I'm a concert addict so to speak, have seen way over 100 shows (well in 19 years

) and have seen quite a few performers multiple times. I say performers, because I do not only listen to bands
Favorites?
Bruce Springsteen: solo, with the E Street Band, with the Seeger Sessions band. No matter how, where or when I've seen him, from the first row at the stage to the last seat in the house, I have always injoyed it. He is a great storyteller and also a hard working rocker. To entertain he only needs his voice and a guitar (and sometimes harmonica, piano, pump organ). No big light show, no fuss, just a man and his great ability to connect to his audience. After 21 years of being a fan and over 40 concerts I still enjoy what I get and I would still rate him above anyone else. His lyrics still mean a lot to me and he has been a part of my fan life for so long that there are many personal things related to it. The 2.5 - 3 hour shows don't hurt either
BAP: my favorite German band. They were the first band I have ever seen live when I was 16. Since then I have seen them over 40 times in different incarnations and at different points in their carreer. Very good live band, fun and energetic. Their lyrics have always appealed to me and all the shows were amazing. They are a very good band in terms of knowing how to play their instruments and how to play together - tight and strong with a great sound. Since that first concert I have only missed one tour and I don't think I have ever seen a show shorter than 2.5 hours (the longest being almost 4).
Poets of the Fall: so far I have only seen two shows, but they have completely blown me away. The sound is wonderful, they all know what they are doing, no flaw in their ability to play their instruments, no wrong notes as far as I can tell (I'm not an expert though). They interact well with each other and they have fun. Marko is truly amazing. A natural performer. He easily mesmerizes the audience and he easily connects. I really like how he interacts with us when he's on stage. I also like how he changes from someone who comes across as quiet and a bit shy off stage to this brilliant onstage persona who is up front and so into it that he just takes everyone along. BRAVO! To me, there is only one small flaw: The shows are much too short, over in a heartbeat. They could go on for hours ...
Other performers I enjoy:
- Ezio: good guitar music, much better live than on any album. Fun show, good lyrics. Simple and straightforward.
- Robbie Williams: The king of pop and rightfully so. Reherased show, fixed setlist and all, but amazing performance. Usually very amusing and just much fun to watch. Not to be taken seriously. Pure entertainment
- Gotthard: while I hardly listend to their cds any more, I still love to see them live. Powerful, energetic, fun to watch. Great rock voice.
- Melissa Etheridge: The woman who busted my personal boy's club. Love her songs, enjoy her performance. A hard working woman, a cool rock 'n' roll chick (and I mean that in a positive sense)
- Bon Jovi: just a good live band who will always deliver.
- Silent Radio: a cover band, plaing mostly the stuff I grew up with (mid 80ies to mid 90ies), but make it their own with a different instrumentation (mainly violin and guitar) and a beautiful voice. Usually rather intimate performances. Just nice.
- Sammy Hagar: I was a huge fan ten years ago. Have not listened to his music in ages, but still would love to see him live again. Just enjoy some good hard rock show, complete with the long hair and everything. I don't think this guy will ever grow up and that's just the way it has to be.
- Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes: some more New Jerseyites. And evening with the Jukes is like a great rock 'n' roll party. Nuff said.
...
OK, sorry for the long rant, it's the addiction speaking.