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.
My partner and I try to see Jeff Rosenstock any time we can. Its been probably 5 or 6 shows now haha. Parquet Courts is another one, we’ve seen MJ Landerman a few times as well. Would recommend all.
Valerie June She’s got an energy that just makes me feel grounded, real, in the moment.
Jose Gonzales Amazing, either solo or with the whole group.
My wife & I have seen Weird Al 4 times now and will be seeing him again this summer. While he mostly does a big show of his parodies with costumes & props we’ve also see him do a low-key acoustical tour where he only played his original music and none of the parodies. We also saw him tour with a full 30-piece orchestra, which was really fun as well.
Smaller scale than most of the other answers here, but if B.A. Johnston is in town, I’m fucking there unless I’m sick or dealing with some kinda crisis.
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen him, but every single time has been an amazing night out even if it’s the same shtick each show.
(Who am I kidding, I’m there for the Cheezies)
I’ve seen GWAR 18 times, going on 19 this April. There’s nothing like it. It’s so absurd and fun and over the top. It’s true “art” in the sense that it’s all their creation and all an expression of how they feel about things, but covered in space jizz.
Husband and I have seen The Decemberists something like 6-8 times. I love this band, I love its unique style, and they put on a show that just lifts my spirits every time. Even the time the whole venue was signing Everything is Awful in unison. I’ve seen them in KC, Omaha, Oakland, and London. When I see they’re touring, I buy tickets. Simple as.
blur, Suede, Pink Floyd.
I don’t know if any of them will tour again anytime soon, but I’d definitely recommend seeing them live if possible. The reason is that it’s beautiful music played honestly. There’s nothing else to it.
Down. Always a great show
Punch Brothers. They’re essentially the peak of what bluegrass can be, mixed with baroque, mixed with indie.
Not their best song, but a good display of their musicianship.
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.
I’ll second Guster. Seen them 3 times? Good performers, good music.
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.
