Loads of music threads, but what are the best live performances ? Who are the best artists live ? What is it about live music that makes it stand out ? Doesn't matter which genre, as long as it's got energy and soul. Here's one to kick it off.
Hmmm, I'm curious to know what you mean by live music, a lot of videos that claim to be live music are edited. I've lost count the number of times I've seen videos, where in one frame the capo is on and the next it's gone, for me, that's not live music.
Best live gig I’ve been to was Nile Rodgers Chic at the Marquee in Cork in 2016. I was desperate to see him live and he was touring supporting Duran Duran in the States, he was then only doing 2 gigs in Europe one in Cork and he was doing a festival in Holland. I thought about going to the States, but thought it was a bit extreme, I don’t do festivals, so Cork it was. Queued outside like a proper fanboy for a couple of hours before the gates opened, and then legged it to the front of the floor. We were right at the front (see pic) and it was utterly boss. He became mega trendy again and ended up headlining Glastonbury the year after iirc. But that gig was probably only half full. We decided to make a week of it in Ireland as well, started in Dublin and worked our way down the coast. One of the best weeks I think I’ve ever had tbph. Good times (pun intended)
Talking of bass players. Cut to 2:11 if you want to bypass the not so easy listening jazz impro fluffing.
Here's a performance that is full of heart and soul, especially Neil Young's guitar playing, Michael Stipe just stares in awe....
He’s a fantastic bass player. Jerry Barnes gives him a good run for his money like. Nile only surrounds himself with top musicians, seeing Bill Holloman live was also a treat. Without a doubt the best tenor sax player I’ve ever seen.
I was at this gig tripping my tits off. It was back when Concorde was still flying and I remember watching it going overhead after just taking off from Heathrow, the engines powering up as the sound started blending into the spacey guitars of the Ozrics. Lol. Not that I was a space cadet or anything.
Kin ell man that's a legendary gig. Would have loved to have seen them live. All incredible musicians. And for me that Plant/Page songwriting is as good as any book, poem, song going. True masters of their trade.