But they are just as phenomenal now as they were 20 years ago.
Periphery - 5x - Same as above except their crowd is a bit younger. The shows still get rowdy. Everybody has a love or hate opinion on Spencer(their singer) but once you see him live it’s magical. Their last record is IMO their best period and I really have to see them play a couple songs off that one.
Sonata Arctica.
Lead singer has amazing crowd presence, and every time I’ve seen them they’ve been amazing
Iron Maiden. They just keep on rocking. Their shows are great and they’re not mired in controversy (afaik). I think it’s great they are repeating all the old tours.
Full blown fireworks battle between Bruce and Eddie!
I was not expecting that, and it totally went off. :^]
Zach Deputy, until I heard he was at Jan 6.
Damnit Zach. His brother was always a preachy young earth creationist etc so guess I’m not shocked. Havnt spoken to either of them in probably 20yrs… shame they’re both stupidly talented musicians
I’ve seen Haken and Thank You Scientist at least 3 times, and I won’t hesitate to see them again. Just virtuosos so it’s always great to see people of that skill play their instruments. Meshuggah I’ve only seen once, but will definitely go anytime I have the chance. Heaviest band I’ve ever seen live.
Opiuo. About 10 times, including at Festivals. Just fucking great dance music.
Also Machine Gun Fellatio. Only 2 or 3 times, but what a show, even now they are all in their 50s
Ween.
Seen them a half-dozen times and they kick ass every time. I’ll see them any time they come to town (if budget and schedule allow).
They’re still playing? I thought they retired.
They took a break for a while (I think Aaron had some substance abuse issues) and then came back and toured. Last I saw, they’re taking a break again, I think for mental health reasons. I’m a terrible stalker so you’ll probably want to look it up yourself if you want accurate info.
Deaner does fishing tours near where I live. Always wanted to go but I would want to bring a friend, I’m the only one that listens to Ween lol.
Somewhere around here I have a Brown Troop Fishing (or something like that) sticker from when he first started doing it.
Were I not on the other side of the country, and if I had much interest and aptitude for fishing, I’d say we could buddy up.
Genuine answer: Weird Al
He puts on an incredible show every time. The costume changes alone put most artists to shame. He’s just as enthusiastic and active as he was over 40 years ago (Seriously, the man is 66)
And of course the songs and skits are hilarious.
We have tickets to see him this year for the second time on his current tour.
Seen Al 4 or 5 times in the last 30 years. A fantastic show each time. Drug some friends to the last one, all of which were not real Al fans, and all of which said they enjoyed the show way more than expected.
