10 musicians you need to see live before you die
Words: Holly
When this article was first pitched it was suggested that the title should in fact read ’10 musicians you should see before they die’, yet due to a feeling of overwhelming morbidity on a Tuesday, we decided to change it. Although, on reflection, perhaps it would have been more apt bearing in mind that a large selection of people I wish I could see live are in fact dead, here’s looking at you BB King, Kurt Cobain, Led Zeppelin’s John Bonham and of course half of The Beatles. For the sake of a slightly less foreboding article, we’re taking a look at 10 of the artists or bands we think that every gentleman should see before he dies, but with so many of the greats the other side of 50, there are a fair few that you should probably jump on the next chance to see live as we’re not too sure how long they’ll be around… (ahem, Keith).
1.BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN, , Because he’s the boss and there’s really very little else to say on the matter. Still delivering performances of his life despite being well into his 60s, The Boss continues to live up to his namesake on stage. Just last weekend Bruce surprised audiences at Joe Grushecky’s concert at Asbury Park, New Jersey’s Wonder Bar by jumping up on stage three songs in and sticking around for an incredible 2 hour set – there’s just no telling when this man will stop, but we suggest you get yourself to a gig sometime soon regardless.
2. THE ROLLING STONES, , ‘Keef may look like a walking corpse and Jagger may need a hip replacement any second now, but when a band like The Stones come back from retirement, you don’t ask questions, you just get yourself a ticket any way you can. End of.
3. FLEETWOOD MAC, , Perhaps we’re bias, but there are few bands we’d rather see live in our lifetimes than this foursome. If it means getting to Australia this October then so be it.
4. AC/DC, , It’s AC/DC. See them live and you get to join them on that highway to hell. Need we say more?
5. DAVID BOWIE, , In ’73 Bowie retired Ziggy Stardust and hasn’t performed since a surprise gig in 2006 in New York, but if rumours are to be believed (particularly hints from his wife, Iman), it’s just a matter of time before he gets back up on that stage and we simply can’t wait to see one of the worlds best live performers doing what he does best.
6. FOO FIGHTERS, , Former Nirvana drummer, Dave Grohl, keeps the rock spirit alive on stage with Foo Fighters. Largly perceived as one the best modern bands to see live, if you haven’t yet been in a pulsating audience with them then fear not as they’re touring this year and no doubt for many more to come.
7. RADIOHEAD, , Watching Thom Yorke perform live should be on every man’s bucket list. Radiohead have that rare ability to hold an entire stadium in fascinated enthralment like few other modern musicians today.
8. MUSE, , Muse are nothing short of spectacular live. Watching them perform Knights of Cydonia to thousands of fans live is something that every man should be able to experience at least once in their lifetime.
9. BLUR, , After a tear-filled reunion performance at Glasto in 2009 it seems there’s now no stopping the newly reunited foursome, with gigs throughout the year, it’s your chance to see some genuine 90s Brit pop in its finest form. Just make sure you see them before they fall out Oasis-style all over agin.
10. RED HOT CHILLI PEPPERS, , Despite most of them now being in their 50s, they still know how to command a stage like few bands today. Head for the mosh-pit for the last of the real rock experiences around today.
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