It was really hard to narrow it down out of all the shows I saw this year, but here is my list of my 10 favorite concerts I saw in 2010:
10. Air
4th & B, March 27th
Air wasn't playing any local shows, so one of my best friends and I made the trek down to San Diego to see them - this is the same friend that introduced me to Air in the first place. What I remember most about this show was the feeling that I had gone to another place - I was going through some difficult personal stuff at the time and this show was a savior for me. For those few hours, my mind was absorbed in the beauty that is Air and their music. I thought about nothing else, at all. Usually music does this for me, but I'm distracted by that guy about to crowdsurf and nail me in the head or the two people fighting next to me... but not at this show. Complete peace.
9. A Place To Bury Strangers
Spaceland, June 26th
I have loved A Place To Bury Strangers ever since I first saw the open for Nine Inch Nails in Texas a while back. Despite the fact that they had played many times between now and then, I just kept missing them when they were in town. I finally made it and had my sense annihilated by the guys and can't wait for it to happen again.
8. Jane's Addiction
The Roxy, July 2nd
When I first heard this show get announced, I thought, "Wow, that would be so cool to go but I'll never get in." So, imagine my delight and surprise when my dear HRC texts me early that week to ask if I want to go! What ended up happening that night surpassed even my wildest dreams and has gone down in my own personal history as one of the best rock and roll nights I've ever had during all my years here in LA.
7. A Perfect Circle
Avalon, November 9th
I know everyone seems to be a fan of Mer de Noms the most, but for me, the Thirteenth Step night was the one that I loved the most. I lost myself in the album being played live that night.
6. Alice In Chains
Hollywood Palladium, February 13th
This show was one of those shows that made me think there really are Rock Gods and that I had done something to please them because they sure as hell were good to me this night. A great rail spot, great company, Alice in Chains... perfect. But what really made this night was the somewhat religious experience of having Jerry Cantrell walk right in front of my friend and I and play Love, Hate, Love right in front of us. I still can't quite describe the experience, only that it has stuck with me ever since.
5. Roger Waters - The Wall
Staples Center, November 29th
As I said in my post for this show, I have never seen anything like this and know, with all certainty, that I won't see anything like it again.
4. Paul McCartney
Hollywood Bowl, March 31st
The only way I can describe this show and this evening is "magical". It's what I used to describe it at the time and I still haven't found a better word to describe it. I was raised on the Beatles. All I listened to, literally, until I was in middle school and figured out how to find music on my own. I still listen to them a ridiculous amount and love them, probably more, than any other band on the planet. Macca, although not my favorite Beatle (go George!), is special to me because Wings was my first concert ever as a kid and he winked and blew a kiss at me. I waited all day on the rail at Coachella to see him and was now seeing him at the Hollywood Bowl with the only other person in my life who understands the importance of the Beatles like I do. I'm not talking about musical importance, but life-changing importance. They wrote the soundtrack for a good chunk of my life and the music means so very much to me. I couldn't imagine seeing this show with anyone else and had such a wonderful time.
3. Black Rebel Motorycycle Club
Slim's March 9th & Echoplex March 14th
BRMC is one of my favorite bands. Personally, I'd be happy if they toured my area about every 6 months to give me a fix. They never get old to me and I never want to stop seeing them live. They are one of the best bands out there and they put other bands to shame with their live performance.
Out of the 6 shows I saw this year, these two stood out for different reasons which is why they tied at 3rd place. The Slim's show was the first show I saw for them this year and was my first time hearing the Beat The Devil's Tattoo songs live. It was an intimate, tiny venue with Peter Hayes and his guitar in my face. Nothing sucked about it. What happened after the show... I'm still bitter, but I know HRC will make it up to me one day. ;-) The Echoplex show was an amazing setlist and an amazing energy. What I love about BRMC is that no two shows are the same. Different energy, different songs... these two shows embodied everything I love about BRMC. Looking forward to more shows in 2011???!?!
2. Queens of the Stone Age & Eagles of Death Metal
Brian O'Connor Benefit Show
Club Nokia, August 12th
I could follow QOTSA around on tour like I did for NIN, but I haven't had the chance. Last new album was in 2007... not much touring since. I jumped at the chance to see them again and was even more pleased to find that it was with one of my other favorites, EODM, and for such a wonderful cause. Show was mind-blowingly-amazing. I hope that Big Hands is doing better... Can't imagine anyone else up there with EODM. Wishing you the best Brian!
1. Soundgarden
Paramount Studios, September 27th
I spend a ridiculous amount of money seeing concerts and go figure... The best show of the year for me ended up being free. A band I've dreamed of seeing since I was a teen...dream realized, and is inches from my face playing all my favorite songs. Just insane and I still can't believe it actually happened.
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