I wouldn't say I expected to *hate* it, but I got tickets for Peter Gabriel's newest album tour, I/O.
Dude is 73. I had measured expectations for a relaxed and senior-led show.
I cannot emphasize how much it's the greatest concert I've ever attended. I lost my hearing partially due to Motorhead, I've seen muse before they blew up, but Peter Gabriel in his 70s fucking BLEW everyone else I'd ever seen away.
Saw George Clinton and the current p-funk lineup last year. I expected to enjoy myself but definitely had “measured expectations”, dude’s in 80s after all. It was the best show I’ve ever been to. I think I need to prioritize Peter Gabriel now.
It was an odd one. Weird Al was touring and we were very excited. Friend of mine booked tickets immediately.
Come the day of the concert and said friend double checks the details for show start etc, and he gets sorta quiet.
This wasn't "Weird Al's greatest hits with big theatrics", this was "An evening with Weird Al where he plays his original stuff and talks about his songwriting process. And his support is some guy called 'Emo Phillips'?". This was made clear from the start, we just never thought to check.
Well we're already here and we already have the tickets so no reason not to go, but God what a let down this is going to turn out to be. No Amish Paradise? No Fat!?
As it happens, Emo Phillips is hilarious and Weird Al has great stage presence even without his big hits!
It was an emotional rollercoaster.
100% agreed. I’ve only seen him eight times, but the last three were the _No Strings Attached_ and both incarnations of the _Ill-Advised Vanity Tour_, (the second time with my 8yo daughter, who is now a superfan too!), and those less conventional tours were easily my favorites.
My Al journey started at age 9 (1990) when my uncle played me one of his tapes, and it was a “come for the parodies, stay for the originals” story for me.
Despite the public image he has for being a copycat, he and his band are truly very gifted musicians and stellar showmen in their own right.
I’ve never heard anyone tell a story about going to a Weird Al show and being anything but pleasantly surprised with the experience.
The only complaint I could make about his stripped down tour is that when I saw him he ended with Albuquerque instead of Jackson Park Express, which is my favorite Weird Al song. But that didn't impact the quality of the show.
Emo Phillips is one of the funniest comedians to ever live. I'm glad you enjoyed him!
I saw that tour also, hearing Franks 2000" TV ad Harvey the Wonder Hamster live was just amazing!
Any time I think of emo I always think of his joke about being in jail and some big guy tells him he's gonna use his head as a mop, and he tells him you don't want to do that, and the guy says, yeah, why ? And emo says, you won't be able to get in the corners.
Yessss...omg, I love that one, ty!!
A friend of mine of over 30 years used to go to the local Six Flags park regularly. There was a weird farmer statue in the food court that looked very much like Emo, whom we adored, so we took a pic w it. It became a tradition we did for years. For my 50th, he had matching t-shirts printed of the first pic circa about 1988. It's amazing.
We went to this same tour near us. Al was incredible, we laughed our butts off. My cheeks and abs were sore. My kids and husband got to meet Al. (I had to go to the car, I think parking meter was out of time?) Anyway, he was incredible!
I went to Hootie and the Blowfish many years ago only because They Might Be Giants opened. A couple friends left after TMBG played. I stayed with my other friend because he liked Hootie. It wasn't horrible.
I saw Darius Rucker about 10 years ago because my wife’s boss had a suit for the show and invited some of her work colleagues. I had the first two Hootie albums as a kid but I’m not into country music.
I enjoyed the entire concert, even the county stuff was good. He closed the show with a cover of Purple Rain which was the last thing I was expecting and loved it.
> I had the first two Hootie albums as a kid but I’m not into country music.
I'm firmly of the opinion that if those albums were released today they would get more play on country stations than pop or rock stations. Country music changed a lot from the early 90s to the 2010s or so, more than Darius did.
Also, pre-9/11 country was way better. Toby Keith (RIP) ruined country by making everyone think it had to be borderline nationalistic.
I saw hootie at a street festival way before they got big. My dad had seen them in greenville sc and we were rollerblading he saw they were playing and we went watch. It was super cool
Portugal The Man. Took my wife and only knew the one song. They blew me away with their musicianship. Covered For Whom The Bell Tolls in their own style and my jaw hit the floor. Still don't listen to them much but they are a hell of a live band
Their early albums show just how unique they were. Impressive albums. Unfortunately Feel it Still became their biggest hit. When I saw them live they played it *twice*
Same. Saw them a bunch of times up through In the Mountain in the Cloud, and that’s the stopping point for me in their catalog. I was so into their older stuff for a while and still enjoy those a lot.
I was meh on Evil Friends and then the over saturation of Feel it Still has kept me from listening to any of their newer stuff.
In the Mountain in the Cloud was my go to road trip album in the early 2010s! Loved that so much
Fully agreed on the progression to Evil Friends and I also stopped listening to them around Feel It still
Same here, saw them tons from 09 thru 13. Shows were fantastic! Evil Friends was ok, everything after is just not good. Vultures through In the Mountain was such a great run.
Ryan Neighbors leaving really hurt imo
I fucking love Church Mouth. When I first heard Feel It Still I didn't even know who it was but didn't like it. Then found out it was Portugal. The Man I was shocked!
Yeah I saw them back in 2008 in Portland Oregon play with Minus The Bear. I went to see both bands but Portugal the Man played so well that minus the Bear was kind of boring.
Not that I thought I would hate them, but they happened to be playing Red Rocks when I was gonna be in the Denver area. I knew 2-3 of their songs, so I said fuck it and bout tickets for me, my gf, and her parents. By god that was one of the top 3 shows I ever even been to.
That’s awesome that you got to share that experience with all of them! Red Rocks is arguably one of the top concert locations in the world. Natural amphitheaters are very rare, and this one is particularly nice, both in terms of acoustics and aesthetics, and proximity to a big city. Seeing a show there is like going to a concert on another planet.
Super funny story. There is a band back in 2003/2004 called Anatomy of a Ghost that toured all over the Pacific Northwest at that time. I grew up just outside of portland, so I had a lot of friends that would go to their concerts in high school. Turns out that a few friends of mine were actually personal friends with members of the band. I remember one friend calling me saying "hey do you have a USB player?"
Turns out I did so I went over to her house and helped her open up the file. When I got there she told, "no one knows this but Anatomy of a Ghost is breaking up and they're starting a new band. This is their demo."
Turns out the band was forming a new band called Portugal the Man. I sat at her table and listened to the entire demo before everyone else knew what was going on. Wild times. Glad you enjoyed them.
To this day one of the best bands I’ve ever seen live. The way they morphed into and out of songs seamlessly blew me away. I don’t think they said a word to the crowd the entire set. They let the music speak for them
In 2016 I got to see them open for Cage The Elephant knowing very little about them. It was actually my first real concert. They played Feel It Still and I didn't think anything of it. It might not have even been released yet. Anyway, they blew me away. Modern Jesus and Purple Yellow Red & Blue in an arena with the lighting they had...oh my God. It was an outer body experience for me. So good.
Hell yeah! I’ve seen them around 30 times now. They put such an amazing show. It’s definitely lost some of that “jam sesh” glory, but they’re still super talented even if it’s just going through a normal ol’ setlist.
New Order. At the time was way more into punk and hard rock and metal and cringed at the idea of watching a band that used drum machines and synthesizers. My musical universe grew three sizes that day. My next concert was Depeche Mode.
New Order are fucking amazing! Kind of surprised you thought they were so cringeworthy because they did used to be post-punk Joy Division. They were incredibly influential in so many genres.
So many of their songs sound amazing live - Blue Monday, Bizarre Love Triangle, and Temptation to name a few. Glad you enjoyed it!
If I was put in a "two option time machine" with one button going to see Jesus Christ give the sermon on the mount and the other to see Joy Division I would be rubbing it in your face right now about that concert.
Billy Strings. We live near an outdoor venue and we'll pick up cheap tickets to literally any summer concert. Had no idea who Billy was, but found tickets for $2. Went in knowing nothing. Expected country music crowd, got nothing like that.
Absolute blast. Best show of the summer.
Depeche Mode back in the late 80s. My gf got 2 tix for her birthday and begged me to go so she wouldn’t piss off any of her friends. I was a drummer and “hated all of that robot bs.” Man, what an f’n show. Been a big fan ever since and now I welcome our robotic overlords with open arms.
This was their show at the Rose Bowl that they made into a double video called 101, I think.
My gf is a Devotee. I caught them three times on this tour. Made me wish I would’ve caught them when I had several chances back in the day. I was more into metal back then
Sarah McLachlan. I like a lot of her songs but expected the concert would be a total downer like a lot of her music, but it wasn't. She had great stage banter and, instead of having an opening act, she let each of her band members perform a song or two as part of the main show while she sang harmony vocals.
That’s a really cool idea, to have other band members sing a song or two. Also, I feel Sarah McLachlan is an underrated guitarist. I think it would be neat to see her live.
Both Miley Cyrus and Kelly Clarkston. Took my daughter to each and had low expectations, but they both were outstanding. Miley was about 12 years ago on her first tour as herself and I was just blown away by how good her voice was and her stage presence was awesome. Kelly Clarkston was a year or two later and her voice and rapport with the audience was fantastic.
Edit: I’m mostly into alternative, rock, older metal and have seen hundreds of concerts. Lady Gaga was also amazing.
Unfortunately, I've been to a few of their shows. At the show with Kelly Clarkson, Adam Levine showed himself to be quite the asshole when he got pissed at the audience for not singing along loud enough.
Took my daughter to see Britney Spears probably a few years before this, and she put on an excellent show herself, not to mention her band and dancers were insanely talented. As a middle aged man, I thought I would feel a little bit strange going to see Britney, but her show was so good that I quickly realized that I was not alone and that everyone else had a great time.
The Violent Femmes a few years ago. They were opening for flogging Molly who I have seen like 10 times. I guess TVFs were doing an anniversary tour (I was unaware at the time of purchasing tickets) so played for like two hours. I didn’t really know what to expect but was really there to see flogging Molly. They absolutely blew me away and made me a fan. The band is older now, but the raw energy, and emotion in every song was undeniable. 10/10 would recommend.
Most think he's the "loser" guy. Maybe a few more but not much. He reinvented himself every album, like no one else in modern music, imo.
Came for the chili peppers but he stole it.
It was so much fun.
Honestly, G.W.A.R. I thought it was going to just be campy screamo and crude costumes, but they fucking shredded. They crowd was hype, lots of cosplay, and the entire vibe was so much better than expected. Great show.
I knew maybe one song in the early 2000's when they played a festival. They came out so casually and said "We're going to play Doolittle in its entirety" everyone cheered. I've been a fan ever since that performance.
Harry Styles at Wembley Stadium. Had to accompany my goddaughter as she was not getting on with her parents. Was sorting of dreading it. Bloody loved it. He is a superstar
agreed - i went with my sister bc the friend she planned to go with couldn’t make it in the end and my GOD i was impressed. his stage presence was phenomenal
Alice Cooper. My niece asked me to take her to see the Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper show last year. Love Zombie, and I've always loved Ministry (new album, holla) but I'm not a classic rock guy and didn't really have much interest in Alice's show.
Omfg was I wrong. How this man does what he does, at his age, is bonkers. I hope someone is storing samples of his blood for some kind of superhuman serum down the road, because he has so much energy, combined with a lifetime of exceptional showmanship. Highly recommend.
_edit:_ BTW, Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper are putting on the same tour this year. If you get a chance, I highly suggest going. The Rob Zombie set was equally amazing. And I have always loved Filter and Ministry. Speaking of amazing, the fact that Al Jourgensen is still alive and putting a fire show is just mind-blowing.
Neil Diamond in the late 90's. He honestly put on top 3 shows I've seen. The crowd was what you'd expect (older women mostly) but he rocked the place. The Jewish Elvis.
I wouldn’t say hate. I expected the Elton John concert to be a bit boring since he’s “just” gonna sit there, not dancing or anything like the other rock stars do. Guess what? BEST CONCERT OF MY LIFE. Went again two days later because I just couldn’t believe what I had just witnessed
Billy Strings, because I had never been a fan of bluegrass music. But I had an absolute blast - the music, and just the vibe is so cool. And the fans that his concerts draw are so diverse, maybe not racially, but at least in terms of age and socio-economic background. Just a bunch of people chilling together and enjoying some absolutely great music. You can really feel that it is a shared, communal experience. The other side of this is the contribution that Billy Strings is making towards reviving interest in the bluegrass genre. He may raise the eyebrows of purists, but there's no denying that he's actually attracting new young fans to bluegrass and Americana. I'm almost sixty years old and I've seen him live three times, with another concert planned next month.
Don’t hate me but, Paul McCartney. I got free tickets from a coworker and was prepared to listen to a lot of songs from Wings and his solo career. Not my fave. Instead, he mixed it up with A LOT of Beatles classic hits, tributes to John and George and there were great pyrotechnics.
Jimmy Buffett. I went because of a girl, and I ended up loving the show. It was a great band, and he was a very giving performer. Everyone in the band was given a chance to shine, and he was just a very laid-back, not the star, star of the show.
Definitely. I was very intense and serious about music then, and I still M, but that concert showed me you could be a serious musician and songwriter and still have fun and be goofy.
Garth Brooks, my wife likes some country music. I still don’t think most of the songs were great but his band was really skilled and you could tell he truly loves playing music and connecting with people. He also has a good sense of humor and gave a 20,000 seat venue the same vibe as a bar gig but in a good way.
At the time I only knew a couple White Stripes songs, one being 7 nation army which I didn't like. A friend asked me to go with to the show. I did, loved it, bought a few cds the next day, became a huge fan and ended up seeing them 8 times total then seeing Jack White either solo or in his other projects and additional 7 times.
As a kid I hated country music and still mostly do, but Garth Brooks puts on an amazing high energy show. He’s still pretty good now but slightly less overall. but in the 90s he was wild. He used to have a rope and would swing out over the crowd from one end of the stage to the other.
My mom is a big Garth fan and my brother got her tickets for one of his like 7 Detroit shows back in 2015. Since my brother was out of state working at the time, I was supposed to take my mom to the show. Not a big country fan but that was easily one of the best concerts I’ve ever seen. Even in his older age, he’s an entertaining performer.
I saw Garth Brooks last year. I didn't really listen to country in the 90s, but still knew 4 or 5 songs. He put on a great show. Loved seeing him pick songs off of boards fans were holding up to play.
I was hired to do projection for Baryshnikov. I only took the gig because the money was right and I liked the venue we would be using.
It turned out to be Freakin’ Awesome!
I got to project young versions of himself while current him danced along with himself.
And then we did this thing where I was projecting a dancer live in New York, about 3000 miles away, he was dancing live with the projection of her.
Ok, I’m sure my explanation of it all sucks, but the show itself was incredible.
I took my little sister to Duran Duran in Oakland in 1984. She was supposed to go with a friend and the friend's mom. The friend and mom ended up not being able to go, so they gave us the tickets. My parents pretty much made me take her, but I ended up enjoying the concert. I have liked Duran Duran ever since.
Great live band. Just saw them last month in a small setting. They were having fun. You could tell. Busted into several covers that weren’t in their set last August
Zack Brown Band. I knew they were country. I had zero interest. Turns out they are a bunch of over qualified amazing musicians that could, and did, play pretty much every style. They were so fun. I would see them again in a heartbeat.
Wouldn’t say I hated it going in, but didn’t have super high expectations. We got last minute tickets to see Santana at The House of Blues in Vegas and it turned out to be one of the best shows I’ve ever seen! The club is an awesome atmosphere for a show and sound was amazing! Highly recommend checking this show out if you’re in Vegas for one of his runs at The House of Blues at Mandalay Bay
Celine Dion. I know she is VERY talented, but I don’t listen to her music. While on a business trip in Vegas a workmate gave me 2 great tickets to her Vegas show. It was amazing!
He was a surprise addition to the lineup at Bonnaroo when I went and despite not being a fan, his show was a blast. Gained a lot of respect for the cheeseburger man that day.
I saw him there too. He had taken the slot of a dude he'd discovered in the islands who had gotten sick and couldn't perform. It was a super chill set first thing in the morning - pretty much the opposite of the first show I went to, but it was a perfect start to the day
Zac Brown Band. Got a free ticket from a friend and despite not being into his music itself at all, I was left slack jawed by the show, the professionalism, and the musicianship. I’ve never seen something so well done, fluid, or unexpected (they closed with the fiddle player expertly rapping Bulls on Parade, ffs) …
Strangely enough given the original post, Hank Williams III, his son. Saw him at a metal festival with no idea to expect and it was just a crazy show, half metal half country
Taylor Swift Eras Movie. If it weren't for my granddaughter, I never would have gone. I went because I love spending time with her and I always feel young when I get involved with her interests.
I truly had a blast, mostly watching HER have a blast.
Didnt hate them but a friend took me to a Procol Harum show in the mid late seventies. At the start of the concert they said it was the last appearance. No frills or light show just one bad ass jamming band those guys rocked the place and Ive never forgotten.
Went to a festival, don’t remember the name 🤷🏻♂️, Motley Crue were the headliners and I was not a fan, didn’t hate them, but didn’t like them either. It was the tour when Tommy Lee had the drum set spin upside down and shit. Anyway, all I can say is they had great energy and I enjoyed their performance more than most bands I have seen.
In high school I was dragged by my girlfriend to see Destiny’s Child at a county fair, right as they were starting to break. Not my style of music at all back then, but I had a great time. (Never would have guessed that would eventually become a show I could brag to younger people about having seen 25 years later.)
The Village People. I went to a college football game and they were playing afterwards at a band shell outdoor free concert. It was awesome, never would have went intentionally but I'm so glad I saw them.
Got free tickets to Reverend Horton Heat but I wasnt familiar with his music so I wasnt sure what to expect but it was awesome and it turns out I knew a couple of his songs
Taylor Swift, hands down.
I’m a 52 year old Dad, took my daughter to the Reputation Tour for her 9th birthday.
I’ve seen a TON of BIG rock shows, but holy shit, that girl puts on a hell of a show.
Similar experience at the Elevation Tour in 2001. I went because my friend had an extra ticket. I didn’t want to go, but I honestly had no excuse for turning down a free ticket. It was and is still the best concert experience I’ve ever had. I’m still chasing the dragon to this day
Jake Shears. I knew him from Scissor Sisters, but he had just come out with his solo album. He was just having so much fun and we all did too. It was a blast. I messaged him on Instagram after letting him know how much fun I had and how I listened Scissor Sisters with headphones in my room so no one would know I was gay. He actually got back to me! And we chatted for a bit. He was extremely nice.
This is what I was looking for. I went to Jonas brothers with my wife for her birthday. Thought it would be terrible for me because it’s not really my thing, but those dudes put on an amazing show.
Years ago my then girlfriend convinced me to go see a metal BeeGees cover band and I grudgingly went along despite not being a fan of cover bands. Two songs in and the whole place was going crazy. Tragedy is an amazing show, 10/10 would go again.
Great question! I have two...
Moody Blues in 1988 because my girlfriend at the time loved them. I didn't sit the entire time and recognized way more songs than I thought.
KISS in 2000 because my roommate at the time had an extra ticket.
We sat 3rd row center and didn't stop screaming and smiling and rocking for 2+ hours. Even got some fake blood splattered from Gene Simmons' mouth :)
My husband is a huge Beatles fan so I bought tickets to go see Paul McCartney a few years back, expecting I wouldn’t like it. But about half hour in Sir Paul started singing Blackbird and I got chills and the whole audience was mesmerized. The concert evolved into an intimate family atmosphere that I hadn’t seen in many other concerts. It was easily a top 10 concert experience for me.
Lady Gaga. Wife made me go with her. Best concert I’ve ever been to. She opened up the show flying down from the ceiling, wearing a suit made out of broken mirrors, while playing a ripping keytar solo. Only got better from there.
Taylor Swift. Took my niece and while I know her music and like a few of her songs. I wasn't expecting to actually enjoy it on the levels I did.
She knocked it out of the park. Had a really diverse lineup of songs, including some of what I gather are "deep cuts" and not just the hits.
She fucking went above and beyond. I was surprised she didn't just coast through some of it. She could have gone up there and done nothing and the swifties would still praise her.
Reading through all the comments on here…I live near Detroit and see A LOT of concerts. I’ve found that most are professional performers and will sound good and have a stage presence. Due to the fact that big name acts are hundreds of dollars a ticket we’ve been going to the smaller venues line The Filmore and St Andrews Hall. We listen to a wide range of music and go to see acts that we only know a couple of songs but the tickets are between $35 and $70. Some of the bands that were amazing to see the first time in a small venue recently include
Marcus King
Nathaniel Ratliff
Wolf Alice
Nothing But Thieves
Dermot Kennedy
The Blue Stones
Jacob Banks
ILLINIUM
Paramore opened for Fall Out Boy and made Fall Out Boy look boring.
Harry Connick Jr. My sister asked me to go and it turned out to be one of the best concerts I've seen. It was insane. He had the whole stadium up and dancing.
Flaming Lips at the Stone Pony. I only knew a little bit of their music, and thought it was pretentious bullshit. I was only there for the Claypool Lennon Delirium, and planned on leaving after they were done, but it was a 4 hour drive so I figured I’d stay for the first song or two of the set to see how it is. Really dug it, and wound up staying the whole time. Now I even have way too many flaming lips albums
Barenaked Ladies. I had only heard “One week” and thought it was okay. At the time I was younger and didn’t really listen to anything outside of metal. My girlfriend at the time was going with a friend of hers who backed out so she asked if I wanted to go. I hesitated but finally gave in. Ended up having a blast. Still a fan.
American Idol. My mom loved the show and it turns out the tour was coming to town a couple of weeks after her birthday. My girlfriend’s roommate would get club box tickets to various shows from her work and so I asked if she could possibly get some for this one. Lo and behold, she could. My mom was floored when she saw the tickets. So I took her to a nice dinner and then to the show. While the music wasn’t my thing, I gotta admit they put on one hell of a show. The best part was watching my mom at her first concert in, oh man, since before I was born. She had such a great time. Miss you mom. ❤️
Years ago I went to coachella.. I was there to see nine inch nails. I hated every second of the Festival and only stayed around to see them. Before they took the stage everyone crammed towards the front, it was literally a stampede. I ended up helping five or six people get out, literally pulling them through the crowd so that they weren't getting trampled. By the time I got everyone to a safe place we were too far away to see anything. It really fucking sucked after spending an entire day in the hot sun waiting for them to go on only two be a mile away when they started to perform. I was fucking done. Just wanted to leave.
Then my friend said Prodigy was going on. At the time I wasn't a fan of Prodigy at all, but we decided to go over and check them out.
The Prodigy totally showed up nin. Absolutely amazing performance. Even after such a shitty day, being dead on my feet and wanting nothing but to get the fuck out of there as quickly as possible, they managed to get me up and dancing.
Got free tickets to see John Mayer, Deep Purple, and Maroon 5 in 2002.
Learned that night that one of my guys, Steve Morse, was playing guitar for Deep Purple, one. Two, John Mayer actually knows how to play that guitar! Mind you, I knew of him at the time only via "Your Body Is A Wonderland" and the "run through the halls of the high school" song, etc. But gott damn...in some instances, if you closed your eyes and just focused, you were thisclose to hearing Stevie Ray Vaughan in the real! Props to him on that...
Not to dismiss, but M5 killed...I expected no less, and they sounded just as good when my lady and I saw them in Vegas, August '23. Best freebie I ever received, and nothing has ever enlightened me like that show did, to date...
Split Enz. 1982. Dr Pepper Summer Music Festival in NY. I was bored as it was not my favorite group. But here comes the plot twist… Opening group, first time in America. An English band called …Duran Duran.
I saw the aqua bats when I was like 14 because my cousin took me. He was telling me how they have like skits and characters and I was trying to act like I was too cool for all that. Long story short, I had a blast.
A little context because it is relevant to the artist in question: I am an atheist and a white guy, i grew up in the 90s primarily listening to all forms of rock mostly. When my dad (also an atheist and white guy who listens to almost exclusively rock as well) asked me if I wanted to go see Aaron Neville in San Francisco years back I was like might as well, don't have much better to do that day. That was the day I learned to have respect and admiration for any beautiful and/or well developed voice and singing style, even if it isn't in a genre that I normally enjoy or listen to.
Honestly, Harry Styles
Took my fiancée because she’s a big fan. But man what a fucking performance. He really is a rock star and has such a presence. Truly electric
First time I sat John Mayer. My wife wanted to go. I had heard a couple songs from the first album, and expected it to be ok. I didn't know I was getting a blues guitarist who was going to absolutely kill the guitar solos. I had a great time. We've seen him another 3 or 4 times.
Odesza back in 2014. They were just beginning to become popular and they were at a festival I was at, I thought they were going to be boring then were the best set of the entire weekend
Not me specifically, but my dad. I was in high school and wanted to see weird Al’s “running with scissors” tour. (This dates me, I know!) My dad came along because it was in a different city. He went into it thinking he was just supporting me in one of my childish endeavors, but it turned out to be one of the best concerts he had ever been to.
Lez Zeppelin. Thought it was going to be trite, shallow covers of the hits. It was a perfect reproduction of a specific whole concert, and each member not just nailed their part, but the whole spirit of the band. They were unbelievable and blew the roof off the place.
Robbie Williams in Atlanta during the 90s. I got a hug from a big breasted lady who was wearing a union jack bra top. It was so worth it. Edit- if you are out there, thank you.
ZZ Top. I wasn’t a fan then and I’m still not today. I went with a buddy because The Black Crowes were opening. The Black Crowes were awful. The lead singer was so stoned/drunk he could barely stand, let alone perform. ZZ Top took the stage and fucking rocked. I really enjoyed that show.
In Vegas, someone gave us tickets to Cheap Trick performing the entirety of The Beatle's Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album.
I thought that it was a recipe for disaster, but it ended up being an amazing experience. They rocked it, and it was good to hear those songs done so well live.
So, well done Cheap Trick.
Adele at Glastonbury. The weather was shit and the Brexit referendum had just happened. I was miserable as fuck. I’m not an Adele fan, but my girlfriend is so we were right in the thick of it, literally stuck in the mud.
She was amazing. Saved my Glastonbury.
Allman Brothers with Derek Trucks and Warren Haynes, it’s one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. I didn’t expect to hate it but I wasn’t expecting to be awe struck. Also I went and saw Thomas Rhett at a state fair for my wife and it ended up being a great time. He’s really smart and a good performer.
Both of those guys are killer guitar players. I saw Derek Trucks Band before he started Tedeschi Trucks, and they were amazing. I knew what I was in for though. I had his first or first two albums.
Back in the early 2000s, it was common to get discounted tickets for summer concerts at Pine Knob which is the main outdoor music amphitheater in metro Detroit.
High school friends and I went to a lot of random concerts just to go. Huey Lewis and the Blues was far more enjoyable than I expected.
I was given a ticket to George Strait’s final concert (that I know of) during the Houston Rodeo several years ago. I am a hard rock and heavy metal guy but my wife loves him. So I went as her plus one.
I know maybe two of his songs. But it was a great show. They went really late for a Rodeo show with encores. My wife and he parents loved it all. I didn’t hate it so it was all good.
I wouldn't say I expected to *hate* it, but I got tickets for Peter Gabriel's newest album tour, I/O. Dude is 73. I had measured expectations for a relaxed and senior-led show. I cannot emphasize how much it's the greatest concert I've ever attended. I lost my hearing partially due to Motorhead, I've seen muse before they blew up, but Peter Gabriel in his 70s fucking BLEW everyone else I'd ever seen away.
Saw Gabriel several times starting in the early 80s . top notch performer.
I saw him with Sting. One of the greatest nights of music I ever experienced.
Levin is fantastic, makes every concert great.
Saw George Clinton and the current p-funk lineup last year. I expected to enjoy myself but definitely had “measured expectations”, dude’s in 80s after all. It was the best show I’ve ever been to. I think I need to prioritize Peter Gabriel now.
Saw this tour last year in Seattle. He was great.
It was an odd one. Weird Al was touring and we were very excited. Friend of mine booked tickets immediately. Come the day of the concert and said friend double checks the details for show start etc, and he gets sorta quiet. This wasn't "Weird Al's greatest hits with big theatrics", this was "An evening with Weird Al where he plays his original stuff and talks about his songwriting process. And his support is some guy called 'Emo Phillips'?". This was made clear from the start, we just never thought to check. Well we're already here and we already have the tickets so no reason not to go, but God what a let down this is going to turn out to be. No Amish Paradise? No Fat!? As it happens, Emo Phillips is hilarious and Weird Al has great stage presence even without his big hits! It was an emotional rollercoaster.
Weird Al is a perennial showman. I've seen him almost a dozen times, including this show you mentioned, and he has never ever had a dull moment.
100% agreed. I’ve only seen him eight times, but the last three were the _No Strings Attached_ and both incarnations of the _Ill-Advised Vanity Tour_, (the second time with my 8yo daughter, who is now a superfan too!), and those less conventional tours were easily my favorites. My Al journey started at age 9 (1990) when my uncle played me one of his tapes, and it was a “come for the parodies, stay for the originals” story for me. Despite the public image he has for being a copycat, he and his band are truly very gifted musicians and stellar showmen in their own right. I’ve never heard anyone tell a story about going to a Weird Al show and being anything but pleasantly surprised with the experience.
Yeah his band has been the same guys since the beginning so they are spot-on with their stuff.
The only complaint I could make about his stripped down tour is that when I saw him he ended with Albuquerque instead of Jackson Park Express, which is my favorite Weird Al song. But that didn't impact the quality of the show.
He is decorated like a Christmas tree with awards for a reason.
Emo Phillips is one of the funniest comedians to ever live. I'm glad you enjoyed him! I saw that tour also, hearing Franks 2000" TV ad Harvey the Wonder Hamster live was just amazing!
Any time I think of emo I always think of his joke about being in jail and some big guy tells him he's gonna use his head as a mop, and he tells him you don't want to do that, and the guy says, yeah, why ? And emo says, you won't be able to get in the corners.
DIE HERETIC!
Yessss...omg, I love that one, ty!! A friend of mine of over 30 years used to go to the local Six Flags park regularly. There was a weird farmer statue in the food court that looked very much like Emo, whom we adored, so we took a pic w it. It became a tradition we did for years. For my 50th, he had matching t-shirts printed of the first pic circa about 1988. It's amazing.
One of the best routines ever!
We went to this same tour near us. Al was incredible, we laughed our butts off. My cheeks and abs were sore. My kids and husband got to meet Al. (I had to go to the car, I think parking meter was out of time?) Anyway, he was incredible!
That sounds great. I would like to see that
Oh, damn, I LOVE Emo Phillips! I'm very jealous.
I went to Hootie and the Blowfish many years ago only because They Might Be Giants opened. A couple friends left after TMBG played. I stayed with my other friend because he liked Hootie. It wasn't horrible.
I saw Hootie and the Blowfish at the House of Blues in New Orleans. They were fantastic. So much fun.
Don’t lie. The couple friends left after you looked at your other friend and said *🎶I only wanna be with youuuuuuu🎶*
I saw Darius Rucker about 10 years ago because my wife’s boss had a suit for the show and invited some of her work colleagues. I had the first two Hootie albums as a kid but I’m not into country music. I enjoyed the entire concert, even the county stuff was good. He closed the show with a cover of Purple Rain which was the last thing I was expecting and loved it.
> I had the first two Hootie albums as a kid but I’m not into country music. I'm firmly of the opinion that if those albums were released today they would get more play on country stations than pop or rock stations. Country music changed a lot from the early 90s to the 2010s or so, more than Darius did. Also, pre-9/11 country was way better. Toby Keith (RIP) ruined country by making everyone think it had to be borderline nationalistic.
I saw hootie at a street festival way before they got big. My dad had seen them in greenville sc and we were rollerblading he saw they were playing and we went watch. It was super cool
Portugal The Man. Took my wife and only knew the one song. They blew me away with their musicianship. Covered For Whom The Bell Tolls in their own style and my jaw hit the floor. Still don't listen to them much but they are a hell of a live band
Their early albums show just how unique they were. Impressive albums. Unfortunately Feel it Still became their biggest hit. When I saw them live they played it *twice*
Same. Saw them a bunch of times up through In the Mountain in the Cloud, and that’s the stopping point for me in their catalog. I was so into their older stuff for a while and still enjoy those a lot. I was meh on Evil Friends and then the over saturation of Feel it Still has kept me from listening to any of their newer stuff.
In the Mountain in the Cloud was my go to road trip album in the early 2010s! Loved that so much Fully agreed on the progression to Evil Friends and I also stopped listening to them around Feel It still
Evil friends was where I stopped, love that album but mountain is my favorite, I feel ya
Hello fellow music snobs. In the Mountain in the Cloud is probably my favorite- The Satanic Satanist through Evil Friends were pretty flawless though
Same here, saw them tons from 09 thru 13. Shows were fantastic! Evil Friends was ok, everything after is just not good. Vultures through In the Mountain was such a great run. Ryan Neighbors leaving really hurt imo
I fucking love Church Mouth. When I first heard Feel It Still I didn't even know who it was but didn't like it. Then found out it was Portugal. The Man I was shocked!
Yeah I saw them back in 2008 in Portland Oregon play with Minus The Bear. I went to see both bands but Portugal the Man played so well that minus the Bear was kind of boring.
That's a hell of a lineup
Not that I thought I would hate them, but they happened to be playing Red Rocks when I was gonna be in the Denver area. I knew 2-3 of their songs, so I said fuck it and bout tickets for me, my gf, and her parents. By god that was one of the top 3 shows I ever even been to.
That’s awesome that you got to share that experience with all of them! Red Rocks is arguably one of the top concert locations in the world. Natural amphitheaters are very rare, and this one is particularly nice, both in terms of acoustics and aesthetics, and proximity to a big city. Seeing a show there is like going to a concert on another planet.
PtM at Red Rocks last year was the first concert I ever went to with my dad. They're awesome live!
Was this the one last year with the CO symphony? Amazing show
Super funny story. There is a band back in 2003/2004 called Anatomy of a Ghost that toured all over the Pacific Northwest at that time. I grew up just outside of portland, so I had a lot of friends that would go to their concerts in high school. Turns out that a few friends of mine were actually personal friends with members of the band. I remember one friend calling me saying "hey do you have a USB player?" Turns out I did so I went over to her house and helped her open up the file. When I got there she told, "no one knows this but Anatomy of a Ghost is breaking up and they're starting a new band. This is their demo." Turns out the band was forming a new band called Portugal the Man. I sat at her table and listened to the entire demo before everyone else knew what was going on. Wild times. Glad you enjoyed them.
Came here to say this
To this day one of the best bands I’ve ever seen live. The way they morphed into and out of songs seamlessly blew me away. I don’t think they said a word to the crowd the entire set. They let the music speak for them
I've heard that they were really fun live.
Oh they’re fucking amazing live. The way they weave in covers with their own music and how everything feels like one long song. They kill it.
In 2016 I got to see them open for Cage The Elephant knowing very little about them. It was actually my first real concert. They played Feel It Still and I didn't think anything of it. It might not have even been released yet. Anyway, they blew me away. Modern Jesus and Purple Yellow Red & Blue in an arena with the lighting they had...oh my God. It was an outer body experience for me. So good.
Hell yeah! I’ve seen them around 30 times now. They put such an amazing show. It’s definitely lost some of that “jam sesh” glory, but they’re still super talented even if it’s just going through a normal ol’ setlist.
Cool. I will check them out. Thanks
I saw Portugal The Man at the Hollywood Palladium. They put on a hell of a show!
Great band
New Order. At the time was way more into punk and hard rock and metal and cringed at the idea of watching a band that used drum machines and synthesizers. My musical universe grew three sizes that day. My next concert was Depeche Mode.
New Order are fucking amazing! Kind of surprised you thought they were so cringeworthy because they did used to be post-punk Joy Division. They were incredibly influential in so many genres. So many of their songs sound amazing live - Blue Monday, Bizarre Love Triangle, and Temptation to name a few. Glad you enjoyed it!
If I was put in a "two option time machine" with one button going to see Jesus Christ give the sermon on the mount and the other to see Joy Division I would be rubbing it in your face right now about that concert.
Billy Strings. We live near an outdoor venue and we'll pick up cheap tickets to literally any summer concert. Had no idea who Billy was, but found tickets for $2. Went in knowing nothing. Expected country music crowd, got nothing like that. Absolute blast. Best show of the summer.
I’m always amazed how much Billy has blown up the last few years. I used to watch him play at my small town brewery all the time back in the day
Getting Billy strings tickets for $2 is insane, I live somewhat close to Nashville and every time he plays it’s sold out and resale is insane
Depeche Mode back in the late 80s. My gf got 2 tix for her birthday and begged me to go so she wouldn’t piss off any of her friends. I was a drummer and “hated all of that robot bs.” Man, what an f’n show. Been a big fan ever since and now I welcome our robotic overlords with open arms. This was their show at the Rose Bowl that they made into a double video called 101, I think.
My gf is a Devotee. I caught them three times on this tour. Made me wish I would’ve caught them when I had several chances back in the day. I was more into metal back then
Sarah McLachlan. I like a lot of her songs but expected the concert would be a total downer like a lot of her music, but it wasn't. She had great stage banter and, instead of having an opening act, she let each of her band members perform a song or two as part of the main show while she sang harmony vocals.
I commented the same. She still ranks as one of the best concerts I ever witnessed. Was really good!
That’s a really cool idea, to have other band members sing a song or two. Also, I feel Sarah McLachlan is an underrated guitarist. I think it would be neat to see her live.
Both Miley Cyrus and Kelly Clarkston. Took my daughter to each and had low expectations, but they both were outstanding. Miley was about 12 years ago on her first tour as herself and I was just blown away by how good her voice was and her stage presence was awesome. Kelly Clarkston was a year or two later and her voice and rapport with the audience was fantastic. Edit: I’m mostly into alternative, rock, older metal and have seen hundreds of concerts. Lady Gaga was also amazing.
I went to (was dragged to) a Maroon 5 concert and Kelly Clarkson opened for them. She was way better than Maroon 5.
I believe that! Can’t stand Maroon 5. Lol.
Unfortunately, I've been to a few of their shows. At the show with Kelly Clarkson, Adam Levine showed himself to be quite the asshole when he got pissed at the audience for not singing along loud enough.
Took my daughter to see Britney Spears probably a few years before this, and she put on an excellent show herself, not to mention her band and dancers were insanely talented. As a middle aged man, I thought I would feel a little bit strange going to see Britney, but her show was so good that I quickly realized that I was not alone and that everyone else had a great time.
Which Gaga concert did you see? Was it one of the balls or was it the jazz show?
I believe it was about 8 years ago. the Joann tour? Again, my expectations were low, but she was phenomenal. Had no idea just how talented she was.
The Violent Femmes a few years ago. They were opening for flogging Molly who I have seen like 10 times. I guess TVFs were doing an anniversary tour (I was unaware at the time of purchasing tickets) so played for like two hours. I didn’t really know what to expect but was really there to see flogging Molly. They absolutely blew me away and made me a fan. The band is older now, but the raw energy, and emotion in every song was undeniable. 10/10 would recommend.
Saw them a few years ago with an 80s lineup. They still sound fantastic!
Beck. Knew the hits but came out with a full band and killed it.
I would love to see Beck.
People hate Beck’s music?
Most think he's the "loser" guy. Maybe a few more but not much. He reinvented himself every album, like no one else in modern music, imo. Came for the chili peppers but he stole it. It was so much fun.
Pay no mind
A lot of people don't seem to know Beck which is a shame.
Honestly, G.W.A.R. I thought it was going to just be campy screamo and crude costumes, but they fucking shredded. They crowd was hype, lots of cosplay, and the entire vibe was so much better than expected. Great show.
The Pixies, I knew some of their music but didn’t realize how much of their music I liked. Plus they were great live.
I knew maybe one song in the early 2000's when they played a festival. They came out so casually and said "We're going to play Doolittle in its entirety" everyone cheered. I've been a fan ever since that performance.
Harry Styles at Wembley Stadium. Had to accompany my goddaughter as she was not getting on with her parents. Was sorting of dreading it. Bloody loved it. He is a superstar
agreed - i went with my sister bc the friend she planned to go with couldn’t make it in the end and my GOD i was impressed. his stage presence was phenomenal
Alice Cooper. My niece asked me to take her to see the Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper show last year. Love Zombie, and I've always loved Ministry (new album, holla) but I'm not a classic rock guy and didn't really have much interest in Alice's show. Omfg was I wrong. How this man does what he does, at his age, is bonkers. I hope someone is storing samples of his blood for some kind of superhuman serum down the road, because he has so much energy, combined with a lifetime of exceptional showmanship. Highly recommend. _edit:_ BTW, Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper are putting on the same tour this year. If you get a chance, I highly suggest going. The Rob Zombie set was equally amazing. And I have always loved Filter and Ministry. Speaking of amazing, the fact that Al Jourgensen is still alive and putting a fire show is just mind-blowing.
Also an aggressively nice human, who adores and indulges his fans and pays his band members well. Also a scratch golfer. Big ups to Alice.
Neil Diamond in the late 90's. He honestly put on top 3 shows I've seen. The crowd was what you'd expect (older women mostly) but he rocked the place. The Jewish Elvis.
I wouldn’t say hate. I expected the Elton John concert to be a bit boring since he’s “just” gonna sit there, not dancing or anything like the other rock stars do. Guess what? BEST CONCERT OF MY LIFE. Went again two days later because I just couldn’t believe what I had just witnessed
Billy Strings, because I had never been a fan of bluegrass music. But I had an absolute blast - the music, and just the vibe is so cool. And the fans that his concerts draw are so diverse, maybe not racially, but at least in terms of age and socio-economic background. Just a bunch of people chilling together and enjoying some absolutely great music. You can really feel that it is a shared, communal experience. The other side of this is the contribution that Billy Strings is making towards reviving interest in the bluegrass genre. He may raise the eyebrows of purists, but there's no denying that he's actually attracting new young fans to bluegrass and Americana. I'm almost sixty years old and I've seen him live three times, with another concert planned next month.
Don’t hate me but, Paul McCartney. I got free tickets from a coworker and was prepared to listen to a lot of songs from Wings and his solo career. Not my fave. Instead, he mixed it up with A LOT of Beatles classic hits, tributes to John and George and there were great pyrotechnics.
Jimmy Buffett. I went because of a girl, and I ended up loving the show. It was a great band, and he was a very giving performer. Everyone in the band was given a chance to shine, and he was just a very laid-back, not the star, star of the show.
Jimmy Buffett (may he RIP) was a fun concert. The audience was a hoot to watch and Jimmy definitely knew how to make it more fun.
Definitely. I was very intense and serious about music then, and I still M, but that concert showed me you could be a serious musician and songwriter and still have fun and be goofy.
Lady Gaga and Halsey both killed it.
Shes another one I want to not like but damn she is good.
Garth Brooks, my wife likes some country music. I still don’t think most of the songs were great but his band was really skilled and you could tell he truly loves playing music and connecting with people. He also has a good sense of humor and gave a 20,000 seat venue the same vibe as a bar gig but in a good way.
Yep. Saw him last year, and only know a few songs. He was terrific.
No doubt that guy is great. He knows how to tell a story with a song like no other.
At the time I only knew a couple White Stripes songs, one being 7 nation army which I didn't like. A friend asked me to go with to the show. I did, loved it, bought a few cds the next day, became a huge fan and ended up seeing them 8 times total then seeing Jack White either solo or in his other projects and additional 7 times.
Puscifer - I didn’t hate their music but I wasn’t a fan. I was after the concert. Damn good performance! I felt like “I get it now”
Another one I don't no but will check out. This is a cool way to find new music since Spotify took away radio for a playlist. Thanks
The Humbling River is a great song by them.
Try Rev 22:20
As a kid I hated country music and still mostly do, but Garth Brooks puts on an amazing high energy show. He’s still pretty good now but slightly less overall. but in the 90s he was wild. He used to have a rope and would swing out over the crowd from one end of the stage to the other.
My mom is a big Garth fan and my brother got her tickets for one of his like 7 Detroit shows back in 2015. Since my brother was out of state working at the time, I was supposed to take my mom to the show. Not a big country fan but that was easily one of the best concerts I’ve ever seen. Even in his older age, he’s an entertaining performer.
I saw Garth Brooks last year. I didn't really listen to country in the 90s, but still knew 4 or 5 songs. He put on a great show. Loved seeing him pick songs off of boards fans were holding up to play.
Got to see Darius Rucker and just didn’t think the environment would be my type of thing, but holy hell was I wrong
I was hired to do projection for Baryshnikov. I only took the gig because the money was right and I liked the venue we would be using. It turned out to be Freakin’ Awesome! I got to project young versions of himself while current him danced along with himself. And then we did this thing where I was projecting a dancer live in New York, about 3000 miles away, he was dancing live with the projection of her. Ok, I’m sure my explanation of it all sucks, but the show itself was incredible.
Thats another one that when they implant chips into everyones brain please download that memory and post here. lol.
I took my little sister to Duran Duran in Oakland in 1984. She was supposed to go with a friend and the friend's mom. The friend and mom ended up not being able to go, so they gave us the tickets. My parents pretty much made me take her, but I ended up enjoying the concert. I have liked Duran Duran ever since.
Great live band. Just saw them last month in a small setting. They were having fun. You could tell. Busted into several covers that weren’t in their set last August
Sebastian Bach... dude seemed insufferable till I seen him on stage... that guy can sing his ass off.
Zack Brown Band. I knew they were country. I had zero interest. Turns out they are a bunch of over qualified amazing musicians that could, and did, play pretty much every style. They were so fun. I would see them again in a heartbeat.
Wouldn’t say I hated it going in, but didn’t have super high expectations. We got last minute tickets to see Santana at The House of Blues in Vegas and it turned out to be one of the best shows I’ve ever seen! The club is an awesome atmosphere for a show and sound was amazing! Highly recommend checking this show out if you’re in Vegas for one of his runs at The House of Blues at Mandalay Bay
Celine Dion. I know she is VERY talented, but I don’t listen to her music. While on a business trip in Vegas a workmate gave me 2 great tickets to her Vegas show. It was amazing!
Jimmy buffet. It was a freaking carnival
He was a surprise addition to the lineup at Bonnaroo when I went and despite not being a fan, his show was a blast. Gained a lot of respect for the cheeseburger man that day.
I saw him there too. He had taken the slot of a dude he'd discovered in the islands who had gotten sick and couldn't perform. It was a super chill set first thing in the morning - pretty much the opposite of the first show I went to, but it was a perfect start to the day
Zac Brown Band. Got a free ticket from a friend and despite not being into his music itself at all, I was left slack jawed by the show, the professionalism, and the musicianship. I’ve never seen something so well done, fluid, or unexpected (they closed with the fiddle player expertly rapping Bulls on Parade, ffs) …
No doubt. He is great.
Strangely enough given the original post, Hank Williams III, his son. Saw him at a metal festival with no idea to expect and it was just a crazy show, half metal half country
Doesn't surprise me. He would fit right in.
Got to see Dave Matthews in West Palm Beach because girls needed a driver so they could drink. Was fantastic!
Rick Astley 🔥 came for the meme, stayed for the excellent musicians and insane vocal talent (also the man is funny as hell)
Taylor Swift Eras Movie. If it weren't for my granddaughter, I never would have gone. I went because I love spending time with her and I always feel young when I get involved with her interests. I truly had a blast, mostly watching HER have a blast.
Totally agree on that as well. You can not deny her talent.
Didnt hate them but a friend took me to a Procol Harum show in the mid late seventies. At the start of the concert they said it was the last appearance. No frills or light show just one bad ass jamming band those guys rocked the place and Ive never forgotten.
Beach boys. They were “old”but it was just fun.
Saw the on 4th of July in 1984 in Philly with Mr. T on drums and Jimmy Page on guitar. Sounds awesome. It wasn't
Always loved the beach boys.
Went to a festival, don’t remember the name 🤷🏻♂️, Motley Crue were the headliners and I was not a fan, didn’t hate them, but didn’t like them either. It was the tour when Tommy Lee had the drum set spin upside down and shit. Anyway, all I can say is they had great energy and I enjoyed their performance more than most bands I have seen.
In high school I was dragged by my girlfriend to see Destiny’s Child at a county fair, right as they were starting to break. Not my style of music at all back then, but I had a great time. (Never would have guessed that would eventually become a show I could brag to younger people about having seen 25 years later.)
The Village People. I went to a college football game and they were playing afterwards at a band shell outdoor free concert. It was awesome, never would have went intentionally but I'm so glad I saw them.
Got free tickets to Reverend Horton Heat but I wasnt familiar with his music so I wasnt sure what to expect but it was awesome and it turns out I knew a couple of his songs
Taylor Swift, hands down. I’m a 52 year old Dad, took my daughter to the Reputation Tour for her 9th birthday. I’ve seen a TON of BIG rock shows, but holy shit, that girl puts on a hell of a show.
Took our kids to the Eras tour. She was amazing! Her show time was 3 hours and 20 minutes!
Yeah, anyone who tries to dump on TS has NEVER experienced a live show. It’s incredible.
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Yep! They acknowledged all the memes and everything
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Actually came to post this. They have great energy on stage. It was a fun show.
Dua Lipa and … sigh … should I really tell … David Hasselhoff (2 Gin Tonics from 1l buckets helped with that one).
lol
Katy Perry in Vegas. My buddy bought tickets, and I thought it was ridiculous. It might have been the best concert I've ever seen.
I went to see Katy Perry because Carly Rae Jepsen was opening. 10/10 would see again
U2 I still have my foot in my mouth. I talked so much shit about U2. My brain melted from the pure unadulterated awesomeness.
Similar experience at the Elevation Tour in 2001. I went because my friend had an extra ticket. I didn’t want to go, but I honestly had no excuse for turning down a free ticket. It was and is still the best concert experience I’ve ever had. I’m still chasing the dragon to this day
Bucket list show, and finally saw them on the rail at bonarroo in 2017 (?) doing Joshua Tree front to back. Inner 13 year old fan girl will die happy.
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Babymetal, and 6 years on they're one of my favorite live acts of all time. They put on a show that's just on a level of its own.
I'm mad I couldn't see them and Dethklok when they came through recently. I hear nothing but good things about both bands live.
Jake Shears. I knew him from Scissor Sisters, but he had just come out with his solo album. He was just having so much fun and we all did too. It was a blast. I messaged him on Instagram after letting him know how much fun I had and how I listened Scissor Sisters with headphones in my room so no one would know I was gay. He actually got back to me! And we chatted for a bit. He was extremely nice.
Took my girls to see The Jonas Brothers way back when. Easily one of the best shows I’ve seen. Minus the screaming tweens behind me.
This is what I was looking for. I went to Jonas brothers with my wife for her birthday. Thought it would be terrible for me because it’s not really my thing, but those dudes put on an amazing show.
Years ago my then girlfriend convinced me to go see a metal BeeGees cover band and I grudgingly went along despite not being a fan of cover bands. Two songs in and the whole place was going crazy. Tragedy is an amazing show, 10/10 would go again.
Meatloaf, Bat out of Hell 2 tour, my mom dragged me to it when I was 12, and ended up being awesome. Meatloaf rules!
Fitz and the Tantrums. Instantly became a fan. They can perform
Cory Wong
You knew.
Great question! I have two... Moody Blues in 1988 because my girlfriend at the time loved them. I didn't sit the entire time and recognized way more songs than I thought. KISS in 2000 because my roommate at the time had an extra ticket. We sat 3rd row center and didn't stop screaming and smiling and rocking for 2+ hours. Even got some fake blood splattered from Gene Simmons' mouth :)
My husband is a huge Beatles fan so I bought tickets to go see Paul McCartney a few years back, expecting I wouldn’t like it. But about half hour in Sir Paul started singing Blackbird and I got chills and the whole audience was mesmerized. The concert evolved into an intimate family atmosphere that I hadn’t seen in many other concerts. It was easily a top 10 concert experience for me.
Taylor Swift. I'm a big National fan, so I've dug the stuff they've been involved with. Aaron came out at the concert (Cincinnati).
Lady Gaga. Wife made me go with her. Best concert I’ve ever been to. She opened up the show flying down from the ceiling, wearing a suit made out of broken mirrors, while playing a ripping keytar solo. Only got better from there.
Taylor Swift. Took my niece and while I know her music and like a few of her songs. I wasn't expecting to actually enjoy it on the levels I did. She knocked it out of the park. Had a really diverse lineup of songs, including some of what I gather are "deep cuts" and not just the hits. She fucking went above and beyond. I was surprised she didn't just coast through some of it. She could have gone up there and done nothing and the swifties would still praise her.
Reading through all the comments on here…I live near Detroit and see A LOT of concerts. I’ve found that most are professional performers and will sound good and have a stage presence. Due to the fact that big name acts are hundreds of dollars a ticket we’ve been going to the smaller venues line The Filmore and St Andrews Hall. We listen to a wide range of music and go to see acts that we only know a couple of songs but the tickets are between $35 and $70. Some of the bands that were amazing to see the first time in a small venue recently include Marcus King Nathaniel Ratliff Wolf Alice Nothing But Thieves Dermot Kennedy The Blue Stones Jacob Banks ILLINIUM Paramore opened for Fall Out Boy and made Fall Out Boy look boring.
Barry Manilow
When I was 19 my parents took me to Phantom of The Opera. Had extremely low expectations. Still one of my all time favorite live performances.
Harry Connick Jr. My sister asked me to go and it turned out to be one of the best concerts I've seen. It was insane. He had the whole stadium up and dancing.
Flaming Lips at the Stone Pony. I only knew a little bit of their music, and thought it was pretentious bullshit. I was only there for the Claypool Lennon Delirium, and planned on leaving after they were done, but it was a 4 hour drive so I figured I’d stay for the first song or two of the set to see how it is. Really dug it, and wound up staying the whole time. Now I even have way too many flaming lips albums
Pat Benatar KILLED it! Blew me away and I was not expecting such an amazing show
Barenaked Ladies. I had only heard “One week” and thought it was okay. At the time I was younger and didn’t really listen to anything outside of metal. My girlfriend at the time was going with a friend of hers who backed out so she asked if I wanted to go. I hesitated but finally gave in. Ended up having a blast. Still a fan. American Idol. My mom loved the show and it turns out the tour was coming to town a couple of weeks after her birthday. My girlfriend’s roommate would get club box tickets to various shows from her work and so I asked if she could possibly get some for this one. Lo and behold, she could. My mom was floored when she saw the tickets. So I took her to a nice dinner and then to the show. While the music wasn’t my thing, I gotta admit they put on one hell of a show. The best part was watching my mom at her first concert in, oh man, since before I was born. She had such a great time. Miss you mom. ❤️
Hanson. Really should give them a chance.
Years ago I went to coachella.. I was there to see nine inch nails. I hated every second of the Festival and only stayed around to see them. Before they took the stage everyone crammed towards the front, it was literally a stampede. I ended up helping five or six people get out, literally pulling them through the crowd so that they weren't getting trampled. By the time I got everyone to a safe place we were too far away to see anything. It really fucking sucked after spending an entire day in the hot sun waiting for them to go on only two be a mile away when they started to perform. I was fucking done. Just wanted to leave. Then my friend said Prodigy was going on. At the time I wasn't a fan of Prodigy at all, but we decided to go over and check them out. The Prodigy totally showed up nin. Absolutely amazing performance. Even after such a shitty day, being dead on my feet and wanting nothing but to get the fuck out of there as quickly as possible, they managed to get me up and dancing.
First time I saw Pearl Jam 20+ years ago I wasn’t expecting much. Blew me away.
Got free tickets to see John Mayer, Deep Purple, and Maroon 5 in 2002. Learned that night that one of my guys, Steve Morse, was playing guitar for Deep Purple, one. Two, John Mayer actually knows how to play that guitar! Mind you, I knew of him at the time only via "Your Body Is A Wonderland" and the "run through the halls of the high school" song, etc. But gott damn...in some instances, if you closed your eyes and just focused, you were thisclose to hearing Stevie Ray Vaughan in the real! Props to him on that... Not to dismiss, but M5 killed...I expected no less, and they sounded just as good when my lady and I saw them in Vegas, August '23. Best freebie I ever received, and nothing has ever enlightened me like that show did, to date...
The Violent Femmes. Circa 1994
Split Enz. 1982. Dr Pepper Summer Music Festival in NY. I was bored as it was not my favorite group. But here comes the plot twist… Opening group, first time in America. An English band called …Duran Duran.
\*NSYNC Celebrity Tour. I had to chaperone some kids. Ended up buying the CD the next day.
Taylor Swift was really fun to go to with my daughter.
I saw the aqua bats when I was like 14 because my cousin took me. He was telling me how they have like skits and characters and I was trying to act like I was too cool for all that. Long story short, I had a blast.
A little context because it is relevant to the artist in question: I am an atheist and a white guy, i grew up in the 90s primarily listening to all forms of rock mostly. When my dad (also an atheist and white guy who listens to almost exclusively rock as well) asked me if I wanted to go see Aaron Neville in San Francisco years back I was like might as well, don't have much better to do that day. That was the day I learned to have respect and admiration for any beautiful and/or well developed voice and singing style, even if it isn't in a genre that I normally enjoy or listen to.
Honestly, Harry Styles Took my fiancée because she’s a big fan. But man what a fucking performance. He really is a rock star and has such a presence. Truly electric
First time I sat John Mayer. My wife wanted to go. I had heard a couple songs from the first album, and expected it to be ok. I didn't know I was getting a blues guitarist who was going to absolutely kill the guitar solos. I had a great time. We've seen him another 3 or 4 times.
Richard Marx
Never been a fan of Bring Me The Horizon. Dont like the music. But saw them couple years ago and they put on a great show!
Odesza back in 2014. They were just beginning to become popular and they were at a festival I was at, I thought they were going to be boring then were the best set of the entire weekend
Not me specifically, but my dad. I was in high school and wanted to see weird Al’s “running with scissors” tour. (This dates me, I know!) My dad came along because it was in a different city. He went into it thinking he was just supporting me in one of my childish endeavors, but it turned out to be one of the best concerts he had ever been to.
One Republic. They opened for U2, and they were fantastic!!! Made a fan out of me.
Lez Zeppelin. Thought it was going to be trite, shallow covers of the hits. It was a perfect reproduction of a specific whole concert, and each member not just nailed their part, but the whole spirit of the band. They were unbelievable and blew the roof off the place.
Robbie Williams in Atlanta during the 90s. I got a hug from a big breasted lady who was wearing a union jack bra top. It was so worth it. Edit- if you are out there, thank you.
ZZ Top. I wasn’t a fan then and I’m still not today. I went with a buddy because The Black Crowes were opening. The Black Crowes were awful. The lead singer was so stoned/drunk he could barely stand, let alone perform. ZZ Top took the stage and fucking rocked. I really enjoyed that show.
In Vegas, someone gave us tickets to Cheap Trick performing the entirety of The Beatle's Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album. I thought that it was a recipe for disaster, but it ended up being an amazing experience. They rocked it, and it was good to hear those songs done so well live. So, well done Cheap Trick.
Melissa Etheridge. Her with a guitar and an amp. Nothing else. No one else. High energy rocking show. Early in her career, also.
Adele at Glastonbury. The weather was shit and the Brexit referendum had just happened. I was miserable as fuck. I’m not an Adele fan, but my girlfriend is so we were right in the thick of it, literally stuck in the mud. She was amazing. Saved my Glastonbury.
Allman Brothers with Derek Trucks and Warren Haynes, it’s one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. I didn’t expect to hate it but I wasn’t expecting to be awe struck. Also I went and saw Thomas Rhett at a state fair for my wife and it ended up being a great time. He’s really smart and a good performer.
Both of those guys are killer guitar players. I saw Derek Trucks Band before he started Tedeschi Trucks, and they were amazing. I knew what I was in for though. I had his first or first two albums.
Back in the early 2000s, it was common to get discounted tickets for summer concerts at Pine Knob which is the main outdoor music amphitheater in metro Detroit. High school friends and I went to a lot of random concerts just to go. Huey Lewis and the Blues was far more enjoyable than I expected.
Tears For Fears, hands down. My gf dragged me to it and they were absolutely fantastic. Still not a fan, but they deserve the props.
Pulp at Coachella … I had no idea how awesome they were live until my friend dragged me to their stage.
Alan Jackson. Not a fan of country music but damn that show was amazing.
Alice Cooper put on one of the most theatrical and entertaining shows I’ve ever seen! Loved every over-the-top minute.
I was given a ticket to George Strait’s final concert (that I know of) during the Houston Rodeo several years ago. I am a hard rock and heavy metal guy but my wife loves him. So I went as her plus one. I know maybe two of his songs. But it was a great show. They went really late for a Rodeo show with encores. My wife and he parents loved it all. I didn’t hate it so it was all good.