Weekend Rock List: Best Live Bands Playing Right Now

7/20/07, 3:18 pm EST

arcade fireBetween amphitheaters, major tours and giant festivals, summer is clearly designed for live music. So tell us which act you’ve seen lately that gave you that elusive wow-life-is-awesome sensation. Here are five bands we’re nominating:

Photo: Winter/Getty


Comments

ricas | 6/14/2008, 2:39 pm EST

!Sigur ros!!Sigur ros!!Sigur ros!!Sigur ros!!Sigur ros!!Sigur ros!!Sigur ros!!Sigur ros!!Sigur ros!!Sigur ros!!Sigur ros!!Sigur ros!!Sigur ros!!Sigur ros!!Sigur ros!!Sigur ros!!Sigur ros!!Sigur ros!!Sigur ros!!Sigur ros!!Sigur ros!!Sigur ros!!Sigur ros!!Sigur ros!!Sigur ros!!Sigur ros!!Sigur ros!

Jay | 4/17/2008, 5:46 pm EST

Allman brothers is def the most musically talented show ive ever seen. (warren haynes and derek trucks) (2005)

-clutch(everyone listen to clutch)
-zztop
-gov’t mule
-”the motor city madman” was great
I havent seen many shows but those were the best

OXide | 3/1/2008, 9:41 pm EST

Sufjan!

Thomas | 2/17/2008, 5:00 pm EST

Muse is the best live band. My vote is for MUSE!

Thomas | 2/17/2008, 5:00 pm EST

Muse is the best live band. My vote is for MUSE!

Hall N. | 12/2/2007, 4:02 pm EST

Rush

They would mop the floor with anyone out there. 3 hours every night.

Hall N. | 12/2/2007, 4:02 pm EST

Rush

They would mop the floor with anyone out there. 3 hours every night.

jvmzen | 9/15/2007, 7:48 am EST

#1 MUSE!!!!!

joe | 8/31/2007, 1:45 pm EST

VELVET REVOLVER
pearl jam
my chemical romance
the bravery
rise against
alice in chains (even without layne staley they ROCKED

Soul | 8/29/2007, 3:36 pm EST

how about a post of the worst live performances of an artist you have seen lately…

Cat Power - What could have been the best show after the first song turned into the biggest train wreck. Chan - just need to keep it together sister and play the music. Trust me - it sounds really good down here in the front.

Frank EEEEE | 8/21/2007, 2:12 am EST

If you have never seen a My Morning Jacket show you have yet to truly live! They are the greatest live band I have ever seen (no, not seen, but experienced) Also the Flaming lips are incredible and have been for quite some time.

contrary to unpopular opinion | 8/18/2007, 2:34 pm EST

Rush is hands down the best live band playing today, yesterday, and ever.

Amy | 8/13/2007, 10:33 am EST

DEFINITELY The Dave Matthews Band…i mean honestly…have you been to one of their concerts? They kick major ass!

Amanda | 8/8/2007, 10:10 am EST

I would have to say Dave Matthews Band because they are very good live.

pete | 8/2/2007, 9:22 pm EST

DAVE MATTHEWS BAND FOR LIFE

pete | 8/2/2007, 9:22 pm EST

DAVE MATTHEWS BAND FOR LIFE

pete | 8/2/2007, 9:22 pm EST

DAVE MATTHEWS BAND FOR LIFE

Alex | 7/30/2007, 5:57 pm EST

Muse are amazing live. They bring a full spectrum experience that all fans, new or old will always enjoy and never get bored of.

tim | 7/30/2007, 10:50 am EST

umphreys mcgee. moe. the string cheese incident.

Matt | 7/29/2007, 9:20 pm EST

Muse for the win! They are without a doubt the absolutely best live band in the world now.

Muse_Is_The_Best_Live_Band | 7/29/2007, 4:54 pm EST

I agree, you all should MUSE perform live. You seem to be out of touch with music live scene.

MUSE FOR THE WIN!

Lisa | 7/29/2007, 4:43 pm EST

Muse is (#1) the best live band by far.

Tony | 7/29/2007, 4:40 pm EST

You all should should see the best live band in the planet … MUSE!

Muse is performing at Lollapalooza and Madison Square Garden next week. Do yourself a favor, go watch MUSE live then you can vote and express your opinions here very well.

churd_1980 | 7/28/2007, 12:24 pm EST

YOU GOTTA HAVE THE DRIVE BY TRUCKERS ON THAT LIST MAN THEY ARE THE BEST LIVE SHOW!!!!! ALSO, HOW ABOUT MAGNOLIA ELECTRIC COMPANY THEY ARE ANOTHER GREAT LIVE BAND!!!

Arman | 7/27/2007, 8:21 pm EST

This list is invalid. I’ve seen everybody in that list, MUSE is #1 live band.

You all guys should see the real best live band - MUSE!

Jonny 5 | 7/27/2007, 6:46 pm EST

Duh - My Morning Jacket.

C. Spliffer | 7/27/2007, 6:45 pm EST

My Morning Jacket FOR LIFE. Get on it…its not to late.

Also LCD Sound System…i have never danced so much to a band that doesn’t move. pure perfection!

Mike | 7/27/2007, 11:54 am EST

Rush, as always. They always sound perfect.

nameless | 7/27/2007, 2:46 am EST

MUSE!!!!!!No. 1 best live band

kelly | 7/26/2007, 9:34 pm EST

wilco
dr. dog!!!!!!!!!!
the teeth

Starman | 7/26/2007, 2:43 pm EST

RUSH. end of story

jb | 7/26/2007, 2:40 pm EST

RUSH . they make the POLICE look like lifeless waxworks on stage.RUSH at secc glasgow in oct 07 can’t wait.

jb | 7/26/2007, 2:40 pm EST

RUSH . they make the POLICE look like lifeless waxworks on stage.RUSH at secc glasgow in oct 07 can’t wait.

Band of Thieves | 7/26/2007, 1:56 pm EST

Hey - Just wanted to let everyone know that we have a show July 27th at Blender at Gramercy Theater at 8pm in NYC. We also have a show Aug 7th at the Knitting Factory, also in NYC, at 9pm. check out our myspace page: www.myspace.com/wearebandofthi eves or our website: www.wearebandofthieves.com.

Chris | 7/26/2007, 10:07 am EST

Muse, Radiohead, RATM and The Arcade Fire are the top live bands for me.

Thom | 7/26/2007, 7:04 am EST

MUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
1. Muse
2. Arcade Fire
3. Rage Against The Machine
4. Prince
5. Radiohead

Thom | 7/26/2007, 6:49 am EST

I agree, MUSE should be Number 1. Wake up America!

John | 7/26/2007, 6:45 am EST

GREATEST/BEST LIVE BANDs

#1. Muse
#2. Prince
#3. Arcade Fire
#4. Rage Against The Machine
#5. U2

White Stripes and Radiohead are way OVERRATED!

John | 7/26/2007, 6:45 am EST

BEST GREATEST/BEST LIVE BANDs

#1. Muse
#2. Prince
#3. Arcade Fire
#4. Rage Against The Machine
#5. U2

White Stripes and Radiohead are way OVERRATED!

The_Real_5_Best_Live_Bands | 7/26/2007, 5:43 am EST

You guys writing at Rolling Stone AND who are reading Rolling Stone/Spin/Blender magazines OR living in the United States) should see the greatest LIVE band in the planet MUSE perform LIVE (like right now)

1. Muse
2. Arcade Fire
3. Rage Against The Machine
4. U2
5. Tool

ellogovna | 7/25/2007, 5:42 pm EST

The list
1Radiohead
2Red Hot Chili Peppers
3Radiohead
4Rad iohead

ellogovna | 7/25/2007, 5:41 pm EST

The list
1Radiohead
2Red Hot Chili Peppers
3Radiohead
4Radiohea d

JP | 7/25/2007, 9:24 am EST

Muse, by far.

cheef | 7/24/2007, 2:19 pm EST

i saw the White Stripes on Sunday in Portland, Maine…Jack & Meg are #1 on my list. F N GREAT!!!

CBD | 7/24/2007, 12:53 pm EST

Drive-By Truckers
Wilco
Widespread Panic
The Roots
Ryan Adams & the Cardinals
Black Crowes
Lucinda Williams
My Morning Jacket
and Bettye LaVette blew my mind last month

The B-Man | 7/24/2007, 12:48 pm EST

RUSH 2007 World Tour!!!

Fan of Good Music | 7/24/2007, 10:17 am EST

DBT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Hold Steady
Slobberbone (R.I.P.)
Legendary Shack Shakers
Scott H. Biram
Avett Brothers (they just keep getting better)
Bruce Springsteen

Fan of Good Music | 7/24/2007, 10:17 am EST

DBT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Hold Steady
Slobberbone (R.I.P.)
Legendary Shack Shakers
Scott H. Biram
Avett Brothers (they just keep getting better)
Bruce Springsteen

New York Doll | 7/24/2007, 9:32 am EST

The New York Dolls are the killer band.
Their reunion concert in london after 30 years apart is mindblowing rock n’ roll.
Steve Conte is a great sub for Johnny Thunders.

S | 7/24/2007, 9:29 am EST

Drive-By Truckers, Dinosaur Jr, Widespread Panic

S | 7/24/2007, 9:28 am EST

I agree about MMJ, but what about the Drive-By Truckers, Dinosaur Jr. or a consistent live act for 20 years, Widespread Panic?

rock butterfly | 7/24/2007, 12:55 am EST

The Stones

rancidbutternuts | 7/23/2007, 11:49 pm EST

The best live bands preforming today are:

The Jimmi Hendrix Experience
The Doors
Jefferson Airplane
Cream
Iron Butterfly
Frank Zappa
Beatles

em | 7/23/2007, 9:22 pm EST

Roger Waters!!!

Lisa b | 7/23/2007, 8:21 pm EST

Never seen a best live band list that didn’t include Drive-By Truckers. Serious oversight on RS’ part.

PujaM | 7/23/2007, 4:46 pm EST

I think this has to be subjective, anyway..

Incubus, everytime (too bad the crowd usually sucks)
Interpol
Pearl Jam
Xavier Rudd
The John Butler Trio
The Roots
RHCP
…and i got Muse coming up and am pretty sure they will make the list.

Bevan | 7/23/2007, 4:08 pm EST

My Morning Jacket
Kings of Leon
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club
Deftones
Ben Harper
Dave Matthews Band
Radiohead
Eagles of Death Metal
Queens of the Stone Age
Beck

mozboy | 7/23/2007, 4:01 pm EST

The National

Radio Birdman

Morrissey

Gary | 7/23/2007, 3:43 pm EST

I’m going old school and off the topic of current bands but the best LIVE act I ever saw was the J.Geils band in 1978 at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. In over thirty years of concert going, including seeing much bigger names, I have never seen energy like that night.

The Arcade Firist | 7/23/2007, 3:20 pm EST

the Arcade Fire have the most dazzling live show I’ve ever seen. Nothing compares to it. Not even the Rolling Stones, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the Police (who were pretty bad, I must say), even Roger Waters was a cripple compared to the Arcade Fire.
(Why do so many people like Dave Matthews? His music is deppressing…)

ddc | 7/23/2007, 3:06 pm EST

black lips

ElRoy | 7/23/2007, 3:03 pm EST

are half of these bands even touring right now? I thought Thom Yorke was still doing his own thing

Topher | 7/23/2007, 3:03 pm EST

Just saw Dolores O’Riordan (former lead singer of the Cranberries) last night in Seattle. The show was amazing, rocked much harder than I thought it would. Go see her live if you get the chance.

Also:

Pearl Jam
Muse
John Fogerty
The Living End

ElRoy | 7/23/2007, 3:02 pm EST

are half of these bands even touring right now? I thought Thom Yorke was still doing his own thing

musicJUNKIE | 7/23/2007, 2:53 pm EST

i still think the chili peppers make a great live show….however, i DO miss sockman ;P

musicJUNKIE | 7/23/2007, 2:51 pm EST

i still think the chili’s make a great live show…i miss Sockman tho ;P

ElRoy | 7/23/2007, 2:50 pm EST

Tool
NIN
Roger Waters
Thats all I’m willing to pay to see

Dallas | 7/23/2007, 2:49 pm EST

Rage Against The Machine
The Roots

AnnCoulterIsStillAMan | 7/23/2007, 2:46 pm EST

Oh, and the Avett Brothers are really awesome live. They hail from my home state and have really been touring hard recently. Their newest album, Emotionalism, is quite good.

AnnCoulterIsAMan | 7/23/2007, 2:42 pm EST

Radiohead are worth driving/flying/running/selling ones most valued possessions to see.

My Morning Jacket are hair raising live.

Cold War Kids would have to be my most recent pick for a great live show.

I thought TV On The Radio was underwhelming live. Their album was so well produced that they can’t replicate it in a live setting.

blackcrowe | 7/23/2007, 2:31 pm EST

Best live bands? Love the discussion:
I know most of these have been said already, but…

U2, My Morning Jacket (better than everyone right now) Pearl Jam, Prince, The Hold Steady (they kicked ass at Bonnaroo), The Black Crowes and I have to say, the Police are kicking ass right now as well…tremendous show…North Mississippi All Stars. So good.

seth w | 7/23/2007, 2:06 pm EST

my morning jacket is #1, no doubt about it.
also:
wilco
white stripes
radiohead

Anonymous | 7/23/2007, 2:05 pm EST

The reunited Stooges still put on an amazing show

thatguy | 7/23/2007, 2:04 pm EST

major kudos to the lightning bolt mention. i definitely agree with that one.

Anal Intruder | 7/23/2007, 2:02 pm EST

Hands down definitely

Barbara Streisand!!

Best performer ever!!

clockworkHolden | 7/23/2007, 1:23 pm EST

Pearl Jam

John | 7/23/2007, 1:23 pm EST

Porcupine Tree!!!!

The Dude Abides | 7/23/2007, 1:17 pm EST

Kings of Leon
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Flaming Lips
Rage Against the Machine

Matt | 7/23/2007, 1:14 pm EST

Arcade Fire, My Morning Jacket, Queens of the Stone Age, Wilco, Kings of Leon, Rage Against the Machine, The Hold Steady, and Prince of course.

Phil | 7/23/2007, 1:04 pm EST

The Rapture puts on one of the best high energy shows around.

Muse
White Stripes
Arcade Fire
LCD SOundsystem

Phil | 7/23/2007, 1:04 pm EST

The Rapture puts on one of the best high energy shows around.

Muse
White Stripes
Arcade Fire
LCD SOundsystem

Anonymous | 7/23/2007, 1:00 pm EST

no music critic on god’s green earth can convince me The Raconteurs are good for anything. And I’m a jack White fan.

I nominate the following
Radiohead, Noisettes, Shearwood, My Morning Jacket (as the best current live band), Lightning Bolt, and Kaiser Chiefs

TankCat | 7/23/2007, 12:57 pm EST

Foo Fighters
Dropkick Murphies
Smashing Pumpkins

Zook | 7/23/2007, 12:53 pm EST

Michael Franti and Spearhead

If you have a chance, go see these guys. A very social conscious musician that can get an entire venue jumping. Amazing

Lee | 7/23/2007, 12:34 pm EST

My Chemical Romance

An actual hippy | 7/23/2007, 12:25 pm EST

Cozybones- a canadian band
Wolfmother
Metallica- but they are in MTV too much

ira | 7/23/2007, 12:14 pm EST

The following deserve shout-outs as well:

The Wrens
Broken Social Scene
Dan Deacon

thatguy | 7/23/2007, 11:57 am EST

Radiohead
The Black Keys
Animal Collective
Tortoise
Acid Mothers Temple
The Roots
TV on the Radio
Arcade Fire

thatguy | 7/23/2007, 11:54 am EST

The White Stripes should definitely be on the list of best live bands. I’ve seen them and The Raconteurs each multiple times, and while I enjoyed The Raconteurs, they pale in comparison to the Stripes.

SteveS | 7/23/2007, 11:35 am EST

Correction: Jimmy Buffett is certainly NOT the best touring band going… my mistake, blame it on Monday. They are still a lot of fun though !!! :-)

SteveS | 7/23/2007, 11:32 am EST

While Jimmy Buffett certainly the best touring band now, they are still the most fun. Escaping to Margaritaville for a day is never a bad idea !!! But seriously, I’ve not seen sny of the bands on the RS list live, but I was really blown away by Arcade Fire’s performance on SNL. I hope they hit the Pittsburgh area this fall. Also, I bet Muse puts on a pretty good show too, if their albums are any indication.

Thundercrotch | 7/23/2007, 11:28 am EST

I think the greatest “new” live band around is _______________. Feel free to insert whatever band name you like…all these new bands look the same, sound the same and will be long forgotten in no time. I like the frog ring tone song. Is that on tour?

Jeremy | 7/23/2007, 11:28 am EST

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
The Black Crowes
Wilco
Trey Anastasio
The Dave Matthiews Band
The Allman Brothers Band
Gov’t Mule
The Trews
My Morning Jacket

Anonymous | 7/23/2007, 11:20 am EST

Metallica

bangers-n-mash | 7/23/2007, 11:10 am EST

DR. DOG
DR. DOG
DR. DOG
DR. DOG

I just saw them at Siren… they sound/play like what the Band should have kept sounding like after the Stage Fright album

they’re ‘mazing

Lizzy Lizz | 7/23/2007, 11:00 am EST

I recently saw Travis live at a pretty small venue, and couldn’t believe the amount of energy they were able to create with their predominantly mellow catalog.

James L | 7/23/2007, 10:46 am EST

Apart from Arcade Fire… Rodrigo & Gabriella - if that counts as a band! Those two are incredible. That’s real live music right there.

Anonymous | 7/23/2007, 10:46 am EST

Apart from Arcade Fire… Rodrigo & Gabriella - if that counts as a band! Those two are incredible. That’s real live music right there.

Peter | 7/23/2007, 10:38 am EST

U2- for the complete package and Bono’s stage presense.
DMB-for shear musicianship
Ozomatli-for unbelievable energy

Kevin | 7/23/2007, 10:37 am EST

Sleepytime Gorilla Museum. Hands down the best live band I’ve ever seen.

Drugs Delaney | 7/23/2007, 10:33 am EST

Not one LCD SOUNDSYSTEM shout-out?!?

Wow.

ms tinks | 7/23/2007, 10:32 am EST

umphreys mcgee are fucking insane, how do you get sloppy out of them? there one of the most precise jam bands out there? i love phish, moe. etc but they are way more sloppy

1. umphreys
2. the mars volta
3. radiohead
4. anything with jack white in it
5. particle (this band is truely insanity)

TheGoose | 7/23/2007, 9:51 am EST

ARCADE FIRE!!

They had the best set at Coachella this year, and this is coming from a life-long RATM fan.

bb | 7/23/2007, 9:36 am EST

umphrey’s is a sloppy rehashing of Phish and haven’t been exciting or innovative since around the beginning of 2005

umph! | 7/23/2007, 9:23 am EST

not enough people have umphrey’s mcgee. Whether you’re in to the whole jam scene or not let me tell you that Umphrey’s puts on amazing live shows that will blow your mind and melt your face. Definetly alot of fun to watch!

katey | 7/23/2007, 9:19 am EST

Radiohead is phenomenal live, but Animal Collective and Beck both deserve honorable mention. Those were two of the best shows I’ve ever seen.

Bill Bones | 7/23/2007, 9:16 am EST

Chilli peppers suck live

Brien | 7/23/2007, 9:12 am EST

!!! (chk chk chk) for sure

Brad | 7/23/2007, 9:08 am EST

The Raconteurs (Amazing Show)
Radiohead
The Black Keys

The Real | 7/23/2007, 9:08 am EST

Arcade Fire

The White Stripes

Wilco

neb | 7/23/2007, 9:07 am EST

Muse
Nine Inch Nails
SlowEarth
Tool

Meg White | 7/23/2007, 9:06 am EST

with honkers like this, I give the best show!

mac-the-mouth | 7/23/2007, 9:03 am EST

Echo and the Bunnymen… still relevant, still mesmerizing live

James L | 7/23/2007, 8:59 am EST

Arcade Fire, Arcade Fire and Arcade Fire

Greg Locke | 7/23/2007, 8:44 am EST

Glad to see you guys picked THE HOLD STEADY, they’re excellent live. I’ll never forget that show.

BUILT TO SPILL are the best live band I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen a lot. Their music translates SO well on the stage.

RADIOHEAD, though you can only see them anymore with 20,000 other people, they’re great.

RYAN ADAMS, when he wants to be, is the best around.

granted!? | 7/23/2007, 8:28 am EST

mmj for sure

Marty | 7/23/2007, 8:27 am EST

Bruce Springsteen!!

No one comes close to this guy!!

Rolling stones are allright too… Coldplay are not too bad either

And lets not forget Björk!! She might be number 1 !!

Marty | 7/23/2007, 8:22 am EST

Why are people foregetting Bruce Springsteen and The E-Street Band!?

No band will ever come close to these guys live!!

Helene | 7/23/2007, 7:56 am EST

No doubt about it: MUSE & Flaming Lips!

smile | 7/23/2007, 7:09 am EST

DROPKICK MURPHYS

Beds | 7/23/2007, 6:09 am EST

Kasabian.
The Killers.

Beds | 7/23/2007, 6:08 am EST

Kasabian.
The Killers.

Jonas | 7/23/2007, 5:20 am EST

Hold Steady, Wilco, New Pornographers.

Jonas | 7/23/2007, 5:20 am EST

Hold Steady, Wilco, New Pornographers.

Only1King | 7/23/2007, 5:17 am EST

wake up people - the greatest live act on the planet is PRINCE - and its been that way for 25 years.
he’s in a class of his own
all the rest are just competing for a distant 2nd

andrew | 7/23/2007, 4:37 am EST

the flaming lips - this band will change the way you think live music should be

AnaMary | 7/23/2007, 4:26 am EST

arcade fire

CSS

Stooges

tj | 7/23/2007, 4:19 am EST

I have seen 4/5 of the bands you have nominated RS but here is the real list.
1. Mogwai - a band that can make you feel the music and make you deaf
2. Sigur Ros - emotionally draining
3. Radiohead - creative, groundbreaking, amazing
4. Tool - their live show is a giant acid trip - even though I don’t do acid
5. Broken Social Scene - best Canadian band live and they are WAY better than Arcade Fire live.

meierjr | 7/23/2007, 4:12 am EST

Os Mutantes! Circo Voador, Rio de Janeiro. Best live show I’ve seen in ages! they totaly rocked! amazing!

meierjr | 7/23/2007, 4:12 am EST

Os Mutantes! Circo Voador, Rio de Janeiro. Best live show I’ve seen in ages! they totaly rocked! amazing!

bla | 7/23/2007, 3:32 am EST

Red Hot Chili Peppers
Silverchair
P!NK (she really is a great performer regardless of whether or not her music is good)

Dan | 7/23/2007, 3:10 am EST

Umphrey’s McGee
Flaming Lips
Wilco
Tool
White Stripes
Tea Leaf Green

Xerox21 | 7/23/2007, 2:51 am EST

CSS and Wilco

cody | 7/23/2007, 2:37 am EST

Tool!!! The most talented and unique band in the world STILL after all these years. F’n TOOL!!!

Other GREAT shows:
Incubus, RATM, Chili Peppers, AFI, The Mars Volta, Brand New, Mos Def, Common, and Talib Kweli.

ethan | 7/23/2007, 1:57 am EST

the roots
arctic monkeys

will | 7/23/2007, 1:01 am EST

Killswitch Engage: Howard Jones is always incredible live and Adam D. never fails to do crazy shit.
Chiodos: Craig Owens is the man and he really pumps up the crowd.
3: Joey Eppard is an incredible guitar player and singer. I can’t believe more people don’t know about them.

Hestir | 7/23/2007, 12:57 am EST

Allman Brothers - Haynes and Trucks are bad ass - I would to see them play the Fllmore
DBT - I would love to see what the new version of the Truckers will be
Wilco- Just Special
Metallica - Saw them way back at Monsters of Rock at Candlestick and they were the main band that day, even more than VH
Shane Magowan - Just nice to see him standing

Paul | 7/23/2007, 12:33 am EST

The Mars Volta
Radiohead
The Living End
Muse
Nine Inch Nails

Paul | 7/23/2007, 12:33 am EST

The Mars Volta
Radiohead
The Living End
Muse
Nine Inch Nails

toto | 7/23/2007, 12:27 am EST

The Hives

GaryColeman4president | 7/23/2007, 12:27 am EST

The Fixx opened up for the Psychadelic Furs. The Fixx put on the greatest show I have ever seen (and I have seen a lot of shows). The lead singer had the best stage presence I have ever seen. The show was so good that I didnt even stick around to see the Furs because I didnt want them to bring me down. Stand or Fall, Saved By Zero, One Thing Leads To Another, and so many others are so culturally relevant today. The Alarm was the first act and they put on a great show too.

The Dude | 7/23/2007, 12:08 am EST

Kings of Leon is great every time.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Snoop Dogg puts on a great show.
Flaming Lips: Best Live Show I’ve Ever Seen.

Baloon | 7/23/2007, 12:03 am EST

CSS (CANSEI DE SER SEXY)

wayne | 7/23/2007, 12:00 am EST

HOW HOW HOW CAN THE FLAMING LIPS NOT BE ON THIS LIST?!?!?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!?!!?

/dance | 7/22/2007, 11:58 pm EST

Reel Big Fish
Streetlight Manifesto
and Against Me!

Taz26 | 7/22/2007, 11:57 pm EST

CSS and Smashing Pumppkins

NotMozart | 7/22/2007, 11:44 pm EST

Raconteurs
Wilco
Drive-By Truckers

R.I.P. Slobberbone

John | 7/22/2007, 11:43 pm EST

I’ve only seen one of you mention the Foo Fighters so far. Did anyone else notice that they blew the rest of the card off the stage at Live Earth? Honorable mention goes to AFI and Alkaline Trio.

Mayor McCheese | 7/22/2007, 11:41 pm EST

Dave Matthews Band
The White Stripes
Muse
Robert Randolph & The Family Band
Radiohead
U2
Arctic Monkeys

the shaman | 7/22/2007, 11:35 pm EST

gov’t mule is the best live act.

AP | 7/22/2007, 11:30 pm EST

DAVE MATTHEWS BAND
white stripes
muse
radiohead

ho w about some love for

ROBERT RANDOLPH & THE FAMILY BAND?

they are blues/funk gods, their shows are absolutely electric

AP | 7/22/2007, 11:29 pm EST

white stripes
muse
radiohead

ho w about some love for

ROBERT RANDOLPH & THE FAMILY BAND?

they are blues/funk gods, their shows are absolutely electric

Ariana | 7/22/2007, 11:25 pm EST

Paul McCartney
Keane
Jet
Arctic Monkeys

The Josh with good taste | 7/22/2007, 11:19 pm EST

Who ever said Aerosmith go away. Muse
Wilco
White stripes

The Josh with good taste | 7/22/2007, 11:19 pm EST

Who ever said Aerosmith go away. Muse
Wilco
White stripes

The Josh with good taste | 7/22/2007, 11:19 pm EST

Who ever said Aerosmith go away. Muse
Wilco
White stripes

Unstrung | 7/22/2007, 11:18 pm EST

My Morning Jacket
Pearl jam

josh | 7/22/2007, 10:59 pm EST

1.Red Hot Chili Peppers
2.White Stripes
3.Aerosmith
4.Joel Plaskett
5.In-Flight Safety

AA | 7/22/2007, 10:48 pm EST

Flaming Lips
RATM
Black Crowes
Tv On the Radio
Robert Randolph
The Roots

Anonymous | 7/22/2007, 10:42 pm EST

Springsteen!

Nick | 7/22/2007, 10:39 pm EST

I’ve seen almost all the bands listed here (arcade fire, wilco, the decemberists, tv on the radio, the hold steady, the flaming lips, etc)

The List (still)
1. Springsteen (nobody compares)
2. Al Green
3. The Roots

yes ladies and gentlemen, u can jerk off to other bands but these 3 are head and shoulders better than the rest

Dave | 7/22/2007, 10:24 pm EST

Pearl Jam

Rocco Deluca & The Burden

semi-wood | 7/22/2007, 10:22 pm EST

I have seen:

Pearl Jam
White Stripes
Wilco
Tool
My Morning Jacket
Radiohead
Muse

All in the past two years.

But the best show that I have seen was My Chemical Romance. It was by far the most entertained I have been and they are the only band who left my wanting more at the end of the show. For the record, I am 35 years old and I did not want to go to the show.

Sam | 7/22/2007, 10:21 pm EST

Kings of Leon.

matt | 7/22/2007, 10:20 pm EST

311 was terrible live! Tool is dead!

Jamie Lidell
Yo La Tengo
Dan Deacon
The Flaming Lips
Dirty Projectors

Tommy B | 7/22/2007, 10:10 pm EST

One of the best Live Shows i have ever went to is 311. I go see them every year at least once.

311 is the current best live band … see them live and u will change your whole opinion of them.

Jason | 7/22/2007, 9:59 pm EST

RATM, MMJ, The Mars Volta, QOTSA, Sevendust, Incubus, The Tea Party, Tool, Slipknot

Jason | 7/22/2007, 9:59 pm EST

RATM, MMJ, The Mars Volta, QOTSA, Sevendust, Incubus, The Tea Party, Tool, Slipknot

SethGrandpa | 7/22/2007, 9:49 pm EST

Brand New
The Living End
Blindside
Against Me!
Minus the Bear

Oh and the Rolling Stones (they still got it)

Benjamin | 7/22/2007, 9:45 pm EST

Animal Collective was phenomenal…and I can’t wait to see MMJ and the Arcade Fire later this year….

infected | 7/22/2007, 9:37 pm EST

I saw the white stripes in Yellowknife on there tour of the Canadain North. The whole tour up here was probably the greatest musical event in northern history.

Jeff | 7/22/2007, 9:28 pm EST

It has to be:
U2
Kings of Leon
Pearl Jam

Ass Wiper | 7/22/2007, 9:06 pm EST

This is so easy. It’s gotta be:

1- Celine Dion (when she played that Titanic song it brought the whole audience to tears)

2- Billy Jack and the Dancin Negroes (truly awesome performance, can’t wait to see them again)

3- Taylor Hicks (this guy is the friggin’ coolest!!)

4- Morningwood (damn, this band has so many hits and they’re just awesome live)

5- Seven Mary Three (kick ass rock -n-roll!!!)

6- The Harlem Boys Tabernacle Choir (praise the Lord for their great fucking performance!!)

7- Yanni (so much emotion in his concerts)

8- Air Supply (saw them play at the Tropicana Casino Hotel and they fucking kicked ass!!! Made me not think about my gambling problem any more).

9- Michael Bolton (made me realize that life is worth living)

10- Insane Clown Posse (that shit is dope, know what I’m sayin??)

Trevor, of Melbourne Australia | 7/22/2007, 9:00 pm EST

Wilco toured here recently…definately the best!

Anonymous | 7/22/2007, 8:58 pm EST

Dispatch!

Bama Longhorn | 7/22/2007, 8:55 pm EST

Widespread Panic most definately. Apparently every group listed is some mainstream Rolling Stone bullsh*t!

Umphrey’s Mcgee is also a good one to see.

el Jefe | 7/22/2007, 8:54 pm EST

Supersuckers
The Bellrays

If you haven’t seen either, make a note to check them out, rock and roll the way it’s meant to be played…

Steve | 7/22/2007, 8:22 pm EST

It’s gotta be the Flaming Lips, their shows are ridiculous

Anonymous | 7/22/2007, 7:42 pm EST

Dave Matthews Band

Surf Psycho Radio | 7/22/2007, 7:21 pm EST

The Allman Brothers Band - If you haven’t seen Derek Trucks and Warren Haynes play guitar together, I feel sorry for you.

Monster | 7/22/2007, 7:09 pm EST

Your concert review made me go see LCD Soundsystem, and they kicked ass

The Kid | 7/22/2007, 6:40 pm EST

Ryan Shaw, so much energy and soul and so young. Im sure he will be mentioned in the years to come, he blew me away this weekend in philly

Austin | 7/22/2007, 6:40 pm EST

Where’s the love for TV on the Radio? Lots of great suggestions, but you gotta have these guys up there

Niv | 7/22/2007, 6:34 pm EST

THE MARS VOLTA!!!

They are incredible. Being at one of their concerts is like attending a rock exorcism.

Dan | 7/22/2007, 6:28 pm EST

White Stripes
LCD Soundsystem
Arcade Fire
My Morning Jacket

Dan | 7/22/2007, 6:28 pm EST

White Stripes
LCD Soundsystem
Arcade Fire
My Morning Jacket

Jimmy | 7/22/2007, 6:21 pm EST

Nine Inch Nails
White Stripes
Tool
Flaming Lips

theif | 7/22/2007, 6:18 pm EST

and of course tool

theif | 7/22/2007, 6:14 pm EST

i sure I’ll get a lot of disagreement here but
arctic monkeys
and
radiohead
and
slipknot cause there crazy loud

leslie | 7/22/2007, 5:23 pm EST

TOOL!

seeya | 7/22/2007, 5:17 pm EST

U2
Incubus
Pearl Jam
White Stripes
RHCP

Dracula | 7/22/2007, 5:16 pm EST

Ashlee Simpson

Lisa | 7/22/2007, 4:56 pm EST

PRINCE and his funkmasters kicks anybody ass!
Still best live performer in the planet.

St. Robinson | 7/22/2007, 4:49 pm EST

Zenidog, I hope you were at Bonnaroo, considering your list…if not, well, your whole list was there.

Anyway,

Drive-by Truckers
Radiohead
White Stripes
Butch Walker
Barenaked Ladies

zenidog | 7/22/2007, 4:44 pm EST

Decemberists
Flaming Lips
Gogol Bordello
RHCP
THE WHITE STRIPES

Tom | 7/22/2007, 4:42 pm EST

ummm duh, Pearl Jam, TOOL, Kings of Leon.

zenidog | 7/22/2007, 4:36 pm EST

5) three tied at five
4) The Decemberists- they have fun with the audience and they deliver an epic sound with only five people. plus they’ve got “the mariner’s revenge song” in their arsenal.
3) The Flaming Lips- confetti, balloons, captain america, santas, martians, japanese television, oh and um a great cosmic sound.
2) Gogol Bordello- It’s in your face and full of energy. Eugene fires up the crowd and Sergey leads the amazing gypsy punk music to accompany the excitement.
1) The White Stripes- Just sit down and prepare to be blown away by the beautiful noise they create.

Hawk-i-69 | 7/22/2007, 4:35 pm EST

Republic Of Loose, small, Irish and all about the sleeze

Jeremy | 7/22/2007, 4:16 pm EST

The Trews

nick | 7/22/2007, 4:09 pm EST

No one really mentioned the Hives. Muse and the White Stripes

nick | 7/22/2007, 4:09 pm EST

No one really mentioned the Hives. Muse and the White Stripes

xpxp | 7/22/2007, 4:04 pm EST

The Smashing Pumpkins

Nine Inch Nails

Tool

Radiohead

xpxp | 7/22/2007, 4:03 pm EST

The Smashing Pumpkins
&
Nine Inch Nails

Lee | 7/22/2007, 4:02 pm EST

The Flaming Lips live is awesome. Like a big party. And gotta love the hamster ball.

Lee | 7/22/2007, 3:59 pm EST

Pearl Jam - to the ‘can’t we have a list w/o PJ guy - stfu, see them live. amazing peformers, different setlists every night, 2.5 hours +

DMB - to the ’screw the haters’ guy - hell yeah. amazing live. saw them at jazzfest last year, and the rain started falling during John The Revelator just as Dave got to “rain…rain…rain down on me…”

Decemberists - you know how most bands will add violins and production in the studio but when you see ‘em live it’s just 3 guitar playing high school dropouts who know 3 chords and you’re like ‘RICK REUBIN YOU FOOLED ME AGAIN’ … not these guys. each one has a pod of a half dozen instruments around them at shows. fuckin’ sweet.

Colin | 7/22/2007, 3:59 pm EST

The Hold Steady, Dispatch, The Roots

Young Steezy | 7/22/2007, 3:50 pm EST

I would agree with all the RS selections.

-Flaming Lips are amazing live. The show is so fun to watch.
-311 has great energy.
-The Ghostland Observatory is incredible.

Jon | 7/22/2007, 3:49 pm EST

Pearl Jam!

travis | 7/22/2007, 3:44 pm EST

nobody has said the most rock out-sweat your ass off-punch somebody just cause you want to-sounds even better than the album band out there, KINGS OF LEON!!!

Man I feel better now.

Anonymous | 7/22/2007, 3:31 pm EST

Lets all jump on Pearl Jams balls and pretend their last album didn’t suck!

Anonymous | 7/22/2007, 3:17 pm EST

white stripes
flaming lips
foo fighters
raconteurs
arcade fire

Brady | 7/22/2007, 3:17 pm EST

1. Nelson
2. Raffi
3. Richard Simmons
4. Brett Winger
5. Taco(the comeback/farewell tour)
6. Amy Grant
7. Smashmouth

Roger25 | 7/22/2007, 3:15 pm EST

CSS and Interpol

Start The Riot! | 7/22/2007, 3:13 pm EST

CSS

ARCADE FIRE

OS MUTANTES

cota | 7/22/2007, 3:11 pm EST

,,,,without a doubt, the BEST show I have ever attended (and I’ve been to LOTS of concerts) was Patti Smith and her band at the Moore Theater in Seattle (about 2 years ago, “Tramping” album). I was absolutly floored by her (their) performance. Even a few weeks later, I would still get chills thinking ’bout that night. More than just a music concert,,,it was almost like some kind of spiritual moment. I was stunned!!!

Easy second was 2 shows of Iggy and the fucking Stooges!!! ( Bumbershoot, and this year at the WaMu Theater, both in Seatttle) Oh my God!!!! These guys freak’n ROCK!!!!

B Rob | 7/22/2007, 3:07 pm EST

I went and saw Richard Simmons deliver a live, raucous 3 hour “Sweatin’ To the Oldies” set at the Cherokee County Convention center Fri. night. He did three encores. For the finally, he had relations with a Wallabee. Brilliant!

Your Momma Sucks the Big One | 7/22/2007, 2:58 pm EST

Earth, Wind and Fire - most definitely!!!

Kool and The Gang - all the way!

Vanilla Ice

Clay Aiken

Spirit of Mother Theresa | 7/22/2007, 2:55 pm EST

Easy one:

1) Satan’s Scrotum

2) Cannibal Corpse

3) High on Fire

4) Vomit of the Priest

5) Wrath of Satan

Yo Momma | 7/22/2007, 2:54 pm EST

hands down,MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE-to awesome for words.

SMASHING PUMPKINS-incredible.

WHITE STRIPES(going to see them at MSG on Tuesday)-we’ll have to see…….

Anonymous | 7/22/2007, 2:53 pm EST

flaming lips
muse

hands down, greatest live bands still around.

Yo Momma | 7/22/2007, 2:52 pm EST

hands down,MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE

myspace/palominos in Richmond | 7/22/2007, 2:47 pm EST

Pearl Jam
Queens of the Stone Age
My Morning Jacket
Wilco
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
The Boss
Arcade Fire

myspace/palominos in Richmond | 7/22/2007, 2:47 pm EST

Pearl Jam
Queens of the Stone Age
My Morning Jacket
Wilco
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
The Boss
Arcade Fire

myspace/palominos in Richmond | 7/22/2007, 2:47 pm EST

Pearl Jam
Queens of the Stone Age
My Morning Jacket
Wilco
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
The Boss
Arcade Fire

dandhi | 7/22/2007, 2:39 pm EST

(late 90’s) marilyn manson
nine inch nails
the salads
the dead 60’s
a perfect circle

dandhi | 7/22/2007, 2:39 pm EST

(late 90’s) marilyn manson
nine inch nails
the salads
the dead 60’s
a perfect circle

Anonymous | 7/22/2007, 2:30 pm EST

Against Me! and Bright Eyes

Anonymous | 7/22/2007, 2:24 pm EST

The Flaming Lips
Gogol Bordello
Valient Thorr
The Automatic Automatic
Eagles of Death Metal
The Stooges
Be Your Own Pet

Jeremy | 7/22/2007, 2:17 pm EST

Nice list, Bob. Can’t think of any better live bands than those!

FourKast | 7/22/2007, 2:17 pm EST

Those X-Cleavers
Pat McCurdy
Sigmond Snopek
Washed-Up Has Beens of Rock
LeNoisemakers from Hell
Kildozer
Die Kreuzen
Plasticland

Bob | 7/22/2007, 2:10 pm EST

The Black Crowes
Ryan Adams
My Morning Jacket
The Black Keys
Rose Hill Drive
The Allman Brothers Band
Wilco

Leanie | 7/22/2007, 2:06 pm EST

The Killers for sure. If you haven’t been, you are greatly missing out.

Sambo | 7/22/2007, 2:02 pm EST

Pearl Jam

Roger Waters

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Rolling Stones

The Who

Zappa does Zappa

Anonymous | 7/22/2007, 1:54 pm EST

Roger Waters, RHCP, Tom Waits, The White Stripes, Bruce Springsteen

Mr.Self Destruct | 7/22/2007, 1:23 pm EST

Nine Inch Nails- High energy from start to finish

Pearl Jam-You never know what you are going to get which makes them so exciting to see.

SLICK-GUITARIST | 7/22/2007, 1:14 pm EST

AEROSMITH
ALEXISONFIRE
NICKE LBACK
MOTLEY CRUE
FOO FIGHTERS
MEGADETH
METALLICA

dan | 7/22/2007, 12:52 pm EST

Smashing Pumpkins
The Killers

Umm… Van Halen in september. (if they ever get their damn tour off the ground)

Eveland | 7/22/2007, 12:47 pm EST

Wilco
My Morning Jacket
Drive By Truckers
The Hold Steady

b | 7/22/2007, 12:42 pm EST

Black Crowes, Black Keys, and Wolfmother (if you are lucky enough not to know the lyrics to Wolfmother songs, because if you do it’s hard no to laugh through the show)

Gabi Hoopasteak | 7/22/2007, 12:36 pm EST

Oh my gawd, like Britney Spears’ recent tour rocked!

John | 7/22/2007, 12:27 pm EST

Against Me!

most intense punk show ever.

shona | 7/22/2007, 12:22 pm EST

NIN - blows your head off your shoulders, musicianship is second to none much like,
TOOL- also amazing musicians, plus the lasers fucking rule
SLAYER- Like being kicked in the face (in a good way) heavy as you can get
THE OFFSPRING- (dont laugh at the back) they know how to put on a punk show and play well

OTHER ACTS:
The vandals
The alkaline trio
Slipknot
Zico chain
System of a down
Mastodon

Moe | 7/22/2007, 12:17 pm EST

RHCP,just for John Frusciante alone!!

Saintsfan | 7/22/2007, 12:00 pm EST

Mute Math
Smashing Pumpkins (Zeitgeist-era)
Radiohead
Sigu r Ros
Muse

Ian | 7/22/2007, 11:53 am EST

Explosions in the Sky
The Dear Hunter
RX Bandits

as well as many, many more

tremont | 7/22/2007, 11:32 am EST

Maximo Park. See them

dpr | 7/22/2007, 11:06 am EST

Muse wins all the British awards for best live act and when I got a chance to see them live in Seattle I definitely found out why. Very very good. A surprising wildcard for everyone is Keane, who put on a surprisingly great show when I saw them two years ago.

Jimbo | 7/22/2007, 10:52 am EST

Pearl Jam

Roger Waters

The Who

mauricio | 7/22/2007, 10:44 am EST

metallica

mauricio | 7/22/2007, 10:44 am EST

metallica

your Mom goes to college | 7/22/2007, 10:36 am EST

Tool
NiN

your Mom goes to college | 7/22/2007, 10:36 am EST

Tool

MT | 7/22/2007, 10:33 am EST

Pearl Jam is in another league…amazing setlists, long shows, improvs, Eddie’s connection/respect for the crowd, powerful songs with a message, they can still rock out and also have some amzing slower songs, they do some covers better than the original artist, etc.

I really have enjoyed MMJ, Wilco, Radiohead and Arcade Fire as well.

OAR, DMB, Foo Fighters, Incubus, would be on the next tier for me (all really good shows)

Patrick D | 7/22/2007, 9:51 am EST

Of Montreal
Mute Math

Amanda | 7/22/2007, 9:04 am EST

MUSE!
Please.

man | 7/22/2007, 8:35 am EST

ryan adams and the cardinals
interpol

…..cant beat that with a stick

rayanne | 7/22/2007, 6:55 am EST

EXPLOSIONS IN THE SKY

they’re awesome

amp | 7/22/2007, 5:26 am EST

Wilco
MMJ
White Stripes
Arcade Fire
Pearl Jam
The National

joybacca | 7/22/2007, 5:01 am EST

tommy saeng-

you’re the joke. spoken like someone who has obviously NOT seen the white stripes or the flaming lips. i have seen the white stripes, the flaming lips, the who, and the rolling stones… if we’re talking “live at leeds” who, or “get your ya-yas out” stones, then yes, maybe they deserve to be on this list. but sadly, those bands are long gone. the incarnations of the who and stones that currently exist don’t bring the same energy and power to their live shows that the white stripes and flaming lips do. the only pre-1990 artists that can even be in this discussion are springsteen, u2, and prince.

as for the 100 greatest guitarists ever issue, yeah, i laughed when i saw jack white was #17 and pete townshend was # 50… then i saw jack white live. the big difference? pete townshend can play who-type music better than anyone; jack white can play ALL music–country, blues, punk, garage, metal, rockabilly, or all at the same time. he and tom morello stand at the top as the single greatest guitarists of the last 20+ years. everyone else is in their shadows, and surprisingly, rolling stone got that right.

as for the flaming lips, their live show has to be seen to be believed. no amount of description can adequately do it justice. their show completely redefines the idea of “spectacle” in a concert.

the bottom line: the who and the stones bring a great time and lots of nostalgia. the lips and the stripes bring cutting edge art. 35 years ago, that’s what the who and the stones were bringing–not anymore. to be a truly great live band, you have to be at the peak of your relevance as a musician. only then can you make the audience feel like they’re having a life changing experience.

the people that saw live at leeds in person saw one of the greatest shows of all time… and in time, the same may be said of those that saw the stripes and lips at bonnaroo 2007.

DT | 7/22/2007, 4:43 am EST

Simply…Keane

LP | 7/22/2007, 4:42 am EST

I saw the Arcade Fire before I ever heard Funeral and it made me shiver it was so good.

The Hold Steady was also a ridiculous show. If you’re in the first two rows you will probably get spit on and possibly hit in the head with Craig Finn’s guitar–they are insane in the best possible way.

LP | 7/22/2007, 4:39 am EST

I saw the Arcade Fire before I ever heard Funeral and it made me shiver it was so good.

The Hold Steady were also ridiculous good live–if you’re standing in the first two rows, you will probably get spit on and possibly hit in the head with Craig Finn’s guitar; they are insane in the best possible way.

Sam | 7/22/2007, 4:36 am EST

Beastie Boys
Rage Against the Machine (reunited!!)
Red hot Chili Peppers

and did i mention the Beastie Boys?

kevin Madness | 7/22/2007, 4:34 am EST

Gogol Bordello

Fungrrrl | 7/22/2007, 4:22 am EST

The Gossip- Beth Ditto can out rock any band out today!
The White Stripes
Sam Roberts - he is just so crazy good to see live! His band is amazing!
Beck- just so fun to watch and he is so gifted its not even funny!
Atmosphere- he just loves playing for his fans, he’s so dedicated to them
System of the Down- no show can be as fun, fast and loud as them!

Danny F. | 7/22/2007, 3:48 am EST

The Roots have been the best band to see live in the last year. They’ve now added a horn section to this tour and is the best I have ever seen them. They will continue to be innovative musically and on stage.

Anonymous | 7/22/2007, 3:47 am EST

NIN and My Morning Jacket’s Shows are amazing as far as energy goes. Tool’s sound and atmosphere is really good.

But The Roots Take the cake.

A Smith | 7/22/2007, 3:32 am EST

The best live act around today has got to be 311

gimme a break | 7/22/2007, 3:31 am EST

chuck mangione

A Smith | 7/22/2007, 3:30 am EST

Without a doubt, the best live act around has got to be 311

A Smith | 7/22/2007, 3:29 am EST

Without a doubt, the best live band around has got to be 311

glennardskynnard | 7/22/2007, 3:21 am EST

Widespread Panic.

Jimmy Herring - the greatest guitarist touring right now. In the world.

Jay Dub | 7/22/2007, 2:53 am EST

UMPHREY’S MCGEE

XGIRL | 7/22/2007, 2:43 am EST

CSS (CANSEI DE SER SEXY)

BJORK

RADIOHEAD

but why | 7/22/2007, 2:39 am EST

It might be a more interesting discussion board if commentors elaborated further about “why” they like the live bands which they do, rather than just listing the names of the bands. What made the experiences/performances stellar? I might then be more inclined to check out concerts I might not normally go to see.

Adam | 7/22/2007, 1:47 am EST

Umphrey’s McGee
Disco Biscuits
My Morning Jacket

St. Robinson | 7/22/2007, 1:37 am EST

And could we stop saying things like “(whatever band) hands down. No one else is as good as them. No one else is in the same room. Without a doubt. Without question.” etc. etc? The fact that 80% of everyone on this list used some there-is-no-discussion sort of term (in, ahem, a goddammed DISCUSSION BOARD) makes them all seem silly. Besides, making bold statements like that only matter if people care what you think…i.e. if Thom Yorke said “I think Menudo is the best live band in the world, hands down, no one comes close.” I might say “Well, that does surprise me but since it’s Thom Yorke and I like his music, maybe I’ll check Menudo out.” If PrlJmFan69 says something to the same effect, it has less of an impact. Many famous people need to get over themselves, true, but I think people that aren’t really should first (obviously, before anyone who thinks they’re really smart thinks of it, yes I inlcude myself in there…all I did was state my opinions, and never once did I imply that mine were correct, or, worse, that anyone who disagreed was wrong).

Joe | 7/22/2007, 1:37 am EST

CSS and The Flaming Lips

sean | 7/22/2007, 1:34 am EST

Tool has one of the best live shows you can experience without your brain exploding out of your skull.

St. Robinson | 7/22/2007, 1:26 am EST

Drive-by Truckers
Butch Walker
Radiohead
Gogol Bordello
White Stripes
Robert Randolph and the Family Band
Barenaked Ladies
Lenny Kravitz (no I don’t like him either but Jesus, that man puts on a show)
Kid Rock (someone else mentioned him and I agree…say what you want about his records, after probably close to 200 concerts his was one of the best I’ve seen)
Bela Fleck and The Flecktones…say what you want, they are the best pure musicians alive…sorry Pearl Jam fans but I don’t think Eddie Vedder can rock out AND play Bach variations AND then play with Dave Matthews and actually make him seem still relevant

…I hesitate to name anyone that’s already in the rock and roll hall of fame cause that seems like it’s against the point but Springsteen, Petty, Buddy Guy, Aerosmith and U2 still do TEAR IT UP.

And what’s with The Raconteurs?? They’re good, live and on record, but they’re nowhere near that good…they’re not anywhere near The White Stripes, let alone EVERY OTHER BAND OUT THERE. I think Rolling Stone does kiss the ass of this or that artist way too much, but not The Hold Steady (they don’t make my short list for this but they’re still amazing)….but The Yeah Yeah Yeahs are just awful noise (yes, even for punk music, or whatever the hell they consider themselves) and The Arcade Fire is pretentious bullsh*t (this coming from a guy who LOVES pretentious bullsh*t).

And MMJ rocks but only if they don’t cancel out Drive-by or Radiohead (they kinda remind me of a cross between the two).

Aaron D. | 7/22/2007, 12:39 am EST

I wish RS would stop riding the Hold Steady’s ass like they were the second coming of Jesus. How good can a band be when their lead singer sounds so mopey, as if he’d rather be somewhere else.

Besides, the best live band out there right now is Gogol Bordello. There’s nobody in the same room as them.

Aaron D. | 7/22/2007, 12:39 am EST

I wish RS would stop riding the Hold Steady’s ass like they were the second coming of Jesus. How good can a band be when their lead singer sounds so mopey, as if he’d rather be somewhere else.

Besides, the best live band out there right now is Gogol Bordello. There’s nobody in the same room as them.

The Observer | 7/22/2007, 12:32 am EST

Hey everbody, lets all plug our favorite bands!!!!!!

david | 7/22/2007, 12:29 am EST

gwar, don’t pay a cent for one of there albums but it’s crazy fun live.

david | 7/22/2007, 12:29 am EST

gwar, don’t pay a cent for one of there albums but it’s crazy fun live.

Shit-Stained Underwear | 7/22/2007, 12:17 am EST

Man, this is easy. Definitely:

1) The London Symphony Orchestra

2) Clay Aiken

3) Barbara Streisand

4) Barney the Purple Dinosaur

5) The Village People

Brennan | 7/22/2007, 12:01 am EST

Aerosmith
Bon Jovi
Velvet Revolver
Motley Crue

Those bands put on great shows. And for my big surprise band:

Styx. I just saw these guys about three weeks ago along with Def Leppard and Reo Speedwagon and they absolutley kicked ass.

Jack,Brendan,Jack2 and Patrick | 7/21/2007, 11:59 pm EST

The Raconteurs are after my opinion the greatest live-band today. I’ve seen many (mantioning Flaming Lips, Muse, Arcade Fire, My Morning Jacket, QOTSA ++) but their musical skills and integrity are pretty much sensationable… Can’t wait to hear their upcoming album :D

Mikey T | 7/21/2007, 11:54 pm EST

- Beastie Boys
- Arctic Monkeys
- Daft Punk
- Bloc Party
- The Chemical Brothers
- Alkaline Trio

Jack White | 7/21/2007, 11:53 pm EST

I’d say The White Stripes and The Raconteurs. There’s just something happening when Jack White enters a stage. Besides the pure energy and intensity, there’s also a feeling he gives, as if he’s there just for you. One can truely say that man sacrifices every calory his body can afford to give away on stage, just so you can feel better. And the worst is there aren’t any exceptions=) And ofcourse, - his skills are amazing!!!

Eric | 7/21/2007, 11:50 pm EST

Go see a Blues Explosion (formerly Jon Spencer Blues Explosion show) ASAP

Matt | 7/21/2007, 11:49 pm EST

Nine Inch Nails
Tool
Coheed and Cambria
Foo Fighters
Aerosmith

Kinoshawk | 7/21/2007, 11:48 pm EST

Gogol Bordello. No one even comes close right now.

Herschel Alan | 7/21/2007, 11:48 pm EST

Peter Gabriel - His show’s fuse technology and theatrics to create artistic events. An unforgfetable experience.

The Musical Box - They recreate the early Genesis shows when Gabriel was still the front man. Attending a show by The Musical Box is like entering a time machine set for the early 70’s. They recreate those performances with attention to even the smallest details and the result is mesmerizing. If they come to your area, don’t miss them.

Steele Kordestani | 7/21/2007, 11:44 pm EST

the raconteurs, for their musicianship and ability to jam relentlessly in a way that is not altogether uncool, which some might consider paradox. arcade fire next, arcade fire of two years ago, although their songs are not nearly strong enough on their own, neon bible is the flop that could’ve made them historically relevant.

Steele Kordestani | 7/21/2007, 11:44 pm EST

the raconteurs, for their musicianship and ability to jam relentlessly in a way that is not altogether uncool, which some might consider paradox. arcade fire next, arcade fire of two years ago, although their songs are not nearly strong enough on their own, neon bible is the flop that could’ve made them historically relevant.

pablos escobar | 7/21/2007, 11:19 pm EST

definitely alice in chains

ElShauno | 7/21/2007, 11:18 pm EST

The Flaming Lips
Grand Buffet