We’re halfway through my list of top live shows of the year. Who’s in the top half?
#15 – Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – Scottrade Center – St. Louis, MO May 12th.
This was an impressive show with a sold-out crowd. Tom Petty and his crew had a fun time tearing through a lot of classic hits, and the performance took on a deeper meaning to my wife and I after Petty’s death at the end of this tour. We’d wanted to see him for a long while, so we were thankful we caught him in time.
#14 – Buddy Guy – Lerner Theatre – Elkhart, IN September 9th.
Blues legend Buddy Guy is pushing 90 and still shredding better than guitarists a third of his age. He dazzled with his skill and spoke openly about the importance of love and compassion in these tough times.
#13 – Depeche Mode – Air Canada Centre – Toronto, ON September 3rd.
Depeche Mode were a big part of our high school years, so it was surprising that it took my wife and I so long to finally catch them live. It was a solid set with new and classic tracks and one of the best encores we saw all year.
#12 – Deap Vally – Valley Bar – Phoenix, AZ March 11th.
Deap Vally are easily one of the best live bands of this decade. This set at Phoenix’s VIVA PHX festival was a stunner. I always feel bad for any band that has to follow them, and getting to chat with them after the show was an added treat.
#11 – The Black Angels – Thalia Hall – Chicago, IL May 11th.
I won’t skip an opportunity to see the Black Angels. I’ve already bought tickets to see them at next year’s Levitation Austin festival. This set in Chicago was a great start to a fun weekend with my wife, and the Black Angels played more aggressively than I’d seen them in a long while.
Who cracks the top 10? Tune in tomorrow to find out!
Keep your mind open.
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