Aside from writing, music has always been one of my things.

I’ve been lucky enough to see some incredible live bands and artists over the years and, honestly, most concerts are memorable in their own way. Sometimes it’s the atmosphere, sometimes the crowd, sometimes a single song played at exactly the right moment in your life.

But the best gigs are usually the ones where you can say:

“I was there when…”

That feeling never really leaves you.

Oasis at Maine Road – Still One of the Greatest Gigs Ever

If we’re talking iconic live performances, it’s difficult to look much further than Oasis at Maine Road.

Supported by Manic Street Preachers and Ocean Colour Scene, it felt like one of those moments where British music culture aligned perfectly. Huge songs, huge atmosphere and absolute confidence from a band at their peak.

Even now, years later, it still feels like one of the defining live music moments I’ve experienced.

The Seahorses Warm-Up Gig Before Love Is The Law

One of the more surreal gigs I managed to catch was an unannounced warm-up show by The Seahorses just before Love Is The Law was released.

There’s something special about seeing a band before the wider hype fully lands. Smaller venue, less expectation, everyone feeling like they’re witnessing something slightly secret.

Those are often the gigs people remember most.

Red Hot Chili Peppers with Dave Navarro

Seeing Red Hot Chili Peppers during the Dave Navarro era was another standout.

Supported by Moby and The Flaming Lips, the whole thing felt slightly chaotic in the best possible way. Different styles, different energy, but one of those line-ups that somehow worked perfectly live.

Catfish and the Bottlemen at Heaton Park

Catfish and the Bottlemen at Heaton Park with James supporting was another brilliant night.

James are one of those bands who somehow manage to get better with age and still sound completely relevant live. As support acts go, you could do a lot worse.

Everything Everything – Hugely Underrated

I’ve seen Everything Everything twice now and they remain one of the most underrated bands around in my opinion.

Musically inventive, intelligent lyrics and somehow even better live than on record. A band that probably deserves far more mainstream recognition than they get.

The Kooks and The K’s

Both The Kooks and The K’s were exactly what good indie gigs should be — energetic, loud and full of songs that immediately connect with a crowd.

Sometimes you don’t need complexity. You just need great tunes played properly.

Some Absolute Classics

I’ve also seen some genuine legends over the years:

• Hot Chocolate
• Wet Wet Wet
• Lionel Richie

And still to come:

• Billy Ocean
• Ray LaMontagne

Ray LaMontagne in particular is someone I’ve wanted to see for years. Some artists just soundtrack periods of your life.

Why Live Music Still Matters

What I’ve always loved about live music is that it creates memory in a way very few things do.

You remember:

• who you went with
• where you stood
• the song everyone sang back at the band
• the atmosphere walking out afterwards

A great gig becomes attached to a period of your life.

That’s probably why people become so passionate about music. It isn’t just entertainment. It becomes part of your identity.

What Are The Best Concerts You’ve Ever Been To?

So who are you looking forward to seeing live?

Do you wish you had been able to watch any of these bands or singers?

Who’s the best live act you’ve ever seen?

Drop me a comment — judging by my list, my music taste is fairly eclectic and there’s a good chance we probably overlap somewhere.

While You’re Here…

Did you know I released my first novella this year?

If you enjoy reflective writing, music culture and stories about people trying to make sense of life, you might enjoy it.

Available now on Amazon:

My First Novella on Amazon

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