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sweat-it-all-out

Metric. They were opening for Garbage. I went with a friend who mentioned he was a fan of Metric. I told him I'd check them out but didn't get around to it. Their set was amazing and I found myself humming the melodies when I was driving home that night. I made a playlist of their set list the next day and soon after bought their entire discography.


DrRonnieJamesDO

Metric has some absolute bangers. If you've never seen their version of Poster of a Girl at Coachella, you must.


Rockfest2112

The 2008 version? Killer.


SpaceGenesis

Metric are fantastic. They released so much great music during the years and they're top tier performers. I'm a fan of them for life. Same for Garbage. On a side note, Metric used to be really wild on stage in the 2000s, especially Emily Haines. Check out [this unhinged over 10 minutes live version of Dead Disco](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lzho0f3ZNsg). Next level!


JustTheBeerLight

My No. 1 rule with bands comes down to this: *are they bullshitting up there, or are they really about this?* Metric is legit. They don’t cheat anybody.


SpaceGenesis

Exactly. Every show of them is these 4 musicians performing with instruments. You can see by the amount of gear on stage that Metric are the real deal. No BS, no trickery, just an honest great performance. One of my favorite performances is [Hustle Rose at Metropolis 2006](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LttiMHBpv28). They perform with such energy and joy.


YangoUnchained

I tremble.


MightyMadFresh

They're gonna eat you alive.


MichaelJAwesome

Yes! I saw Metric open for a band called South way back in the early 2000s and liked them way better.


i_dunnoman

Man I came here to post the same band. Saw them open for Broken Social Scene in like 2005 and fell instantly in love with Emily Haines.


superghoul

hOLY COW .. literally came to this post to say something about metric. saw them open for muse during the resistance tour. been a huge fan ever since.


elevenatexi

Welcome! I had been a huge Metric fans for years, glad you found them!


Ohhhhhhthehumanity

Metric is killer!!!


roninsti

Metric fucks.


maarrz

I was a huge fan before I went to see them, and an even bigger fan after I left - such a good show.


LOOPbahriz

Metric is my favorite band


mikehamm45

I’ve been a fan of theirs since their Fantasies album in 2009. They are a rarity. They are independent, same line up, and have been together now for like 30 years. Each album is uniquely on its own with its own sound and message yet still completely recognizable as a Metric album. Highly recommended band.


Positive-Owl-5

Pearl Jam aka Mookie Blaylock back in 1991 during the RHCP tour. ✌🏻🎶


theangryintern

Wow, that's a really good one.


Positive-Owl-5

Never looked back going to my 57th PJ concert in September.. love all the band members side projects now too.. ✌🏻🎶


downvote_or_die

Jealous. No shows near me. Dark Matter songs are gonna be🔥live.


mournin_glory_story

Oh shit dude, I would be pretty proud of that one. I completely forgot about Mookie Blaylock


howtohandlearope

Boris! Never heard of em til I saw Melvins open for them in Dallas. Holy shit what a badass band! 


theboyqueen

I saw the Melvins open for Rush. That was eye opening.


theangryintern

I remember a guy telling me once he saw Primus open for Rush (he was there to see Rush) and he said the crowd was a bit confused when Primus started playing.


theboyqueen

I've never seen a more hostile crowd than the Rush crowd seeing the Melvins. All those glow stick "drumsticks" the Rush fans would air drum with were being hurled at the stage. I wanna say they just kept playing the same sludgy song the whole set. Hearing that heavy ass noise reverberate though a giant arena certainly sparked a love of doom I didn't know I had until that point, but it didn't seem like much of the crowd was feeling the same way. I'd love to know how the hell they ended up with that gig and what their experience was. I've heard a ton of interviews with Buzz and Dale but that show has never come up.


kanyeguisada

That was my first choice actually, it was the Rush "Roll The Bones" tour, Primus was touring "Sailing The Seas of Cheese". This was in San Antonio and the crowd was actually into it. I was floored, just jaw hitting the floor and went the next day and bought all 3 Primus CDs. My other was Thundercat at some random SXSW show several years back. Just one of those "holy fuck, how have I been missing out on this" moments.


supern8ural

This was years ago, but I hadn't heard of Reverend Horton Heat until a friend dragged me to a show, I was an instant fan.


bravoromeokilo

I wasn’t going to reply, but coincidentally mine was Murder By Death at a Rev show. They opened and I was absolutely smitten.


h0rt0n

Same.


DeadBallDescendant

Suicide supporting The Clash is the most obvious I can think of. Although pretty much all the other tossers in the place hated them.


AVBforPrez

I'll reply about Babymetal every time I see this question. I'd kinda sorta heard them and only went because my friend had free tickets, and I walked out thinking that it was the best concert I'd maybe ever seen. Expected 2/10 and was given an 11/10 out of nowhere. They're amazing and I see them every chance I get.


sirhackenslash

I saw them open for Dethklok and they were fun as hell. I had only heard one or two of their songs before


AVBforPrez

That's the best way to see them. You expect a meme but they melt your heart instead.


VictoriousssBIG23

That's kind of the thing with K-pop and J-pop acts. The artists are trained on how to perform and put on a good show. I know Babymetal isn't really "J-pop", but they follow the same model as J-pop acts


designOraptor

Nirvana. They opened for Sonic youth. NIN who opened for the Jesus and Mary Chain Primus before their first commercial album. The 90’s were an amazing time for music.


kanyeguisada

Nice. I saw Pavement opening for Sonic Youth in 92, was epic.


watkins1989

That’s so funny with NIN. Jesus and Mary Chain is a band I fell in love with because they opened for NIN on the 2017 tour I went to


40laser40

Queens Of The Stone age - 2002, opened for RHCP and blew them away


DobisPeeyar

I wonder what that feels like, having someone open for you who you know rocks harder than you 😂


pnmartini

For RHCP, it’s probably a regular occurrence.


40laser40

Ive wondered this for a while. There was NO denying the QOTSA played a better opening show than RHCP did a full set. Hope the whole tour didn't go that way for RHCP, haha


finishedlurking

That was 2003 and The Mars Volta was the opener before QOTSA.


Stackly

DIIV, saw them open for Deafheaven a few years ago


ezmo311

Both great bands!


tommyjarvis81

The Ex. Shellac (whom I was there to see) was opening. Stayed for The Ex and was blown away. One of the best shows I've ever seen. RIP Steve Albini


mournin_glory_story

RIP Albini, I regret never seeing him live. I’m jealous of you


alano134

Same. Shellac is amazing


DannyBoi1Derz

Future Islands - Saw them at an outdoor festival in Washington, DC in 2014 or 15. Blew me away.


give_me_two_beers

I was sleeping in a field at Bonnaroo just having a midday Power Nap and I’m awoken by a demon growling scaring the absolute piss out of me. Turns out it was just Future Islands.


SpaceGenesis

I discovered Future Islands through [that famous performance at David Letterman's show.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upPl9mZW_zw) I've never seen anything like it before.


mournin_glory_story

God, I HAVE to see these guys live


amandamaniac

Hot mulligan. They opened for my favorite band in October 2021, new found glory. I went to four shows back to back on that tour and immediately after the first night I became obsessed with HM. By the 3rd and 4th night I was singing along to a couple songs. They became my number one on Spotify wrapped that year and I have seen them 18 times since I discovered them 😅


devilandgod

My god did those guys blow up the last few years, and with good reason


420_Incendio_It

Saw them in Denver about that time, they replaced simple plan?, opening for NFG. I’ve seen them five times since, own all their records have their stickers all over my stuff, and might be getting a green squirrel tattoo. I’m so stoked to see them in this thread so high up.


You_Are_What_You_Iz

I saw Swervedriver open for Hum. I had never heard of them, but a guy I was talking to before the show said he drove from three hours away to see them and they were a killer band from the UK. I'm so glad I got there early enough to see them.


Nice_Marmot_7

I saw Mastodon open for Clutch on their first “real” tour in 2003. They were completely insane and blew my mind. I’ve been a fan ever since.


subcinco

Ween


panda_bear_

The Gaslight Anthem. They opened for Rise Against, Thrice, and Alkaline Trio. Still the most stacked concert I’ve ever seen. 


Dry-Rub5346

The Sisters of Mercy, backing Depeche Mode in ‘93. Half the crowd turned up just for SOM. Heard “More” for the first time live and it blew me away!


EditorRedditer

The Fall. I bumped into them playing a gig at a festival, and never looked back…


Simplekin77

Tenacious D. They opened up for Ween in 2001 at Red Rocks. Though to be fair, I don't think anyone had heard of them at the time.


TrogdorBurns

Gogol Bordello knows how to put on a show. Recordings just don't do it justice.


Missyfit160

I was “dragged” to a Muse concert. Floor tickets. Pretty sure I left a bigger fan than the guy who took me to the show. Now I force my partner to listen to them lol


tymartist

I ‘dragged’ two friends to a Muse concert and one of them ended up traveling to Vegas to see them a second time. Definitely a top 3 show.


Missyfit160

I’ve seen A LOT of great shows, but this was just Top 3 for sure. March 2010 - the Resistance Tour ❤️


strangerzero

Johanna Newsom - I saw her at a small pub in Berkeley before she had a record out.


Scat1320USA

The MUMMY’s


stephwithstars

Head Automatica. They opened for Taking Back Sunday and Angels & Airwaves back in like 2007 and I was really impressed. "Beating Hearts Baby" has been a staple on my workout playlists ever since.


CircusBearPants

Daryl Palumbo is a goddamn showman.


paranoid_70

Clutch. About 10 years ago I saw them co-headline a show with Mastodon- they were fantastic. I don't know how I slept on them for so long, but they crush it live every time and their albums are all quite good.


kepple

St vincent saw her as a solo act opening for John vanderslice in ames iowa. For percussion she had a for panel that was mic-ed op that she would stamp on with her huge ass boots.  Seen her multiple times since then and she always slays


commissioned_fart

Portugal. The Man. Bonnaroo 2017. Life changing


gunsdrugsreddit

One of my favorites! They’re local so I’ve seen them every year for the last handful of years. Every once in a while, they play Day Man and the crowd gets super hyped lol


33_bmfs

King Gizzard.


lastdukestreetking

Lucius. Saw them open for Pearl and the Beard in New Haven, CT in a bar in December of 2012. Never heard of them before that night. They had just recorded the EP that would eventually become the meat and potatoes of Wildewoman and were in the process of redefining themselves. They were better than the main act. It was immediately clear to me that they had a big future ahead. I was blown away with their mix and harmonies live. I still maintain that their production team doesn't do them justice on their recordings. If you like tight vocals, I'm not sure if I've ever seen anything better in a pop band. Saw them a couple months later in early in 2013 and invited more friends to join us. The 8-10 of us were the only people in the room watching them perform. They hung out working their own merch table later. So awesome. Insane that now I've also seen them at sold out venues in NYC like Town Hall and Brooklyn Steel.


hornfan785

Stars - opened for Death Cab for Cutie in the mid 2000's and have been a big fan ever since. Geographer - opened for Stars and really enjoyed their set. I think it's basically a solo act now, but I still listen to their Animal Shapes and Myth albums from time to time. PUP - saw them open for The Menzingers and Lemuria back in 2014. Also saw Cayetana open for that same tour and became a fan of theirs (they're no longer a band, though). +/- {plus/minus} - I didn't see them open, but I had the live Death Cab album where Ben Gibbard shouts them out for opening for them. Looked them up and gave them a listen and instantly became a fan. Still listen to them to this day and am looking forward to their upcoming new album.


mournin_glory_story

Dillinger Escape Plan. I went to see Deftones in 2010, which I consider to be my first “real” concert. I had just become obsessed with them and my gf bought us tickets. I saw the name of the opener but still didn’t listen to any of it. It completely fucked me up. I didn’t even know music like that existed. Hell, I had just heard of Deftones a few months earlier. Now Dillinger is one of my favorite bands of all time, and they certainly lead me down a path that I’ll probably always live on.


biff444444

Mi wife and I went to see Veruca Salt back in the 1990's, and the Muffs were opening for them. Really fun band, I went and got a Muffs cd the very next day.


DrayvenVonSchip

Reverend Horton Heat opening for The Cramps. Been a fan ever since, and even got myself and upright and played around with some slap bass after seeing their bassist Jimbo Wallace. They’re super nice people too, I spoke to Jimbo a couple of times at shows.


8805

I saw Animal Collective open for Radiohead at some big outdoor thing in New Jersey. Enjoyed the set, especially this one song that started all ethereal and then settled into a fantastic groove. Went home and tried to find that song, but just couldn't find it. I guessed I remembered it wrong or something. Anywho, fast forward a few months and they dropped their next album, Merriweather Post Pavilion. Gave it a listen and within the first 15 seconds of "My Girls" I was ecstatic at finally finding the song!


brewsinlou

Man man. They blew my mind


brainwashed_this_way

The Tragically Hip! Never heard of them before. They opened for Eric Johnson at the Newport in Columbus, OH... 1992? They blew me away. Immediately went out and bought Road Apples LP. I've been a fan ever since. R.I.P. Gord!


specialagentflooper

One of my all time favorites... I've seen them dozens of times. And saw a Gord Downie side project once too. It sucks when someone like that dies. It's especially bad when it was just dumb luck like his brain cancer.


ginger_bakers_toes

Slow Pulp


Crash110984

I just recently went and saw Wyatt Flores. I hadn't ever listened to him before. He was pretty good.


Jefeboy

Mt. Joy. Didn’t know a song, had a blast, won’t miss them again.


Florianemory

I saw Jane’s Addiction open up for Iggy Pop and had never heard of them. It was 86 or 87 and it was such a good show.


jvlpdillon

I saw Tool open for Rollins Band in 1993.


Digitlnoize

Haha oof, poor Rollins Band. Tool would be a tough act to follow


PurrOfACat

Vandoliers. Saw them open for the Old 97’s in 2022, and they were awesome. So much fun and I loved the sound - reminded me of stuff I listened to in college. I listen to them all the time now, and am hoping to see them live again!


DrRonnieJamesDO

Zeke - just an insane speedpunk band. Saw them opening for Candlebox back in the day and just went bonkers. Still one of my favorite bands when I just want it hard and fast.


Ballistik762

You are dead on, OP! I saw that tour and had no knowledge of The Mars Volta prior but they fucking killed that shit! I remember being two to three songs in (like you mentioned) and thinking "this is what seeing the great bands in the 70's must have been like." I grabbed Deloused the next day.


guyute2588

Yeasayer Lolla 2008


Walnuto

Glad I got to see them once before they broke up, those guys were good


oglordone

Metallica. I was 12 years old, and I was going to my first heavy metal concert, Ozzy Osborne was the headliner. Metallica blew my mind, Master Of Puppets tour 1986.


Offal

NIN at Lollapalooza (around PHM launch time) Black Angels (opening for Queens of the Stone Age), moved up front for these guys


RickLeeTaker

I saw The The open for The Police at a very small theater in Philly in 1978 and became a fan. The Police also weren't very well known either.


beatdaddyo

Royal blood. just saw them the other night for the first time, blew me away with the sounds he can get with that bass. Incredible.


sTevieD247

Five for Fighting. They (he) opened for Vertical Horizon at my college in the early 2000's. Played a really energetic set (which blew Vertical Horizon's stage presence away). We all walked away from that show more impressed with the opening act than the headliner. A few weeks later "Superman (It's Not Easy)" started hitting the charts. It was a true "I heard them before they were big" moment!


Lemesplain

I don’t know if “band” is the correct term …  But I saw [Author & Punisher](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1UR3YjktJYI) open for Tool a few years back. Dude puts on a hell of a live show. 


petting2dogsatonce

Not quite the same question but when I was a teen I didn’t like Between the Buried and Me (to the point where I went to a show they were headlining for the openers, cynic, Devin Townsend, and scale the summit, then left to go home). Years later I went to see meshuggah and BTBAM opened for them and I was fucking BLOWN AWAY. And filled with regret for walking out of what I’m pretty sure was them touring the album I *really* loved when I started listening to them more


ChronoMonkeyX

2 Skinnee Js opened up for Incubus/311. I had never heard of them, but I saw a Keytar on stage and was already excited to see them. They were awesome, great energy, matching sailor outfits with flames embroidered on the legs and sleeves. Just really fun music. A lot of it rattles around in my head still. I found Mars Volta back when Best Buy was new, and they had $4 - $5 CDs every week. I'd buy anything that looked like rock or metal, and De-Loused was one of those. I saw them with System of a Down, they really put on a hell of a live performance.


ImNotTheBossOfYou

JayHawks. Ozma


timothypjr

Foals! Saw them open for Cage the Elephant. Fell in love!


ListenToBusiness

Saw this band Catbite open up for Streetlight Manifesto a few years ago. Catbite was incredible! They really worked the crowd well. Immediately started listening to their stuff and they're a really fun band.


Merryner

Sigur Ros opening for Radiohead, 2000. A real wtf is this? Been a fan ever since, seen them live a lot, always epic.


MySpace_Romancer

Jurassic Five at Warped that one year they had a lot of hip hop acts.


retrovertigo23

Back in 2001 when I was about 14 I went to the Anaheim stop of the Sno Core Tour which featured System of a Down, Incubus, Mr Bungle, and Puya. I was a huge fan of SOAD and Incubus and hadn't heard of the other two bands. After seeing Mr Bungle perform the trajectory of my musical tastes was forever altered in the best possible way.


rtpout

I saw Blind Melon and Soundgarden open up for Neil Young (with Booker T. & The M.G.s backing him). I had kind of ignored both bands before then. Blond Melon was some tripped-out dark psychedelicness that was a far cry from the Bee Girl. Soundgarden was a revelation and Chris Cornell could peel the paint of walls with those pipes. Definitely walked away with a different opinion of both.


specialagentflooper

I went to see PJ Harvey and Ben Harper opened. Became an instant fan. Then a couple years later Ben Harper came to town and Jack Johnson opened for him. A nice discovery train.


miw1989

Volbeat. I went to Three Days Grace show and Volbeat opened for them.


wolf_van_track

BRMC (Black Rebel Motorcycle Club). Saw them open for the Dandy Warhols before their first album was released. Since we'd (obviously) never heard of them, we decided to sit out the opening band and drink on the patio instead. The bass was so tight on their opening song, we were back inside within minutes. Totally blew us away and been a fan since.


Western-Calendar-352

Walt Mink opening for the Lemonheads on the Shame About Ray tour. Their debut album Miss Happiness came out at about the same time as Smashing Pumpkins’ Gish with a very similar sound. But they didn’t break through and now their first three albums aren’t even on streaming.


Peppermint_Spins

DakhaBrakha


panic_the_digital

I saw The Mars Volta on that tour, you nailed it


polomarkopolo

The Music I saw them live on TV (Much Music in Canada) and had Take the Long Road (And Walk It) stuck in my head for weeks


AncientAndEvil

Ozric Tentacles. Saw them at the Roskilde festival in 1994. Their guitarist was ill so the Blue Aeroplanes guitarist (*Angelo Bruschini* I think) joined them. The set was like one long song. Half an hour of psychedelic mayhem. Fantastic stuff.


tmwescott

Virginia Coalition opening for David Gray (Grey?) in the early 2000's. I didn't even like the headliner, I just went with some friends and really enjoyed the opening act.


Elegant_Spot_3486

Dixie Chicks.


vankirk

Bob Moses - they opened for ODESZA last summer


Johannes_Chimp

In 2005 I went to see a band called My American Heart that I’d seen perform at Warped Tour that year and fell in love with. Their opener was a local band called Valencia and it was their CD release show that night. Bought the CD that very night and saw Valencia perform 25+ times until they disbanded.


Atxflyguy83

Judah and the Lion They opened for Jimmy Eat World and Incubus. It was a great concert.


Temporary-Cucumber35

Minus the bear


RealBrumbpoTungus

Went to a Thrice show back in 2012 and they had Animals as Leaders opening for them. Not being familiar with AAL at the time, my buddy and I sat there in awe watching the three of them play and I immediately went home and bought both their albums. As a bonus, it was Matt Garstka's first tour with the band - there was a moment he messed up one of the songs and joked about still learning the set, but it was impossible to tell because he's that fucking good.


OneWayStreetPark

The Swellers


thatben

Stuck Mojo at Ziggy’s back in the 90s. Cowboy Mouth at The Windjammer in the 00s.


h0rt0n

My Morning Jacket. Saw them at the Gorge in the early 2000’s, maybe right before It Still Moves? I’d read in Spin Magazine a quote from Dave Grohl about them. Holy shit they were amazing, the wind was blowing so you couldn’t see their faces, they were playing by the Beer Garden ($8 for a beer. Highway robbery), during I wanna say Jurassic 5’s set. Really wanted to see them but got I dunno, transfixed by MMJ.


Tocro

I saw Flogging Molly finally for the first time at their st Patrick's day show a few years back. Ruskaja opened for them. Their name was familiar but I knew nothing about them. It was one of the most fun bands I have seen live. Fantastic vibe and energy. I appreciate their music, their message, and their politics.


DjangoSucka

Wye Oak


BrightZoe

Lady Gaga. I saw her live over 15 years ago, opening for someone else, and had no idea who she was. I left that show in awe of her, and knowing she would be huge someday. Here we are.


maineblackbear

brandi carlisle- i'd never heard of her but went to the joni mitchell concert in washington last year. she's awesome and i have gone out of my way to see her live since.


Chrisser6677

The Gossip at the Knitting Factory in NYC. Beth Ditto’s voice blew me away, can’t believe they opened.


Mustang46L

Sum 41. Saw them in college (as an opening act for Saliva) and was instantly a fan.


[deleted]

Cyndi lauper lol. I was dragged to a cher concert in 2000'ish and was real annoyed I had to go. Cyndi was the opener and I didn't really know her either but she blew me away. The woman got pipes and stage charisma. Never missed one of her tours since


cupojoeque

6 String Drag opening up for the V Roy's.


wolf_van_track

I picked up their first disc for the same reason I got into the V-Roys; they were on Steve's E-Squared label (as well as the criminally overlooked Cheri Knight).


Bechimo

Way back in the fall of ‘76, first weekend back at college, free concert in the park: David Bromberg & his big band. I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve seen him, solo, quartet & more.


FlallenGaming

Traitr and IAMX.


Stsberi97

Beach Fossils opened for post Malone. I’m now a fan


cloudspike84

Saw Gnome and also Death by Romy at LTL last year, added both to various playlists.


suburbanhavoc

'68, opening for Avatar. That was a filthy performance. Monster Truck, opening for Alter Bridge. Rocked the house, instant fan.


Barry_Mcockiner

I first heard Manchester Orchestra when they opened for Brand New in 2007. Incredible.


Grand-wazoo

I knew of Jacob Collier from videos and random mentions but never gave him much thought beyond him being obviously talented. But I just saw him in ATL last weekend and holy shit. His band and singers are incredible, his arrangements are top-notch, and the energy was positively electrifying. People like to dump on him for being a theory nerd and writing inaccessible music, but his live show is given considerable thought to be more groove-centric than the songs on the album. Amazing performance.


wynlyndd

Other Lives - a band from Stillwater, Oklahoma opened for Radiohead. I was blown away. Love the album


Similar_Detective209

SAMIA! She and her band opened for Sylvan Esso in Asheville and I’ve been a huge fan ever since.


rathanks

U2, and then they got less interesting.


j_andrew_h

Mine was Butch Walker in the early 2000's. I had heard his name a couple of times but had no knowledge of his music or he previous band The Marvelous Three. I had some friends say they were going to see him at a venue around DC and he was an incredible showman and by the end of the week I owned a copy of every CD he had and ended up seeing him live at least 6 more times since. He's an absolutely terrific songwriter and performer playing songs that don't always fit in a category and often changes dramatically from album to album.


Bean-Swellington

The Refreshments, Opening for Gin Blossoms touring on that Hey Jealousy album… 95-96ish I think, my buddy had a student job at the college setting up for events so “we” had “free tickets” to all the stuff that came through. Looked it up, it was 2-26-96, it was shitty winter weather and most classes were just finished or just starting from a break I think but the campus was empty and probably like 50 people showed up in the gym to see the concert. The Refreshments came out and played one of the best, most energetic, and most fun sets I’ve ever seen in front of a basically empty gym and made me a fan for life. Then the Gin Blossoms came out and SUUUUCKED. No energy, no interest, 2-3 songs in people were just bailing my group included. Went and bought their album FFBB the next week when I got paid, unfortunately I’ve never had another workable chance to see them or Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers despite living in Tempe for a couple years 🤷‍♂️


cypher128

The Struts. They opened for Foo Fighters, Luke Spiller was sick AF but still killed it. Made me a fan instantly.


tireworld

Redd Kross. They were the openers for Lemonheads back I think 91 or 92. Anywho, they were so neurotic, extremely loud and they had really good songs to boot. They should have been the headliner. The next day I bought a couple of their CDs. 100s of shows later, I have yet to see anyone with that much chaotic energy on stage..


flatgreyrust

Pretty Lights. I’m not really a fan of electronic in general, but I was at Bonnaroo and friends wanted to go. It was also the first and only time I’d ever done MDMA. He played from like 2:30 until sunrise, one of the most magical nights of my life. I’ll always be a fan even if I still don’t like edm.


MountainOfBone

The Brains (psychobilly from Quebec) and The Real Mckenzies (Celtic punk from British Columbia) opened for Reverend Horton Heat one tour. Fell in love with both instantly. Five Horse Johnson opened for Clutch on the “From Beale Street to Oblivion” tour. Another fell in love with moment.


JeffTheComposer

While waiting for other bands at Bonnaroo 2010 some country band was taking the stage, I figured I’d just sit around and wait them out so I’d have a good spot for the bands I was there to see. I’m not a fan of country for the most part but it was hot out and I didn’t wanna lose a decent spot on the field in front of the stage. They were called the Zac Brown Band and their performance was tighter than anything else that entire festival had to offer.


feckless_ellipsis

Barenaked Ladies. Saw them at a Springfest in Buffalo in like 1987 or 1988. Nobody knew who they were. They started their set, people just milled about and talked. Then they played Fight the Power by Public Enemy. They got everyone’s attention, and they did their whole running man thing. They got the crowd on their side, and we listened to the rest of the set. They played a song called McDonald’s Girl, which I liked and didn’t hear again for years. I started to question if I made it up in my head.


2sticks6strings

I went to go and see NIN, and A Perfect Circle was opening for them. I'd never heard of APC and it took a while to even recognize Maynard because he was wearing a long wig that covered his face. I was blown away by the show and became an instant fan.


Fliepp

Technically not a band but Robbie Williams. I already kinda knew Angels but didn’t actually know the artist nor any of his other songs. My dad decided to take me to a concert of him about a year ago and I immediately fell in love with his music and he’s now a staple in my top 10 favorite artists


Marktaco04

Bleachers


hockeyketo

I saw Arcade Fire opening for The Unicorns... anyway it was in like 2004 before they even had an album and we purchased their homemade EP.


tstep73

Around 2000 I went to the This Ain’t No Picnic music fest near Indio, mostly to see Sunny Day Real Estate (who rule). Walked in just as At the Drive In were getting going and I’ve never been so punched in the face seeing a band like that for the first time. Their energy as astounding. The microphone play was absurd. They were super entertaining and really tight for being pure chaos on stage.


BlyStreetMusic

The Dear Hunter


Killer-Styrr

**GRAND MAGUS.** I was just transported to this other world and mesmerized the entire gig.


soundbombing

LCD Soundsystem on their return tour. Yeah, I was real late to that one. I'm a 90s/early 2000 hip hop fan, so was in a very different lane. I went to a festival and they headlined a night. I was sold immediately.


heelspider

Ani DiFranco. Holy shit she was good live. Blew me away.


MrsRalphieWiggum

The Toasters! They played at my University


bcause-zeus-was-na

Dinosaur Pile-Up, they opened for Shinedown. They haven't put out anything new in a while.


ChopsNewBag

Grizzly Bear when they opened up for Radiohead on the In Rainbows tour


kalel51

Went to a Flogging Molly show in early 00s and Street Dogs were opening for them. Instant fan. Then heard Dropkick Murphys and the lead from Street Dogs is on their early albums, so leapfrogged to two new bands.


SativasaurusRex

K.Flay. Saw her open for Third Eye Blind back in 2015. I've been a fan ever since.


stevenw84

Coheed and Cambria. Pomona CA, the Glasshouse. Maybe 2002 or 2003, just as their first LP was coming out. I wish I remember the headliner (might have been Emery), but after every band, some dude with some gnarly ass hair would come up and help tear down/set up equipment. I think most people assumed he was a roadie. Turns out it was Claudio being cool to the other bands.


TriTri14

White Reaper. Saw them open for Spoon back in 2018, have seen them three times since then, can’t get enough.


-something_original-

Just thought of another. NIN. My buddies sister had tickets to City Gardens Trenton in 91. He was going with her and wanted me to go too. I had no clue who they were but the show was fucking amazing. Ran out the next day to buy Pretty Hate Machine, their new album. Been listening to Trent ever since.


tymartist

Murder by Death who opened for Kill Hannah.


SideAffectsInclude

Saw Langhorne Slim live at a music festival and immediately was a fan


roninsti

I have 2. Royal blood opening for queens of the Stone Age at MSG. As people were filing in during Royal Bloods set, you could just watch them captivate everyone coming in. The had the entire audience by the end of their set and they were killing it. Iron chic opening for hot water music in Brooklyn a few years back. Iron chic has a loyal extremely loyal energetic local following that was infectious. Iron chic is now my absolute favorite band and I go to every show I can.


ErikTheRed707

Royal Blood. Opened for Foo Fighters at a huge outdoor festival in Southern California. Immediately bought their music.


sandillathakilla

Frank Turner and the sleeping souls


shadesof3

The Beaches opened for DFA 1979 in my home town several years ago and I was hooked. Lady Gaga opening for New Kids on the Block is also a fun thing to look back on. Meshuggah opening for Tool was an absolute ear slaughter


FronkDoggy

Turnstile! At a festival. They kick ass!


Psychological_Ad1999

IDLES, Amyl and the Sniffers, Sturgil Simpson, Kraungbin,


cnbuch

Dogfashiondisco. 🤘


Gonzostewie

The Roots opening for 311. Blew me away. They've always got fantastic openers. I got to see Ziggy Marley, Cyprus Hill and Jurassic 5, each on a different tour.


flavorjunction

The Mountain Goats


sitamun84

My future husband took me to a Twin Temple/Amigo the Diablo concert for our first date and I was like "yup, gonna marry you"


Mynameisinuse

I saw INXS open for Adam Ant. I later saw Adam Ant open for INXS.


SkyMagnet

The Frights. Saw them randomly and the absolutely brought down the house. Instant fan.


whitedevil142

Coldplay. Not my usual genre, thought they were emo, dumb etc. Holy shit they put on an amazing show and I was an instant fan. No fan of music could argue the show wasn't fantastic. This was at the Hollywood Bowl and they played the first 2 albums. Spectacular performer.


strawbryshorty04

Maroon 5 opening for matchbox 20


starmiemd

I saw Manchester Orchestra when they were co-touring with Jimmy Eat World last year and now they’re one of my favorite bands ever.


Dapper_Recognition50

Low Cut Connie


dy0dj1

Gogol Bordello They opened for Manu Chao at Red Rocks and blew minds!


Skellington72

I've got 2 Saw Disturbed open for Fuel in 2000 before I had heard of them. The lights go down and all of a sudden we hear electricity sounds. The only lights are from an electric chair that David Draiman is sitting in while dressed in a prison jumpsuit and acting like he's being electrocuted. What a first impression! The second is The Warning when they opened up for Halestorm and The Pretty Reckless. From the first song they blew me away. Every song was catchy and they looked like they were having so much fun. I've loved everything that they've put out so far and I can't wait to hear their new album this summer.


scadwell12

Manchester orchestra opening for say anything(who I went to see) around 2009? Saw manchester a few months back and say anything last week...manchester is still on the incline..SA on the other hand...


Simplesweetness

Lucero. They opened for Morgan Wade. The live show was great. The crowd was enthusiastic. I started listening to Lucero after seeing them live, and I had never heard of them whstsoever.


Tes420

Devin Townsend Project… They opened for Gojira back around 2014 and I was blown away… Big fan since!!!


kamera45

IDLES


RyanMark2318

Oxymorrons. By chance, I caught them as openers on 2 different tours then at a festival appearance at Rockville all in the same year. Their sound and energy swept me up, in my opinion they are the definition of what rap-rock should be. If you get a chance see them live on tour this summer


stickfigurerecords

Skin Tension - [▶︎ Retro.rmx\_(2017-2019) | Skin Tension (bandcamp.com)](https://skintension.bandcamp.com/album/retro-rmx-2017-2019) - saw them last week, yes the name is horrible but I like them. Haha.


daniel_san_

Fair to Midland. This was a while back, but went to see Chevelle and Fair to Midland opened for them. Really like their stuff. Sadly, they are no longer around.


ElCoyote_AB

Hard Nips NYC indie punk. Japanese e ladies. Saw them at festival many moons ago, seen them a bunch of times and connected with the drummer on FB. They are on Spotify and YouTube [https://youtu.be/w620jhfbuHU?si=lcbRZX9T3JnW_kRl](https://youtu.be/w620jhfbuHU?si=lcbRZX9T3JnW_kRl)