So blogging about my daily life is kinda boring when I live at home and go to school every day. I'm gonna switch it up a bit. If you know me well, you know that I'm somewhat of a concert junkie. Since the age of eighteen, I have seen what seems like one band a month, at least (these are all age shows where my parents don't have to begrudgingly go with me or say "no"). Honestly, why wouldn't you when you have a little extra cash and you live in Music City U.S.A.!? So without further ado, here's my top 10 list of bands I've seen live. (**I don't claim the rights to any photograph on this post)
Hannah's Top 10 Best Live Bands List
10. Sam Smith
Dude, Sam Smith is the man. I actually went to this show for Broods (his opening band) but of course I stayed to see Sam. I saw Sam at Ryman Auditorium, and I hope no one ever has the opportunity to see him at a venue bigger than that. I don't think a stadium would do him any justice. His voice is unbelievably angelic. I thought he sounded great on a record, but wow, it's just a million times more lovely in person. He seemed like such a genuine and humble guy in the way he performed, interacted with his band, and spoke to the crowd. It made me feel less weird about going to a concert by myself and not having someone to sing/dance with. I have no doubt that all his tours for any album he puts out will be just phenomenal.
Tips + Things to Look for at a Sam Smith Concert
- Watch his backup singers/band! They're just as soulful and as talented as Sam. Those backup singers have some moves!
- Bring someone with you. Tickets were pretty pricy, and I couldn't find anyone to dish out the money I did for this show, so I went alone and I felt kinda weird. Though hanging out with the usher who was about 80 years old was pretty fun, I think it would be a better time with a friend/boyfriend/etc. (even when most of his songs are about breakups/cheating)
- Go for the opening band! Throughout all legs of his "In The Lonely Hour Tour", he's had some awesome opening acts. I highly recommend getting there early.
9. Panic! At the Disco
I've seen Panic! At the Disco twice, and both times it was freaking hot. One was indoors, one was outdoors, but both times, I was sweating up a storm and thought I was gonna die. However, it was totally worth it. I have loved Panic! At the Disco since 2005. I remember listening to "A Fever You Can't Sweat Out" when I got my braces on when I was twelve years old. Panic! was just the coolest thing in my life at the time. Turns out, they're still one of the coolest things ten years later. Goodness gracious do I feel old. Both times I've seen these guys have been in the past two years, and both times I was so hoping they would play the old songs that initially drew me to them in 2005, and they did. I've seen bands play old songs before, and often times they just rush through them because they don't really want to play them (understandably so - I can't imagine how many times these guys have played "I Write Sins Not Tragedies") but these guys took their time and played every song with so much passion and soul. Brendon Urie is a charmer and he has quite the stage presence. He and the other fellas in Panic! sure can put on a show - one worth watching and listening to. As it should be. I can only hope Panic! At the Disco will be the fever I can never sweat out *ba dum tss*
Tips + Things to Look for at a Panic! At the Disco Concert
- Brendon Urie. That guy is the most theatrical performer I've ever watched, but he does it so well that it's not annoying and doesn't pull away from his singing.
- I hope if you ever see Panic! live, they play their cover of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" because it's awesome. I hate that song, but I liked Panic's version.
- It's pretty fun to guess how many songs they can get into before Brendon takes his shirt off.
- I've heard my fair share of the f-bomb and I can tolerate a good bit of vulgarness, but these guys can get a little too vulgar for me at times. Be warned.
8. Katy Perry
Don't deny it. Katy Perry is incredible. (If you disagree, watch her documentary.) She's personable, hilarious, sincere, and of course, talented beyond measure. My good friend Maggie and I saw her in August of 2011 (yikes, I'm overdue for another Katy Perry show) when she was on her California Dreams Tour. From the second I walked in, everything was pure magic. Her people literally had the scent of cotton candy pumped through the vents, circulating throughout the arena. The stage set up, graphics, dancers, scenery, props, her costumes (oh wow, her costumes) were just stunning. During "Hot N Cold", she had a quick change bit like the magicians do, she had a huge peacock tail during "Peacock", she had a medley of popular songs she sang acoustically, and she freaking floated on a pink cloud at some point. As a visual person, I was just in heaven here. I was most impressed that she did not lip sync at all. I assumed all pop stars did this, but Katy surely did not. Katy Perry is someone I want to see in concert every time. It's always quite an experience.
Tips + Things to Look for at a Katy Perry Concert
- Though the concert I saw was all the way back in 2011, if she ever plays "Hot N Cold" again, watch those quick changes. They're so cool. Is there anything Katy can't do?
- Take a minute to appreciate her talent as far as following rigorous choreography + singing like a champ at the same time. It's clear she isn't lip syncing (she totally doesn't need to) and I'm sure it takes lots of practice and strength to juggle those at the same time!
- Try to get floor seats and wear something fun. You could get pulled on stage or get some attention from Katy. She had a lot of crowd interaction!
7. Phantogram
I can remember the first time I heard "When I'm Small" and I can also remember the first time I heard Phantogram's album "Voices" all the way through. I was mesmerized. "Black Out Days" quickly became my favorite song, and any chance I had to listen to listen to that song on a sound system with a deep bass, I took it. It increased from just listening to the album to listening to some live performances on YouTube, and I was desperate to see them live, in person. I dragged my concert buddy (Cameron) along with me to their show when they came to town in the summer of 2014, and I planted myself in the front row, stage right. The concert was everything I expected it to be, and more. Though this is one of the less dancey concerts I've been to, the music was just impeccable. It was just as flawless as it was on the record, but twice as good because it was booming through a massive sound system. Sarah Barthel (lead singer) is a force to be reckoned with, and I can only wish I had legs as fit as hers.
Tips + Things to Look for at a Phantogram Concert
- Sarah Barthel does this kinda funny dance when she sings "Black Out Days" and she does it every time. Watch the video to see what I'm talking about. If you're feeling brave, dance the dance with her and show up your friends.
- If you stand stage right, you'll get to stand kinda behind Josh when he plays "Fall In Love" and you can see him as he presses the buttons on his board to make most of the sounds heard in the song. It's a pretty cool sight.
- If you're lucky, Sarah Barthel will bring along her boyfriend (Shaun White - yeah, the snowboarder) and his band called Bad Things may open for Phantogram.
6. Twenty One Pilots
The first time I had ever heard of Twenty One Pilots was from my boyfriend, Cameron. Throughout our relationship, the only time I really listened to Twenty One Pilots was when I was in the car with him and it was his turn to play music. It took a while for them to grow on me, and I only listened to a few songs of theirs on my own, but I figured they'd put on a good show. My goodness, this was the most insane show I've ever been to. I've never seen a more participatory crowd that I have with this band. I felt really left out as I didn't know all the words, when the beat picked up, etc. However, I danced, I sang what I knew, I had a great time. Because I wasn't spitting back lyrics with no thought, I really could listen to the lyrics, and I realized Twenty One Pilots produce some great songs with fantastic lyrical content in a way that I've never heard before. So heartfelt, so thoughtful, so simple but deep at the same time. Something else unique about Twenty One Pilots was that they had a pretty funny narrator kinda guiding their show along. I've never seen anything like that. I have also never been a part of a crowd where there are random surges where the entire crowd moved closer to the stage by about five feet at a time when things got really exciting. This happened about three times, completely unexpectedly, and it was the closest I've ever gotten to being trampled. Thank God I had a boyfriend there to pull me along/rescue me, or I would have been under people's feet. Though it was the most chaotic show I've been to, it was one of the most fun.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH/LISTEN
Tips + Things to Look for at a Twenty One Pilots Concert
- If you're not willing to hold up a drum kit with the drummer drumming, or the singer banging on a floor tom while singing for a minute or two, do not put yourself in the first few rows. It's great fun to watch, but I couldn't imagine being underneath that thing, being trusted for all that. These guys are daredevils, and I'm too nervous of a person to watch them climb on high things, trust others with their lives, and be crazy in general.
- At some point, Tyler (lead singer) asked the crowd to find a partner and get on their shoulders. This freaked me out. Not only were we packed in there like sardines, they wanted us to find enough room to get on someone's shoulders!? No way. Cameron was all for me climbing on his shoulders, but I was too scared. I've seen so many people get bounced for doing that at other shows, and now the singer encouraged it?! I'm not a daredevil. I just couldn't. Too scary. I didn't know how I'd get down safely or stop people from seeing my buttcrack, haha.
- It'll be in your best interest to know the words/music well, because I can guarantee the people around you will, and you'll be the only one not bobbing your head at the right time, singing your heart out. It'll be kinda awkward. (This is the case at any concert, but it's intensified here).
5. One Direction
Okay, before you start dogging me for including One Direction on this list (much less in the top five) stop right there. I was a skeptic too, honestly. My sister has loved One Direction since its inception, and I thought it was another Justin Bieber fad. I was so wrong, and I have the One Direction infection. The first time Gillian and I saw One Direction in concert was August of 2014 and holy crap it was so hot. The weather, not the boys (though they're pretty good looking). It was at an outdoor arena, and I thought "there is no way this is going to be enjoyable. I am hot and sweaty, I can barely see the stage." The sun eventually went down, I cooled off, and the stage actually came out to where our seats were, so we ended up being rather close to the boys for some parts of the show! Whether you like boy bands or not, you can't deny that these boys can sing. Not only can they sing, but they're fun to watch live. They interact with the crowd, dance, pull small pranks on each other, it's really a great show. Okay, maybe for all but the poor dads who get dragged in there. They looked a little bit miserable.
(Though I do know this isn't the most fantastic video quality, you can see how cool their graphics/stage set ups were in this video.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH)
Tips + Things to Look for at a One Direction Concert
- Check the weather, especially if it's outdoors. You may die of a heat stroke.
- Bring earplugs. Especially before the show begins, the girls around you will scream like crazy. (DUH). Eventually, they will shut up and actually listen to the music, but until then, you'll want to shield your poor eardrums from the intense shrieks.
- The boys are fun to watch, but notice the graphics on the jumbotrons behind them. There's some serious work that went into those synced graphics!
- Bring a camera. It's funny to have a folder of hysterical screaming/crying girls to look at later on. Also, a sub-folder of their unamused dads. Plenty of great photo opportunities there.
- Check the bag policies before you go. Gillian and I had to run three blocks to put my purse back in the car because it wasn't small enough (the size of a clutch). Ridiculous.
- Harry Styles spits his water at some point. Or at least he does on this tour. It's pretty cool, as kinda weird and gross as that may sound.
- The LED stage that moves. They all get on this platform at the end of the stage during "One Thing" (and another song I can't remember the name of) and it rises pretty high in the air. On the sides of the platform are awesome LED screens playing the coolest graphics. It was the boys as 8-bit characters when I saw them. I was really impressed.
4. Jack White
I've said it once, I'll say it again. When I see Jack White, I feel like he's my estranged step-parent who comes to town once a year, and when he comes around, he gives really good presents. This year (last night, actually) he brought Loretta Lynn (yeah, the Loretta Lynn) and the Raconteurs. I've seen Jack White twice, and both times, he's surprised the crowd with the Raconteurs as an encore. Absolutely incredible. He's been in quite a few bands, and each band produced some of the best music I've ever heard. Raconteurs, White Stripes, Jack as a solo artist, the Dead Weather, all of them. Jack can play a whole lot of nonsense and the crowd would love it. He's such a quirky, unique, weird, iconic musician and person. The way he's able to mix music genres and sounds is unique to anything I've ever heard, and I love it. There is no one like Jack, and I will always look forward to seeing him when he comes to town.
Tips + Things to Look for at a Jack White Concert
- His backup band! The passion in those people totally match Jack's, and they're quite the talented bunch.
- Always, always, always stay for the encore. Maybe it's just because I see him in his city of Nashville that he's able to do it, but he always has some crazy awesome surprise for the encore.
3. The 1975
The first time I saw the 1975 was May of 2014, just days after I got back from living in Scotland. I dragged my boyfriend along who isn't a massive fan of concerts, but even he couldn't stop talking about this one. The 1975 is one of those catchy, hypnotic bands you just can't help but to love and obsess over. When I listen to music, I usually over-listen to an album, get tired of it, and drop it. I have yet to drop the 1975 since I first heard "Chocolate" in 2013. There is so much soul, passion, and emotion that goes into their music, and you really feel that at their shows. The music is just as it is on the album (if not better) so it's a great time for the audience to come together and sing/dance together. They have a great mix of slow and dancey songs, so you can bet your favorite song will be played. I saw the same show/set in November when they came back through Tennessee, and it was as flawless and overwhelmingly exciting as it was seeing them for the first time.
Tips + Things to Look for at a 1975 Concert
- Don't keep your phone out and video tape the entire show. Matty (lead singer) hates that and will request that you put it away for at least two songs. Expect to be called out if he catches you - and it won't be pretty. He's got a point though, you paid for the live concert. Enjoy the experience, watch it on YouTube later. Make memories, not videos. (How's that for a cheesy slogan?)
- Enjoy the simplicity/beauty of the light show! The 1975 stage crew has mastered the art of fog and lights. It creates an awesome atmosphere. It's also great to anticipate that light rectangle (as seen on the album cover) light up when it's time for their set to begin.
- If you begin to see 1975 in concert more than once, it's fun to guess how long Matty will keep his shirt on, or how long it will take for him to finish his bottle of wine (it seems that he exclusively drinks wine on stage).
2. Ed Sheeran
I bought these tickets on a whim, because I knew my sister loved Ed and I wanted to take her to a concert, since she expressed to me that she wanted to go to more. Prior to the show, I knew nothing more of Ed than he is a ginger who was once homeless and sings about cold, angelic prostitutes. Boy was I underestimating him. I'm not an overly-emotional person, and I'm not one to generally cry at music, but I can think of four times I cried at the Ed Sheeran concert, purely by his music/voice. I was expecting fancy lights, an elaborate stage and a backup band, but it was just Ed, his guitar, a microphone, and his pedal board. He was his own band and I was thoroughly impressed. Not only is he a great singer, he's a flawless performer and a pretty darn good rapper as well. I will always see Ed when he comes to town.
Tips + Things to Look for at an Ed Sheeran Concert
- Depending on when he plays the song at the concert you see (if it's in the encore) please, please stay for "Give Me Love". The intensity in the build of that song is overwhelming. It's also cool to see him layer his voice as much as he does in that song as well. It's flawless.
- Don't scream too much at his concert. He's not a fan of the crazy screamers. He's all about the music, and he wants his whole audience to enjoy the show without annoying distractions.
- Bring tissues. I don't care who you are, how hardcore/strong you think you are, you will cry, and you'll love it.
1. St. Lucia
Without a doubt, St. Lucia is the most fun, impressive, exciting, talented band I've seen live. The majority, if not all of St. Lucia is classically trained, so they're masters of their trades, naturally. The first time I saw St. Lucia was in November of 2013 when they opened for Two Door Cinema Club. I had the opportunity to see them again in October of 2014 (as a part of Hannahkuh - my birthday week celebration) and I was ecstatic. Their music is so easy to dance to, and the band definitely encourages it. They love crowd interaction - jumping, clapping, singing, etc. I was lucky enough to be front row for the show I saw of theirs where they headlined, and it was pure magic. The light show was mesmerizing, the music was flawless, and the crowd was eating it up. If you like synth-pop, you'll love St. Lucia.
Tips + Things to Look for at a St. Lucia Show:
- Jean-Philip (the main guy) has a steady stream of air flowing in his face, blowing his perfect hair back so he always looks like a supermodel.
- Check out Patti's calves if she's wearing a dress/shorts. She's ripped.
- The lights. You will be mesmerized by the lights, I promise you.
- Stay for the encore. If a band plays all my favorite songs, chances are, I'll dip out early to avoid traffic (I'm trying to break this habit) but St. Lucia is one to stay for, especially for "Elevate". Thank me later.
Hannah's Top 5 'Bands That Are Disappointing Live' List
Bonus! I'm gonna include my top five least favorite bands I've seen live.
5. Selena Gomez
Like the kids say these days, "Selena Gomez is bae" and she is. She's gorgeous, she's a talented actress, and she actually is a very talented singer! I love listening to her music. However, she's not stellar when she sings and dances live, at the same time. (Maybe she should take a few notes from Katy Perry). She was great at hitting her cues on stage, getting those quick changes whipped out, and being in sync with her backup dancers when it came to dancing, but with all of that going on, her singing fell short (when she did sing. She did lip sync a bit). That being said, her singing was only off when she was also dancing, but for the few times she stayed stationary, singing into a mic on a stand (generally the slower songs), she was quite impressive. She most certainly wasn't the worst performer I've seen live, but I just expected a little bit more with such a grand tour, like she had.
4. Banks
I had really high hopes for Banks. She looks like a forgotten Lohan sister and she has a voice like no other. Her album "Goddess" blew me away from the first time I listened to it. I knew if she sounded even remotely like she did on her album, this would be a really awesome show. No such luck. Nashville was one of the first stops on her first ever tour, and maybe I'm being too harsh, but the show just fell short for me. The music was really good, but her voice was just decent. It was a little off at times, so it kinda threw me off to try and sing along with her. Also, her stage presence was horrendous. She just kept walking to the back of the stage, fixing her hair part, and casually walked back to the front, like 20 times. She didn't dance, bob her head, interact with her band, nothing. She just either stood like a statue or walked like a model. When she spoke, she sounded like a little baby who was too good for us. She didn't really interact with the crowd aside from saying "I f*cking love Nashville" and an occasional "thanks." Lastly, I was really disappointed in the crowd. I kept getting stuck behind people who looked 7 feet tall, so I could never see well no matter where I stood, there was a really strong scent of weed around me, and Cameron felt really sick near the end. We didn't even stay her entire set. I'll still love her music - just not live.
3. Alt-J
Man, I had really high expectations for this band. Their sound is so unique and the music is quite fantastic. There were some songs that had a really heavy bass that I was so excited to hear live, because it was going to be twice as loud and heavy, but no such luck. Every song they played (with the exception of Taro) was really underwhelming. They rushed many of their songs, and the lead singer had no personality. I was kinda bored, and I wasn't extremely sad when the concert ended. I don't anticipate on seeing Alt-J live again, but I will be a fan of their music on albums.
2. Justin Bieber
Okay, before you dog me for this, let me clarify. One of my good friends in high school won tickets to the show from our local radio station, and she chose me to bring along. I didn't quite have "Bieber Fever" but I wasn't going to pass up a free concert, plus, this was something to add to my list of "people I've seen live" whether it was good or horrendous. (Let me also say this was before he went off the deep end. Like, pre-pubescent Biebs.) Anyways, I couldn't hear anything. There was so much freaking screaming. I'm all for yelling/screaming between songs, but oh my gosh, shut up while he's performing. You came here to see/listen to him! Shut your little baby mouths for two minutes! I was partially deaf for the next few days. He had some cool stage stuff going on, but I really would have liked to hear him at some point in the show.
1. Chris Daughtry
My best friend, Maddie, loves the Goo Goo Dolls. In the summer of 2014, we took a road trip to Atlanta to see them live. Chris Daughtry was one of their opening bands and holy crap he needs to go away. He used to be so cool and edgy on American Idol, but I think all that rough, rugged singing is taking its toll, because his voice sounds like trash now. Like a smoker singing through a garbage disposal. The only good thing was that middle aged women
love Chris Daughtry and they were dancing like crazy. I think they all probably would have taken their bras off and thrown them on stage if they were close enough. That was quite hilarious. I will never see Chris Daughtry for his music (because it sucks) but his fan base is nothing short of hilarious.
Disagree with one of my favorites/least favorites? Comment and let me know who you think I'm missing!
