DISQUS

Mary · 1 year ago

Prince on the Musicology tour. You would never think that a 5'4" androgynous man in a purple suit and higher heels than I would ever consider wearing would be so freaking sexy. He is an amazing performer and entertainer!

Rachel · 1 year ago

hands down prince!

Linda Borland-Fitzgerald · 1 year ago

I'd love to see Madonna, Tina Turner and Barbra! Guess I haven't seen the BEST one of my life yet. Oh wait! How could I forget that I saw the Rolling Stones in 1966 when Brian Jones was still alive. I screamed. I was 19 years old. You'll love this story - my husband was 22 when his parents showed up at his office job in downtown Toronto one day. They'd been at the King Edward Hotel having lunch with the hotel manager who asked them if they'd like to meet the hotels, high-profile guests. They said, 'no,' explaining that they were off to see their son who worked just around the corner. The hotel guests were The Beatles. He could have killed them, as he could have been there is seconds to join them at the hotel. I love telling that story...

Kristin (The Goat) · 1 year ago

The best concert I ever saw was probably my first one - Tina Turner opened for Lionel Richie. It was so much fun. I was 16 I think.

Steve · 1 year ago

Impossible to have a single favorite...Top 3?

1993: Soundgarden at the Commodore, Vancouver...it was a timing thing...and the debauchery.

1997: Capital Records industry show at the Rage, Vancouver - Radiohead...they were frighteningly perfect.

2005: Dead Can Dance - Seattle...for the magic.

Jody · 1 year ago

Simon & Garfunkel at the Colosseum in Rome. The last weekend of our 6 weeks in Europe saw us land in Rome for the last of the free summer concerts put on by the mayor. Thousands of people were lined up in the streets surrounding the Colosseum with speakers and screens down each side of the street so no-one missed a thing. It had an amazing vibe and was a fantastic end to a fantastic holiday.

rebecca walker · 1 year ago

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, at the Beacon on Broadway in NYC, a few years before he died. People were dancing in the aisles and throwing twenty and fifty dollar bills onto the stage as the master took us higher and higher. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Full of ecstatic bliss. I'm so grateful I was able to share time and space with such a powerful force. Thanks for reminding me, C and D.

Kath · 1 year ago

Ooh tricky one. I don't remember too much about being 12 years old but I remember every second of my first gig - seeing Spandau Ballet at Wembley Arena with my two best friends and my mum (who insisted on coming as chaperone but screamed as loudly as we did).

As an 'adult', seeing Amy Winehouse last summer in a tiny venue for 300 people was a definite highlight - she was at the peak of her game before it all started going horribly wrong and she was totally captivating.

Tara · 1 year ago

Oasis at a festival in Sydney. We'd watched heaps of awesome bands throughout a hot Summer day, but as the weather cooled to a perfect December night Oasis played their set. Everyone singing along to Morning Glory the definite highlight - and then we moved to the stage next door to watch Powderfinger, fabulous!

Ophélie · 1 year ago

José Gonzales in Montreal last winter. He played in a small concert room, curled around his guitar. It felt like a private concert. Amazing.

Nancy · 1 year ago

My choice is easy. I have seen so many concerts, at one point in my life I was going nearly once a week! But Bonnie Raitte hands down won my number one pick. It was at an outdoor concert years ago in a huge field in the middle of nowhere, with thousands & thousands of people in attendance. She commanded the stage with such a strong feminine, girly power, it was beautiful. Her personality was so engaging & down to earth with the crowd, I almost felt like I knew her. We were just all there together & having fun! She was so confident, her long flowing red hair blowing in the breeze, a playful, warm & engaging personality, a bluesy, soulful voice that blew me away & she was just being herself & I thought wow! I can still see her onstage today. She was so amazing. That was the first time I ever saw a woman exude total cool. Whenever I think I want to be comfortable with all of me, I think of her. Bonnie rocks!

Kelly · 1 year ago

My top 3 (I couldn't pick just one) -
Top of the list has to be Oscar Peterson at Carnegie Hall - on the 50th anniversary of his first performance there.
Tom Jones at Roy Thompson Hall - with a friend's 70+ year old mother pumping her fist in the air when Tom sang "are you going to go my way..."
October 12, 2009 Madonna at Madison Square Garden.

sky · 1 year ago

Hands down, Paul McCartney. Wow!

Jennifer Sage · 1 year ago

Is he the Muslim Sufi Mystic?

Jess · 1 year ago

I loved Jason Mraz because of the context by which I went to the concert.
One of my first serious university relationships had just ended and I wanted to do something for myself. So I bought one ticket, went down on a bus by myself to Toronto, took a cab to the venue and watched the entire thing alone...but I didn't really feel alone because I was surrounded by a ton of people :) I love Jason's laid-back, humourous style of chatting with the audience and his upbeat songs.

Also...NSYNC when I was in...I don't know, grade 8? EPIC haha

Joannie · 1 year ago

Years ago I saw Liberace in Sudbury! He was fabulous - all shining and glittery. A true showman.

Jamie · 1 year ago

The Indigo Girls, each and every time I see them. I will never forget a summer night, on outdoor theatre, Amy singing Romeo - just her, a guitar and passion.

Going to Lilith Fair with my two sisters.

Kirsty · 1 year ago

That's funny...I saw Lionel Richie open for Tina Turner at the ACC in Toronto about five years ago.

Ashley · 1 year ago

Billy Joel and Elton John, together, playing each other's songs on two of the largest pianos I've ever seen. There was a crowd of about 50,000 but I felt like I was in a quaint piano bar after hours just listening to them joke around and play some tunes. I went with my aunt who is a huge Elton John fan- it was a fantastic bonding moment for us.

Kirsty · 1 year ago

Oh, I like this question. But I echo others, it is too hard to pick b/c luckily, I've been to too many fabulous shows.

If I had to pick only one I'd say U2 at the old CNE Grandstand in Toronto on their Zoo TV tour. My friend at the time surprised me with fourth row tickets, and back stage passes. I've never met a sexier man than Bono in my life.

SRead · 1 year ago

I haven't been to many concerts, but the one's I did go to were memorable. Peter Frampton at the CNE in Toronto - I was 16 and with some older friends. I hated the crowd - sweaty, strung out and doing lots of nasty stuff...... so in true Refined Adventure style I convinced my friends to break into Ontario Place next door where we could spread out and dance on the beautiful cool grass, under the stars and really enjoy the music. I still remember the excitement as we slipped through the locked turnstyles to escape the raunchiness of the crowd. My last concert was a hoot...while at a swimming training camp in Cocoa Beach, Florida we discovered the Beach Boys were giving a concert on the beach were we were staying. Our group was a mix of teens and adults...something about the Beach Boys seems to switch the roles up a bit.....middle aged mamas and pappas letting loose on the beach...the kids loved it! I think I would have preferred Jack Johnson for the music though!

Jennifer Sage · 1 year ago

I don't think it qualifies as a concert but I did see the original Rocky Horror Show in London. Tim Curry well before his first facelift came dancing and singing into the audience throwing sweat in all directions. Skin tight tiny black briefs and black fishnet stockings and very high heels. He owned the audience and we would have followed him anywhere
OTT and very camp had us all up dancing and doing the time warp. Made Hair seem like a vicarage tea party.

Hearing welsh male voice choirs is pretty up there too.

Pam · 1 year ago

Bruce Springstein- Glory Days Tour 1988 Toronto! He had no opening act, he just played for 3 solid hours and told amazing stories and just totally won my 17 year old heart forever!

Amy · 1 year ago

Yes, Absolutely. Every time I see them it's like the first times. One night they will be all acoustic, mellow and introspective while another night they will rock the house. Always awesome. My best friend and I try to see them every time they come around.

Kathleen · 1 year ago

Two of the best concerts I've seen are Barbra Streisand and Andrea Bocelli. They were both amazing shows, the kind of singing that gives me chills.

And I saw U2 in Tokyo and they were pretty fantastic.

Kristen · 1 year ago

Michael Jackson Thriller concert....was there anything else for a teenage girl who kissed his poster picture before bed each night??!!!

Chantal · 1 year ago

Iggy Pop - a true rock star...he made me just want to take off all my clothes!

Kristen · 1 year ago

I've changed my mind....last Christmas, my 3 boys and my 3 nephews formed a band called "COUSIN ROCK"....they ROCKED!!!! Best concert...hands down!

Traci · 1 year ago

Oh, yes! Prince is sex personified. He makes me proud to be a Minnesotan. First Ave (where most of Purple Rain takes place) is still one of the coolest venues in the world, I think.

weezie · 1 year ago

My 50th birthday was spent with 3 other couples seeing Tina Turner in Dallas; Joe Cocker opened. I would give my pinkie to be one of either's back-up singers.

Traci · 1 year ago

I'm lucky...I've been to so many great shows. I used to review concerts in the Twin Cities for a local Web site, so I really packed them in for a couple of years. I think, though, that my favorite live music experience would have to be Coachella in 2003, before it became young Hollywood's playground. I saw Radiohead (Steve's right--frighteningly perfect), The Cure (a personal favorite), The Pixies, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (another favorite), Kraftwerk, The Rapture, and so many more, all in a 2 day period. It was truly heavenly.

Last year I saw Damien Rice all by his lonesome. He was phenomenal. And much louder when he's alone.

Traci · 1 year ago

Nope...the year I went to Coachella was 2004. It was 120 degrees one day. How could I forget?

weezie · 1 year ago

Long before the emergence of Victoria Beckham, Mel B, et.al. my daughter and her two best friends formed "The Spices" - Cinnamon, Sugar, & Salt. A video of their rendition of "Santa Anna Was A Bimbo" (composed after a trip to the Alamo in San Antonio) still leaves me rolling on the floor in laughter. Thanks for the memory!

Heather (Sophisticated Fresh) · 1 year ago

Paris Combo at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco (a very cozy, jazzy venue), January '05

Elaine · 1 year ago

I saw Prince in 1997 in Memphis at the Pyramid. It was awesome but even better was the more intimate after-show he put on at the New Daisy club downtown. I was *feet* away from Prince!!! Rufus Thomas even came on stage and played the Funky Chicken at 80 yrs old. A night to remember for sure!

Amy Guth · 1 year ago

I saw Peter Gabriel in 1993-ish. It was so theatrical and the set was so creatively utilized; he seemed to be operating on the same concept an opera would, and it was gorgeous. I liked him well enough, but wasn't a big fan until I saw that show.

Natasha L · 1 year ago

Jill Scott on the pier on Seattle's waterfront. Great crowd, friends, venue, weather, vocals, band, message.

Dena · 1 year ago

It was last June - a 'green' concert - my friend Oliver Whitehead is a composer and was debuting a piece commissioned for cello - Uhuru Peak - music depicting the Kilimanjaro climb. It was amazing how the music took on a life of its own. It was surrounded by other complimentary pieces - the Bachianas Brasiliaris and some Japanese pieces on odd instruments. I was invited out with them afterwards - it was so special to bask in the 'high' the composer and musicians had from such a successful evening!

Amy Guth · 1 year ago

I might give second place to the time my mom and I saw Eric Clapton. She is a huge Clapton fan, and when he stepped out on the stage, she turned into a teenage girl. Was fun to see her in that mode.

Tammy · 1 year ago

Of course, like all of you, I have a few favorites...The Rolling Stones 1989 Steel Wheels tour at the Orange Bowl in Miami. The Stones are my all-time favorite band, and the whole spectacle of it, the huge stadium, was so fun and fantastic. REM, again at the Orange Bowl in Miami, in the early 90's. They are and continue to be so totally great, I can't say enough good things about them, musically, socially, etc. In 1988 or '89 I went out on a first date with a guy who took me to see a band called the Church at a small club in our college town. They were terrible- drunk and a total mess, but the guy who opened for them was Peter Murphy. I did not know who he was. (He is the former lead singer for Bauhaus.) Peter Murphy put on probably one of the best shows I have ever seen, and his music was magical, moving, thrilling, energizing, sexy. To this day I'm still blown away by that performance. And last but not least- Elvis Costello at the Hard Rock in Orlando, when I turned 30 in 1999. It was just him and his acoustic guitar and a piano player, with dinner theatre seating. He was incredible, and we loved it so much that we have made an effort to see him every time he comes to our area- he's that good. If you get a chance to see Elvis, it's well worth it. :-)

Melissa · 1 year ago

- Floor seats at Texas Stadium for the U2 Zoo TV tour. U2 is simply the best and most inspiring rock!
- Floor seats at the Cotton Bowl for the Rolling Stones. Concert was OK, but it poured rain the entire time and we got soaked. Ruined my clothes, but the combination of the people I was with and just the overall vibe made this a really memorable night.
- Oh, and the recent Dixie Chicks tour...just because they are from Dallas and I remember them from when no one knew who they were and because I just respect the heck out of them!

Girl-Woman · 1 year ago

Quintessential Michael Jackson in 1988!

licarrit · 1 year ago

I'm sooooooo totally jealous! I am convinced that my DD is warped from seeing the movie so much when she was a baby! But she is the coolest kid in her class!

licarrit · 1 year ago

This is easy! I've been to a bunch of concerts (saw Bonnie Raitt, REM, Van Morrison,James Taylor) but the best was Dylan, 10th row floor, small venue, with my husband. I cobbled together a playlist of all the songs he did and burned it for my husband. Still makes me tingle!

JoeM · 1 year ago

Mozart in the Vienna, 2004.

kim · 1 year ago

Hands down, without a doubt, plugged or unplugged, Foo Fighters.

Debbie R · 1 year ago

Best hands down was the free Burton Cummings concert in the park during the Festival of Friends in Hamilton Ontario. It could never be duplicated - perfect evening, sitting with friends on a blanket on the grass, song after song after song from my past - ans then, when I was sure he'd done them all, more songs.
And the people - I was so proud of my (then) fellow Hamiltonians. Not a rowdy in the bunch.
MMMMMmmmmmmmmmmmmmm..............

G Wally · 1 year ago

Top 5, in no particular order: U2. George Michael. Dixie chicks. INXS back when Michael Hutchence, the hottest man who ever lived was still alive. Cheap trick.

Krystl · 1 year ago

I've been lucky and have seen a lot of great concerts. Music is crucial to me and many of the peak moments of my life have been at concerts. I can't possibly pick one. Just this summer I've seen My Morning Jacket; Crosby, Stills & Nash; The Police & Elvis Costello; Robert Plant & Alison Krauss. Each one had its shimmering moments, each one lifted me out of myself and into that magic that is the focused attention of thousands of people listening/feeling the same thing... And that was just this summer. I've seen DeeeLite in a forest in the middle of the night. I went alone to a Fugazi concert and jumped in the mosh pit. I saw Parliament Funkadelic at SummerStage. I spun in the hallways as The Grateful Dead played at Madison Square Garden. Yo-Yo Ma at Carnegie Hall. Paul MacCartney both at Giants Stadium and at a rehearsal for Saturday Night Live. Orbital! Dubtribe! Sonic Youth! Nope, can't pick one. It is all a continuum of happiness, not to be ranked or divided.

Cindy - Classic Creative · 1 year ago

Janet Jackson - she really put on a show! Amazing dancing, several costume and set changes - it was visual decadence! This was around the time of Rhythm Nation, when I think she was at her best.

marn · 1 year ago

I have a top 3! But they are all very different....
1) Depeche Mode. Incredible.
2) Stomp. It literally moved me.
3) Joe Satriani. Whoa!

marn · 1 year ago

Oh and also Tragically Hip in a little bar in Whistler when they were just starting out early 90's.... so cool!
Oh and one cannot forget the Barenaked Ladies! Pure Entertainment.
Ok, now I will stop - LOL!!

Colette · 1 year ago

Okay... from the older crowd, not that Prince isn't all that.... Neil Diamond My Rock and Roll side loved Boston's Don't Look Back Tour although it may of had something to do with the air I was breathing....... Can't compare the two.

Yvette · 1 year ago

It was a Christmas concert at the Chicago Theater with Peabo Bryson, Sheena Easton, John Secada, Christopher Cross and I sat in the Balcony with tears streaming down my face it was very beautiful and peaceful. They sang some of their standards coupled with seasonal music that all could enjoy. I thought it was great....

anactoria · 1 year ago

A few years ago, Bauhaus (early goth) hit Atlanta. I was sick (and a four hour drive away) but desperate to see them. My boyfriend drove me, at the last minute, and we got there with barely a minute to spare--though we did spare a few, I had to catch my breath and equilibrium.

I stood alone, away from the crowds and cigarette smoke. They were part of my high school soundtrack and seeing them live was simply brilliant.

Not only that, the intrepid boyfriend stayed during the whole show, took pictures upstairs for me, and bought me a CD and t-shirt (my second one after 15+ years!). He later said he wished to never see them live again. Just not his thing. ^_^

I saw Prince too and he does put on an amazingly sexy show.

Brenda · 1 year ago

I have always loved going to U2 concerts. the energy, the lights the sounds.

JSuz · 1 year ago

Jethro Tull -- an acoustic performance in a Roman amphitheatre by the Mediterranean at sunset. The haunting notes of the flute on sea air, in an atmosphere so thick you could almost see its ancient patrons. We couldn't afford tickets, so my friends and I had a picnic on a cliff overlooking everything and I remember thinking: wow, this is a moment to remember forever. It helped "tune" me in to ancient places, and that has been invaluable in my life! "Night in Budapest" is one of the most smoldering/poignant songs ever written.

Ellen · 1 year ago

I started going to concerts in the '70s and have seen true legends live. I could name so many. But in fact, the very best concert was last spring when I saw Carlos Santana. He opened his beautiful spirit and shared it with an outdoor audience. He also included a huge group of musicians, some local, and invited children from the audience to join him. The entire experience was Spiritual. Sexy. Sensuous. Alive. Affirming. Joyous. Human. Real.

Ellen · 1 year ago

Jethro Tull puts on a fabulous show. I saw the Stormwatch tour years ago.

Ellen · 1 year ago

Ive seen them several times - the last was with Brandi Carlile, who should be the 3rd Indigo Girl.

Lisa D · 1 year ago

INXS 11/93
David Hutchence came out with a cowboy hat, sunglasses and jean jacket and slowly removed each of them throughout the song. VERY sexy. I remember I couldn't get anyone to go along with me so I went ALONE. A huge thing for me to do because I'm not a loner and thrive on company. But I just had to see him - glad I did. I loved his 'bedroom' singing voice...he was so sexy.

MoJo · 1 year ago

80's - General Public, Massey Hall in Toronto
90's - U2 Achtung Baby, CNE Toronto & (strangely) Metallica, Copps Colliseum, Hamilton & Sarah McLachlan, Massey Hall
00's - The New Deal, Opera House, Toronto (best Livetronica I've ever heard...I lost 5 pounds just dancing for hous and it was the last time my best friend Mark and I went out dancing - he died 4 months later and I will always remember the sheer look of joy as we bounced around that night!)

Danielle LaPorte · 1 year ago

I've seen him four times. I think he is a certifiable erotic musical genius.

Danielle LaPorte · 1 year ago

I saw Dead Can Dance in Seattle in 99. I promoted them for a while. Transcendental.

Susie Hutchinson · 1 year ago

I was in London several years ago attending a Jazz concert, when Bryan Ferry came on stage to join the band. It was magical.

stella tinglin · 1 year ago

Prince in the late eighties. WOW.

Danielle LaPorte · 1 year ago

Ahhh...Nusrat, my boy. Night Song is one of my most cherished CD's. I saw him in Seattle and I was amazed by the money-throwing tradition, and the Indian women doing their sexy little "I'm-a-Goddess-but-you-can't-touch-this," dancing. The intake that night was multi-dimensional. I was so high on the ju-ju my friend and I waited an hour in the back alley (in the rain) to see if we could glimpse him waddling out. All we got was his entourage climbing into Mercedes. Eddie Veder has done some work with Nusrat - it's beautiful.

Danielle LaPorte · 1 year ago

Yes, yes, yes. Start with the Night Song CD if you're interested.

Amy · 1 year ago

SO HARD to pick just one but my Toppers:
1. Rickie Lee Jones at Club Lingerie---smashed up against the stage looking up her dress because she was 12 months pregnant! She was wearing this bright red dress--knee length---with these giant clodhopper black army boots. I think she was over deciding what looked good because she was---BIG! She was amazing and funny and ethereal--her voice was crystal. And Paul Buchanen from The Blue Nile sang back-up.
2. Wilco at the Greek--- Jeff Tweedy's voice is like how the light changes in between summer and autumn. He was so endearing and genuine and each song was so gorgeous and his fragile/strong view of the world made me feel better.
3. The Jayhawks at The Troubadour----another small intimate show like Rickie. Just Jim and Dave on stools singing with voices and guitars. One of their songs is the reason my husband and I got married. My husband was crying one night when I came home and I asked him what was wrong and he said "this song describes how I feel about us so perfectly. We should dance to it at our wedding." And we did!

Danielle LaPorte · 1 year ago

Liberace in Sudbury?! Sounds like a David Lynch film... Good for him, good for Sudbury.

Danielle LaPorte · 1 year ago

ditto. They are saw raw and unpretentious. When I saw them in Vancouver, Emily's minister-father was in the audience and she sang to him - it was incredibly touching.

Danielle LaPorte · 1 year ago

I actually translate some of Bruce's entertainment ethic to a business ethic: do it yourself, give 'em what they want, scarcely compromise, and play for a long and a good time. Power to that deep rockin' Catholic boy.

Danielle LaPorte · 1 year ago

Okay, Damien Rice...he is intense. After I heard him on the Closer soundtrack, I got all of his stuff. He reminds me of a tortured-artist Englishman I was in love with. Totally intriguing. Totally dangerous.

Danielle LaPorte · 1 year ago

I've always wanted to see Satriani...masterful.

Danielle LaPorte · 1 year ago

I worship at the altar of Bono. When he donned a gold lame suit and cowboy hat, and did his best Elvis channeling...well, I seriously considered throwing my panties AND bra on stage.

Danielle LaPorte · 1 year ago

I was at U2 Achtung Baby, CNE Toronto. Yum yum yummy. I saw Sinead and Van Morrison that same summer. True glory days...

MelissaM · 1 year ago

LEONARD COHEN in Kitchener Ontario this past June. Pure magic.

MoJo · 1 year ago

So we've crossed paths before (albeit amongst a group of thousands!) And I have to admit - Bono has the same shedding of undergarments effect on me. Too wild - I wanted to see Van Mo, but missed out on the tickets. Small world...

MoJo · 1 year ago

GREEN with envy! That's a legendary one...

Chrysilla · 1 year ago

Our Lady Peace, spring of 2001, Webster Hall. Favorite band (before they started to decline), and the first time I'd ever let myself get crushed up in front of the stage :-)

MelissaM · 1 year ago

...and the shortlist after Leonard:
1) Radiohead on Montreal Island, August '05 ...yes, perfect.
2) Ani Difranco in Toronto a couple years back ...totally inspiring.
3) any and many JOSH RITTER shows...yum.

Daniel Gibbons · 1 year ago

Beth Orton, years ago in a small venue in Vancouver. I think it was her first tour date after a long break.

laurie_matthews · 1 year ago

REM - Portland, OR - Fall 1989
The Damnwells - Boston - Summer 2007

laurie_matthews · 1 year ago

I like your style!! I haven't seen any of those shows, but know I would have enjoyed every last second.

Jennifer Sage · 1 year ago

thanks Danielle
It looks like its about 9.20 am on Thurs at BC. LoooooNg too quiet night duty for me at the hospice 4.20am Friday here NZ.
i'll order that CD Night song ASAP. I just saw him singing on a documentary on Sufi sacred music. When you go to Morocco you may be able to get to the world festival of Sacred Music at Fez. i believe it is held once a year but am not certain.

Danielle LaPorte · 1 year ago

Okay, may Leonard forgive me for not mentioning this earlier...I have to say, a TIE for first place (with Sinead in Toronto) was Leonard Cohen at the Paulo Solari in Santa Fe, under the stars, 3 hours of manna from man. It was a religious experience. I was high for days. It changed the way I looked at art and music...and men. Of course, LC always surround himself with angelic creatures and his back up singers were heavenly, almost untouchable in their grace. You're so lucky to have seen him so recently! I must start stalking him again.

Lisa · 1 year ago

I agree with you guys - can't pick just one! Today I happen to have my ticket stub album with me at work, so I can actually put a date and venue to the best shows...

1. Manic Street Preachers @ The Troubadour, Sept. 1999 - For those of you in So. Cal, the Troub is a teeny little club, dark and slightly damp, standing room only. With their anthemic rock sound, I was wondering if the Manics could pull off that sound in such a small space. Well, they did - and then some! It was the loudest show I've been to. James Dean Bradfield's voice soared to the rafters and his bandmates made my eardrums bleed!... in a figurative sense, of course.

2. Primal Scream @ House of Blues Sunset, June 2000 - I'd never really listened to PS until I met my husband, but in 2000 when they released their "Exterminator" album, I was completely hooked. The fuzzy feedback bass sound alone make me want to dance my butt off! It was awesome to see these guys live. Unfortunately, I had one margarita too many, and so we missed the encore with Steve Jones from The Sex Pistols jumping on stage and playing MC5's "Kick Out the Jams". Damn!!!

3. Radiohead @ The Santa Barbara Bowl, June 29-30, 2001: I don't know how we got so lucky to get tickets for both nights of Radiohead! We stayed in Santa Barbara for the weekend. The Santa Barbara Bowl is a lovely outdoor venue, small and intimate, not a bad seat in the house. For some strange reason on the first night, we had seats in the Handicap section, which was a raised platform with chairs, very close to the stage. The Oxford quintet played a wonderful show. The next night's tickets were actually in the pit, so we were even closer to Thom Yorke! So magical.

Can you tell I love music?! :)

Danielle LaPorte · 1 year ago

saw Ani in Baltimore. I was floored by her prolificness...she is a song-writing machine - and 5 ft of pure energy!

Jen Spencer · 1 year ago

Hands down Jeff Tweedy at the Hogg Auditorium in Austin in 2007. He was surrounded by 15 guitars and was hilarious with the crowd. He was having a good night ;) Until then, it might have been Michael Jackson and the Jackson 5 Thriller tour...The silver glove accompanied my first concert experience!

Candis · 1 year ago

I saw Sarah Mclaughlin play a hundred years ago at the PNE-long before she was mainstream-I was blown away by the fresh new talent and her amazing backup singers.
The Ramones in Seattle at one of their last shows-(no wisecracks Danielle)
Playful and original-jumping around like a 12 year old girl in my turquoise mini- now that was FUN!!!!

Lisa M. · 1 year ago

Did you know that the last time he played Vancouver, he went to Richards on Richards for apres concert drinks and partied with the locals? His road manager actually got on stage right after the concert and announced to the crowd, "after party at Richards!" to which most people thought, "yeah right. As if." But, his Purple Highness DID show up. If I was shipwrecked on a tropical island for 12 years with a limited music collection, I would hope to have some Prince along. Amazing, complicated, groovy arrangments. Sexy lyrics. So danceable. Danielle said it best: he's a musical genius. I've been lucky enough to see him twice, and both concerts rank in the top 3 for me. 100% entertainment. Love that little man who clearly loves women.

Carrie McCarthy · 1 year ago

Elton John was my first big concert, it was art in the making!
costume changes, changing back drops and kids making out everywhere.

Carrie McCarthy · 1 year ago

Elvis has his own TV show this fall, interview form, a must see!

Carrie McCarthy · 1 year ago

I saw a Christmas concert in Vienna, lovely.

Hilde · 1 year ago

My # 1 : U2 - Mexico city - Estadio Azteca
My runner up: (You should check this group from Argentina) SODA STEREO, they reunited this year and gave what I would describe just as "THE CONCERT", honestly this had the same level as U2's.
Still waiting for Madonna next November, but will never forget Michael Jackson's he was The One back in the 80s.

Colleen Overman · 1 year ago

I just saw John Butler Trio in concert in Portland and was blown away. The lead singer John Butler is TRULY A MUSICIAN. I was very clear that I was watching someone in flow, it was unbelievable. Amazing voice, plays multiple instruments. Different musical styles. Ridiculously talented. MOST highly recommended.

Hilde · 1 year ago

Tom Jones was an obsession for me since I was around 4... Finally I had the chance to see him last month in Las Vegas, also with my 76 year old mother, should have seen us going "sex bomb sex bomb..."

Traci · 1 year ago

And...totally funny. Would have never guessed, but it's true!

Elisabeth · 1 year ago

Best Concert Ever - Howard Fishman, bluegrass guitar, accompanied by a violinist who might as well have been a god. His music stole my heart. They played Mississippi Pizza, a tiny, funky little venue here in Portland, for a crowd of maybe 50. They were all plugged in on stage when they decided they'd rather play acoustic right in the middle of the crowd - so they did! It was awesome; so intimate, so personal, like they were playing just for us - just for me! And the music! Silly, sad, fun and funky all at once... we left that evening bubbling with joy.

Tina · 1 year ago

James Taylor outside on a sunny summer evening....

Kaiulani · 1 year ago

When I was a teenager, my mom "dragged" me to see Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr & Liza Minnelli perform in the round. It was amazing! To this day (20 years later....) I am so happy I went.

Kat the Drumming Diva · 1 year ago

You promoted Dead Can Dance???
Oh. My. Goddess.
I LOVE their music so much - so tribal, percussive, haunting and beautiful.
I realized my dream of seeing them in Toronto in Fall 2006.
Any stories to share about Lisa Gerrard?
She's a goddess.

rebeccashapiroart · 1 year ago

There were two. The first was 1981: The GoGo's opened for The Police in Providence, RI. It was my first live concert. I had left mormonism for Smith College and I was experiencing everything! My second was Sting at Red Rocks in Colorado. It was chilly sweater weather. The environment was gorgeous and Sting's voice rode the mist like a sea dragon. A truly incredible night!

Connie · 1 year ago

Tony Bennett unplugged in small theatre in NJ. Frank Sinatra at the Garden State Arts Center in mid-80's and I swear he was singing directly to me. I've never been to a rock concert; isn't that unbelievable?

Kat the Drumming Diva · 1 year ago

omg! mojo we were at the SAME new deal concert! i danced like crazy, right up near the drummer!

kerrymac · 1 year ago

Blue Rodeo, at a park in Oakville under the stars. It was a beautiful evening, a small venue and wonderful. I kinda fell madly in love with Jim Cuddy that night. www.snickerdoodles.typepad.com

kerrymac · 1 year ago

Funny, me too! I wasn't allowed to hang posters at home so I had it at our cottage. He was wearing a light yellow top I think with suspenders and giving me the lovey dovey eyes! I never got to go to the concert though! www.snickerdoodles.typepad.com

Kat the Drumming Diva · 1 year ago

ahhhh, sweet music.

as a drumming diva, i gravitate toward percussion and world music, so here goes (not in any particular order; i loved them all!)
some of these artists i discovered while planning my radio show 'the first sound: a celebration of global percussion' and others just land in your life like a leaf falling out of a tree.

1. baaba maal (senegal) - spiritually powerful presence

2. king sunny ade (nigeria)

3. dobet gnahore (ivory coast) - BEST dancing ever (and singing)
http://www.contrejour.com/artists/Dobet/

4. njacko backo (cameroon)

5. autorickshaw (canadian/indian) - indian fusion jazz

6. antibalas (new york) - they play THE BEST afrobeat! you'll dance and dance and dance

7. femi kuti (nigeria) - the son of afrobeat legend fela kuti

8. orchestra baobab (senegalese afro-cuban)

9. dead can dance (australia/UK) spine-tinglingly sublime!

10. xavier rudd (australian but spends a lot of time in BC since he married a Canadian girl!) - amazing didgeridoo and percussion and he sings about aboriginal rights and environmental issues(http://www.xavierrudd.com/)

11. stomp

12. samba squad (toronto) - dance your butt off good (http://www.sambasquad.com/)

13. maracatu nunca antes - afro-brazillian percussion - songs in english and portuguese (http://www.nuncaantes.ca/)

14. meshell ndegeocello - soulful, funky, jazzy, potent (http://www.speakeasy.org/~suomynona/aloha.html) how can you NOT love a woman who calls one of her albums, 'the world has made me the man of my dreams' ??? singer & bass player

plus LOTS of others i am so grateful to have experienced:

- sinead o'connor - i saw her last year in toronto: goddess.
- ani difranco - diy amazon
- U2 - i saw them in 1987 in toronto - bono's arm was in a sling but it didn't slow him down!
- saul williams
- tv on the radio
- wassabi collective

wish list:
- erykah badu
- afrodizz
- prince
- cinematic orchestra
- the roots
- sigur ros

kerrymac · 1 year ago

I watched Purple Rain last week on TV...Prince is so sexy in the weirdest way, not my usual taste at all.

Kat the Drumming Diva · 1 year ago

i saw sarah maclachlan a long time ago, too!
she was all brand new.

amazing & ethereal!

Lori · 1 year ago

Pearl Jam in about 1996, George Michael this past summer was INCREDIBLE! 3 hours of just him and his amazing voice! and of course the super hot JT on his Sexyback tour. Ahhhhh, Justin.....

Lori · 1 year ago

That sounds like a fab way to see Blue Rodeo!

MelissaM · 1 year ago

THANK YOU for the dream percussion playlist! Keep rocking the DJ Booth Kat ;)

Kim · 1 year ago

All of the Dave Matthews concerts I've gone to with both of my kids. Sheer joy!

Kim · 1 year ago

I saw U2 on their Joshua Tree tour on Halloween in 1987. It was, without equal, the most amazing show I've ever seen. First, they appeared as one of their own warm up acts, impersonating a country western band for Halloween. When they took the stage as themselves, it was magic. I'm so glad I saw them before their shows turned into circuses (a la Achtung Baby). Back when they released the Joshua Tree, it was just four guys on stage playing music. Even though it was at the Hoosier Dome, the show was intimate, soulful, and beautiful.

Steve · 1 year ago

Indeed...I just saw Dave for three days at the Gorge in Washington...his voice was a bit off - think he was a little sick - but his band - now with new members - was one of the most incredible experiences. Musicianship was over the top!

Kim · 1 year ago

The Police? I have concert envy. It's one of the bands (along with the Clash) that I wish I could have seen live.

Betty Ann · 1 year ago

Rod Stewart Nothing else to say the name speaks for itself. LOL

marn · 1 year ago

It truly was incredible. I bought the tickets in Seattle for myself a girlfriend and another 'friend'. The other 'friend' is my now husband. :-) We weren't even going out when we went to the concert together. I liked him, and knew that he liked Satriani. So I brought all of us together. LOL! It was amazing, didn't know that could come out of a guitar....

Aleca · 1 year ago

You know the kind of music that stikes cord inside and radiates all through you, sending tingles every where- the feeling is incredible. Trans Siberian Orchestra is that for me. We first heard their music in NYC on our honeymoon as it was playing in the streets on the side of SAKS 5th Ave with syncipated snowflakes that lit up. The mix between Rock and Roll and an Orchestra playing christmas music- this is in my mind ingenius. It brings many types of music lovers together to enjoy an amazing performance. It's all the lights and flames of a rock concert with the music of the orchestra- absolutly fantastic. They came to Utah last year, we went and are planning on going this year- I can't wait!

Jen · 1 year ago

Definitely, Annie Lennox. She opened for Sting one year . She was so amazing . Her voice is so powerful and sultry. We will just say we left after she sang.

Lori_from_Texas · 1 year ago

My best concert ever was U2's Joshua Tree in Austin. They closed with "40" and the whole crowd walked out of the Erwin Center singing the chorus together. It was a magical night.

In second place, I want to shout out Jo Carol Pierce's "Bad Girls Upset by the Truth" which turned me inside out with laughter and tears of recognition. http://www.cduniverse.com/search/xx/music/pid/1....

Harmony · 1 year ago

Jerry Garcia Band at the Warfield in San Francisco... too many nights spent there to recall just one. His mixture of rock, soul, blues, bluegrass... getting in line early so we could get "our table" on the floor with plenty of dance space. Sweet memories of nights spent with good friends and good music.

Julia · 1 year ago

Grateful Dead with Bruce Hornsby in 1990 or 1991 (can't remember!)

The Allman Bros.

The Fixx and The Police

Julia · 1 year ago

He is still so freaking sexy, isn't he????

Julia · 1 year ago

Saw the Police when I was 14 years old in Atlanta...amazing show! I still love the old stuff like "Roxanne".

Julia · 1 year ago

You are so lucky!

Julia · 1 year ago

Your list totally wins!

Anijai · 1 year ago

The musical concert of blind people which, i was attended at the age 10. The way of handling the instruments and the timimg, all was admired me.

Brenda · 1 year ago

Stevie Wonder, 1975 in Montreal. Cat Stevens was in the audience and got on state with him and sang"Superstitions" with Stevie. Stevie performed alot of cuts from his not-yet-released album, "Songs in the Key of Life." One of his back-up singers was Denise Williams. Concert lasted longer than 3 hours.

Lisa KTP · 1 year ago

I would have to say
Itzhak Perlman...in 1981...digging back...
I was 16...
then....
...
I would have to flash to 1996...Zucchero...Italian blues...
...then...
hum...I might have to say...Prince...Musicology...he does love women...and I love that
finally...
just saw Buddy Guy...loved...loved...loved it.

heart and soul for me...all of them..

Tracy · 1 year ago

My daughters preschool concert was the best I have attended. No one rocks out the triangle like she did that day.

Kristi · 1 year ago

Oooooo....concert memories! Long after the Deadheads were...well.....over...totally over...., I saw them in Eugene, Oregon with a group of friends.

Here's the scence: A hot steamy night, an "exotic" city for a bunch of Canadian kids, a few illegal drugs, an exit out the wrong door and shazzam - we ended up at the Dead afterparty with Ken Kesey, the Merry Pranksters and the whole darn band. Memorable - oh yes!

leanne · 1 year ago

3 way tie:
Paul Simon - Rhythym of the Saints tour; how perfect to see children, parents, and grandparents completely united by music that spans all generations;
Van Morrison - last year; a single tear trickled happily from the outside corner of my left eye the entire concert...just over two hours of perfection; I have goosebumps just typing this;
INXS - original version, w/ Michael Hutchence...the first and only concert that I camped outside for tickets. I was young, and it was worth it!

Danielle LaPorte · 1 year ago

turquoise mini with army boots...don't forget about the army boots.

Danielle LaPorte · 1 year ago

thank you for this, I bow to your repertoire.

alligator_kate · 1 year ago

a toss up between Bobby McFerrin and Chic Corea at the Blue Note-- I was just feet from them--- and Tom Waits Mule Variations tour at the Beacon in NYC where both John Hammond and Marc Ribot sat in... Ravi Shankar playing with his daughter is up there too...

alligator_kate · 1 year ago

Oh... How could I forget... also Paco de Lucia at el Gran Teatro in Cordoba, Spain with a troupe of serious Flamenco dancers.

Angela · 1 year ago

I guess it would have to be Tonic Sol-Fa (an acapella group). I'm kind of morally opposed to paying alot of money for lousy seats to watch a band lip-synch. I'd rather buy the "live conert" version CDs or DVDs. But Tonic Sol-Fa is a relatively local group, and I think it takes greater talent to sing acapella than with a band backing a person up with music.

Kim · 1 year ago

I saw U2 on that tour. It's also my best concert ever (posted a couple responses above yours!)

Kim · 1 year ago

You saw INXS with Michael Hutchence? I am offically jealous. I would have loved to have seen them back in the days of Shabooh Shoobah and The Swing.

Marie Leona · 1 year ago

Being an avid Rod Stewart fan, well you guessed it... Roddie's concert in Moncton, N.B. but in close second, very close second, Bryan Adam's concert was phenomenal!!!!!

Marie Leona · 1 year ago

Boys oh boys, do I ever know what you mean!!!!

Tao · 1 year ago

Wynton Marsalis, simply brilliant.

Katie Kay · 1 year ago

Gwen Stefani, everytime in any venue. Almost 10 years in a row now, she is amazing!

Vanessa Rae · 1 year ago

The Shins. It was hands down liberating, inspiring and pure happiness. I couldn't help but dance and sing and throw my arms in the air in agreement with everyone.

Liz Coon · 1 year ago

To show my age, Peter, Paul and Mary in 1964, early protest songs and the great songs I introduced to my children and they still like them. I have a few special favorites i can still sing all the words to. Scary.