The following countdown of the 15 best live bands/artists I have seen, as of mid-March 2014, judges it on all factors, not just musical talent. I have seen over 45 bands in total and a list of bands who were close and missed out/big names that didn't make the cut include: Dizzee Rascal, My Chemical Romance, You Me At Six, Bastille, Editors, All Time Low, Pulp and Two Door Cinema Club
The List
15. Stereophonics
Number of times seen: 1 (T in the Park 2013, Main Stage)
One of Britains biggest bands, the welsh rockers disappointed when I saw them at T in the Park 2013 and its perhaps a good sign that despite the poor performance they still had the crowd singing along and their hits had some impact. Lead singer Kelly Jones whiskey-like vocal were still a treat to hear, one of the best voices in British music no doubt.
14. Kaiser Chiefs
Number of times seen: 1 (T in the Park 2012, Main Stage)
Kaiser Chiefs are an interesting band. They had previously been at the top of the bill at many festivals, but have since fallen down the line up, that does not mean however that they don't know how to put on a show. This gig is perhaps the one I have had the most outright fun at; from the insane Kaiser Chief fan behind me at the front of the crowd, or the sheer joy from the T in the Park audience as the sun peaked out from behind the clouds, the performance and atmosphere was amazing.
13. Noel Gallaghers High Flying Birds
Number of times seen: 1 ( Edinburgh Castle, 2012)
A set packed with Oasis hits along with his new material, the High Flying Birds gig at Edinburgh Castle was epic. Huge singalongs, a great atmosphere and a brilliant performance from the superior Gallagher brother set the stage for a truly memorable night.
12. Queen + Paul Rodgers
Number of times seen: 1 (SECC, 2008)
This was my first gig, and yes, I am that lucky. No Freddie Mercury doesn't necessarily mean no show; this was huge. Hit packed with the performance of a band of Queens stature to boot, it was simply - amazing.
11. The Black Keys
Number of times seen: 1 (SECC, 2012)
The fabulous American band played a tour of unusually large venues for them in 2012, whilst the crowd were generally awful, the band put on a good show, and the hits eventually got the audience in the mood. The likes of "Gold on the Ceiling" and "Lonely Boy" among the best moments.
10. Foo Fighters
Number of times seen: 1 (T in the Park 2011, Main Stage)
Foo Fighters headlined T in the Park 2011, and boy was it a good show. Dave Grohl and the rest pulled out a massive set to the delight of the T faithful on the Sunday night, leaving us all that much more in awe of the band than we were already.
Number of times seen: 1 (T in the Park 2011, Main Stage)
Foo Fighters headlined T in the Park 2011, and boy was it a good show. Dave Grohl and the rest pulled out a massive set to the delight of the T faithful on the Sunday night, leaving us all that much more in awe of the band than we were already.
9. Weezer
Number of times seen: 1 (T in the Park 2011, Main Stage)
In 2011, T in the Park was home to the unparalleled charisma of Rivers Cuomo and Weezer. Just after a hail storm (in July, just wow.) Weezer cheered T up with songs such as "Beverly Hills", "Buddy Holly" and even covering Radiohead along the way. Donning a T in the Park poncho rain coat like a cape, he engaged with the crowd like nothing I'd seen previously. Memorable doesn't do it justice.
Number of times seen: 1 (T in the Park 2011, Main Stage)
In 2011, T in the Park was home to the unparalleled charisma of Rivers Cuomo and Weezer. Just after a hail storm (in July, just wow.) Weezer cheered T up with songs such as "Beverly Hills", "Buddy Holly" and even covering Radiohead along the way. Donning a T in the Park poncho rain coat like a cape, he engaged with the crowd like nothing I'd seen previously. Memorable doesn't do it justice.
8. The 1975
Number of times seen: 3 (Emirates Stadium & T in the Park 2013, O2 Newcastle, 2014)
The new boys on the British music scene, the utterly incredible and incomparable 1975 have had a debut year to remember. They supported Muse on their stadium tour and embarked upon a large tour themselves which sold out in minutes. Tickets were like gold-dust, I know this first hand as I paid £50 for mine! Lead vocalist Matt Healy has a voice that is as fresh and emotionally charged as anything out there, and their live shows are awesome.
7. Elbow
Number of times seen: 1 (Leeds Festival, Main Stage 2011)
The ever reliable Elbow put on a great performance at a rain soaked Leeds festival in 2011. Taking the stage before Muse, Elbow proved the best warm-up for a band I have seen, as the sun set in Leeds the anticipation for Muse was wonderfully built by Guy Garvey and co, as they brought out all their live prowess to the delight of a rapturous Leeds crowd. We were muddy, soaked and drained... but we simply didn't care!
6. 30 Seconds to Mars
Number of times seen: 2 (Metro Radio Arena 2010, The Hydro 2013)
Whatever you think of Jared Leto & co, they know how to delight a crowd. They also have the type of songs that a band needs to get a crowd going. The first time I saw them, the gig in hindsight was poor. The second time, a different story. 30 Seconds nailed it at The Hydro in 2013, rarely do I lose my voice after gigs, I did that night.
Number of times seen: 2 (Metro Radio Arena 2010, The Hydro 2013)
Whatever you think of Jared Leto & co, they know how to delight a crowd. They also have the type of songs that a band needs to get a crowd going. The first time I saw them, the gig in hindsight was poor. The second time, a different story. 30 Seconds nailed it at The Hydro in 2013, rarely do I lose my voice after gigs, I did that night.
5. Florence + The Machine
Number of times seen: 1 (T in the Park 2012, Main Stage)
Number of times seen: 1 (T in the Park 2012, Main Stage)
The haunting vocals of Florence Welch left a mark on me after seeing her at T 2012. I was about 3 meters from the front that day, and her voice was just amazing. There is nothing like her around. I was blown away. She brought her A game that night, and what a night it was. I even saw members in the audience cry tears of joy. That's how good she was.
4. Snow Patrol
Number of times seen: 1 (T in the Park 2012, Main Stage)
Before seeing Snow Patrol, I knew I'd have fun and it would be good.. I just never realised how good. There were moans when the announcement was made that Snow Patrol would headline one day at T, they weren't moaning after it. Snow Patrol killed it on the Friday night. Few things in live music touch the moment when the crowd echoes back the lyrics to "Run", truly an amazing moment.
Before seeing Snow Patrol, I knew I'd have fun and it would be good.. I just never realised how good. There were moans when the announcement was made that Snow Patrol would headline one day at T, they weren't moaning after it. Snow Patrol killed it on the Friday night. Few things in live music touch the moment when the crowd echoes back the lyrics to "Run", truly an amazing moment.
3. Arctic Monkeys
Number of times seen: 1 (Metro Radio Arena, 2013)
On the back of an epic and buzz-creating Glastonbury performance, I bought myself tickets for the upcoming Arctic Monkeys tour. It was worth it. Despite Alex Turners self-obsessed American wannabe drivel, Arctic Monkeys gave a performance for the ages. It converted me into the fan of them I am today, and I cannot wait to see them again. One of the best bands of their generation.
Number of times seen: 1 (Metro Radio Arena, 2013)
On the back of an epic and buzz-creating Glastonbury performance, I bought myself tickets for the upcoming Arctic Monkeys tour. It was worth it. Despite Alex Turners self-obsessed American wannabe drivel, Arctic Monkeys gave a performance for the ages. It converted me into the fan of them I am today, and I cannot wait to see them again. One of the best bands of their generation.
2. The Killers
Number of times seen: 1 (T in the Park 2013, Main Stage)
A special, special night. The atmosphere on that main stage on Sunday at T 2013 was incredible. The Killers have a particularly special relationship with the T in the Park crowd, and that showed. A huge set comprising of hits and material from their latest album, the crowd ate it all up. The atmosphere has placed this gig so far up the list, nothing has touched it for me. A truly special night, capped off my the energy and delight of Brandon Flowers, as he declared Scotland the bands second home.
Number of times seen: 1 (T in the Park 2013, Main Stage)
A special, special night. The atmosphere on that main stage on Sunday at T 2013 was incredible. The Killers have a particularly special relationship with the T in the Park crowd, and that showed. A huge set comprising of hits and material from their latest album, the crowd ate it all up. The atmosphere has placed this gig so far up the list, nothing has touched it for me. A truly special night, capped off my the energy and delight of Brandon Flowers, as he declared Scotland the bands second home.
1. Muse
Number of times seen: 4 (Leeds festival 2011, SECC 2012, Emirates and Etihad Stadiums 2013)
Britain's grandest band, Muse are generally thought of as the best live band around. That title may be under dispute, but what cant be disputed is their place at number 1 on this list. They have a huge back catalogue of hits and songs that will be remembered for years, they can provide a live show that will leave you standing in awe, and in Matt Bellamy they have a vocalist that will leave you standing and wondering how such a man can do those things. At times, Muse can be accused of going too over the top. But generally, they are just the one of the biggest bands in the world, playing massive and epic shows to loving and adoring audiences all oiver the world. How many bands can do a stadium tour and fill as many stadiums as Muse do? You could count it on one hand.
Number of times seen: 4 (Leeds festival 2011, SECC 2012, Emirates and Etihad Stadiums 2013)
Britain's grandest band, Muse are generally thought of as the best live band around. That title may be under dispute, but what cant be disputed is their place at number 1 on this list. They have a huge back catalogue of hits and songs that will be remembered for years, they can provide a live show that will leave you standing in awe, and in Matt Bellamy they have a vocalist that will leave you standing and wondering how such a man can do those things. At times, Muse can be accused of going too over the top. But generally, they are just the one of the biggest bands in the world, playing massive and epic shows to loving and adoring audiences all oiver the world. How many bands can do a stadium tour and fill as many stadiums as Muse do? You could count it on one hand.
