What's the best live concert you've attended? Who, where, how did it go down?
Posted by Available_Round_3172@reddit | AskABrit | View on Reddit | 173 comments
What's the best live concert you've attended? Who, where, how did it go down?
RRPELLET@reddit
Pink Floyd in 1975 Forever Dead at the Vegas Sphere in 2024
This-Willow-4655@reddit
Gaye Bykers on Acid at the Clarendon hotel RIP, Hammersmith, mid 80s 1500 bouncing heaving crusty punk 'grebo's' ,Hahaha, Dr & medics, harlesden, An loads & loads of others but thet stand out for me
Patsoir@reddit
Shoulders is still one of my favourite songs
MsScaryPoppins@reddit
I think I may have been at that. I definitely saw them /somewhere/ … the Clarendon was pretty much a second home to me back then. Damn, I miss that place !
Snoo_23014@reddit
Lol I was watching the old Nosedive Karma video today. Miss those days
This-Willow-4655@reddit
I watched the drill your own hole on vhs last week,😆✌️, were good times for sure, so many fkn gigs it was great
Snoo_23014@reddit
I know ! I saw them loads, but all the other bands too! Zodiac Mindwarp, Wolfhounds, Snuff, Pop Will Eat Itself, Mega City Four, Senseless Things, Neds Atomic Dustbin, even Fields of the Nephelim were kind of "honorary grebo"!
This-Willow-4655@reddit
Hahahah Yeah won't argue with that, zodiac &crazyhead Damned,saw alot too,, sub humans/culture shock, hawkwind & similar ish type bands that i jus cant fkn remember anymore, Special Brew, lsd an old age haven't helped
This-Willow-4655@reddit
Loop ,back to the planet, RDF top geezer Chris) sensor!?
Snoo_23014@reddit
What happened to Sensor? They were the first like rap/ metal/ house crossover, did one belter and then popped out of existence.
liztwicks@reddit
Rhiannon Giddens, Cambridge, about 2016?
Whoppa-seagull@reddit
Led Zeppelin , Oakland Colusseum , California July1977 an amazing memory . Also Tina Turners last gig at Wembley Stadium , Stunning, mind blowing , amazing atmosphere & Tina was incredible at 60, she sang Proud Mary with John Fogerty.
OkMaintenance9328@reddit
Sheryl Crow in Sligo, Ireland in 2014 I believe. The guitarists were on fire that night and it was a small crowd, great craic altogether.
insane_worrier@reddit
Bowie, Serious Moonlight tour in Foxborough, Mass. In 1983
That or Johnny Thunders in McGonagles in Dublin mid eighties
NinjaTeaDrinker@reddit
I saw Big Country many years ago and The Fugees were the warm up before they were famous and they sang Killing me softly and I loved it
brunopearson@reddit
Doctor Feelgood, Roundhouse Pub, Dagenham. Hot and sweaty
brunopearson@reddit
Fleetwood Mac upstairs at the Red Lion Pub, Leytonstone. The original lineup
scottishsilversurfer@reddit
Live8 at wembley pink floyd last gig
78Anonymous@reddit
Tracy Chapman @ Laesz Halle, Hamburg
and
Bon Inver @ AO Arena, Manchester
both went as anticipated
Icy_Place_5785@reddit
The Laeiszhalle is a beautiful venue!
What year was that?
78Anonymous@reddit
it is .. easily one of my favourite venues
78Anonymous@reddit
that was '99 I think
BearMcBearFace@reddit
The only time I’ve seen Bon Iver was at Green Man in 2009 and that was the most magical experience!
AccountForDoingWORK@reddit
So jealous about Bon Iver!
78Anonymous@reddit
can you believe that I had an extra ticket but everyone I asked didn't want to go
AccountForDoingWORK@reddit
I went to Bonnaroo in the U.S. years ago and right before it was time to see his set I got “Roo Flu” and ended up going home. So mad about it to this day!
78Anonymous@reddit
it was epic
nitnitnotnot@reddit
I haven't been to that many concerts, but I loved Robbie Williams at Knebworth (with Moby supporting), Erasure at Cannock Chase (with Sophie Ellis Bexter supporting) and Blondie at Sherwood Forest. Can't remember the support act at this one 😄
cat-faced@reddit
I saw James Brown support the Red Hot Chili Peppers in Hyde Park in 2004 (I was about to turn 15).
I saw Prince during his residency at the O2, and it was unbelievable. He brought out Maceo Parker to do a saxophone version of Wonderful World, and he finished his set with Purple Rain - felt like everyone was simultaneously quiet, singing, crying along.
I saw Rage Against The Machine at Reading 2008, where they came out in orange boiler suits and hoods and refused to play for the first minutes of their set. Everyone was convinced they were going to walk off… then they kicked into it and the crowd went wild. I was second row from the front somehow and it was absolute joyous madness - my friend and I clung onto each others hands while we were what felt like a washing machine of sweat.
I was an indie girl during my early teens but saw Faithless at the Isle of Wight Festival and that awakened a love of dance music in me. So would then go on to seek out the likes of The Prodigy (3x) and change my world!
MsScaryPoppins@reddit
I was working in the medical centre by the main stage when ROTM were on, we were inundated with squashed teenagers lol. I managed to nip out for a ciggie break when they played Killling In the Name, couldn’t see them but could definitely hear them. So I had a small boogie then back to work …
filbert94@reddit
My mate at college did RHCP but the support band he got was....
The Thrills.
Swimming_Ebb1629@reddit
I was at that gig too. Brilliant. Did it rain that morning early as I remember arriving in London and going to next or somewhere to by new trainers. And we're mushrooms legal to buy in Camden at the time too?
Myreddithome@reddit
I was at that Chilli Peppers gig too!!! Do you remember one of the support bands “chicks on speed” getting booed!
cat-faced@reddit
Yes and bottled!
LuisSyphur@reddit
Saw Prince 3 weeks before he died on his Hit and Run tour, one little dude on his piano and walked out speechless he was so good.
And I've been a regular concert goer since the early 80s.
Careful-Enthusiasm82@reddit
ZZZ top, 1994 old Wembley. I was 13, my parents took me and my brother. Our first live show. Still remember it now.
firkinell@reddit
Historically - Pink Floyd. Recently - for sheer production value - Taylor Swift (sorry ;-))
Sufficient_Ad_4673@reddit
Michael Jackson Cardiff 92
Beautiful South last minute rpalcemet gig, acoustic tent Glasto 05
Pulp Brixton Academy Xmas 95. You can see young us moshing away on YouTube still. Sigh.
ouverture8@reddit
REM, 4th of July 1999. It had been a hot festival day and during their show a thunderstorm developed. In this day and age the concert would have been stopped but things were a bit more loose then. Lightning, thunder, getting soaked. Coincidentally this was also the day when Nostradamus had supposedly predicted the world would end, and the media had been making some noise around it for the past few days.
And then they played... you can guess what. I've never fallen asleep as happily in wet clothes, in a leaking tent. I even touched Michael Stipe. What a night.
TheDawiWhisperer@reddit
Machine head, Burn My Eyes 25th anniversary tour in Manchester...2019 I think
They played two setlists, one "normal" setlists then did another hour playing the album in it's entirety with the (almost) original line up.
really good night and randomly bumped into loads of our friends there and just had an awesome time
lolzatnothing@reddit
Love a mchinehead gig, Glasgow, 1997 for the first one for me.
TheDawiWhisperer@reddit
Oof, The More Things Change tour?
lolzatnothing@reddit
Yeah that's the one
filbert94@reddit
Never been a huge fan of them.
Saw them once and jesus christ what a live band.
JohannthanSmyth@reddit
Went to see Ash in a small venue in Wrexham in 2018. Best concert I've been to.
lovetraceyalways@reddit
1991, Monsters of Rock at Donington - AC/DC. Absolutely epic. There was a delay after the last support act finished while they waited for the sun to go down. When it did the wind picked up and it was little chilly then the gig started andit was phenomenal. Went with my girlfriend who is now my wife of 35 years. Unforgettable memories.
Dry-Pack5620@reddit
U2 in Cardiff 1993 on the Zoo TV your was incredible. Also The Cure in December 2024 at The Troxy was wonderful.
GloxxyDnB@reddit
Michael Jackson Dangerous Tour at Wembley in 1992. 12 years old and nothing has topped that since.
LastLevel1898@reddit
Stevie Wonder (after Faithless) Glastonbury 2010
MayDuppname@reddit
The Hospital Records festivals in London (Hospitality in the Park, Hospitality in the Woods, Hospitality in the Dock) all hold special places in my heart. Drum and bass all grown up is a wonderful thing.
Balter in Wales is the best of any weekend festival I've been to. Friendliest rave on Earth.
Sankey Soaps and the warehouse raves in Manchester in the 90s and 2000s were epic.
The Prodigy always did amazing gigs. Ben Folds is always incredible to this day. Space (old Liverpool band) were incredible in their day. Blur and Oasis were both amazing.
I can't pick.
Chinablue_@reddit
Sankeys was great - only made the trek up north once though :)
Alecmalloy@reddit
Iron Maiden, The Stone Roses second comeback show in Manchester, or Manics Holy Bible tour.
CharmingMeringue@reddit
Tie between Bruce Springsteen at Wembley Arena in June 1981 and David Bowie at Milton Keynes in 1983
purplejewel777@reddit
Green Day Milton Keynes Bowl 2005. It was awesome. Great weather, absolutely packed, but such a brilliant concert.
youdontknowmeyouknow@reddit
I was at the Sunday gig! Managed to get right to the front barrier, next to a flamethrower. Still overheated to this day, and would do it all over again!
THElololovesyou@reddit
Blind Melon with their latest singer Travis Warren at the then London Astoria 2, September 8th 2008. I am slightly too young to have experienced Shannon Hoon so this was the next best thing. I love the band and to see them live was an all round emotional experience for me. Travis sounded great and really did all the songs justice. Being a smaller venue made it all the more intimate.
Ill-Elephant-9583@reddit
Have seen a lot of big name acts but last year I saw the Crash Test Dummies in London at Islington academy, probably a thousand people or so and it WAS SPECTACULAR. So much love in that room and the band were absolutely brilliant. The whole place was jumping. Oh, and Oasis at Wembley last year blew away all expectations and were ten times better than I expected so last year for me was a tale of two gigs from opposite ends of the spectrum.
Ok_Coconut_3364@reddit
Live Aid, Wembley, July 13th, 1985 Just because it was such a phenomenal line up. IMO Bowie, U2 and Queen stole the show.
TheWonkyWitch@reddit
It was a fantastic day wasn't it! Queen were absolutely brilliant
Ok_Coconut_3364@reddit
Yes it was, and yes they were!!
Working-Spinach5795@reddit
Jealous! Not about U2 but Queen, I would die
Middle-Mirror2017@reddit
Went for Bowie (didn’t disappoint), but blown away by Queen (weren’t we all?!)
Working-Spinach5795@reddit
I'm sure they were incredible!
TrainingDragonfly248@reddit
I was there. Brilliant day. Came home with sunburn down one side of my face. 😂
Middle-Mirror2017@reddit
I was there! My first ever gig.
Ok_Coconut_3364@reddit
It was a great day!
Qwerty_mo-fu@reddit
You jammy bugger. I bet that was epic.
Ok_Coconut_3364@reddit
It was massive! And it was my (now wife of almost 40 years) birthday, so it was actually her birthday present.
Qwerty_mo-fu@reddit
It’s my earliest memory, watching on the tv in a town in Somerset, also listening to the entire road watching Queen, whilst singing along. Happy days
Sailorf237@reddit
I saw Thin Lizzy in Manchester 3 years on the bounce in the mid to late 70s. Each time they were somehow better than the last.
The energy was crazy, banging riffs, tight drums and bass lines, the musicianship, the twin Les Pauls, and the best frontman ever IMHO.
To this day the most exciting shows I ever saw.
Putrid_Branch6316@reddit
Slayer, April 20th 1987, Manchester Apollo.
Anonymous_Lurker_1@reddit
I saw Lordi in Manchester Academy off the back of their Eurovision win.
I was expecting a bit of a "gimmicky" performance, but they were actually very good. Excellent musical ability - even considering the costumes.
FrecklyGirrl@reddit
The Toxic Twin Towers Ball at Wembley in London 1999. Was amazing!! Bands played were The Black Crows, Aerosmith, Lenny Kravitz plus some...
Extension_Pickle_581@reddit
Hanoi Rocks in a small, dark, long gone club in Nottingham city centre (under the Victoria shopping centre if you know Nottingham) in 1982. They were amazing. Part glam rock, part punk rock, 100% full on rock and roll. They thrilled the crowd and it felt more like a party than a gig.
christianjwaite@reddit
The Beta Band on their farewell gig in Middlesbrough. Amazing chaos.
More recently Pulp at the O2. This is Hardcore followed by Sunrise was absolutely rocking. They’d just had their album “more” go to number one that day, they were on form.
Some other highlights was backstage at Simian Mobile Disco at Brixton Academy and I hung out with Boyz Noize. Prodigy at Leeds festival 2002? I was young, it was great.
skantchweasel@reddit
GUITAR WOLF!!!! ROCK AND ROOOOLLLL!!!!!!
jampman31@reddit
Coldplay in Glastonbury
lolzatnothing@reddit
Being really into metal and punk it should be some sweaty stage diving mosh pit event but it was Pulp at t in the park 1996. Thousands of drunk pilled up Glaswegians living their best life and going daft in a field on a sunny evening.
SpaceDave83@reddit
Journey, with Loverboy opening. 1982, Lakeland, Florida. Journey was so much better live than on studio albums.
Munzo69@reddit
The Pogues. Leisureland, Galway, Ireland 04/01/1986. They had just released ‘ Rum, Sodomy & The Lash’ 5 months previously and were touring it. I was 17. They were at the peak of their musical power. We all went apeshit the minute they started playing and the energy and mayhem didn’t stop till well after the gig. On a sad note Shane announced from the stage that Thin Lizzy frontman, Phil Lynott had died that day. I’ve been to more gigs than I can remember in the 40 years since then but none better than that night.
Ok-Active-4711@reddit
911 supported by BeWitched. The only concert I’ve ever been to and many moons ago at that. 😂
legallybrunette1992@reddit
I’m a born and raised George Michael fan, but was born in 1992 so I’ve missed the 80s/Faith era. Finally got the chance to see him in concert on the Symphonica tour in 2012. Was he at his prime? Probably not. Will I be grateful for the rest of my life that I saw him live once before he died? Eternally.
I feel the same about being able to see Whitney Houston perform in 2010. Was it slightly disappointing, yes, but it was my one opportunity to see an icon.
Seeing Andrea Bocelli perform live on two separate tours still gives me goosebumps - he has a voice like no one else I’ve ever heard.
My auntie has been to some real classics - George Michael on the Faith tour, Bowie on what I think was the Sound+Vision tour, Robbie Williams at Knebworth, the Three Tenors (Pavarotti, Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras) at Wembley Stadium…
filbert94@reddit
Audioslave, 2003.
Not a huge fan but Chris Cornell...wow. What a guy.
kimba-the-tabby-lion@reddit
Stop Making Sense.
Dull_Key1617@reddit
It’s a toss up between two very different concerts:
Bruce Springsteen, Wembley Stadium, July 1985 on the Born in the USA tour. [Trivia - he couldn’t play at Live Aid at Wembley the follow week, but he left his sound rig / PA behind for the Live Aid concert to use]
Andy Sheppard at the North Wales Jazz festival in Llangollen 1989
missfifitrix@reddit
The Stranglers at the Piece Hall in Halifax. The venue is amazing, only time I've been. The weather held up, the atmosphere was brilliant and we didn't feel like sardines. Danced the night away with my boyfriend and had an incredible time.
tripping_yarns@reddit
Nine Inch Nails, Barcelona 2014. Hadn’t seen them before and didn’t know what to expect. As the studio albums are quite ‘produced’ I didn’t think it would work live. Holy fuck, it did.
Top_Country4497@reddit
Caught them v late at Mad Cool festival in 2018 and it was mindblowing.
tripping_yarns@reddit
I was there too! And last year. It’s a bit spendy, but European festivals are the way forward, love it.
Top_Country4497@reddit
I haven't been back since then but the line up was brilliant that year.
tripping_yarns@reddit
Agreed, it was epic. Just been thinking who I saw and it’s a long list.
UK festivals seem to be full of people talking over drum machines.
Top_Country4497@reddit
Have you tried Bearded Theory? Iggy Pop practically blew my head off last year and I wasn't even near the front. And Bob Vylan year before.
tripping_yarns@reddit
I’ve seen the line-ups and it does look like one of the better UK festivals. I’d have to be going in a camper van though, I’m never shitting in a field again.
Green Man looks good too, but you can never get tickets.
No festivals booked this year unfortunately.
Top_Country4497@reddit
Hahahaha. Fair enough.
Although as toilets go, it is one of the better ones for that too!! My friend actually called her Mun from the loo to tell her how clean they were (no alcohol had been taken, believe it or not).
I haven't done Green Man, for the reason you mention!
Orange_Codex@reddit
Halestorm, Wembley 2023.
Lzzy Hale's voice is otherworldly, and I don't mean that as a metaphor. If you haven't seen her live, you won't understand.
Saintsman1980@reddit
I saw them supporting Iron Maiden last year. I didn’t know a single song, but spent the whole show with my mouth on the floor. Her talent hit me like a sledgehammer. She was born to be on stage.
Top_Country4497@reddit
It's soooo hard but
The Prodigy - Victorious festival 2018
Pearl Jam - Hyde Park - 2022
johnboyeee@reddit
Oasis - 20th July 2026 at Heaton Park.
They were way better than I could’ve imagined, the sound was incredible and the setlist was pretty much perfect.
But more so than that was the vibe in the city beforehand. Walking through the Northern Quarter and everyone being in the most joyous mood was special.
Top_Country4497@reddit
Manchester felt like that all summer last year!
Odd_Gap_9491@reddit
Live8 London, Pink Floyd set. I was up front. I was never a Pink Floyd guy but it changed me. It's the best live sound I've ever heard. Never beaten 20 years later
gr1msh33p3r@reddit
Genesis, Leeds Roundhey Park, We Cant Dance tour 1992. Only downside was they were introduced by Jimmy Savile.
BusyMancBee@reddit
Depeche Mode, Manchester G-Mex, Devotional Tour- 1993.
Nothing will ever beat the atmosphere, stage set/videos, songs & huge swagger Dave Gahan had back then. That tour nearly destroyed the band.
gr1msh33p3r@reddit
I was there, I also did the Crystal Palace one.
Md693@reddit
Greatful dead Philadelphia 1989 last concert ever there and it was a ripper
captainsittingduck@reddit
The Prodigy 1995 Glastonbury. Absolutely rocked
DanWheels79@reddit
Daft Punk, Global Gathering, 2006. Awesome.
Daveboy25@reddit
Moody Blues, Royal Albert Hall 1999. I was never much of a fan but my partner at the time pestered me to get some tickets. I came away with a different point of view, they were fantastic.
Commercial-Choice-31@reddit
Oasis night 2 Cardiff, don’t think I’ll ever go to anything that will come close
Party-Try6225@reddit
Rage Against the Machine at Glastonbury festival in 1994. What can I say, it was fucking mental...
Middle-Mirror2017@reddit
Biggest - Live Aid (Wembley Stadium)
Best (large) - Rolling Stones (Wembley Stadium)
Best (arena) - Madonna (Palais Omnisports, Paris) - Truth or Dare was mainly filmed at this gig
Best (band) - Level 42 (Brighton Centre)
Notable mention: went to see Beloius Some at Coasters Nightclub (Brighton). It was my 17th birthday (got in with fake id). Belouis (Neville) was at the bar during the support act and laughed at my admission of being under 18… so bought me a congratulatory “fake 18th birthday” beer.
WestPreference7745@reddit
Bowie Hammersmith Odeon the night before he transmuted
fattfreddy1@reddit
Early 90’s? Pink Floyd in Rotterdam. Cost about £180 included ticket, coach and ferry to holland and 3 nights hotel in Amsterdam.
LuDdErS68@reddit
The Freddie Mercury Tribute concert.
Wembley 20 April 1992.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Freddie_Mercury_Tribute_Concert
Absolutely awesome.
BearMcBearFace@reddit
I’ve got 3 for different reasons -
AC/DC Edinburgh last year, simply because it felt like every track was an encore to an amazing career. There was no single low point.
Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concert at Wembley. The sheer number of true music legends playing at this was mind blowing. There were people I’d never pay to see live but were absolutely spine tingling to experience.
Bonobo at Alexander Palace in 2018 - they always play the tightest set of any band I’ve seen live. In terms of professionalism, I’d say a live Bonobo set is about the highest you can experience.
There are so so many other gigs that I feel like deserve an honourable mention, so picking 3 was difficult, let alone 1!!
elementarydrw@reddit
I saw Bonobo at Forwards festival in Bristol... holy shit it was good! Agreed on it being such a tight set, and a great musical experience. It is one of my top 5 live music experiences, along with Chemical Brothers, Kiasmos, Barry Can't Swim and Four Tet (I've seen him twice - once while playing a more chilled set, and once at Love Saves the Day where he had a lot of DnB and Dubstep - both were incredible performances!)
BearMcBearFace@reddit
Ahh man Four Tet is incredible live! I saw him in 2009 at Green Man. There was such an amazing contrast between this nerdy guy working away behind his kit, and the two beautiful dancers either side of him that I’m not sure he was even aware of their existence. I saw him then headline Green Man in 2019 and that was an absolutely bouncing set.
fleapit70@reddit
The Cult at MK Bowl early nineties. They were supporting GnR( who sucked that day). Just as the Cult started playing Rain it started to rain. Perfect. Also supporting were Blind Melon and Soul Asylum, both of these were better then GnR too
JimXVX2@reddit
Rage Against The Machine at Brixton in 1996. Closest I’ll ever get to a religious experience.
FlashyProject1318@reddit
Saw them in 93 with a band called Tool in support. Whatever happened to them?
StanleyChuckles@reddit
I saw them at the Manchester Apollo on the same tour, absolute perfection!
MJLDat@reddit
Read this set list:
https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/various-artists/2022/wembley-stadium-london-england-3b0a5bb.html
That was the best live event I have ever been to.
FlashyProject1318@reddit
Was a good show, but it was too quiet for a rock gig.
sneakyhopskotch@reddit
Those Grohls getting into everything haha
Myreddithome@reddit
I was there too, without doubt the best (and longest!) gig I’ve ever been too!
BearMcBearFace@reddit
I was there too. What an incredible gig!
Available_Round_3172@reddit (OP)
Phenomenal 🖤⚡️🔥
No_Negotiation3142@reddit
Large concert: Stones at Slane 2007, 5 from the front, lost my eyebrows when the flashpods went off for Jumping Jack Flash. Intimate: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Olympia Dublin, he's amazingly charismatic when he's in the room. Festival: Bloodstock 2016, Anthrax and Slayer headlined the Sunday and they're two bucket list bands for me, and they were awesome.
Good_Lettuce_2690@reddit
Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, small venue in Edinburgh. Entire venue became one big mosh pit, even tho their music is more psych than heavy rock. Amazing crowd. King Gizz at Usher Hall, again an amazing crowd who were fully involved in the show. Lastly Amy Winehouse before the beehive play to a half empty Liquid Rooms on the last night of her first album tour, she was amazing as was her band, and she played Rehab and Back to Black for the first time live. Will never forget that show.
Active_Definition_57@reddit
After all these years, Peter Gabriel in London in 1987 at the now demolished Earl's Court.
sneakyhopskotch@reddit
Hans Zimmer Live - The Next Level was mind blowingly good. He's such a big name with so many well known movies and scores that pretty much any musician is going to say "yes" for the chance to play in his band. So he has a band of the most talented elite musicians in the world. Added to that is that he brings the original singers from the movie soundtracks in for their pieces: the Dune lady, the Gladiator lady, the Lion King guy (with his daughter), the Interstellar lady who is such a pitch perfect soprano I thought she was an instrument, etc etc. It was absolutely phenomenal. Not to mention the disco ball acrobat suspended from the ceiling. I saw it at the O2 last year. (Sorry, I do know some of their names but I didn't feel like looking up the ones I couldn't remember and naming some and leaving out others seemed worse).
Closely followed by the Killers also at O2. Brandon Flowers is a natural showman and I grew up listening to their music so seeing my favourite band of so many years live for the first time was awesome, and astoundingly didn't let me down at all, despite me having unreasonably high expectations. Good mix of classics, crowd pleasers, and new stuff. Sang Sam's Town which was fun because it was in London and crazily on the 4th of July, both of which are in the song.
Daitheflu1979@reddit
The Prodigy
The Trip to Tipp 1997 - Thurles, Ireland
Support that day was Manic Street Preachers, Foo Fighters, Kula Shaker, Reef and a few others…
colin_staples@reddit
Best musically was John Mayall's 70th birthday concert (with Eric Clapton), it was sublime.
Best show was Peter Gabriel's Growing Up tour
Special shout out to McAlmont & Butler with The Magic Numbers
Plus-Desk-737@reddit
Page and Plant, Wembley Arena 1995.
imtheorangeycenter@reddit
Standalone: Day 1 of Oasis last year. Just as much for the "it's the world cup final and only our team is playing" atmosphere all day beforehand as the gig itself.
Festival: ooh, a chemical brothers one, probably.
sanmiguel-wv2Okr@reddit
I've been lucky to see some phenomenal gigs over the years, and I don't think I can pick a favourite but here are some definite highlights:
Necrophagist at Camden Underworld, ca 2008? They were supported by 5 hardcore bands - there were basically 2 entirely separate crowds, who swapped after the last support act. 'Phagist were held up at customs, arriving around the time they were supposed to finish their set. The tech crew started a drum solo competition while we waited, pulling folks in from the audience and it was a great time, then when the band finally arrived they came out and played an absolutely blistering set. Pretty sure they were playing 2x tempo.
Devin Townsend - to celebrate the release of his 4 albums Ki, Addicted!, Deconstruction and Ghost he played one album a night over 4 consecutive nights in London. Hung out and met everyone afterwards, was generally just a great dude.
Metallica, Download festival - I am not a huge fan, but it was the year Lars failed to show up and rather than cancel they pulled up drummers from the rest of the lineup, including Joey Jordison, Dave Lombardo and Lars's roadie who had been with them for decades but never been on stage with them before. Watching the rest of the band trying to keep up with Lombardo was hilarious.
Forya_Cam@reddit
I saw Pharaoh Sanders last live performance before he died. He came out in a wheelchair was so old and frail that a security guard had to hold his head up.
He still managed to pump out some of the most amazing jazz sax I've ever heard live. He had his son playing on stage with him. The whole thing was very moving. He died about 2 weeks later.
Professional-Put4394@reddit
Bowie on the Ziggy and Spiders tour. Mind blowing...... Just a shame that the production on the album had none of the Balls of the live gig.. One of my biggest disappointments ever, after waiting all that time for the album release.
Regthedog2021@reddit
My first ever concert - my mum took me to see Bob Marley in Manchester belle Vue hall 1976 and I can still remember him shaking his dreads in the lion of Judah pose
Amazing
Away_Swim1967@reddit
Sepultura, 1990, the marquee in London. It was awesome. Did loads of stage diving and lots of mosh pit activity. Had a fabulous, sweaty time.
GordyFett@reddit
Polyphonic Spree @ The Mandela Hall in Belfast Such happy and positive music. Great night out.
Metallica @RDS, Dublin. Supported by Linkin Park, who got bottled by the old school metal crowd. I was starting to regret going to Dublin for the gig but then Metallica come on and melted faces.
Rancid @ Ulster Hall, Belfast. Was mentally in a poor place. Felt so uplifted by this gig.
The Vandals @ Liverpool University. Got to visit my sister at uni, heard some great support bands and then laughed my leg off at a great punk band.
Underoath @ The Garage, Glasgow. Just a great gig and loved hanging out in Glasgow. They really belted out some classics.
tannercolin@reddit
Too many
Incubus in Auckland, New Zealand
Fat Freddies Drop at Kanui Road, New Zealand
Knocked Loose at engine rooms in Southampton
The 1975 at the BIC in Bournemouth
Jungle at O2 Boscombe
Another_Random_Chap@reddit
Walk A Thin Line at The Pink Elephant in Yockleton, Shropshire in around 1986.
They were basically a Blues Brothers tribute band who gigged around Shrewsbury in the mid to late 80s, but they were just such good musicians, especially when they had their full brass section, and the lead singer had the charisma to pull it off. I saw them quite a few times in the area, and they were just so good, but that night at The Pink Elephant, which was basically just a small country pub, they absolutely rocked it.
On another occasion I saw them as the warm-up act for Geno Washington and The Ram Jam Band at Oakengates Theatre, and they absolutely stormed it. Geno came on stage and asked how the hell he was supposed to follow that, and 3 numbers into his set half the audience had left.
SirLostit@reddit
Queen - around 1986 - South of France somewhere…. I ‘think’ it was the magic tour.
fififolle79@reddit
REM closing T in the Park 2003, fireworks, warm summer evening, boyfriend (now husband).
More recently Tom Smith of Editors was awesome in Luxembourg. What a voice!
HairSkincareMakeup@reddit
Happy Mondays at Elland Road, Leeds 1991.
I was 16 and it was the first concert I'd been to, wearing my 24 inch flared jeans and flip up sunglasses - thanks a lot Bez!
The speakers beside the stage were so loud that I thought my chest was going to explode from the bass and the crowds went wild when excerpts of 'There's no Other Way' were blasted because of the band rivalry. Also pretty sure Shaun Ryder yelled "Leeds is shit!" at one point. Dude was definitely high!
Some idiot climbed the floodlight and stopped the show so, of course, we were all chanting 'JUMP!" so the bands could get back to it. He didn't jump, but I think he was arrested when he climbed down.
There was so much weed!
Also met a random dude called 'Spot' who kindly let me sit on his shoulders so I could see, while plying me with mystery alcohol from his flask!
Good bloody times XD
AccountForDoingWORK@reddit
My first concert ever was the Red Hot Chilli Peppers at Hyde Park in 2003 or 2004, but I lived in Suffolk and had a curfew so I missed the actual Peppers because James Brown spent so much time showboating during the opening act.
I moved to the U.S. not long after that and saw Radiohead in North Carolina which was by far the best live show I’ve ever been to. Though I also really liked seeing Frightened Rabbit in Arizona and then Mogwai came to the radio station I was working at so I got to see a more intimate performance with them which was cool.
cat-faced@reddit
That was my first ever concert too!
AccountForDoingWORK@reddit
How cool was it that it ended up being released as a CD??
BaumFrosch@reddit
Two contenders.
I was offered the ticket for £12 and christ on a bike, they were brilliant.
From the very beginning, not a single person was sat down.
Origamiflipper@reddit
David Bowie, Milton Keynes Bowl, 1990. We got there super early and were right at the front which was great until the rest of the crowd surged forward when he came on stage! It was an amazing concert, Bowie was a truly great performer.
Myreddithome@reddit
I love Milton Keynes Bowl as a gig venue, I’ve seen the Foo Fighters there a couple of times and it’s always been brilliant
arioandy@reddit
1986 Motorhead- Awesome atmosphere, music and LOUD! In fact the loudest gig I’ve ever been too
Funk5oulBrother@reddit
A Day to Remember 2024
I’ve never been to a concert with more energy. It was fucking fantastic.
Leading_Shock5840@reddit
Bryan Adams in Gateshead in the late eighties
S1nnah2@reddit
Metallica - 100 club - Oxford st - 1987
Keep an eye out for them, they might be big one day.
Warming up Jason for Donnington monsters of rock.
It was wild.
Best_Opportunity_841@reddit
I’m kinda young so haven’t been to as many as I would of liked. I wish I could of gone to all the live aids & classic rock shows in the day. I went to see GHOST in Glasgow last year and they were easily the best show i’ve seen, amazingly high quality & a no phone ban, so everyone was in the moment. I went to America to see them again, incredible & even better.
Fuck the Hyrdo in Glasgow though, that day, was full of nonsense from the staff & organisation. Its like they didn’t expect it to be as busy as it was
Infamous_Variety_931@reddit
Pierce the veil last september. It wuz my first concert and it was amazing lol, id never heard of hot mulligan or crawlers before the concert and now i love them =3 cavetown and ptvs sets were actually the best thing ive ever seen lmao, the only thing i didnt like was that they kept dropping songs from the setlist throughout the tour so by the manchester show i went to there was like 5 less songs than the early shows lol =P
spicyzsurviving@reddit
Taylor Swift ears tour, summer 2024. 3.5 hour long show that was pretty incredible from start to finish- even if you aren’t typically a taylor swift fan it was quite something to watch!
distanthills@reddit
Pink Floyd, Wembley stadium 1988. Right at the front on the pitch, so incredibly loud!
tykeoldboy@reddit
Elvis Costello Montreux Jazz festival 1999.
He insisted the lights and microphones for the TV recording equipment were switch off at around 1:30am and asked everyone to come to the stage. He then did several more songs acoustically with everyone standing a few feet away from him
Snoo_23014@reddit
I once got a free ticket to a gig at the Grunewalde in Berlin. Cant remember who, maybe Simply Red or someone like that? It was 86-88 and I wandered down for a beer....
The support band were the Bangles and they were one of the best bands I have ever seen live!!
And thsts coming from someone who has seen the Ramones, Motorhead, New Model Army, Jesus Lizard, Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Piblic Enemy, Rammstein....you name it, but they were ASTONISHING!
This-Willow-4655@reddit
Saturday Morning MADNESS @ Hammersmith odeon for under 18s, The Specials at Hammersmith palaise,fkn mental gig for me at 15/16
Carlomahone@reddit
Bruce Springsteen and the ESB. Birmingham NEC June 7th 1981,The River Tour. Three and three-quarter hours of energy. I've seen them a few times since but nothing compares to that night.
This-Willow-4655@reddit
He played Wembley stadium few years later so went with mates ,an i fell asleep 💤💤💤
Qwerty_mo-fu@reddit
Alkaline Trio, in a crowd of about 500 people in Bristol in the early 2000s. It was phenomenal
Also, Green Day was the worst and most disappointing - American idiot tour
SkullDump@reddit
An exclusive Iron Maiden gig for about 100 of their fans. I wasn’t a fan when I attended, I was invited by the brother of the girl I was seeing at the time but I was a fan by the time I left.
D0wnInAlbion@reddit
Probably Peace at the New Century Hall in Manchester. It's a fairly intimate venue with fantastic acoustics but what made it so special was the the fact the band had been radio silent for years and I never thought I'd get to hear those songs played live again.
Commercial_Peace8404@reddit
Led Zeppelin Earls Court 1975. James, Glasgow 2024, Embrace, Glasgow Barralands 2024
Ok-Direction-8257@reddit
In 1976, I saw ELO at the Birmingham NEC. I was there shouting with everyone else “Come back on, ELO, and carry on playing!”
theouter_banks@reddit
Bottom Live at the Manchester Apollo an that.
Subject-Candidate678@reddit
Black Sabbath at the O2 London a few years ago doing their last tour. I never thought I’d be able to see Ozzy live so I thankful that I did
apeliott@reddit
Rammstein in Berlin.
Went with some friends and stayed for a few days. It was in December and super cold outside but the concert was awesome. We were all off our tits on German beer, weed, and Jagermeister.
qualityvote2@reddit
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