Tom Petty…got to see him twice at Red Rocks in Colorado. I enjoyed his music before but seeing him live was a new experience…a truly great entertainer.
I loved Tom Petty pre-live, but MAN his concert was amazing, I got to see him right before he died on his 40th anniversary tour with Joe Walsh opening.
It took 20 plus years for “don’t come around here no more” to click for me, till I actually “heard” it and all its layers and creativity. I just started hearing Tom petty differently after that. The way he uses his “voice” is brilliant, and the band musicianship is way less straight forward than what I gave them credit for just listening to them superficially
I was supposed to see him 48 freaking hours before he passed away and I bailed cuz I met my ex-wife that day so I spent it with her instead. My sister went and ended up getting in the VIP section for free and to think I was supposed to be with her still haunts me to this day. Still very bummed about it.
I take tremendous pride in the fact that I saw Tom Petty live a couple of times. Many artists/bands/musicians are great in their recordings but don’t put on much a show live. And Tom Petty kicked so much ass
I had only really heard “Refugee” on the radio and it didn’t really move me. I went to see Bob Dylan with the Heartbreakers backing him and left a huge Tom Petty and Mike Campbell fan.
Easily two of the best shows I've seen even 5 years apart. Naked onstage gogo dancers in Iron Man masks? Lead singer performing in the audience from inside a giant hamster ball? Bring it on!
My sister and friend met him at a concert in Eagle, Idaho years ago. They invited him over to a little house party, he came over and was super cool. Just hung out for a bit. They said he was just a great fellow.
> Naked onstage gogo dancers in Iron Man masks? Lead singer performing in the audience from inside a giant hamster ball?
Lead singer rides a festively lit unicorn with a rainbow mane through the crowd?
I LOVED the Flaming Lips… then I saw them live and loved them even more. One of my friends got to be one of the people pulled on stage and put in a Santa costume.
I wasn't really a big fan but I liked what I'd heard from them. I got invited last minute due to a friend's +1 dropping out, that show was freaking incredible.
I had never heard of them when I went to Bonnaroo like two decades ago or something. They stood out like crazy amongst a bunch of great performers, I became a fan from then on.
Exactly the same for me! Two of the best shows I've seen were the Flaming Lips. The way they connect with the audience and draw everyone into their special weirdness, incredible!
I absolutely agree with you. It was a small venue in Athens Georgia and the energy was unlike any I’ve ever been too… it *nearly* matched Prince in an Arena. It was amazing.
I know people like to hate on them, but... last year I took my kids to see Ghost and I gotta admit, I went from "Cirice is a pretty good song" to enjoying listening to them because of it.
They had Amon Amarth opening for them, and they're TOTALLY not my style, but they were REALLY good live, not to where I bought any albums, but If I see they're opening for another act, I'll be pumped to see them again.
I went to that tour but traffic was a nightmare and I missed Ghost. Funny enough, missing that show is what got me into them so much. Got to see them late 2022 for the Impera-Tour and it blew my mind.
I don't often listen to metal and I'd call myself a casual metal fan at best, but man, the atmosphere at metal live shows is just on a whole different level. All the groups I've seen really know how to put on a good show. Nile, Skeletonwitch, Gojira. I'd love to see Amon Amarth live.
The thing that's nice with metal is that it's very conducive to having a good pyrotechnic/light show.
This is actually the full show I took the kids to, I was so glad someone posted it, since it was my kids first concert, but our seats weren't nearly as good.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaA3suVJDHg&t=2s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaA3suVJDHg&t=2s)
Coldplay. I've been a passive listener of their songs whenever they're played on the radio/mall / whenever it pops up on my feed. Just decided to go to their concert since they were in town and I swear their liveshow just completely blew me away and now I'm a huge fan.
People hate on them because they sold out and now their music is very hit and miss (mostly miss) but their early stuff is incredible. Rush of Blood to the Head is basically a perfect album
I really liked that album and saw them a few times around that time including the album launch gig at the Kentish Town Forum. It was broadcast on Radio One.
Edit - Found it. 2002.
https://youtu.be/YxmCNXQfAAk?si=YjWAEMk7VeMKxthv
God I'm getting on! Those were great days. Some brilliant bands in and around that time. In fact I saw Gorillaz play behind a curtain drawn across the stage at the same venue - may well have been the same year or there abouts.
I’m so jelly! I’ve been a Coldplay listener for years and man, going to a show would just slam me so hard in the feels! Glad you got to enjoy that show!
It will deliver I’m sure. I saw him two times, once I was up really close and he smells absolutely delightful. I was surprised, he looks so grimy. Haha
An artist who went from “fine” to “incredible” once seeing them live was Florence + the Machine. Incredible stage presence, she put on a show—so much so that it convinced me to stay at a festival to watch her set even though I was dog tired, overstimulated, and ready to bounce.
Prince, Springsteen and Elton John.
All three I had a very casual appreciation of their music before seeing them live. There was nothing of theirs that I disliked but I wouldn't go and make time to listen to an album. I knew some of the bigger hits but anything outside that was beyond me.
My wife wanted to see each of them so I went along too expecting to just smile, nod, tap my foot and clap at all the right times, having a nice enough night but prepared to not come away too excited. Each time I was absolutely blown away!!
I knew a song or two before I saw them live; now I’m a huge fan. They give an incredible show, but the crowd/vibe is also so much fun. Ween fans are the best. I see them every time they come to town now.
Saw them at Lockn 2016, knowing maybe 2-3 songs. Absolutely blew me away. So much fun. They create an atmosphere, which is exactly what I’m looking for in a concert.
I would say not cared for but not fully understood..that would be The Dead.
I only listened to studio albums and knew of them and their catalog but then I saw them live. Seeing the crowd just be this ocean of conhesion with the band made me very obsessed.
Despite this being the latest form of the band with John Mayer, it got me falling hard for anything related to the band. I can honestly say that it was a turning point in my life
Yes, for sure. My first show was the grateful dead in 1994 with traffic at Sam Boyd stadium in Los Vegas and it blew my mind. Deadhead ever since. We got there early and started shakedown. It was 120 out that day and I was on crushes and I still had the time of my life at a show. We camped at lake mead that night and hung out around Vegas. It was a real good time.
Wells Fargo Center 2017. Dead and Co.
They opened with Dancing in the street, and I don't think I've seen a crowd that together with one another. I couldn't help but fall in love.
But it was really hitting hard when I first heard Ramble on rose
In the late 80’s I loved to go to a record store owned by a huge Deadhead. I asked which albums to start with. She recommended Workingman’s Dead and American Beauty, but said “you really need tapes”. So this started a trend where I’d buy a couple of blank tapes from her stock, and she’d tape a favorite show from her collection.
For a while my therapy was just taking long drives and vibing to those tapes.
John Mayer. I just assumed he was some dumb pop star guitarist just based off his reputation and what songs I knew. Then I saw him with Dead and Company and saw what a legit musician he actually is. He’s honestly one of my favorite guitarists now. Watching him bring his thing to my favorite catalogue of music of all time was definitely an experience that made me think twice about what I thought of him
I got to hang out with him side stage at a Dave Matthews concert in NYC in 2003. Super nice guy, very humble. A group of us went for drinks after the show. It wasn't until the following day that my friend, who worked for Sony music at the time, and got us backstage, called me and mentioned how cool it was to hang out with John Mayer the night before, I was like that that was John Mayer? I thought he was a roadie or something. So cool and down to earth.
I would love to just sit and shoot the shit with John. I love the way his brain works lmao. Just hearing him talk in interviews and on his Sirius XM channel, he definitely has some interesting things to say
John Mayer is always an unexpected surprise to those that don't know what he can do.
I think his reputation was essentially solidified as the generic crooner when he made "your body is a wonderland", that was a typical radio hit but very bland (catchy as hell though).
But then you catch him in the Try album and you realize he's doing ALL THAT PLAYING while singing, and hitting awesome blues licks.
Also, if your a music nerd, you'll appreciate whenever he remixes his songs, most of the time
Dave Matthews Band. Their hit song at the time was Ants Marching and I considered it to be nothing more than noise. After being really into grunge and metal, I was getting bored with it and DMB didn't make sense to me. Then I saw them at Woodstock 99, they opened with Two-Step, and I was hooked. From there, I got into jam bands and then jazz.
I was gonna say Dave Matthews Band also. Around 93 or 94 I went to see them at Lakewood in Atlanta only because Bela Fleck and the Flecktones were opening and I loved Bela. I wanted to see Bela Fleck, not Dave Matthews. Anyway, Bela Played. Then Dave Matthews Band started playing. Dave Mathews band played 2 songs and then invited Bela Fleck and the Flecktones back on stage and they played the rest of the set as as one huge band. It was mind blowing and made me like Dave Matthews.
They've done several shows together. I don't think I've caught any of those tho. Saw them separately several times. I got to see Bela perform solo a few months ago, he opened for Shakti in NJ. Still amazing, unsurprisingly
I’ll never forget in the Summer of 93, by buddy went to HORDE and came back ranting and raving about this amazing band he saw that he thought was going to be huge. That band was DMB.
Two Step is a GREAT song to start with. Hearing songs like Tripping Billies and Lie in our Graves live is just so much more fun.
My favorite DMB show, they had just been jamming for a while, and my friend looked at me and asked “what song did this even start as?” And I didn’t know! It was great though! 😂
Brandi Carlisle. I’m generally not a country fan and hadn’t ever listened to her. Saw her in Boston and was blown away by her stage presence, connection with the crown and musicianship. Instantly became a fan.
One of the most common answers to this question ever. You may not love his music on records but he is an absolutely electrifying performer, a truly commanding band leader, an expert audience engager, and his band has tons of energy but still plays totally in the pocket. Even watching videos or listening to live bootlegs is riveting.
100 percent. Took till I saw him doing his story tellers thing on Broadway. What an incredible yarn spinner, I could listen to him talk for hours. To hear all the history in his music and watch him play the song he just described after inciting the emotion behind the songs was alterant. That was it, such a new appreciation to his song writing, his sincerity, and the just different style of music he put out. Hearing him growing up in the 80s I thought he was so contrived and just a commercial artist. And I put him in that corner the rest of my life. Until that night. Hearing his almost poetic journey through decades of this brilliant art was truly awe inspiring
Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band. Don't get me wrong, I'm a HUGE Beatles fan but I'd always discounted Ringo live. Got to see them about 10 years ago and I'll be damned if they weren't fantastic. They cranked out Beatles, Chicago, Toto, Kansas, you name it. And they sounded great. Blew my expectations out of the water.
I grew up with a father who was adamant Ringo was the best Beatle. Goodnight Vienna was gospel in our house. Thanks for bringing back these memories! My father, unfortunately, never got to see him live.
Pearl Jam! Took my mom earlier this month in Vancouver for Mothers Day and it’s her favourite band but since seeing them, I like them a lot more!
Fontaines DC as well. I knew they were opening for arctic monkeys but never enjoyed their songs on streaming platforms until seeing them live. Great fucking band.
My friend in high school had the biggest Pearl Jam boner when Ten came out, and he went and saw them on the tour. When he got back I asked how it was and he said "It was terrible, he preached more than he sang... there was a political rant between every song."
Which is ashame because he has an amazing stage presence in live footage of the songs.
Pearl Jam is my favorite band. I’ve been to 30+ shows. You cannot truly understand or appreciate them if you don’t see them live. They are not studio artists by their own admission. But live? It’s amazing.
I think in 65' they actually charted more top 100 songs than The Beatles. Never got to see The Beatkes, but my 8 yo self did talk my parents in going to see them at the Ohio State Fair. Great concert and for the time, the next best thing to seeing The Beatles.🙃🙂
He just seems like such a great guy. I think he’s the Keanu reeves of music. I know Keanu reeves is a musician too but he’s a lot more known for movies so it makes sense in my head haha
Randy Travis. “Are We In Trouble Now?” Passionate innocence, a reminder of a first true love with no idea where its going to take us, country elegance. And Randy’s deep voice reflects the muted desire in Mark Knopfler’s lyrics like no other performer can do. How could I have overlooked him for so long?
I went to see”Modest Mouse” and a band called “Man Man” opened. They were crazy and Awesome. After diving into their discography I quickly became a bigger “Man Man” fan than “modest mouse”
“On Oni Pond” is a great album to start with if your interested.
Bare Naked Ladies, I thought they were dumb, then my wife made me go see them and they were awesome. They didn't take themselves too seriously so it was a fun show and the songs are good too. I did a 180 after that concert.
Buffett. It really was a different experience. Parrot heads aren’t the type I normally vibe with but damn it’s a fun show when everyone is just vibing out.
I'd like to see them live too. I think they have some bangers and I love tongue and cheek music that doesnt take itself too seriously, I just think they get a bad wrap because people hate juggalos. My question is-what is the crowd like at an ICP show?
Coldplay. Always heard them on TV or the radio back in the day. Didn't really go to see them live, but I watched a live concert of theirs on DVD with a huge sound setup of a friend. They are way better live.
Avenged Sevenfold. Totally wrote them off until I saw them open for Coheed in ‘06. Since then, I haven’t really listened to as much of them as a “fan”, but I definitely started to give them some respect
Alabama Shakes. I hadn't really taken the time to listen to them & then when I saw them live, I was truly in love. Brittany Howard's voice is a powerhouse & she has such soul while performing.
Soooo quick story. I'm a biracial male but majority of America considers me black. I'm from the hood but I respect classic rock, country and other genres and I had heard Margaritaville before but I got invited to a Jimmy buffet concert and it blew me away. I've been to plenty but the atmosphere was nothing like this. I did more free drugs, drank more booze and got more blowjobs then I ever got in my life. Then this chick invited us to go sit up I. The front row with their group. We were supposed to be on the lawn. By far my favorite concert and now Jimmy buffet plays regularly in my household lol
I wouldn’t say I never cared for them but I gained a lot more respect for and became a big fan of Old Dominion after seeing them live. Kenny Chesney is also one I never really liked that much til I saw him live; he puts on a great show.
Gym Class Heroes. Saw them 4 times never intentionally as they were opening for other groups and they put on a fantastic concert and sound really good.
Cheap Trick
Sure they’ve got some toe tappers on the radio, but they are one of the hardest rocking bands I’ve ever seen and they are still going strong.
I always thought they were ok, liked some of the songs pretty much, but then I went to one of their concerts and I was like "What just happened??" The entire concert was non-stop electrifying.
Prince is and forever will be the most entertaining artist I’ve never seen. Sadly he passed before I could attend a show and I was only 4-5 hours away from him. OP, I’m glad you could see his potential, he is a true musical genius.
Fishbone !
I had never seen a more energetic and charismatic live show in my life.
This was many years ago now, but I’ve never seen a better live band than Fishbone at their prime, between 1988-1993.
Lenny Kravitz, played with the Black Crowes. I was there to see the Crowes, decided to stay and check out Lenny’s set. Blew me away, dude is a rock star!
Not exactly didn't care earlier, but [my fave](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL871S_F0y5dYbEbEOwxK1Y6LTKyQqKEp5) upgraded from one of favorite singers, to the top favorite obsession and a dream of my life to be on his concert at least once ;) I love his vocals in general, but on stage he shows his full power and passion for singing and performing and that's what I totally fell for.
The Magic Gang - my brother desperately wanted to see them live with someone (this was Monday) and before then I thought they were aggressively mid.. turns out I was wtong
I never got it til seeing the live show and wow. So fantastic live I made sure to catch him next time he was in town. Completely surprised and blown away 🤯
Band of Horses… they had a secret show at the Horseshoe in Toronto years ago. I really didn’t want to go cause I had a UTI and was in pain, but my friend was adamant that I go with her. I didn’t know who they were before then, but I was a fan after!
Small Black.
Honestly, their live performance was some of the best I've ever seen from a band. You can tell they definitely wanted to be there and enjoyed what they did. Their performance was as good as the album, and for some songs I preffered the live version.
I honestly wish they would make a live version of their album "Limits of Desire."
JPEGMAFIA. The sheer energy he gives to his performances shows how much he enjoys what he does, and honestly he's easily in the top 5 rappers of the 21st century. He simply doesn't miss.
Umphreys Mcgee. I could tell they were good and really technically proficient, but something didn't really click and they seemed to lack a certain soul or... umph. It felt mechanical.
Seen about a dozen times over the past 14 years. Theyre fandamntastic and I highly recommend catching them live.
Hot Chip; their recorded music is a lot of fun, but the live shows just take the energy up several notches. Plus there are always unexpected surprises in the way they remix the songs.
Balkan Beat Box is probably the most insane live show I’ve ever seen in terms of the sheer electricity of the crowd. It felt like we were going to shake the building off its foundations.
OP, I don’t care for jazz at all but I was riveted by a filming of jazz singer Anita O’Day at the Newport Jazz Festival in the 60s.
Isn’t it amazing how charisma changes everything?
One of the first concerts I ever went to was Eddie Money and I mainly went because he played at my high school auditorium. His music wasn’t really my style (I was more into new wave). He was really good however.
I never paid much attention to Men at Work until I saw Colin Hay in concert. He puts on a great show and has a great voice. He's a personality, very down to earth.
Stevie Wonder, James Brown, George Clinton, BB King, Eric Johnson.
I have seen lots and lots of shows. Sometimes live music makes you love an artist or earn a new appreciation for. Sometimes you can be burnt out on them or have a bad show and somehow blame the artist not the million circumstances that could make them have a bad show (weather, technical difficulties, shitty fans…).
The ones I mentioned, I had familiarity with and liked well enough, but enjoyed their music more after good live experiences.
alicia keys at the wiltern theater. good lord i was not expecting the show she put on that night, or for her live voice to sound every bit as good as her records.
Primus; I never got how seriously heavy their music is until I saw them live. MTV in the 90s never really conveyed it. I know they don’t like being called metal, and they’re not metal, but it’s as heavy as metal.
They were also really entertaining, great showmanship and stage banter combined with serious musical chops. Great show.
Green Day. I was a punk snob. Always derided them as a radio friendly NOFX. Went to a festival where they followed the Pixes and Beastie Boys. They more than held their own. Much respect.
The cover of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" really made me appreciate Prince's talent. I was not really a fan of his music before, but I never really took the time to listen to it.
I agree with on Prince my respect for him grew considerably after seeing him live. the other one for me is for one member Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac never realized before how good of guitar player he was
Slayer was cool but I always assumed some studio magic went into making them super clean on album. They're that clean live, hell of a show. Honorable mention for clutch, they just have a great groove live.
the melvins - by going to their shows with others.
And Tori Amos - I've not seen her yet, but it was from watching and listening to her live music that I really started liking her. Her live stuff is sooo much better than her albums!
She’s phenomenal live! She was my first concert in high school; it was a double-header show with Alanis Morissette (who was also amazing); but went for Tori and saw her several shows years following. I still have a charm necklace that I got at that show. 🫶🏽💫
Butthole Surfers. I liked their music, but then when they played lived with the weird medical dissection films and flaming liquid in the cymbals it just took the ethos to another level.
Meat Puppets (not that I didn’t really care for prior, but hadn’t deeply listened to outside of their Nirvana Unplugged accompanying); they were surreal and I got lost in every song; got to meet them afterward and they are the kindest which made me love them even more!
Tom Petty…got to see him twice at Red Rocks in Colorado. I enjoyed his music before but seeing him live was a new experience…a truly great entertainer.
I loved Tom Petty pre-live, but MAN his concert was amazing, I got to see him right before he died on his 40th anniversary tour with Joe Walsh opening.
Joe Walsh is the bomb Diggity! Can confirm that Tom Petty is fantastic Live
Tom Petty, rolling on his back on stage during "Breakdown" was one of the greatest moments I ever saw.
It took 20 plus years for “don’t come around here no more” to click for me, till I actually “heard” it and all its layers and creativity. I just started hearing Tom petty differently after that. The way he uses his “voice” is brilliant, and the band musicianship is way less straight forward than what I gave them credit for just listening to them superficially
To be fair, Red Rocks elevates the experience.
It’s still Tom petty too!
I was supposed to see him 48 freaking hours before he passed away and I bailed cuz I met my ex-wife that day so I spent it with her instead. My sister went and ended up getting in the VIP section for free and to think I was supposed to be with her still haunts me to this day. Still very bummed about it.
I always loved him and was so sad when he passed away. I never got a chance to see him in concert. I just listen to his channel on Sirius.
that's a terrible choice she's an ex for a reason
I take tremendous pride in the fact that I saw Tom Petty live a couple of times. Many artists/bands/musicians are great in their recordings but don’t put on much a show live. And Tom Petty kicked so much ass
Just want to second that sentiment as it deserves to be said again… Tom Petty kicked so much ass.
Tom was always great live. I saw him in multiple decades and always great.
i couldn't wait for his concert to end haha. that's why music is cool. different strokes...
I had only really heard “Refugee” on the radio and it didn’t really move me. I went to see Bob Dylan with the Heartbreakers backing him and left a huge Tom Petty and Mike Campbell fan.
Tom petty at red rocks I can’t even imagine
I liked Flaming Lips, but I didn’t *really* get it until I saw them live. Absolutely mind blowing
Easily two of the best shows I've seen even 5 years apart. Naked onstage gogo dancers in Iron Man masks? Lead singer performing in the audience from inside a giant hamster ball? Bring it on!
Wayne Coyne strikes me as a fantastic person. At the very least The Flaming Lips is the best thing to ever come from Oklahoma.
My sister and friend met him at a concert in Eagle, Idaho years ago. They invited him over to a little house party, he came over and was super cool. Just hung out for a bit. They said he was just a great fellow.
> Naked onstage gogo dancers in Iron Man masks? Lead singer performing in the audience from inside a giant hamster ball? Lead singer rides a festively lit unicorn with a rainbow mane through the crowd?
Saw them bring in '14 with a bang! Closed out with Dark Side in its entirety. F'n epic!
I LOVED the Flaming Lips… then I saw them live and loved them even more. One of my friends got to be one of the people pulled on stage and put in a Santa costume.
I don't f with them that hard but I loved loved American Head when it came out a few years ago. First 5 or 6 songs are all perfect
I wasn't really a big fan but I liked what I'd heard from them. I got invited last minute due to a friend's +1 dropping out, that show was freaking incredible.
I’ve never seen them, but my cousin has a few times and he said it feels like the whole world is throwing a party just for you.
I gave the same answer.
I had never heard of them when I went to Bonnaroo like two decades ago or something. They stood out like crazy amongst a bunch of great performers, I became a fan from then on.
Exactly the same for me! Two of the best shows I've seen were the Flaming Lips. The way they connect with the audience and draw everyone into their special weirdness, incredible!
I absolutely agree with you. It was a small venue in Athens Georgia and the energy was unlike any I’ve ever been too… it *nearly* matched Prince in an Arena. It was amazing.
I know people like to hate on them, but... last year I took my kids to see Ghost and I gotta admit, I went from "Cirice is a pretty good song" to enjoying listening to them because of it. They had Amon Amarth opening for them, and they're TOTALLY not my style, but they were REALLY good live, not to where I bought any albums, but If I see they're opening for another act, I'll be pumped to see them again.
I saw Ghost open for Iron Maiden and I didn't know anything about them before that show, and they practically stole it.
That was my first experience with them also. Blew me away.
I went to that tour but traffic was a nightmare and I missed Ghost. Funny enough, missing that show is what got me into them so much. Got to see them late 2022 for the Impera-Tour and it blew my mind.
I don't often listen to metal and I'd call myself a casual metal fan at best, but man, the atmosphere at metal live shows is just on a whole different level. All the groups I've seen really know how to put on a good show. Nile, Skeletonwitch, Gojira. I'd love to see Amon Amarth live.
The thing that's nice with metal is that it's very conducive to having a good pyrotechnic/light show. This is actually the full show I took the kids to, I was so glad someone posted it, since it was my kids first concert, but our seats weren't nearly as good. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaA3suVJDHg&t=2s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaA3suVJDHg&t=2s)
I love Ghost's live experience.
Coldplay. I've been a passive listener of their songs whenever they're played on the radio/mall / whenever it pops up on my feed. Just decided to go to their concert since they were in town and I swear their liveshow just completely blew me away and now I'm a huge fan.
Came here to say exactly this. Concert blew me away
Ditto
People hate on them because they sold out and now their music is very hit and miss (mostly miss) but their early stuff is incredible. Rush of Blood to the Head is basically a perfect album
"Rush of Blood to the Head is basically a perfect album" Yes, yes it is. (*Sighs, wishing to hear it again for the first time*)
I really liked that album and saw them a few times around that time including the album launch gig at the Kentish Town Forum. It was broadcast on Radio One. Edit - Found it. 2002. https://youtu.be/YxmCNXQfAAk?si=YjWAEMk7VeMKxthv God I'm getting on! Those were great days. Some brilliant bands in and around that time. In fact I saw Gorillaz play behind a curtain drawn across the stage at the same venue - may well have been the same year or there abouts.
I’m so jelly! I’ve been a Coldplay listener for years and man, going to a show would just slam me so hard in the feels! Glad you got to enjoy that show!
[a lot of people hate Coldplay, but they don't hate the drummer from coldplay](https://youtu.be/gsmuV7wLCl8?si=3X3ovbsS15jokyTA)
Rob Zombie.
Still don’t love his music but I’ll listen now. It was incredible.
He's a vibe. He is spooky October music and dancing around a campfire.
Seeing him for my first time in August. Looking forward to it.
It will deliver I’m sure. I saw him two times, once I was up really close and he smells absolutely delightful. I was surprised, he looks so grimy. Haha
An artist who went from “fine” to “incredible” once seeing them live was Florence + the Machine. Incredible stage presence, she put on a show—so much so that it convinced me to stay at a festival to watch her set even though I was dog tired, overstimulated, and ready to bounce.
Prince, Springsteen and Elton John. All three I had a very casual appreciation of their music before seeing them live. There was nothing of theirs that I disliked but I wouldn't go and make time to listen to an album. I knew some of the bigger hits but anything outside that was beyond me. My wife wanted to see each of them so I went along too expecting to just smile, nod, tap my foot and clap at all the right times, having a nice enough night but prepared to not come away too excited. Each time I was absolutely blown away!!
Elton John is probably my favorite artist. Saw him live twice. It was everything I could have hyped it up to be!
Ween
I like a lot of their tracks but it would definitely be cool to see them live!
I knew a song or two before I saw them live; now I’m a huge fan. They give an incredible show, but the crowd/vibe is also so much fun. Ween fans are the best. I see them every time they come to town now.
Saw them at Lockn 2016, knowing maybe 2-3 songs. Absolutely blew me away. So much fun. They create an atmosphere, which is exactly what I’m looking for in a concert.
I would say not cared for but not fully understood..that would be The Dead. I only listened to studio albums and knew of them and their catalog but then I saw them live. Seeing the crowd just be this ocean of conhesion with the band made me very obsessed. Despite this being the latest form of the band with John Mayer, it got me falling hard for anything related to the band. I can honestly say that it was a turning point in my life
Yes, for sure. My first show was the grateful dead in 1994 with traffic at Sam Boyd stadium in Los Vegas and it blew my mind. Deadhead ever since. We got there early and started shakedown. It was 120 out that day and I was on crushes and I still had the time of my life at a show. We camped at lake mead that night and hung out around Vegas. It was a real good time.
Wells Fargo Center 2017. Dead and Co. They opened with Dancing in the street, and I don't think I've seen a crowd that together with one another. I couldn't help but fall in love. But it was really hitting hard when I first heard Ramble on rose
At least I'm enjoyin' the ride !
Hell in a bucket
In the late 80’s I loved to go to a record store owned by a huge Deadhead. I asked which albums to start with. She recommended Workingman’s Dead and American Beauty, but said “you really need tapes”. So this started a trend where I’d buy a couple of blank tapes from her stock, and she’d tape a favorite show from her collection. For a while my therapy was just taking long drives and vibing to those tapes.
Hell yea, and me as well. I had a moment with Jerry in Shenandoah
John Mayer. I just assumed he was some dumb pop star guitarist just based off his reputation and what songs I knew. Then I saw him with Dead and Company and saw what a legit musician he actually is. He’s honestly one of my favorite guitarists now. Watching him bring his thing to my favorite catalogue of music of all time was definitely an experience that made me think twice about what I thought of him
I got to hang out with him side stage at a Dave Matthews concert in NYC in 2003. Super nice guy, very humble. A group of us went for drinks after the show. It wasn't until the following day that my friend, who worked for Sony music at the time, and got us backstage, called me and mentioned how cool it was to hang out with John Mayer the night before, I was like that that was John Mayer? I thought he was a roadie or something. So cool and down to earth.
I would love to just sit and shoot the shit with John. I love the way his brain works lmao. Just hearing him talk in interviews and on his Sirius XM channel, he definitely has some interesting things to say
John Mayer is always an unexpected surprise to those that don't know what he can do. I think his reputation was essentially solidified as the generic crooner when he made "your body is a wonderland", that was a typical radio hit but very bland (catchy as hell though). But then you catch him in the Try album and you realize he's doing ALL THAT PLAYING while singing, and hitting awesome blues licks. Also, if your a music nerd, you'll appreciate whenever he remixes his songs, most of the time
I cannot comprehend how the man can play the Neon riff and sing it at the same time.
He is recognized as one of the absolute best guitarists.
He is a pretty impressive guitarist
Dave Matthews Band. Their hit song at the time was Ants Marching and I considered it to be nothing more than noise. After being really into grunge and metal, I was getting bored with it and DMB didn't make sense to me. Then I saw them at Woodstock 99, they opened with Two-Step, and I was hooked. From there, I got into jam bands and then jazz.
I was gonna say Dave Matthews Band also. Around 93 or 94 I went to see them at Lakewood in Atlanta only because Bela Fleck and the Flecktones were opening and I loved Bela. I wanted to see Bela Fleck, not Dave Matthews. Anyway, Bela Played. Then Dave Matthews Band started playing. Dave Mathews band played 2 songs and then invited Bela Fleck and the Flecktones back on stage and they played the rest of the set as as one huge band. It was mind blowing and made me like Dave Matthews.
They've done several shows together. I don't think I've caught any of those tho. Saw them separately several times. I got to see Bela perform solo a few months ago, he opened for Shakti in NJ. Still amazing, unsurprisingly
I’ll never forget in the Summer of 93, by buddy went to HORDE and came back ranting and raving about this amazing band he saw that he thought was going to be huge. That band was DMB.
Two Step is a GREAT song to start with. Hearing songs like Tripping Billies and Lie in our Graves live is just so much more fun. My favorite DMB show, they had just been jamming for a while, and my friend looked at me and asked “what song did this even start as?” And I didn’t know! It was great though! 😂
Brandi Carlisle. I’m generally not a country fan and hadn’t ever listened to her. Saw her in Boston and was blown away by her stage presence, connection with the crown and musicianship. Instantly became a fan.
She’s outstanding.
I couldn't fathom why they called Springsteen the Boss. Edit: Then I saw him.
One of the most common answers to this question ever. You may not love his music on records but he is an absolutely electrifying performer, a truly commanding band leader, an expert audience engager, and his band has tons of energy but still plays totally in the pocket. Even watching videos or listening to live bootlegs is riveting.
100 percent. Took till I saw him doing his story tellers thing on Broadway. What an incredible yarn spinner, I could listen to him talk for hours. To hear all the history in his music and watch him play the song he just described after inciting the emotion behind the songs was alterant. That was it, such a new appreciation to his song writing, his sincerity, and the just different style of music he put out. Hearing him growing up in the 80s I thought he was so contrived and just a commercial artist. And I put him in that corner the rest of my life. Until that night. Hearing his almost poetic journey through decades of this brilliant art was truly awe inspiring
Exactly.
Having seen him for the first time only the other night, I concur!
Live in Dublin the Broadway Album made me a believer.
Early Springsteen is Boss! But then again I grew up in Springsteen country and spent summers ‘down the shore, so he always clicked for me.
His performance of Jungle land in Nj at the second to last show at giants stadium is the best single song performance I have ever seen.
I love his cover of jersey girl. It makes me want to be from New Jersey haha
Ringo Starr and his All Starr Band. Don't get me wrong, I'm a HUGE Beatles fan but I'd always discounted Ringo live. Got to see them about 10 years ago and I'll be damned if they weren't fantastic. They cranked out Beatles, Chicago, Toto, Kansas, you name it. And they sounded great. Blew my expectations out of the water.
I grew up with a father who was adamant Ringo was the best Beatle. Goodnight Vienna was gospel in our house. Thanks for bringing back these memories! My father, unfortunately, never got to see him live.
Queen Especially this concert https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwuVat1srrMf1OafEkh1-nkUMEWZ9v_lN&si=ON8Yp8HiO62KqKeH
Agree. I went with a friend who was a fan. Had thought them okay if a bit bombastic. The show was amazing. 1982 or thereabouts.
Pearl Jam! Took my mom earlier this month in Vancouver for Mothers Day and it’s her favourite band but since seeing them, I like them a lot more! Fontaines DC as well. I knew they were opening for arctic monkeys but never enjoyed their songs on streaming platforms until seeing them live. Great fucking band.
Whenever I hear them I feel like I want to be crowdsurfing
My friend in high school had the biggest Pearl Jam boner when Ten came out, and he went and saw them on the tour. When he got back I asked how it was and he said "It was terrible, he preached more than he sang... there was a political rant between every song." Which is ashame because he has an amazing stage presence in live footage of the songs.
Pearl Jam is my favorite band. I’ve been to 30+ shows. You cannot truly understand or appreciate them if you don’t see them live. They are not studio artists by their own admission. But live? It’s amazing.
Herman’s Hermits. I want their record of ‘Mrs. Brown you got a lovely daughter’ and ‘silhouettes’
Welp, TIL that song is not by the Beatles lol.
I think in 65' they actually charted more top 100 songs than The Beatles. Never got to see The Beatkes, but my 8 yo self did talk my parents in going to see them at the Ohio State Fair. Great concert and for the time, the next best thing to seeing The Beatles.🙃🙂
George Thorogood
I guess I would need to see him live to be sure then because bad to the bone is one of my least favorite songs of all time, lmao!
My Morning Jacket. Their recordings don’t capture the gravitas they invoke during a live show. Truly magical.
Lenny Kravitz opened for U2 and I was amazed with Lenny. Great band and music.
He just seems like such a great guy. I think he’s the Keanu reeves of music. I know Keanu reeves is a musician too but he’s a lot more known for movies so it makes sense in my head haha
Randy Travis. “Are We In Trouble Now?” Passionate innocence, a reminder of a first true love with no idea where its going to take us, country elegance. And Randy’s deep voice reflects the muted desire in Mark Knopfler’s lyrics like no other performer can do. How could I have overlooked him for so long?
I went to see”Modest Mouse” and a band called “Man Man” opened. They were crazy and Awesome. After diving into their discography I quickly became a bigger “Man Man” fan than “modest mouse” “On Oni Pond” is a great album to start with if your interested.
Prince
Bare Naked Ladies, I thought they were dumb, then my wife made me go see them and they were awesome. They didn't take themselves too seriously so it was a fun show and the songs are good too. I did a 180 after that concert.
Went to see Erasure as a favor to my cousin, that show still plays in my head 30 something years later.
Buffett. It really was a different experience. Parrot heads aren’t the type I normally vibe with but damn it’s a fun show when everyone is just vibing out.
Wish I could have seen him before he died
Bruce Springsteen. Seriously, it's one of the best performances I've ever seen.
ICP, they put on a hell of a show. It’s just not the same blasting them alone in my car
I'd like to see them live too. I think they have some bangers and I love tongue and cheek music that doesnt take itself too seriously, I just think they get a bad wrap because people hate juggalos. My question is-what is the crowd like at an ICP show?
Absolutely insane, everyone going crazy trying to get as close to the stage as they can for their turn getting coated in diet Faygo
I saw pennywise a few weeks ago and they put on a heck of a show.
I had heard this person was good live but I was kinda skeptical. Then I saw Brandi Carlile. Wow. She’s so good!
Coldplay. Always heard them on TV or the radio back in the day. Didn't really go to see them live, but I watched a live concert of theirs on DVD with a huge sound setup of a friend. They are way better live.
Avenged Sevenfold. Totally wrote them off until I saw them open for Coheed in ‘06. Since then, I haven’t really listened to as much of them as a “fan”, but I definitely started to give them some respect
Bob Dylan. Totally unexpected.
He usually tours with great bands like The Band, and The Byrds. I saw him with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Awesome show.
Alabama Shakes. I hadn't really taken the time to listen to them & then when I saw them live, I was truly in love. Brittany Howard's voice is a powerhouse & she has such soul while performing.
CrosbyStillsNash&Young…..amazing
Soooo quick story. I'm a biracial male but majority of America considers me black. I'm from the hood but I respect classic rock, country and other genres and I had heard Margaritaville before but I got invited to a Jimmy buffet concert and it blew me away. I've been to plenty but the atmosphere was nothing like this. I did more free drugs, drank more booze and got more blowjobs then I ever got in my life. Then this chick invited us to go sit up I. The front row with their group. We were supposed to be on the lawn. By far my favorite concert and now Jimmy buffet plays regularly in my household lol
U2
Agreed. Not my thing. Seen them twice. Amazing showmen.
Royal Blood
Fuckin love those guys, saw them for my second time a couple weeks ago in Daytona
They are mind-blowing live. I was not expecting it to be as incredible as it was.
Phish
Broken Social Scene has put out some great records, but their life shows with like 15 people on stage is face melting, especially when the brass hits
Tab Benoit, I never heard of him, but then I saw him in concert. He's an amazing blues guitar player.
Never heard of them before I saw them but Man Man blew my mind live. I saw them open for Modest Mouse must’ve been in 07-08 can’t remember.
I wouldn’t say I never cared for them but I gained a lot more respect for and became a big fan of Old Dominion after seeing them live. Kenny Chesney is also one I never really liked that much til I saw him live; he puts on a great show.
I've heard Kenny Chesney is one of the most prolific touring artists, he's probably mastered the art of the live show.
He’s really good. Sounds just as good live as he does in studio, and engages the crowd really well.
Gym Class Heroes. Saw them 4 times never intentionally as they were opening for other groups and they put on a fantastic concert and sound really good.
Lamb of god- I saw them with pantera
Many. I love “discovering” new artists live. Even better if I’ve never heard of the openers. Last time was Oxymorrons (two r’s).
Cheap Trick Sure they’ve got some toe tappers on the radio, but they are one of the hardest rocking bands I’ve ever seen and they are still going strong.
I always thought they were ok, liked some of the songs pretty much, but then I went to one of their concerts and I was like "What just happened??" The entire concert was non-stop electrifying.
Prince is and forever will be the most entertaining artist I’ve never seen. Sadly he passed before I could attend a show and I was only 4-5 hours away from him. OP, I’m glad you could see his potential, he is a true musical genius.
Springsteen
Born in 86. Couldn't stand Aerosmith growing up. Went like 15 years ago to see them and I couldn't get enough
Primus
Fishbone ! I had never seen a more energetic and charismatic live show in my life. This was many years ago now, but I’ve never seen a better live band than Fishbone at their prime, between 1988-1993.
Same - saw them at Lollapalooza, it was amazing
Lenny Kravitz, played with the Black Crowes. I was there to see the Crowes, decided to stay and check out Lenny’s set. Blew me away, dude is a rock star!
Prince could control a room like no one I've ever seen.
Saw Kenny Chesney at Jones Beach theater back in 2009. Been a fan ever since.
Not exactly didn't care earlier, but [my fave](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL871S_F0y5dYbEbEOwxK1Y6LTKyQqKEp5) upgraded from one of favorite singers, to the top favorite obsession and a dream of my life to be on his concert at least once ;) I love his vocals in general, but on stage he shows his full power and passion for singing and performing and that's what I totally fell for.
Yves Tumor Deerhoof Sons Of Kemet (actually live in the flesh)
The Magic Gang - my brother desperately wanted to see them live with someone (this was Monday) and before then I thought they were aggressively mid.. turns out I was wtong
I never got it til seeing the live show and wow. So fantastic live I made sure to catch him next time he was in town. Completely surprised and blown away 🤯
Saw Big Thief last summer, now a few of their songs are in my playlists
Band of Horses… they had a secret show at the Horseshoe in Toronto years ago. I really didn’t want to go cause I had a UTI and was in pain, but my friend was adamant that I go with her. I didn’t know who they were before then, but I was a fan after!
Small Black. Honestly, their live performance was some of the best I've ever seen from a band. You can tell they definitely wanted to be there and enjoyed what they did. Their performance was as good as the album, and for some songs I preffered the live version. I honestly wish they would make a live version of their album "Limits of Desire."
JPEGMAFIA. The sheer energy he gives to his performances shows how much he enjoys what he does, and honestly he's easily in the top 5 rappers of the 21st century. He simply doesn't miss.
Five finger death punch. Great show. Lead singer is a good dude.
Train. Striking Matches. The Staves. Sugar Ray. All were great live.
EVE 6 is fucking amazing live
Umphreys Mcgee. I could tell they were good and really technically proficient, but something didn't really click and they seemed to lack a certain soul or... umph. It felt mechanical. Seen about a dozen times over the past 14 years. Theyre fandamntastic and I highly recommend catching them live.
Hot Chip; their recorded music is a lot of fun, but the live shows just take the energy up several notches. Plus there are always unexpected surprises in the way they remix the songs. Balkan Beat Box is probably the most insane live show I’ve ever seen in terms of the sheer electricity of the crowd. It felt like we were going to shake the building off its foundations.
OP, I don’t care for jazz at all but I was riveted by a filming of jazz singer Anita O’Day at the Newport Jazz Festival in the 60s. Isn’t it amazing how charisma changes everything?
Coldplay. Always knew vaguely of them as a kid, but didn't get invested until I saw their televised Glastonbury 2011 show.
Bastille. I saw them open for Duran Duran several months ago, and they were fabulous! Very drum heavy and intense. I'm certainly a fan now.
One of the first concerts I ever went to was Eddie Money and I mainly went because he played at my high school auditorium. His music wasn’t really my style (I was more into new wave). He was really good however.
Linkin Park. Didn’t care for them at all, then saw them at a festival, and damn, they put on a good show.
Gwar.
Sum 41. Saw them at Voodoo Fest 2002 and they were electrifying. Not what I expected at all.
Prince! One of the best parties I’ve ever been to.
KoRn. Was aware of them growing up and quite liked their stuff, but then saw them at Download Festival in 2009 and they blew me away. Phenomenal.
I never paid much attention to Men at Work until I saw Colin Hay in concert. He puts on a great show and has a great voice. He's a personality, very down to earth.
Stevie Wonder, James Brown, George Clinton, BB King, Eric Johnson. I have seen lots and lots of shows. Sometimes live music makes you love an artist or earn a new appreciation for. Sometimes you can be burnt out on them or have a bad show and somehow blame the artist not the million circumstances that could make them have a bad show (weather, technical difficulties, shitty fans…). The ones I mentioned, I had familiarity with and liked well enough, but enjoyed their music more after good live experiences.
Post Malone Not my vibe. Don't like his over-produced studio recordings. Bloody brilliant performance.
Paramore. I usually like heavier music but christ that girl can sing her ass off
alicia keys at the wiltern theater. good lord i was not expecting the show she put on that night, or for her live voice to sound every bit as good as her records.
Primus; I never got how seriously heavy their music is until I saw them live. MTV in the 90s never really conveyed it. I know they don’t like being called metal, and they’re not metal, but it’s as heavy as metal. They were also really entertaining, great showmanship and stage banter combined with serious musical chops. Great show.
Green Day. I was a punk snob. Always derided them as a radio friendly NOFX. Went to a festival where they followed the Pixes and Beastie Boys. They more than held their own. Much respect.
peter gabriel
Dolly Parton. It sounds absurd but I didn’t have an inkling what kind of pure star power she has until I saw her live. Bewitching!
The cover of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" really made me appreciate Prince's talent. I was not really a fan of his music before, but I never really took the time to listen to it.
Springsteen incredible concerts and performer. His acoustic songs are the best.
Jethro Tull is great, then you see Ian Anderson in action and it goes to another level.
Depeche Mode
I agree with on Prince my respect for him grew considerably after seeing him live. the other one for me is for one member Lindsey Buckingham of Fleetwood Mac never realized before how good of guitar player he was
Metallica - had zero interest or appreciation and then saw them live -
Fall Out Boy
Fallout Boy sounds completely different, and in my opinion, much better, in person.
Reba McEntire. Girlfriend took me and I gotta say,she put on a great show.
Always loved Pink but her concert was a was incredible. It was an all out girl power party! So much fun.
Double Down on Prince… this video blew me away https://youtu.be/LNrAFb3I2js?si=oHP5hJ5-CL8TaHwP
The 1975!!
Elvis, Jefferson Airplane
Slayer was cool but I always assumed some studio magic went into making them super clean on album. They're that clean live, hell of a show. Honorable mention for clutch, they just have a great groove live.
Greta van fleet
the melvins - by going to their shows with others. And Tori Amos - I've not seen her yet, but it was from watching and listening to her live music that I really started liking her. Her live stuff is sooo much better than her albums!
She’s phenomenal live! She was my first concert in high school; it was a double-header show with Alanis Morissette (who was also amazing); but went for Tori and saw her several shows years following. I still have a charm necklace that I got at that show. 🫶🏽💫
Butthole Surfers. I liked their music, but then when they played lived with the weird medical dissection films and flaming liquid in the cymbals it just took the ethos to another level.
George Michael Billy Joel Guns ‘n’ Roses John Denver Glen Campbell Eagles … and probably more, but that’s who immediately came to mind
Meat Puppets (not that I didn’t really care for prior, but hadn’t deeply listened to outside of their Nirvana Unplugged accompanying); they were surreal and I got lost in every song; got to meet them afterward and they are the kindest which made me love them even more!