where are CSS and Bonde do Role in this ranking??

Where is Roger Waters and NIN?

I think that The Decemberists should be on this list…. Great live show! also, i am a HUGE Wilco fan but i just saw them live for the second time and i must say… I have not been very impressed by their live appearances. As well as Flaming lips… I love the band and their music but if they could ever get Wayne to shut up and just play his damn music and roll around in his big-ass hamster ball, they would be alot better.

undoubtedly, some people will gripe about their favorite artist. At least it isn’t dominated by one type of sound though. I myself am happy to see that tool made the list. Their shows are like an acid trip without the flashbacks afterward. No other live concerts have had such an effect on me.

I’ve seen 11 out of 20.

kings of leon!!!!!

Where are the Pogues? For a bunch of older guys, their reunion tours are still some of the most high energy shows I’ve ever been to. Gogol Bordello are just the Pogues doing Eastern European music with an inferior frontman.

What about Kanye or Jay Z?

No blacks? This list is very racist.

Rage already got put back onto the list after like 1 show? I agree with ElRoy that NIN should be on there without hesitation.
Also, Beastie Boys should be included for playing shows that include hip-hop, hardcore, instrumental jams.
Honorable Mentions: The Mars Volta, Queens of the Stone Age, TV on the Radio.

My dack.

Kill Hannah is the best I’ve seen, and I’ve seen a lot of shows!

Where is CSS in the list??

17 out of 20. Although I have not ever seen the Stripes play better than I’ve seen Pearl Jam, Radiohead, MMJ, The Hold Steady, or the Arcade Fire play multiple times

duydth

LOCAL H!!!

If Metallica was placed in a time machine and the last 10yrs was erased from all our memories then yes they are on the list. But that didn’t happen so take those winney ass old men off the list and where is Ben Harper???? White Stripes do in fact rule!agreed.

Where’s Prince? He could outplay most of the people on this list by himself.

Yeah, they’ve written horrible ballads. But Aerosmith had done a better job at anyone else in rock history at keeping it going and not succumbing to age one bit. They are a “classic” band at peak physical shape, and it’s not just a nostalgia show. We’ve been seeing them for so long, we probably take them for granted. Yes, there isn’t a freshness to other acts, but to me the should permanently hover right around #10.

Now go ahead and make fun of their ballads.

where is kid rock?everyone that has ever seen him live says he is the best live performer out there.ive seen him twice and loved it and ive seen him on video plenty of times rocking the mic.lets get serious here.and hes got a new album out in september.

I once saw the Chili Peppers and Queens of the stone age play at the same time, and Queens blew the Chili Peppers away!

Going to see the stripes, arcade, and lcd.

So excited!

smashing pumpkins!!!

Again, Rush gets snubbed. The freakin’ YEAH – YEAH – YEAHS???????????????All you people are IDIOTS!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jack White twice, very nice. I can attest for the Stripes being very good live, their set at Bonnaroo was amazing. This weekend I get to see them again at the Myrtle Beach HOB, can’t wait!

Where’s Green Day?

I’m fine with everyone on this list except for Muse; they blow goats and couldn’t play their instruments if they tried.

sorry RS, I’ll take Spin’s any day of the week…you guys need to get out to some more shows.

25. Comets on Fire
24. The Mars Volta
23. AFI
22. LCD Soundsystem
21. Against Me!
20. Gogol Bordello
19. Art Brut
18. My Morning Jacket
17. The Roots
16. The Flaming Lips
15. Riverboat Gamblers
14. Yeah Yeah Yeah’s
13. My Chemical Romance
12. Turbonegro
11. Queens of the Stone Age
10 The Dirtbombs
9. Prince
8. The Hives
7. Green Day
6. The White Stripes
5. Radiohead
4. Red Hot Chili Peppers
3. Arcade Fire
2. The Stooges
1. U2

Saw the White Stripes last night. Definitely worth every penny. Jack and Meg are comunicating almost telepathically onstage right now. Very tight!

Hello?????? What about the ROlling Stones? Highest grossing band of all time, top 3 most ever played live shows? 40 years of touring? This is ridiculous.

where are Queens of the Stone Age, probably the best band to see live.

how is this not on Top 20 list? All validity out the window with this one left off

Where’s Nine Inch Nails, that’s ridiculous. Also, what about The Libertines? Well, I guess “right now” so they’re broken up. And Underworld…one of the best live performances, just check out everything, everything dvd.

Little-known band = Dr. Dog.
GREAT live show! they played here in Nashville and their set was phenomenal

NIN.

PERIOD.

NIN.

PERIOD.

Good list, however, Where are the Counting Crows? I know they’re not as big as they used to be but man they can put a phenomenoal show. They change their music around so much every gig

Good list, however, Where are the Counting Crows? I know they’re not as big as they used to be but man they can put a phenomenoal show. They change their music around so much every gig

mars volta and the roots have got to be on there somewhere, while LCD soundsystem and Arcade Fire are too low at their respective positions

Brand New should be on there, seen them 6 times and every show was amazing. Stripes are fantastic live, but why Interpol is not on this list pisses me off. Kings of effing Leon? COME ON!

Against Me is the biggest hole in that list. Best live band I’ve ever seen.

good list, but I would’ve found space for Queens of the Stone Age and The Roots.

I saw Britney Spears in her recent tour, and she was awesome! I’m sooo inspired by this deep thinking diva!

Limp Bizkit

Where is Velvet Revolver on this list???

Hmmm some honorable mentions surely go to:

The Black Crowes
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Andrew Bird
Coheed and Cambria
Dr. Dog

Out of the top 20.. I’ve seen 9. How lovely

Queens of the Stone Age,NIN,against me,and biggest of all…SLAYER!

Alexander Nevermind…

Bearface, spin’s list is awful… mu chemical romance? afi? green day? those bands are alright for 15 year-olds…

Some bands are missing from Rolling Stone’s list, like Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, & Interpol.

Mogwai – late night – by the speaker.

THE HIVES!
THE HIVES!
THE HIVES!

Once again Gene and Dean Ween got screwed. Whats the matter with you people?

congratulations on leaving WEEN off your list. i guess no one really cares for a band that throws down 3 hour 30 song sets every night with the set touching every genre from punk rock to country.

Bearface, Spin’s list is awful… My Chemical Romance? AFI? Green Day? It’s an ok list for a 12 year-old…
Rolling Stone’s list is ok, except for a few omissions, like the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.

I love the White Stripes, but there is no way they are the best live band out there. I’ve seen most of the bands on this list, and at least a half dozen of them put on a better live show. (And that’s not even counting the bands you left off – like the Stooges.)

butch walker kicks the crap out of all of these bands

radiohead is lame…

so they use lots of lights…what are we; 7 year olds. fuck them.

where are the Smashing Pumpkins; the band that actually re-works songs to no end.

and the white stripes? how can a two-piece band (one good musician, the other a basic time-keeper) be no. 1?

RHCP sounded like garbage at live Earth and whatever award show that was where they played “Hey Oh”

Minneapolis band the Alarmists just sold out first ave. for their CD release show, definitely a contender for best live band, at least in minnesota

Someone from RS needs to go see Widespread Panic. Then you’ll understand.

Wait a minute…..I don’t see the Village People and Taylor Hicks on that list.

RS – you guys screw up all the time!

Obviously they’ve never seen Robert Randolph and the Family Band

right now its a joke that everyone doesn’t realize Tool is the best band on the planet. Live they destroy EVERYONE, EVER. they are the best live act of all time. Yes, better than Zeppelin or Pink Floyd.

other than them obviously Mars Volta are amazing.

Chili Peppers (just for Frusciante)

Kid Rock also puts on an AMAZING and FUN show.

Pearl Jam ROCK.

and THE TRAGICALLY HIP.

AC/DC!!!!!!!!

Gogol Bordello,My Morning Jacket,The Hold Steady,The Raconteurs,Wilco,Yeah Yeah Yeahs ect….. WOW, thats just STUPID to have bands like this on that list.

MEDIOCRE IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH IN MY OPINION.

white stripes at #1?? i like them A LOT but Meg CAN’T drum….so….

right now its a joke that everyone doesn’t realize Tool is the best band on the planet. Live they destroy EVERYONE, EVER. they are the best live act of all time. Yes, better than Zeppelin or Pink Floyd.

other than them obviously Mars Volta are amazing.

Chili Peppers (just for Frusciante)

Kid Rock also puts on an AMAZING and FUN show.

Pearl Jam ROCK.

and THE TRAGICALLY HIP.

AC/DC!!!!!!!!

Gogol Bordello,My Morning Jacket,The Hold Steady,The Raconteurs,Wilco,Yeah Yeah Yeahs ect….. WOW, thats just STUPID to have bands like this on that list.

MEDIOCRE IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH IN MY OPINION.

white stripes at #1?? i like them A LOT but Meg CAN’T drum….so….

for the record: when still together, guided by voices was pretty freakin’ awesome live.

right now its a joke that everyone doesn’t realize Tool is the best band on the planet. Live they destroy EVERYONE, EVER. they are the best live act of all time. Yes, better than Zeppelin or Pink Floyd.

other than them obviously Mars Volta are amazing.

Chili Peppers (just for Frusciante)

Kid Rock also puts on an AMAZING and FUN show.

Pearl Jam ROCK.

and THE TRAGICALLY HIP.

AC/DC!!!!!!!!

Gogol Bordello,My Morning Jacket,The Hold Steady,The Raconteurs,Wilco,Yeah Yeah Yeahs ect….. WOW, thats just STUPID to have bands like this on that list.

MEDIOCRE IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH IN MY OPINION.

white stripes at #1?? i like them A LOT but Meg CAN’T drum….so….

Yeah, Rolling Stone! You guys got all the best bands from the forum of nominations. Lets all go see these groups and rock out. Peace Everyone!

QOTSA!!!

no Stones, Stooges, Govt Mule. And Wilco??? I slpt thorough their Coachella show.

I’ve seen Red Hot Chili Peppers 4x. They’re hit or miss. 2 times they were really great, the other two they really stunk. U2 is also hit or miss from the 3x I’ve seen them. The Rolling Stones should be on the list as you can still catch them.

Would rank Wilco much higher up the list. Though their sound does not project well to the outdoor festival, they are a much much better live band than Jack and Meg and all one has to do to point that fact out is pick up a copy of Kicking Television….or go to any of their theatre shows.

Hold Steady is a great, stupendously fun live band as well.

I’d have radiohead as no. 1. followed closely by arcade fire and white stripes. i reckon franz and doves missing off this list tho

Just saw Interpol and they were pretty impressive for an indie band. Also, seen Incubus a couple of times and they please especially with the solos.
Definitely agree with Pearl Jam, RHCP, and Muse. Too bad smaller bands who are actually better live can’t really make the list.

d i n o s a u r j r .

#’s 1,3,7,10,12 and 14. I seldom agree with RS but this is a good list for once!

Wow, no green day on that list…maybe cause there not in a full fledged toyr currently on working on there next record

What about the Artic monkeys?

how about including some canadian talent on that list like the Tragically Hip, Bedouin Soundclash, Billy Talent, Sam Roberts, Broken Social Scene, K-Os, and Feist!!!

Sonic Youth is still one of the best.

GWAR

GWAR

WOLFMOTHER!!

Black Keys… Helllllo?

I must say this is probably the greatest list you’ve ever put out…now id be perfect if you put Gogol Bordello and LCD Soundsystem in the top ten…oh and my only beef is where’s daft punk or Basement Jaxx????

where’s green day

Hello.

Yes, a few bands on your list are awesome live… White Stripes, Radiohead, Dave Matthews, Pearl Jam, Chilli Peppers, U2… But what about bands your mag does not write much about? Like The Vines (when they do play live), The Verve (reunited, but you would never know that if you read rolling stone), Tragically Hip (great LIVE band, probably one of the best out there, but they are Canadian… so many readers of Rolling Stone have never heard of this band… who studio wise are past their prime… but live – they will rock yer socks off! Right up there – for me – w/ Radiohead live), Queens of the Stone Age, and Foo Fighters.

And Radiohead should be before White Stripes… What Radiohead re-creates live is twice what the White Stripes do… Cheers…

I just saw Tool at Bonnaroo last month and let me tell you….most dissapointing set of the whole weekend. Its all about the lights for them and the show just wasnt good. Maybe for the people in the first twenty or so rows but not for the people in the back. There show doesnt translate to main stages. My Morning Jacket should be higher. Pearl Jam,Metallica,and U2 shouldnt even be on this damn list. Lets just stick with bands that are still relevant at this point in time.peace

I’ve seen a few bands on the list and honestly –

Ladytron and CSS blew them away. I guess they wouldnt be counted because they’re not as ’serious’.

I agree with the GUIDED BY VOICES call!

current bands that are good live?hmmm, let me think.

1. the Beatles – but i heard their concerts are so crazy they might stop performing live altogether! isn’t that wild?
2. Jimi Hendrix – this dude lights guitars on fire and then smashes them to smithereens! next time he comes to town, i gotta check it out!
3. the Doors – they can be wild, you never know what that crazy singer is gonna do next! i hope his trial turns out ok.
4. The Who – you ever heard that story of Keith Moon overstuffing his drum with dynamite and injuring Pete Townsend’s ear drum? that guy is irreplacable. i couldn’t see the band ever doing something so stupid as to replace him.
5. ACDC – Bon Scott has some lungs, no? that guy sure can party, but he should watch that.

Cold War Kids were the best I’ve seen this year. Rolling Stone is always sippin on haterade when it comes to the Black Crowes, but they never dissapoint.

forget greenday.
think real punk and DOA.

A Tool show is not only a concert, but an experience that should change you for the better if you listen with an open heart. That is why they should be number 1.

YOu are a F*cking Idiot, “Pearl Jam,Metallica,and U2 shouldnt even be on this damn list. Lets just stick with bands that are still relevant at this point in time.peace:” Who do you think My Morning Jacket was opening for last summer. PEARL JAM. The best rock band out there/ Listened to their new stuff and tell me they are not relevant today.

YOu are a F*cking Idiot, “Pearl Jam,Metallica,and U2 shouldnt even be on this damn list. Lets just stick with bands that are still relevant at this point in time.peace:” Who do you think My Morning Jacket was opening for last summer. PEARL JAM. The best rock band out there/ Listened to their new stuff and tell me they are not relevant today.

This is a great list.
http://www.stagefronttickets.c om

MuteMath is a great high energy show. If you’ve seen them, you know. If you haven’t, you should.

Black Crowes seem to missing…Easily the best live show I’ve seen…

If you are going to put in U2 the I don’t see why you would leave out Aerosmith nd The Who, especially the who those guys have still got it!!

If you are going to put in U2 the I don’t see why you would leave out Aerosmith nd The Who, especially the who those guys have still got it!!

If you are going to put in U2 the I don’t see why you would leave out Aerosmith nd The Who, especially the who those guys have still got it!!

great list rolling stone!

I’ll stop criticizing the magazine for a couple minutes while I look over the list again.

green day is so sanitary and boring now, tool can be pretty weak too especially nowadays. Arcade Fire makes up their mediocre songs with a pretty good live thing. You got it right when you say Gogol Bordello and Wilco. Dusty Rhodes and the River Band are gonna be unstoppable in a year or two.

If people would get past the novelty name of the Drive-By Truckers and get out and go see them live, you will be rewarded with a glorious face melting.

And if The White Stripes are #1, then The Black Keys should be listed at #.5.

1. Bob Dylan
2. Pearl jam
3.The Rolling Stones
4.Radiohead
5.Foo Fighters
6.My Morning Jacket
7.Tool
8.U2
9.Counti ng Crows
10.White Stripes

Where the hell is Interpol?? Metallica is such a lame choice but w/e

Four words. Mute Math and Blindside. Google or YouTube them and you will quickly make an amendment to this severely flawed list.

metallica kicks ass whether they are cool this minute or not…like it or not they will blow 90% of your little lame ass bands right off the stage

Dave Matthews Band??? I saw them at Rock in Rio (2001) and it was the most boring show I’ve ever seen. Lucky me that Neil Young & Crazy Horse played right after…

no mars volta?

no mars volta?

I saw Kings of Leon in their hometown of Nashville and they absolutely blew donkey dick. RS is a joke.

I saw Kings of Leon their hometown of Nashville and they bit the high hard one. RS sucks for putting them on any list of anything.

Saw Tools show in seattle about a year ago and since then every other show I’ve seen has put me to sleep.

Seeing Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals live is a life-changing experience. Could you really say that about the 20 on RS’s list?

I agree with a large part of this list. Roger Waters and David Gilmour should be on there in my opinion, as well as Queens of the Stone Age.

Everyone needs to know the Ike Reilly Assassination. Ike is opening for the Nightwatchman right now solo but when the band plays it’s amazing. Also Robert Randolph and the Family Band will blow away most bands on the list.

sorry to find a flaw in your list, but the raconteurs are NOT touring right now. since jack white is in the white stripes and all.

BLOC PARTY. They’re amazing live.

Whoever said Roger Waters, the uses pre-recorded music for his live show…and I’m not talking about the weird Floyd ambient sounds, I mean vocals and instruments. LAME

Dispatch just got done with there 3 night set at MSG and are way better live than half those bands. What has happened to Rolling Stone?

1. Bright Eyes should be on here

2. To whoeever says Roger Waters, the guy uses pre-recorded vocals and instrument tracks. LAME. Especially considering he charges upwards of $150 a ticket. His shows time out to within 3-5 seconds of each performace, regardless of the venue. Did I mention LAME?

Of this list Ive only seen the white stripes live. The deserve the no.1 spot but for my money you are missing more than a couple great live acts:

Queens Of the Stone Age, The Stooges, The Who (Yes, they can still deliver live), Nine Inch Nails, Mastodon.

state radio

state radio

state radio

state radio

state radio

state radio

If this list doesn’t prove Bon Jovi are one of the most underrated bands ever, I dont know what does.

Love them or hate them, You have to give them their due credit. they sound amazing live and put on an excellent show.

Typical I want to look “hip and cool” list up there.

Give me a break………

Godsmack puts on a fantastic show!

Nice call, michelle.
RS needs to take Raconteurs off of that top 20 list.
Chris Cornell so DESERVES to be on that list. He is performing songs which span his entire career (Soundgarden, TOD and AS). His current touring band nails it.
Talk about getting blown away at a concert.

A list without Guns N´Roses and Bruce Springsteen…fuck it!!!!

wow rs is really hyping up the white stripes right now, do they get a cut from the album sales or what…

ps willie should be on this list, he has been one of the best live shows for like 40 years now

also interpol is a joke live, i’ve seen them twice, very muffled sounding

Need to have NIN on there and QoSTA saw them both in vancouver same night. it was great.

Need to have NIN on there and QoSTA saw them both in vancouver same night. it was great.

OASIS!!!! Madferit!!!

A list without Guns N’ Roses and Bruce Springsteen…is this a joke?

7. Flaming Lips
8. My Morning Jacket
9. The Hold Steady
10. Arcade Fire
11. The Raconteurs
12. Wilco
13. Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Way to slap all the “indie darlings” right in the middle of the list… are these even compiled from reader responses or do you play “this band would look good at #12…”

Plus, the White Stripes at Number One? I saw them Live and it made me wish I only had 2 of the 5 senses.

MMJ definitely needs to be higher, and Old 97’s should be on the list, their energy onstage is rarely matched.

the absence of the bruce springsteen makes this list a farce

Oh, for the record… here’s the top 20.

20. Jurassic 5
19. Slip One of your God-awful Indie bands in here… maybe Wilco. Maybe.
18. Spice Girls**
17. Gym Class Heroes
16. The Roots
15. Ozomatli
14. Red Hot Chili Peppers
13. Dave Matthews Band
12. Foo Fighters
11. Radiohead
10. The Verve (They Count! They reunited!)
09. Rage Against the Machine
08. Deep Banana Blackout
07. Pearl Jam
06. U2
05. Velvet Revolver
04. Dispatch
03. Sigur Ros
02. The Mars Volta
01. Tool

**Just seeing if you’re fucking paying attention.

Common Sense Called, said you left these bands of your list:

Counting Crows, The Mars Volta, The Roots, Dispatch, Deep Banana Blackout, Queens of the Stone Age, Bruce Springsteen (and his E-Street Band), Velvet Revolver, The Verve (they reunited, so they count), and Sigur Ros… you can go replace your “hip-at-the-moment” bands for these Live beasts and watch them shrink into their emo caves with Dashboard Confessional. (remember them? soooo 2004…)

it is a crime to pass up on interpol for this list… HEHE , did you ever consider the venue building you went to probably had shitty acoustics?? You sound as if you really know your stuff. Also wheres mars volta?

tool is a let down live. Its just listening to the album all over again. LAME

The Mars Volta ,QOTSA, Iron Maiden should be there. By the way, it’s not because Indie Rock bands are hot that they deserve to be on that list,respect the veterans.

Radiohead is the best band on the planet and i can’t wait for their next album

Oh i forgot where the fuck is Led Zep

Kings of Leon came to cleveland played a club, and abso-fucking-lutley destroyed it. Best show I’ve ever seen. Im so pumped they made the list

after seeing Oasis in Dublin, they have to be on the list, pure rock and roll!

I agree with ‘man’. I saw them at Summerfest in Milwaukee, they played less than 2 hours (with roughly half the concert being ambient sounds between songs, which is nice, but not nice for an hour) and played no encores. They were the main headliner, but had no encores. On top of that, you couldn’t hear Keenan. They played some obscure songs which was nice, but that didn’t cancel out the rest of the crap. Worst concert I’ve ever been to.

Just saw the police in TO – I can’t believe it but it was awesome. TOOL always puts on a great show but it’s getting old. You can’t go wrong the QOTSA

I cannot believe this magazine did not tamper with these results.

Maybe you spilled your Grande vanilla decaf latte on the real data and had to publish a random sample from your most played list on your IPod.

No Boss – I do not really even like him but c’mon

No ColdPlay – do you have any idea what passion is.

No Panic – It is about the show… is it not?

DMB – at least they made the list.. . At least I know you have a pulse

White Stripes – they are cute and would probably win a local battle of the bands.
#1 band

Where the hell is Korn? Their shows are from start to finish intense. Linkin Park never let’s me down and Silverchair, who many people think are dead, put on a phenominal show.

Guns dont kill people, I do…dude your a moron.

Those “indie darlings” you speak of are bands at the top of their resective game. You mention some bands that ought to also be on the list: The Mars Volta, The Roots and Sig Ros, but the vast magority are over the hill has-beens. Such has-been can’t possibly be as good live as a great band at the top of their game. I mean, come on dude…the Verve haven’t even played togother much in years.

Maybe since there is one particular genre producing great bands that you are completely prejudice against, if you opened your mind you would expose yourself to some great music OF THIS TIME.

*you’re

…forgot to mention that RS forgot to mention TV On The Radio…

these are the combined rankings of both rolling stone’s and spin’s lists

1. U2 16+25 41
2. White Stripes 20+20 40
3. Radiohead 19+21 40
4. Arcade Fire 11+23 34
5. Red Hot Chili Peppers 7+22 29
6. Flaming Lips 14+10 24
7. The Stooges 24 24
8. My Morning Jacket 13+8 21
9. Yeah Yeah Yeahs 8+12 20
10. Green Day 19 19
11t. Pearl Jam 18 18
11t. The Hives 18 18
13t. Rage Against the Machine 17 17
13t. Prince 17 17
15 The Dirtbombs 16 16
16t. Queens of the Stone Age 15 15
16t. Metallica 15 15
18. Turbonegro 14 14
19. My Chemical Romance 13 13
20. Gogol Bordello 6+6 12
21. The Hold Steady 12 12
22. Riverboat Gamblers 11 11
23. The Raconteurs 10 10
24t. Wilco 9 9
24t. The Roots 9 9

THE WHO

jam fucking bands retards

One word….GWAR!

Metallica? that’s a funny way to spell the Decemberists.

seriously? metallica?

despite that one fuck up, i think this is the most accurate list Rolling Stone has ever made.

This list blows dogs for quarters.
Wow! Rolling Stone turned into a buch of pussys

The Subways.

RADIOHEAD + WHITE STRIPES = Orgasm
FLAMING LIPS + U2 = Nuts in a vice

Flaming Lips sucked ass at Bonnaroo. The show looked cool but they can’t play for shit.

I guess I must be from another planet. But where are the Rolling Stones on this list, you guys?–Rock

Who do you think posted the last 5 funny comments in a row

i saw the white stripes play that show at icky thump records….

the smaller the better

muse needs to be higher up

they were the most amazing band ive seen live

green day puts on a hell of a show too

Nine Inch Nails? Widespread Panic?

Dave Matthews Band has been the best live act for 15 years. Forget the studio stuff, they still bring it every single night.
DMB and Radiohead are my top 2..by far.

I must be from another planet; what happpened to the Stones

Good to see Arcade Fire on there.

this is the dumbest list I’ve ever seen in my life. seriously. White Stripes at No. 1???? are you kidding me? They shouldn’t even be on the damn list.

it’s even worse than RS’s greatest guitarists of all time.

Rush?

Soda Stereo, nothing more to say.

Obviously, RS missed the most recent RUSH Tour!!!

white stripes deserve number one, i wish i could say that tool deserves that spot but seeing them twice last year disapointed me both times. especially since they were my favorite band for over a decade.

the list seems pretty accurate, going to see the stripes at msg tomorrow. can’t wait.

jack is a beast.

yep that was mine too. By the way censorship is a crime according to the Constitution. Just because your getting away with it, doesn’t make it any less of a crime!

Rush sucks so stop.

I like Ike!

How can you not include Velvet Revolver on that list? No one has more energy on stage than Scott Weiland!

Evanescence should definatly be here
She is Amazing live
But, yeh, white stripes & radiohead deserve the top spot

i seen the white stripes in saskatoon kick ass event they where waiving the saskatchewan flag and the crowd was singing along , great experience

i seen the white stripes in saskatoon kick ass event they where waiving the saskatchewan flag and the crowd was singing along , great experience

I would love to see radiohead come to NZ!!!

Cheap Trick.

So great to see Kings of Leon on the list. Caught them at Warehouse Live in Houston a few months ago. Best show I’ve ever attended. Bar none.

to the Man, i seen them both times at first avenue in minnieapolis, i have seen many shows there and believe me it wasn’t the venue, i hear interpol is even worse at festivals and such, a lot of bands make the mistake the loud makes it better, but it my experience, clarity is better, to actually be able to hear all the instruments

ps
how bout some real road warriors on here huh? the reverend horton heat, clutch, and of course willie
bands like these absolutly rock live, i totally agree that tool should not be on here, they sound just like the cd’s very boring

Granted I have never seen the White Stripes but I am a fan and if I ever get the chance I will definitely won’t pass it up. I do have beef with the placement of Tool, the best band/live band of all time but I guess only for the people who really get their music. I also have beef with no Nine Inch Nails, I’m not even a huge fan but their show is a non stop adrenaline rush. Other than that I have seen about half of the bands on the list and I will say after their shows I told somebody that you have to see them so I guess I can assume that for the other half of the list yet I would never see Interpol, I can’t stand them for some reason. So I guess I have to say it’s a pretty good list for you guys but on the otherhand you guys are all aging hipsters. In all reality a group of 20 year old kids could come up with a better list.

Velvet Revolver

I never understood the Mars Volta Hype.

I saw them open for the Chili Peppers and they were horrible. Sounded like a bunch of 8 year olds hyped up on sugar banging on shit. I don’t know if it was just a horrible soundman or wh at, but it was unlistenable.

Gov’t Mule, Robert Randolph, Queens of the Stone Age, and The tragically Hip for sure. Now I’m just talking about newer bands… you start mentioning older ones and I’d be here for much longer.

The White Stripes put on a show that is saving rock and roll. All these haters talking about The White Stripes and how they are not incredible. Jack White is a legend and Meg White is a myth.

Seeing The Hold Steady on there is fantastic. But, Wilco needs to be, if not number one, then easily number two. Radiohead is the only other band I would give number two to. U2 is still the greatest concert I have ever been to.

The one band I would kill to see on here is Cold War Kids. Talk about a band that is just insane. Seeing the Kings of Leon up there is terrific. But, the biggest question is where are Sufjan Stevens and The Decemberists. Bump Tool and Dave Matthews Band. Plus My Morning Jacket and 9 is too low. They need to be number 7 probably.

But, still my biggest question of all is where is Ryan Adams & the Cardinals. A grossly underapreciated band.

i dont know why w.s. is ranked about radiohead? the only bad thing i could say bout radiohead is they should play 3 or 4hrs. instead of 2.

i dont know why w.s. is ranked above radiohead? the only bad thing i could say bout radiohead is they should play 3 or 4hrs. instead of 2.

Please, God, stop humoring the White Stripes. They’re not a good band. It’s not a good sound. It’s not interesting in any way, shape or form.

And really, guys, no NIN? No Sigur Ros? Get out more. And stop enjoying what’s being force-fed to you.

we’ve got to put in a word for the Rolling Stones. Not only is their show this sumer spot-on, with a good interplay of lightts, effects and damn-good playing, but they played in Budva (Montenegro) for two hours straight with no breaks. Pardon the pun, but you get a bigger bang for your buck. They are not just a rite of passage, they are an amazing show and belong up there in the top 10.

best live band right now is interpol…hands down!!!

best live band right now is interpol…hands down!!!

best live band right now is interpol…hands down!!!

best live band right now is interpol…hands down!!!

Okay I would say radiohead go higher definately, they bring something to the stage which is hard to describe. The flaming lips should be way higher up than that, so wayne cant really sing live but the entire show is so amazingly brilliant the atmosphere is indescribable. I almost cried when they played do you realise, and thats never happened at a gig for my in the 7 or 8 years ive been going to them. Also good to hear Bloc Party and the Black Keys mentioned by people-they do both rock live on surprisingly amazing levels.

But Im also gonna give a nod to the Blood Arm. Not one of the best maybe but people really need to get out there and see them live its spectacular.

my morning jacket!!!!

if you saw the riverboat gamblers just ONCE at ANY venue you’d understand.

Queens of the Stone Age.

so nobody has ever seen CLUTCH live by the looks of this “list.” that’s a shame because they are right now, the best live band period.

What about leftover crack, at their show their singer rambles on about killing cops and drinks bottles of liquor.

Ryan Adams & The Cards are easily top 5.

Stooges and Prince

smashing pumpkins? nine inch nails? queens of the stone age?

Where oh where is MASTODON! This is the band saving rock, hard rock, metal, alternative, whatever label you want to use.

Sorry, but those bands would get blown off the stage by Rush every night. Tightest band out there, it is unfortunate that RS has missed the boat for the past 30 plus years.

hey Mark, Rush?? Are you kidding?? Put away the bong and join the year 2007,,,,times and music have changed. Good band, but puh-leeeze, “Working Man”?? “2112″?? That is sooo 1970’s

How dare you leave out the Foo Fighers, wasn’t the damage they did @ Live Earth enough to be on the list. Surely the response from the crowd spoke volumes about the F.F, It’s either you were too blind to see or you were too blind to see.Give credit were it’s due, will you?

Trey Anastasio and whatever band he has behind him should top this list.

The guy pours it out onstage

DMB – Im glad they at least made the list.

Awesome Concerts Every Time!!

Where is BREAK OF REALITY? Best show I’ve seen this summer.

hey rush is awesome, but yeah they’ve had their day in the sun already. time for new bands to represent their generation, so far white stripes are the only ones doing the job.

Hey cota, what’s with the comment on Rush???? 2112? That’s so 1970’s? Have you any clue that they still put out new albums or that the music they’re making now is as good if not better than what they made when they started? How many of these bands do you honestly think will still be around in 30 years and still making fresh, evolving music like Rush?

um guided by voices and the tragically hip

um guided by voices and the tragically hip

The Roots and Built to Spill

For once RS is pretty much on target with one of their lists. The White Stripes absolutely deserve to be number one on this list, anyone who says otherwise hasn’t seen them live. Will absolutely make a believer out of you. Fecking WALL of chaotic glorious noise out of just two people. Plus they never just phone it in. No set list, full on passion, the show always threatens to crash and burn. It is that sitting on the precipice of disaster that makes their show such a ride and a rush. Jack is like a madman up there. This is why they are one of the most bootlegged artists out there as well, its incredible.
As for the rest of the list I would have moved Arcade Fire up a bit and squeezed The Decemberists in there somewhere. (Possibly bumping out Dave Matthews maybe…)

What about Insane Clown Posse?

spoon should be up there. brilliant. absolutely brilliant. overall though, this list is very solid. white stripes definitely deserve number 1. glad to see that rolling stone finally is paying some attention to bands that matter

CLUTCH and EVERY TIME I DIE…all else can take a back seat

CLUTCH and EVERY TIME I DIE…all else can take a back seat

Los Lobos. You poor misguided little puppies.

hey MalNar,

the point of my comment about Rush (I loved these guys,,,,back in the early 80’s and late 70’s!! Great band, great music,,,back then!!) is that these guys have had their day. Not meant to offend, just my opinion with an (failed?) attempt at humor. I have consitantly bought, listend, then shelved (never to be listend to again), albums put out by older dinasour bands,,,,even my favorite,,,The Stones,,,,but they utterly fail to interest me. Besides that, the question was, what bands are playing great shows TODAY, not what tired old fart bands are still trying to peddle thier same old schtick,,,,,like them if you will,,,,then go see Loverboy or REO SpeedWagon (not that theres anything wrong with that, heh heh). Then go see the Stripes,,,,I do think you will be very pleased!! If this list of bands will be remembered 30 years from now is a good question,,,but honestly,,,does anyone really care about Rush anymore?? Now pardon me while I pack my Bong,,,,,,,,

clearly…
widespread panic
robert randolph
ben harper
jimmy buffett
guster
santana
john mellencamp
bruce springsteen
red hot chili peppers
moe.
galactic
old crow medicine show
g. love
mofro

No no, see some of you don’t get it.

Metallica can play their instruments better than all of the other bands that you like.

No one will ever care about the decemberists in 2 years. thats why you don’t spell Metallica: Decemberists.

having TALENT should mean something people. i don’t mean a GIMMICK (white stripes), i mean TALENT.

who cares…

Metallica is a joke, i’m sorry. They sound like every other cruddy band from the early 90’s.

Aerosmith?

Aerosmith?

METALLICA ARE FUCKING GREEDY CRY BABIES AND DESERVE TO BE IN THE SAME TALENT CATERGORY AS MADONNA WHICH
AIN’T A GOOD THING

1.RADIOHEAD 2.WHITE STRIPES 3.ARCADE FIRE – IN MODERN ROCK THATS ALL THAT MATTERS

Anyone at rollingstone been to a jesse malin concert.

qotsa

Very good list…I personally think Radiohead should be number one, due to the new dimensions they add to their songs (how “Packt Like Sardines in a Crushd Tin Box” becomes a rampaging rocker, and Thom Yorke’s beat-boxing during the beginning of “The National Anthem”), but the White Stripes are always exciting to watch. Pearl Jam are #2 in my book, everytime I see them I’m left awe-struck. It’s probably the best “rock” show you can see today and Vedder is truly one of the great personalities in music. A band I would have liked to see in there is Mute Math…they bring a great intensity to their shows.

WHY the HELL is Derek Trucks Band not there?!

On second thought Sean is right.
Who cares? It’s all subjective bullshit. Except for the moron that thinks Slash is a guitar god.

the black keys put on a great show. i’m not saying they’re the best but should be on the list. i’ve seen wolfmother too and think they should be listed as well.

how did the roots not make this list?

good list, but it’s missing The Hives and Franz Ferdinand…

its a decent list…and of course u can’t please everybody…but u did miss a few obvious ones.

-the hives
-the roots
-green day
-prince

Alexander, Lars is actually a HUGE fan of the White Stripes

Tool. Prince. Modest Mouse. Cloud Cult. White Stripes. DMB. DCFC. RATM. NIN. Counting Crows.

AEROSMITH

AEROSMITH

AEROSMITH

Blue Scholars.

yeah, where is NIN?

John Mayer. the Roots. Buddy Guy.

MCR

dmb sucks and is overrated, where is nine inch nails?

The Rolling Stones
U2
Elvis Costello
Paul McCartney
Eric Clapton
Neil Finn
Aimee Mann
Elton John
John Fogerty
John Mayer
Wilco
The Who
The Black Crowes
The Police
Squeeze
Kaiser Chiefs
15 Keys
Roger Waters
Oasis
Radiohead

I’ve seen the Stones since ‘69 and I’m old by your demographic. But I took about fifteen 20-28 year olds to this last tour and they were all totally blown away. Not one said they had seen a better rock show. They couldn’t believe the power and energy, and Jagger running and dancing for over 2 hours. It’s clear why they don’t rate, no one has seen them (even though it’s the biggest tour in history. Did your staff see it?) And no Clapton or other blues bands? Silly.

I’ve seen the Stones since ‘69 and I’m old by your demographic. But I took about fifteen 20-28 year olds to this last tour and they were all totally blown away. Not one said they had seen a better rock show. They couldn’t believe the power and energy, and Jagger running and dancing for over 2 hours. It’s clear why they don’t rate, no one has seen them (even though it’s the biggest tour in history. Did your staff see it?) And no Clapton or other blues bands? Silly.

I’ve seen the Stones since ‘69 and I’m old by your demographic. But I took about fifteen 20-28 year olds to this last tour and they were all totally blown away. Not one said they had seen a better rock show. They couldn’t believe the power and energy, and Jagger running and dancing for over 2 hours. It’s clear why they don’t rate, no one has seen them (even though it’s the biggest tour in history. Did your staff see it?) And no Clapton or other blues bands? Silly.

The White Stripes are the best live band today? BullSHIT!! They’re among the worst I’ve ever seen. Jack White doesn’t sound a thing like he does on the records. He sounds like a totally different dude. And Meg’s drumming is just as shitty live as it is on record. Radiohead should have topped.

Please. Saw White Stripes this year at Bonnaroo. Incredible show, but better than Radiohead’s set last year? Sacrilige.

Please. Saw White Stripes this year at Bonnaroo. Incredible show, but better than Radiohead’s set last year? Sacrilige. Love that Arcade Fire made the list though.

The Allman Brothers Band is still
the greatest ropck band the U.S. has ever produced and they’re still a fabulous live band, as great as ever.

Don’t miss ANY OPPORTUNITY to see
them. Next best: Live at the Beacon DVD.

Ric,
South Pasadena, CA

The Allman Brothers Band is still
the greatest ropck band the U.S. has ever produced and they’re still a fabulous live band, as great as ever.

Don’t miss ANY OPPORTUNITY to see
them. Next best: Live at the Beacon DVD.

Ric,
South Pasadena, CA

The Allman Brothers Band is still
the greatest ropck band the U.S. has ever produced and they’re still a fabulous live band, as great as ever.

Don’t miss ANY OPPORTUNITY to see
them. Next best: Live at the Beacon DVD.

Ric,
South Pasadena, CA

The Allman Brothers Band is still
the greatest ropck band the U.S. has ever produced and they’re still a fabulous live band, as great as ever.

Don’t miss ANY OPPORTUNITY to see
them. Next best: Live at the Beacon DVD.

Ric,
South Pasadena, CA

The Allman Brothers Band is still
the greatest ropck band the U.S. has ever produced and they’re still a fabulous live band, as great as ever.

Don’t miss ANY OPPORTUNITY to see
them. Next best: Live at the Beacon DVD.

Ric,
South Pasadena, CA

I haven’t seen all of these bands live, obviously, but in my opinion a great live show has not only has to sound great along with an entertaining light/ stage show, but there has to be POWER and ENERGY coming from the stage. If you can’t feel the music then it’s average at best. Not in any specific order but…..

* Gov’t Mule – has anybody ever seen this band live? Warren Haynes is amazing! His guitar solos will wear you out!
* Metallica – forget all that crap about their last few albums, their live shows are all about their classics and they’re still awesome live!
* Rage Aagainst the Machine – 100% pure energy!
* Springsteen – not a huge fan but that dude gives everything he’s got for every show. He’ll probably die of a heart attack on stage.
* Pink Floyd – back in the 80’s their live show was amazing!
* Tool – very powerful and an awesome stage show.
* Pearl Jam – as solid as it gets musically but they’ve lost their edge a little bit – still great though.
* DMB – again musically can’t be beat but I’ve been to some shows where Dave seems blazed out of his mind and barely moves.
* GNR – back in the 80’s when they first toured, their live show was good and loud!

I’ve recently seen the White Stripes and they were fantastic! I think they’ve earned that spot. I’ve been to alot of concerts and there’s was the best I’ve seen lately. The one band on that list I haven’t seen yet that I’d kill to see (well maybe only maim) is Radiohead.

Okay, I’d go with pearl jam for number one. Been around for 16 years, musically they are stunning, their shows are always marathons of energy and have one of the greatest fanbases out there. Simply put, they are the shit and pick up their new box set if you dig em, the sound quality is exceptional, plus the second concert’s back in the day buffet second concert setlist. Sorry, that was fan rambling. as for Kings of Leon, they are sick. It’s time for them to put out some other live material, past the four songs on day old belgian blues. I want to hear em tear it up for a long set, and throw in some b-sides. My Third House anyone?

The White Stripes are the most awesome band I’ve ever seen live, and the Raconteurs, Jack White’s other band, are not too far behind. The White Stripes don’t use a setlist, it’s all spontaneous, and this adds an emotional authenticity to the music that’s pure magic. For raw emotion and visceral thrills, you cannot beat any band Jack White is in — he’s the most intense, electrifying, and charismatic rock musician out there today.

BEN HARPER!!!!!!

BEN HARPER and THE BLACK KEYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Tool show is not only a concert, but an experience that should change you for the better if you listen with an open heart. That is why they should be number 1.

Period.

Rocco wrote: “A Tool show is not only a concert, but an experience that should change you for the better if you listen with an open heart. That is why they should be number 1.”

I like that comment, but it’s exactly what I would say about The White Stripes. There’s some very potent mojo that Jack White has going on up there on stage, and like many fans I feel it changed my life.

By the way, the acclaimedmusic.net site also lists the White Stripes as the most critically acclaimed band of the decade (2000 on), as measured by a statistical compilation of the reviews of many professional music critics. Of course, we all have our own subjective tastes in music, and we are in no way compelled to agree with the critics. But at the very least that goes to show that it’s not just an anomaly that The White Stripes end up on the top of a number of critics’ lists.

The band is making some of the most exciting and original music out there, and a lot of people have finally noticed. The fans also love Jack and Meg because it’s the music that they really care about, and they totally follow their hearts. Even when it leads them to tour every providence in Canada, as they did recently, and to surprise their fans with little side shows in tiny venues. The White Stripes never cease to be strikingly creative and original, and there seems to be no end of ingenious surprises up Jack White’s sleeves.

It´s a shame WOLFMOTHER did not make the list. Probably one of the last good ROCK AND ROLL bands around, a three piece band thats sound amazing.

Also, 311..or NIN…those are the missing bands of the list.

I saw the band “French Braided Sissies” recently and they were the best live band that I’ve ever seen. Who knew that a kazoo could sound like a wall of guitars?

well said delia.

I saw the White Stripes at Bonnaroo, and I left about twenty minutes into their set. The drummer is quite possibly one of the least talented people ever. She was so boring and horrible. I don’t play the drums, but I think I could play most of her parts. She is utterly disgraceful. Not to mention, I saw Danny Carey rip it up two days before and he is one of the greatest drummers ever.
Jack White was extremely good live, and he is very talented. If he was in a band with other talented members, they have the potential to be very good. I would rather watch Jack White live by himself, it would be much better music. But, The White Stripes live were awful. I don’t think they belong anywhere near this list- let alone the top.

the dan in japan

saw the white stripes last night, great for 75 minutes, but cannot compare to a pearl jam show. radiohead shows are a bore, stop kidding yourselves. rage against the machine, wolfmother, the who, velvet revolver, and the roots are next. chili peppers could put on a great show 15 years ago, but now? off the list.

RUSH

Check out Porcupine Tree!!

I’ve seen most of the bands on this list live. White Stripes are definitely great live, but not the best. The guy that said Radiohead live is a bore must have been high, they are definitely the best I’ve seen along with U2. Nine Inch Nails should be at the top of that list also. Muse should be a lot higher, too. The Arcade Fire was the best show I’ve seen in the last year by far, they were amazing. Gogol Bordello though? Quite possible the worst band of all time. Saw them in London and opening for Primus……HORRIBLE!!!! I want to know what their criteria is for this list.

Seeing Radiohead live changed me, just like listening to them for the first time did. They are number in my book. Everything from lighting to sound to crowd and everything. Nothing like a Jonny Greenwood solo people!!!

Rocco – You don’t seem to realize that Meg’s drumming is the backbone of the unique White Stripes sound. Meg drums just the way Jack wants her to drum, in fact her drumming was the foundation that he built the whole concept of the band around. The core White Stripes philosophy is an intentional MINIMALISM that aims to strip everything down to its bare essentials.

That’s why there’s only the two of them, and that’s why Meg’s drumming sounds very simple compared to some other drummers. Jack does not want fancy drum flourishes, that would not fit with the band at all. But Meg is perhaps the only drummer in the world that could really keep up with Jack in a live show, because he will switch from one song to another in an instant, totally spontaneously. And Meg can follow him wherever he goes, which is no small feat.

The Raconteurs are a whole different story, and Patrick Keeler is a great drummer for that band. But that’s because it’s a different kind of music, a bit more mainstream rock, not quite as idiosyncratic as the White Stripes. Meg White is perfect for the White Stripes, and in fact her drumming was one of the things that most appealed to me about the band, right from the beginning. I watched the webcast from Bonnaroo and thought it was fantastic.

I’ve also seen The White Stripes live five times, and The Raconteurs three times. They’re both great bands, but nothing quite compares with The White Stripes for sheer dramatic impact, and the heart-pounding emotional wallop they pack is in part due to Jack’s vocals and guitar work, and in part due to Meg’s drumming. You’re not the first person to imagine that the White Stripes would sound “better” with a more complex drummer; but that would be completely contrary to what the band is all about. Jack White knows very well what he’s doing, and Meg’s minimalist drumming style is just what Jack wants for that band. Meg White is one of the two main reasons The White Stripes are such a phenomenal band.

How could White Stripes posibly be better than Radiohead? You have Thom & Johnny (just to name a couple) againsed Jack, oh yea and Meg!!! This shit is rigged not to even start with the rest of the list.

But very well put DEE,
You had me think about that for a second!!!

Muse definitely should have been in the top 5

Drive-by-Truckers are hands down the best live band ever!!!! If you go just once you will be a believer for life. Their last 3 songs usually include smokin’, guitar rip roarin’ versions of Buttholeville, People Who Died, and Let There Be Rock (not the AC/DC song but a true story of how rock’n'roll can save your life and oh yeah it does name check Bon Scott as well as Thin Lizzy,Skynyrd,Ozzy,)

DBT are the greatest American band since The Replacements.

See you at the Rock Show Motherfuckers!!!!!

Although I’m a huge fan of hip hop, I have to admit, it’s not the same thing live, unless its battles. But The Roots should be on the list. ?uestlove on the drums is sick!!!

The roots really should be on this list. They really transcend classification by genre in their live shows. They go forever, are always changing up their live sets, play covers of everything from Bob Dylan to 90’s alt rock to classic hip hop and beyond. My girlfriend can’t stand hop hop, but i dragged her to see the roots (on fat tuesday no less) and she couldn’t stop talking about how it was the best show she’d ever seen. They are on the ever shrinking list of reasons that hip hop still has a pulse.

where the hell is daft punk on this list? major over sight, or did rollingstone not go to coachella?

the white stripes AND the raconteurs, whoever wrote this list should investigate the classic rock genre. it may interest you. i feel like you’ve never heard classic rock before. classic rock is great, but its called classic for a reason and need not be mercilessly copied.

oh and

ANIMAL COLLECTIVE

Just saw the white stripes at msg and it was sick. Jack is unreal on the guitar. My bands that i think shiuld b on there r qotsa (josh homme is badass) wolfmother and velvet revolver cuz scott weiland is on on true rockstar. Btw ive seen pearl jam ten times and every show gives u somethin 2 remember

3 quick points everyone…

1. I think most bands on this list are lucky Godspeed You Black Emperor disbanded, because they make most of these guys look like higschool talent show acts live.

2. The White Stripes appeal live is that the improvisational chaos is palpable, and so for those shocked by them being #1, I will concede it’s a different zone to see their chaos morph live.

3.- All that said…let’s get real people…to anyone that has had good seats for a Radiohead show in the last 5 years, and isn’t missing a chromosome, suffering from a ruptured eardrum, or amnesia, will have to concede that Radiohead is just flat out in a different stratosphere…their lighting and visual effects are surreal and haunting unlike anything you’ll ever see, Thom’s voice is as impossibly haunting live as it is on record if not moreso, Jonny Greenwood live is like watching an autistic alien he’s so advanced, Phil’s drumming live is a clinic, and all their songs take on FAR MORE POTENT AFFECTS live than on record, songs like “15 step” and “down is the new up” become bootyshakin and funky, songs like “exit music” and “street spirit” haunt you to the core live, and songs like “how to dissapear completely” go from vague and unsure on record, to sounding vast and thunderously rambling in the best sense. The White Stripes are the Hendrix of our generation…but Radiohead is our Beatles.

I think there are a few bands missing on the list!
The Hives, Aerosmith, Bruce Springsteen with Band or Rammstein!!!

Has anyone ever seen Damien Rice play live? The man can bring you to tears…literally.
Ummm….on the complete opposite side musically…but amazing live are both Alexisonfire and Billy Talent…and my personal favorite is a guy who should be a major star but isn’t Joseph Arthur…he will blow you away!!

Oh yeah…and Gomez too!

Ive seen the white stripes and radiohead live and raidohead is by far the greatest band in the world. I saw the white stripes at bonnaroo and they played on the small stage and played for an hour and a half and radiohead the year before headlined the whole festival i think that says who is better. jack white is really good but is still not as good as radioheads guitarists and should be 16th on best guitarists list and should be compared to jimi hendrix. ok im done radiohead is by far the best peace

I think Sigur Ros at least on their tour for Takk deserves a nomination.

I love radiohead and white stripes, and and have seen both live, but if i had a choice i would always pick the latter.

for the uninitated, go and see a show and you will understand. thats the only thing i can say about that.

the raconteurs are a beast to behold live as well, but nothing beats a band that is 100% of jack white’s creative control (the stripes)

patrick keeler can easily become the next bonzo.

Dave is God

dave is always good, but incubus just had a great show, and who cant forget about modest mouse?

I spent almost 400 dollars on a trip to see the White Stripes at Deer Lake Park in Burnaby. You know what? Worth every single penny.

Saw KOL and Arcade Fire at Oxegen, they were incredible with the fire shading it. Klaxons, Bloc Party and Albert Hammond Jr were unreal as well. Radiohead and U2, though, are the two best live bands in the world

Radiohead is by far the best band live and elsewhere. No other band comes near them. The White Stripes are great too, however Radiohead behind them in the list is a fuckin joke…
Btw, where is Coldplay? hahahahaha

The Rolling Stones blow away most of RS,s top 20. Still rockin after all these years!!

Smashing Pumpkins

Widespread Panic, Disco Biscuits, Medeski, Martin and Wood.

Muse should have been higher. JJ is no judge of talent–Perry Farrell recently exemplified how musicans view Muse, which is among the best of their generation.

http://www.nme.co m/news/perry-farrell/29862

Hey Dee, we got your point the first time. The White Stripe’s music is all about minimalistic sound and Meg’s drumming is the backbone and compliments Jack perfectly, yada, yada, yada…I certainly dig Jack’s fresh and totally ripping guitar riffs but come on. You’re obviously a Jack White groupie and a White Stripes apologist – get out a little bit and see some other bands why don’t ya’

this list is pretty close but it should go

1. Flaming Lips
2. Radiohead
3. White Stripes
4. Coldplay
5. Arcade Fire

If you dont think The Flaming Lips are the best, go see their current show….. or get the new dvd coming out, youll believe me.
30 ft UFO hovering over the stage, 20 martians dancing around stage, and more lights than downtowm NYC…

this list is pretty close but it should go

1. Flaming Lips
2. Radiohead
3. White Stripes
4. Coldplay
5. Arcade Fire

If you dont think The Flaming Lips are the best, go see their current show….. or get the new dvd coming out, youll believe me.
30 ft UFO hovering over the stage, 20 martians dancing around stage, and more lights than downtowm NYC…

George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic

Jeez! Radiohead fans are as whiny as their music! Face it, the cream has risen to the top of the list. Sit through two hours of Jack & Meg (MSG was incredible last night) and you’ll be the exhausted ones. See them (NOW!) to believe it!

Roger Waters is just Pink Floyd a bit worse.

Radiohead should be top. Rest of list ok but where r Coldplay? Muse and YYYS should be higher.

Apparently no one has seen My Chemical Romance live

radiohead should be number 1

Radiohead is my favorite band and in my opinion the best that I have seen live. After last night at MSG I can not argue the White Stripes as #1. The Arcade Fire were also phenomenal a couple of months ago at Radio City Music Hall and will probably be #1 in a couple of years. I still like Spin’s top 25 a little better but this is still a pretty good list.

Radiohead is my favorite band and in my opinion the best live show I have ever seen. Although after last night at Madison Square Garden I am not going to argue with the White Stripes at #1….Amazing Show. The Arcade Fire were also phenomenal a couple months ago at Radio City Music Hall and in my opinion will be right up there with the White Stripes and Radiohead in a couple of years. I liked Spin’s top 25 list a little better but still all in all not a bad list.

Jesse Malin, Ryan Adams & Joseph Arthur – Best of the real live concerts, no backing tracks, fireworks or gimmicks.

No Ryan Adams & The Cardinals? These guys are playing 2-2.5 hour shows each time out. Excellent stuff and each show is different — either all acoustic guitars and piano, or electrics. You can’t beat that.

Wow, RS actually compiled a descent list!

I’m very glad to see RH, Flaming Lips, Wilco and Muse on the list, they are all phenomenal… What about jam bands? I think Galactic or SCI would be there

i think MUSE deserves a little more credit than given…and then i have to mention the mars volta.

Where the CRAP is Rush on that list?! They EASILY put on a better show than any of those bands on that list! Thats RS bias for ya…

great list! … for those who enjoy a great live performance, do yourself a favor and check out the Old 97’s if they come to your neighborhood. rock at it’s best!

Nice list, but hasn’t anyone been to an Interpol show lately? And what about Bright Eyes?

No Ben Harper??
No Damien Rice??
No Robert Randolph & Family Band??

come on people. get out and see some “new” music.

No Ben Harper??
No Damien Rice??
No John Butler Trio???
No Robert Randolph & Family Band??

come on people. get out and see some “new” music.

What about me? I am a fantastic voyage…hahahaha! Get it?

OK. How about 311? Every year they are touring their asses off and putting on a great show. Whether its 5,000 or 15,000 they always make it worthwhile.

Wolfmother?!

what does rolling stone have against jam bands? you guys go outta your way to exclude them. How can you have a list like this without widespread panic or galactic or string cheese incident?

Tool # 19.. What are you smoking!
I honestly don’t listen to 7 thru 13, 15 thru 17 & 20 so I might not be that cool.
What I do know is I don’t see Nine Inch Nails, Sunset Rubdown, Wolf Parade, Staind, or the police.

Tool # 19.. What are you smoking!
I honestly don’t listen to 7 thru 13, 15 thru 17 & 20 so I might not be that cool.
What I do know is I don’t see Nine Inch Nails, Sunset Rubdown, Wolf Parade, Staind, or the police.

No the shins???? why not??? they rock live…. i dont agree with some of your choices

I’ve seen every band on the list. Here is how the top 5 should look:

1) U2
2) Metallica
3) Government Mule
4) Rush
5) Radiohead

There, fixed it.

Has Rolling Stone EVER heard of a band called Rush?? You guys are UNBELIEVABLE!!

u should check out the radiators for live gigs, than they’ll surely make this list, see internet archive site for a couple hundred shows!

THE BLACK CROWES!!!!! BEST LIVE SHOW I HAVE EVER SEEN

where is The Mars Volta? Seriously.

where is The Mars Volta? Seriously.

This list needs METAL.

Starting with Shadows Fall. Great live band.

does anyone remember when rolling stone was hip? i come to this site for the same reason i click on mtv every once in awhile, hoping for the best but expecting dissapointment. fucking Rage??? dont get me wrong i love rage but i’ve heard them live and it sounds the exact same as the cd only not as good. Nothing special. How about WSP? String Cheese? How about we all stop acting like Jack White is some kind of savior?

Harry Connick Jr?

Harry Connick Jr?

Harry Connick Jr?

Thom Yorke is GOD!
nuff said…

I think that the ramones should be in the list

the ramones aren’t alive ass

This is bands touring rite now i nvr new Radiohead was touring rite mwa, the chili peppers shows r amazing the mars volta was a backup band 4 them the volta sucks balls and made u want to leave from how bad they were, even though everyone wants to put up their favorite bands its about the bands touring now not years ago, also when is radioheads new album coming out does anyine know?

Anybody who hasn’t seen MuteMath ought to. The energy is phenomenal. Go see them. Especially while they are still headlining smaller venues.

Top 5

1-DAVE MATTHEWS BAND
2-DAVE MATTHEWS AND TIM REYNOLDS
3-DAVE MATTHEWS
4-DAVE MATTHEWS & FRIENDS
5-U2

After seeing jack white at msg tuesday night, he is certainly the new god of rock. yeah thom yorke is an established artist, but jack white is the most important artist of this decade by far. finally seeing him live cast aside any doubt i had.

If anyone dares question rush’s relavance as a live band check out the documented ‘Rush in rio dvd’ if the white stripes or any other band can get a response like that from their crowd after 30 years of performance,I’ll doff my hat to em. Saw the stripes at glastonbury- utter garbage – novelty island! yeah yeah yeahs are the same. Radiohead should be number 1 no question. Good call for the lips and u2.

Amen on the Hold Steady.

They put on the absolute best live show that I’ve ever seen in my entire life.

Just behind them in my list is Ted Leo + The Pharmacists, then Ben Folds. Radiohead is somewhere in the mix there as well…

Don’t get me wrong, I love the White Stripes and I get what all the fuss is about but Radiohead is the greatest live band ever. Period, flat and final. If thier new album had just come out like “Icky thump” RS would have had them at number one. They are going with what’s hot as of NOW. I agree with about half of this list. The rest is hard to swallow. Since when have the Red Hot Chilli Peppers ever been amazing live?

Since when have the Red Hot Chilli Peppers ever been amazing live?

Since at least 1992 (and even earlier) right to present day.

MUSE is by far the greatest live band in the planet. Right now. Ever. Period.

Writers and readers of Rolling Stone in the North America:

Do yourself a favor, go and see MUSE live at Lollapalooza Festival in Chicago next week 8/4/2007 OR at Madison Square Garden, NYC on 8/6/2007 .

8/1 at Mississauga, ON
8/2 Detroit, MI
8/9 Fairfax, VA
8/10 Philadelphia, PA
8/11 Boston, MA
9/9 Seattle, WA
9/10 Portland, OR
9/12 Orem, UT
9/15 Austin City Limits Festival Austin, TX
9/16 Grand Prairie, TX
9/18 Denver, CO (Red Rocks)
9/20 Mesa, AZ
9/21 Irvine, CA
9/22 San Diego Street Scene Festival

then update your lists after you see them LIVE.

You guys are joking, right? MUSE #17 only?

MUSE is the best live band by far. Do yourself a favor, go see them LIVE right now.

Luv the banter!..not 1 mention thou for Queen…wow…wat a live band they where…never be another frontman like freddie mercury….Radiohead dam good 2!!

They look like Beek Jerky with Hair. But The Rolling Stones are still THE WORLD’S GREATEST ROCK’N'ROLL BAND. I saw them last November at Dodger Stadium, at they were Awesome. I wish they could play till they were 100. I would only be 90.

Well it may be time to update this fall when Springsteen releases a record in October, then tours with the E Street Band. This is the best live act EVER!!! Tell me how old they are, it does not matter, They can blow any act on that list off the stage! And how many of then play 2 and a half to 3 hour shows??? Again tell me how old they are, that is why the shows aren’t 3 and a half to 4 hours anymore. Chrissie Hynde could blow most of those acts off the stage too.

no Ben harper???
no John Butler Trio???
no Damien Rice???
no Robert Randolph & Family Band???

come on people – break from the norm and see some “new” music.

hey, where’s the Foo Fighters, Foo Fighters is the best live band right now.

Radiohead is by far the best live act going… thom is the best singer and the band itself is as powerful as there has ever been… and Dave should be higher on the list, by himself, with tim, or his band. now don’t get me wrong, i’m not the hugest DMB fan, but when you see them live you have to admit he is dame good, despite what people think of his audience. he is uber talented. and great call on The Boss. when springstein is going he is tuff to beat…

ONE QUESTION FOR EVERYONE. Does BECK deserve a shout out on the list? I have seen him a few times and he is as entertaining and original as they come, unlike others on the list (White Stripes. thats right, heard all of your licks and songs before bro)

Without question, Radiohead is the best live band going today. Neil Young and Crazy Horse are unbelievable, as well.

Maybe not as well-known as some of the other bands on this list, but you’re doing yourself a major disservice if you miss any of the following bands when they come through your town:

Drive-By Truckers
The Wrens
Ted Leo & the Pharmacists
Slim Cessna’s Auto Club

Aside from being relatively unknown compared to other bands on the list, Gogol Bordello should be at least in the top 5. Nobody comes even close to the energy these guys put off.

Radiohead are the greatest all time. Arcade Fire is Pretty damn close. Where is Sigur Ros or the Strokes??? Maybe Beck? Rolling Stone dissapoints as much as fucking MTV.

this is kind of a wanna be list. i mean metallica and rage still make lists? WTF… try getting out there and seeing some mid level bands at there best… the national is a good one, the shins….a bit bigger; how about interpol? ryan adams is as talented as anyone, and how about PRINCE!?! he didn’t make the list? Cuzin D is amazing too! the cure not on the list? weird….

This list is a complete joke. But when the magazine the publishes it is an even bigger joke then this list doesn’t come as much of a surprise

No This Is Hell?

Please, go to a real show.

a couple of people have mentioned them.

mutemath.

check them out.

they put on a excellent show.

I would add Incubus to that list.

where’s Depeche Mode on that list?….

where’s Depeche Mode on that list?….

Muse is the greatest live band in the planet.

The Fall of Troy?

this list is for bands that are currently playing live at the moment, not an all times great list. thought radiohead should be uno, but must admit i havent seen alot of these bands live.

Sometimes i think people just vote for their favorite band without any in concert experience.. Theres a difference

Whoever wrote about the “minimalistic” quality of the White Stripes is missing the point of music. Music should evolve and expand with time. Jack White has a very unique vocal and guitar style, but the “minimalistic” drumming brings the music down. Most drummers can recognize random improvisations live. Linking parts of songs to other ones or completely changing the song is fairly common. Meg White is awful. SHE MIGHT AS WELL JOIN GREEN DAY.

Danny Carey is among the top three greatest drummers ever. See a Tool show up close, and then try to compare it to the White Stripes. It is virtually impossible.

Okay, i’m a muse fan…but they’ll never top radiohead or the whitestripes for that matter! the only complaint i have is the absence of interpol….but then it’ll be the top 21 bands…good job fellas

Okay, i’m a muse fan…but they’ll never top radiohead or the whitestripes for that matter! the only complaint i have is the absence of interpol….but then it’ll be the top 21 bands…good job fellas

really? the yeah yeah yeahs? no way kings of leon? serious? over bands like the mars volta, nin, system of a down, ben harper, ben folds, bad religion, the roots, incubus, hell even GWAR (thats a fun show)

Rocco wrote: “Whoever wrote about the “minimalistic” quality of the White Stripes is missing the point of music. Music should evolve and expand with time. Jack White has a very unique vocal and guitar style, but the “minimalistic” drumming brings the music down.”

No, the point of music is to move you emotionally — not to go overboard with technical gimmickry. When you start throwing too much stuff into it, then the emphasis becomes more on technique than on soul. Jack White’s main influence comes from the blues, and I don’t think that involves a lot of fancy drum riffs.

You seem to realize that Jack White is a talented musician, but you don’t seem to recognize that Jack himself is the one most responsible for putting Meg’s drumming style at the center of the White Stripes unique minimalistic sound. He has been involved in other bands, and he could easily have replaced Meg with another drummer if he wanted. But he has said several times that Meg is the best drummer he has ever worked with, and that nobody could replace her in the White Stripes.

So apparently Jack White has a very different idea about what makes good music than you do. And given how wildly successful the White Stripes have been, I’d have to say that a lot of music fans would agree with him and disagree with you. You are entitled to your own subjective preferences in music, as are we all. But do try to avoid swaggering around as if your own personal preferences are some kind of objective fact.

Music is NOT only about “soul.” Technicality, complexity, and originality are what makes music so awsome and interesting. Anyone can pick up a guitar, learn one mode, and play that mode with extreme passion and “soul.” Just like any basic drummer can learn Meg White’s parts. That doesn’t make them good. It’s boring to me.
And blues-rock bands can have insanely talented drummers. Ginger Baker of Cream is absolutely amzing.

If Jack White wants a simple, untalented drummer, more power to him. I just didn’t appreciate it live. That’s the only fact I stated. And after all, this is a list of the best live bands.

Rolling Stone missed a couple…

anyone heard of the band Mew? unreal on CD and even more unreal live.

Sigur Ros should be somewhere on the list for sure.

Elbow, The National, Bloc Party, Coldplay… all amazing live

and yes Radiohead should be #1 and Muse should be way higher on the list.

What about Incubus.

RADIOHEAD NUMBER ONE !

I’ve seen most of those live and The White Stripes were the worst of them. Radiohead and Muse are 1 and 2 and a smokey worth a mention is Jose Gonzales.

“The White Stripes are the Hendrix of our generation…but Radiohead is our Beatles.”

ArsenalEdict’s last sentence….thats all that needs to be said.

“The White Stripes are the Hendrix of our generation…but Radiohead is our Beatles.”

ArsenalEdict’s last sentence….thats all that needs to be said.

I have never seen the White Stripes so I guess I do not have much to say…but I agree with most when I say Radiohead was THE BEST live performance I have ever seen and probably will ever see until their next show!

RUSH!
At the top of there game, none better live.

The Dillinger Escape Plan

i think the dillinger escape plan should be up there. i don’t think i’ve ever seen anyone play their music with as much violent passion.

Moneen are unbelievable live. Anyone who has seen this band will back me up. I have never seen so much passion and energy released on the stage. Roger Waters and John Mayer are pretty awesome as well

trophy scars rips live. 3 guitar lines live, a great singer and rhythm section.

trophy scars rips live. 3 guitar lines live, a great singer and rhythm section.

Where’s Rockfour in this list??

from the gut – Drive by Truckers
from the soul – Gov’t Mule
from the heart – Derek Trucks Band

IREPRESS should be up there
http://www.myspace.com/irepres s

Gogol Bordello?

LCD Soundsystem?

HUH? Who comes up with this list?

Have they heard of a little band called RUSH?

Prince, Rush.

I know Rolling Stone likes to diss RUSH, but c’mon! Nobody except for maybe Dream Theater can play live like these guys!!

Guys at Rolling Stone…whoever you are that put all this info together and in your magazine. How is it possible that you missed RUSH in your “Best Live Bands Playing Right Now” section. Are you guys really researching or what?

Ted

it shows you guys what you know about music………ever seen RUSH?, must be not

How could you leave off RUSH??? Your magazine is a biased as the left driven media and the ROCK and ROll Hall of Shame!!!!!!!!!!
Prove me wrong and put Rush on your cover for the first time!!!!!

Typical RS garbage. The editors or this rag should send a writer to red rocks on August 8th, than re-write the list.

Forgot , Iggy and the Stooges. He just turned 60 and is making everyone else look like the Pussies they truely are! At least 10 of those bands have or will play Red Rocks this summer. You should have a poll of the best Concert Venues in the Country.

Rush ticket sales are up 40%, they continue to sell out large venues, rake in raving reviews from fans and non-fans alike. White Stripes at number one? C’mon guys, they’ve got a neat lil gimick there, but chances are 10 yrs from now they’ll be opening up for Ted Nugent at some Casino. You can’t leave off a band that is in 4th/5th place for ALL TIME album sales, and was recently voted by Billboard as the greatest Trio of ALL TIME from any Genre. Get real. I mean, how does a Band like Tool(who I have great respect for) make the cut, and the band that has influenced probably a third of this list, gets left off? Rolling Stone, you guys suck.

Are you fucking kidding me?!!
Where the hell is Rush.
They’re in their 50s and they still play better than anyone on that crappy list. Whoever made up this list must be the same idiot who made the top 100 guitarist list, which, by the way, was the worst list i have ever seen. Hendrix at number 1. You gotta be kiddin me. He’s damn good but also way overrated. You put Jimmy Page at number 9. THats a crock of shit. Jimmy page was by far the greatest guitarist of all time. All of his different tunings and his guitar solos and his live improvisation are all strokes of genious. Lets see Kurt Cobain, in his prime, if he you can call it that, pull off any of Page’s solos. All Kurt Cobain could play was crappy little power chords. I mean come on the guy even said himself that he sucked and you guys put him at number 12 in front of mark knoffler and PETE TOWNSHEND!!!!! I wish nirvana was more like the who with smashing their instruments. that way we wouldnt have to listen to their crap. O wait, they did try to smash their guitars at the mtv music awards and the bassist hit himself in the head with his bass. Good coordination. All rolling stone lists are are popularity contests theyre not about skill and talent they are about who is the most popular which, today is a bunch of gothic liberals who cant play worth crap and using their music to get their retarded political point across to retarted kids who listen to their shitty music and cant think for themselves. JUST SHUT UP AND PLAY!

Final note: Rolling Stone Sucks

RUSH rocks live and how many bands are still together 30 years later putting interesting new music. This ain’t no bullshit reunion tour they’re on (i.e. The Police). Those of you who think that they’re so 70s have no idea what they’re talking about. This is a current, viable kickass band; the tightest around.

You have got to be kidding me!!! Where is Rush’s name on that list??? I think RS just likes to play with Rush fans. RUSH in their 50’s are more talented and professional than all those bands on that list put together. I think RS has never seen a RUSH show, otherwise they would be tops on that list!!! The WHite Stripes, Radiohead, and the Flaming Lips— are you kidding me!?!?!?!? Guess where frontman for The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Anthony Keidis was the other night in L.A.?? He was at the Rush concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Without the influence of RUSH, half of the bands on that list wouldn’t be there!!!!
ENOUGH SAID!!!
Rolling Stone has no clue!!!

I don’t know why RS always disses Rush? Seeing as Rolling Stone started in 1967 and the original lineup of Rush started in 1968…The have as much history as RS, yet you still give them Sh*^. It’s fine that you don’t like the music, no problem there, but there are PLENTY of people who do and the facts and history are there…so wtf?

Roger Waters? RUSH?! You guys never seem to disappoint… I mean you ALWAYS seem to disapooint. You guys are a joke.

Muse is really number 1 on that list.

I’ve been to 300+ shows in my life so far, and Radiohead are BY FAR the best live band I’ve EVER seen.

With that being said, where the heck are Rush? Typical RS. They’re only happy when they’re giving Bob Dylan and Neil Young 5 stars for albums that nobody buys.

Is Rolling Stone no longer relevant? What the heck does that mean? Well, it means the Rolling Stone writers have their heads so far up their asses that they think they know more than the fans as to what they lik. The FANS write your FN paycheck because we support the industry your attempt to produce a magazine for. The fans say RUSH. The album sales say RUSH. Their talent and contributions to the Rock scene merit them on the list
Go RUSH yourself!

No RUSH? Is your magazine about music anymore?

NO RUSH!?

Easily the best drummer.
One of the best bassists.
One of the best guitarists.

Hey, Rolling Stone! Find me three men in their 50’s who can plug and play (as technically as Rush does) and who still rock that damn hard! YOU CAN’T!

Going to RS for music and/or rock and roll advice and educated opinions is like going to Karen Carpenter for diet advice.

what is the deal with the RUSH fans? i mean they are about as relevant as the mole on mick jaggers face… yeah they are great, casue they have been playing the same songs for 25 years! they are a nostalgia act! if you are going to mention RUSH, then where does PRINCE fall? The Cure?

How about my morning jacket?

put Rush and The Police on the list.

i agree whit many others here, where the fuck is Rush?! they are WAY better than anyone on that list. some of the shittiest lists ive ever seen.

Shame you guys could not give rush a break,34 years and still turning out relevent music and fantastic live shows,bit like some of our brit music mags

Rush is so Seventies? Listen to Snakes and Arrows. And they ain’t playing county fairs and the House of Everything But Blues.
White Sripes are nothing but a novelty act, but wait, you can call them a “throw back” and make it sound relevant. RS should stick with printing photos of naked teenaged boys and stay out of the music business altogether

Rush is so Seventies? Listen to Snakes and Arrows. And they ain’t playing county fairs and the House of Everything But Blues.
White Sripes are nothing but a novelty act, but wait, you can call them a “throw back” and make it sound relevant. RS should stick with printing photos of naked teenaged boys and stay out of the music business altogether

Worst List Ever…Rush has just as much energy as they had before. There really at the top of their musical ability right now.

No Eagles of Death Metal or QOTSA? I don’t know anyone else who can get the baby girls and boys into such a lather. They’ve got sex and rock dripping out in their sweat and transfer that emotion to their crowds. I got demons runnin’ all through me!

There’s not a better band currently touring that approaches the talent of RUSH. Being an individual that tries to look at all sides, I glimpse at RS magazine to see how much they hate anything put out by RUSH. It no longer amazes me that the negative criticism continues to drip like a leaking faucet. I believe that the individuals that are interviewed and hired to write for RS are screened to be absolute RUSH haters. I stopped reading RS magazine a long time ago when I am looking for constructive reviews of music and such. Their articles are about as relevant as a McDonald’s drive through, and instead of a coherent and straight forward piece of writing, I get a lesson in using the thesaurus.

I see many comments. Great responses to an interesting list. For me I would like to add the Patti Smith Group to premium live performances. Always sounds fresh, angry, relevant and filled with spirit
And speaking of Spirit Matisyahu moves an audience musically and gives off some high flying good vibes as well.

Metallica and U2 really shouldn’t be that high up on the list. Muse should be at least number 3, and it’s not surprising that Rush isn’t on here. Rolling stone has a habit of blowing every artist that goes too mainstream and sell’s the most records. Even though the records are usually shit.

311.
queens of the stone age.
i agree with prince,but the list is top BANDS.

The Rush Forum (TRF) stinks like poop. So does Rush. They have sucked my arse-hole since Grace Under Pressure.

any of you people who bash rush should go see them in your town and then see what you have to say. you would not be able to bash them anymore. also their new album blows away any of the others on the list. btw dave matthews sucks live

I agree with some. Muse #17 only? hahaha

What is the qualifications to vote on this? If you have not seen Muse perform live, you should not be able to vote. I’ve seen them all Muse is the greatest live band right now.

The Black Crowes…just finished a month of touring..early August start another 3 months of touring-those that know know…find out for yourself…they put on a GREAT show!

rush?
Incubus?
The Police?

hmmm…Rolling Stone-you have topped yourself once again to grab my attention not because your great, but because your heads are where the sun doesn’t shine.

radiohead should be first… White Stripes are good, but not as good as radiohead. Come on, glastonburry anyone?!

If this were not a popularity contest, Ministry would surely have made this list.

RUSH should be on this list! It disgusts me that RS doesn’t recognize them as one of the best bands of all time!

Geddy Lee’s singing voice sometimes makes one cringe, but Rush are talented and hard-working players and song-writers. It’s no secret that RS hates their prog-hard-rock approach, but give Rush the credit they deserve.

> chris | 7/27/2007, 4:43 pm EST
>
> what is the deal with the RUSH fans? i mean they
> are about as relevant as the mole on mick jaggers
> face… yeah they are great, casue they have been
> playing the same songs for 25 years! they are
a nostalgia act! if you are going to mention RUSH,
> then where does PRINCE fall? The Cure?

A nostalgia act? Rush played 9 songs from their new album this tour.

Seems to me a lot of people there don’t understand what “band” and “playing right now” means. Well, you might have get the “best” and “live” part I guess.

Rush, come on…

And U2… I know RS has always overated them, so it’s no surprise they’re there, I think that even though their studio music is good, they suck on stage, they should be banned from the “best live…” lists just because Bono lectures the fans on politics while he should be singing and entertaining (he should respect the fact that people might have different opinions…)

And WOW, some of you have favourite bands that are not on the list… Congratulations! you know more than 20 bands, but please stop crying… It’s not because they didn’t make it in a subjective list posted by a magazine that they’re no good, love whatever music you like, and quit crying about it.

Where is Rush you idiots who claim to know music? This is comical

Hey GGRiz, stay off the computer and stick with playing with your Kiss toys

through out my life I have seen hundreds of live performances. In agreement w/ many….Rush SHOULD be on this list. I’m trippin’ b/c CLUTCH is not!! WTF?? It looks to me that RS only puts out what is popular rather than all genres of music. David Gilmour is still touring…The Fucking CURE…Tesla…Lamb of Gdd. Where the hell is The Mars Volta. Social D-Iron Maiden-Mastodon…different types of music, but all great acts…every single one!! How do I can a job there?!? I think I an do a way better job than these fools!!

No seriously Vex, RUSH is one of hte current best live bands.

How about CocoRosie ? They´re not as famous, but their recent Prague concert was hands down the best concert I´ve ever seen. And I did see concerts by Pearl Jam, Rage Against the Machine and Tool at various points in my life.

I don’t think RS was that careful in there consideration.
RUSH is one of THE current best live bands… damn typo lol!!!

This is a terrible list. Beyond awful. Arcade Fire? Shite.
White Stripes? Should be shot.

Rush? Rolling Stones? Radiohead?

Tired old gits whose bank balances are to large. STOP PLAYING MUSIC.

YOU ALL SUCK.

Sorry, but while The White Stripes are good live, they are not amazing, and Radiohead should be number one, followed by Sigur Ros, Arcade Fire, Jarvis Cocker, Daft Punk, The Dresden Dolls, Morrissey, and Muse respectively.

Metric and CSS are also amazing live.

RS should be Boycotted.

No Rush, No Rolling Stone.

End of story.

Having seen 14 of these 20 bands play live on several occasions, I am shocked that Rush did not make this list. On their current tour, Rush kicks the shit out of most of the bands listed above. I have to question the credentials and objectivity of whoever compiled this list.

where is OZZY OSBOURNE,ZZTOP,KORN,LYNYRD SKYNYRD,RUSH ALL GIVE ONE HELL OF CONCERTS

BRAND NEW!!!

Holy shit! Who the hell thought up this list? A bunch of fucked up coke heads?? There are a lot of better bands out there than is on this stupid list. RS needs to get their act together, and think of better things to do then come up with this crap

um, tmbg. For the love of Bob, They Might Be Giants is the best live show.

Thats a cute list.I think they got the list of “Recent RS Covers” confused with the “Best Live List”.Saw a few of these recently. White Stripes – At least Jack puts forth a good effort.Lotsa energy/poor output.Would have been great in bar at midnight after a few beers.Radiohead- Floyd without the talent.Bring your ludes,you’ll need them.Pearl Jam – fine show but not what they were 10 years ago.Rage – too much rage/not enough music.U2 – great show but Bonos ego crowded the stage.When I first saw them in 83 they were amazing,now they are entertaining.Metallica – James voice is shot.Wilco – lotta fun but only in a small setting.RHCP – of the 4 times a saw them only once was I impressed.Too hit/miss.DMB – Dave takes it all too seriously now.Were better when he was just a muscian.Tool – good show/poorly engineered.Of the rest of the list the only ones that I would like to see would be Arcade Fire,Flaming Lips and Kings of Leon.The rest I’ll catch on TRL(not).
Now whos missing that are currently touring?? Rush damn it!I recently saw Rush on the Snakes tour and as always “holy crap”.Three hours of perfection.Powerful,lyrical and visual.Should have been #1 on this list.By continually ignoring Rush RS is doing a tremendous disservice to those that have never experienced a Rush concert.

WOW!!
RUSH and THE POLICE Not On This List? Must Be A Different Generation Of Listeners Eh?
Listen To These 1980’s Bands!
Pull Out The 1980’s ROCK/POP Catalog. You Just Might Like These Bands. Rik Emmett and TRIUMPH Anyone?

Arcade Fire, Flaming Lips, and Muse all need to be higher in number. Mars Volta should be there, as should Sigur Rios. But easily the greatest sin of this list is the total absence of the DRIVE BY TRUCKERS. Seriously the whole thing is rendered completely invalid cause they’re not on it.

the white stripes? C’mon! i equate the white stripes with sushi…they are both “trendy” but yucky–or should i say–icky…

I was born in 1972. It’s hard to believe there was a time when Rolling Stone was considered an anti-establishment magazine. Rolling Stone has one writer worth reading – that would be Matt Taibbi.

Rolling Stone magazine should send some of their writers at Muse shows at Lollapalooza and Madison Square Garden next week!

What the … MUSE # 17 only?

Muse is the best live band playing right now and probably will ever be!

You all guys should see MUSE perform live before even attempting on voting on this one.

Go see Muse live next week at Lollapalooza and Madison Square Garden then come back here and upadate your posts/votes.

Perhaps many of you have forgotten that RUSH SUCKS!!! I would assume that’s why they’re not on the list…

Personally, I think that the list is just fine…especially Radiohead and Muse. ROCK!!! And CWells…kudos on the Decemberists mention. You’re absolutely correct.

who made this list??!!??!! :O:O:O
rhcp??
yyys??
they’r e good but the best live band now is MUSE!!
remeber!!

This is soooo lame ! And so is your magazine. Rush are the very best live act around !!! RS, the Grammy Ass. and the R’N'R Hall of Lame can continue to diss these guys all they want. I have been an on air personality at rock radio stations for almost 23 years. Rush is THE most requested artist over the last 20 years! Easily. They got where they are with out your freakin’ help anyway. Ask many of the bands on your lame list, and they will tell you Rush was a very big inspiration in their carrers. As for Geddy Lee, Neil Peart And Alex Lifeson, they are rockin’ all they way to the bank. Go wipe your own arses…

Rush, same lineup for over 30 years, over 3 hour shows on their current tour, all 3 members constantly rank high in musician reader polls, but Rolling Stone is too much of a hipster wannabee rag w/ ads for the military and perfume to see that

who ever said radiohead sucked and to stop playing music FUCK YOU
what do you like the academy is?
but i do have one question…
whiy isint NIN there?

When your entire diet consists of food off the dollar menu, it is hard to recognize a gourmet meal.

That is why RS ignores Rush.

or it’s cuz their critics are predictable, ignorant, useless and their favorite band is kiss.

Of the bands ive seen live
White stripes – Meh, they’re ok at best.
Radiohead – YAWN, for the love of god get them off the list.
Pearl Jam – Should be top of that list.
U2 – Decent
Metallica – OK
RHCP – Loads of energy but can be VERY boring at times
KOL – OK
Tool – average

MUSE IS THE BEST LIVE BAND. NOW. EVER. PERIOD. GO SEE THEM PERFORM LIVE!

It’s criminal that many of you have not seen MUSE live. What a shame!

I’ve seen them all, Muse is the greatest live band. Go see them in their US summer tour. They are playing next week at Detroit, Lolla and NYC (Madison Square Garden).

MUSE

Muse are epic live. You will be blown away by their live shows. Amazing band with immense songs.

Their catalogue of B-sides are equally pure awesomness.

American music fans wake up and catch up with great live music scene.

MUSE is the best live band. We are going to see them again next week at Madison Square Garden (8/6). We’re flying from Australia just to see this amazing and incredible band live.

Where the hell is NIN on that list, by far the best live show I have seen. Tool should be higher up, and the white stripes well should be on the list but not number one or even in the top 5.

Muse kicks ass and I am very surprised to see them on the list they often get no credit at all here in NA, just wish i cold see them live they never seem to come my way.

the list should have looked sumthing like this
1 NIN
2 White Stripes
3 Pearl Jam
4 Radiohead
5 Rage
6 Flaming lips
7 Tool
8 Wolfmother
9 Queens of the stone age
10 Arcade Fire
11 The Raconteurs
12 Muse
13 Tragically Hip
14 Rush
15 Broken social scene
16 The Strokes
17 Yeah YY’s
18 Incubus
19 Alice In Chains
20 Metric

What, no Rush? Of course not…that’s why Rolling Stone sucks. Sorry…not all of us think Jessica Simpson should be a roll model for coolness. Why don’t you go get some more pics of Lindsay Lohan?

man is this list bad. does rolling stone only see what’s popular? well, of course they do. how about centro-matic or apollo sunshine?

the white stripes? you’ve got to be kidding me.

I’ve seen them all. Most of the bands are way overrated and overhyped like The White Stripes, Radiohead, U2, Metallica, RHCP …

Here’s a perfect ranking of the 20 best live bands/performing musical acts in the world:
#1. MUSE

You could put the following in #2 thru #20 or whatever:

in Top 10
The Arcade Fire
RATM
Tool
Prince
Rush
Pea rl Jam
NIN
MMJ

Bottom Top 20
Editors
Radiohead
The White Stripes
Foo Fighters
Kasabian
U2
QOTSA
Dep eche Mode
Underworld
The Chemical Brothers

Honorable Mention:
Battles
Mogwai

Arcti c Monkeys
Klaxons
Bjork
Ratatat
Daft Punk
Justice
Elbow
Dream Theater

Do yourself a favor American music writers and fans, SEE THE BEST LIVE BAND IN THE WORLD, MUSE!

29 Jul 2007 20:00
Pentaport Rock Festival Incheon
1 Aug 2007 20:00
Arrow Hall Mississauga, Ontario
2 Aug 2007 20:00
Freedom Hill Amphitheatre Detroit, Michigan
4 Aug 2007 20:00
Lollapalooza Chicago, Illinois
6 Aug 2007 20:00
Madison Square Garden New York City, New York
9 Aug 2007 20:00
Patriot Center Fairfax, Virginia
10 Aug 2007 20:00
Philadelphia Festival Pier Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
11 Aug 2007 20:00
Agganis Arena Boston, Massachusetts
9 Sep 2007 20:00
Key Arena Seattle, Washington
10 Sep 2007 20:00
Rose Garden Arena Portland, Oregon
12 Sep 2007 20:00
The McKay Centre Orem, Utah
16 Sep 2007 20:00
Nokia Theatre Grand Prairie, Texas
18 Sep 2007 20:00
Red Rocks Amphitheatre Denver, Colorado
20 Sep 2007 20:00
Mesa Amphitheatre Mesa, Arizona
21 Sep 2007 20:00
Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre Irvine, California
27 Oct 2007 20:00
Sam Boyd Stadium Las Vegas, Nevada
28 Oct 2007 20:00
Sam Boyd Stadium Las Vegas, Nevada

Rlling Stone has always been a joke (in my 20+ years following music) — as much as the R&R Hall of Fame….I mean come on no Rush in this list? Perhaps we should have Taylor Hicks and Beyonce (if it sells copies of the magazine all the better)…..

Rlling Stone has always been a joke (in my 20+ years following music) — as much as the R&R Hall of Fame….I mean come on no Rush in this list? Perhaps we should have Taylor Hicks and Beyonce (if it sells copies of the magazine all the better)…..

i love rush, and i have seen them live 3x, but we’re talking about the best modern bands live bands. rush has made their mark. they are LEGENDS.

the stripes are certainly the most important band to come out of america in a long time. just when i had almost lost hope in rock and roll, jack came along.

lol give it a rest about muse being number 1. they wouldn’t even have existed had it not been for “Ok Computer”!

Uh, you guys ever hear of Gov’t Mule? Big Head Todd and the Monster? Didn’t think so.

I’ve seen well over half the list live… Wilco and The Raconteurs or Prince and Drive-By Truckers? I know which one I’d pick. DMB? No way… and any list of best live acts that doesn’t include Marah is just a popularity contest.

Oh and one more thing… I saw KOL this spring at SXSW and ol’ Iggy and the Stooges mopped up the stage with the youngsters. KOL doesn’t move around or interact at all… sure the music’s hot, but I can listen to the CD and get that.

Statitics don’t lie and statistics say………..there are WAY too many Rush and Muse pumpers on here to be a coincidence. Can you say “fansite coordinated reponse”? I thought so.
I have seen most of these bands live, including Muse and Rush. They are both good and Muse is perhaps “great” in concert. (Saw them at the “food poisoning” concert!) That being said, RS got #1 right…each and every White Stripes concert is a ridiculously brutal experience. The Stripes define the raw blues edge of Rock n Roll today…with or without a great drummer. The only band I have ever seen live put out that much energy was The Ramones.
I also have to give a shout out to Jeff Tweedy’s new Wilco line-up. Please do yourself a favor and catch them on their present tour with Nels Cline on guitar…a legend in the making. Like “The Rock Snob’s Guide to Rock and Roll” says….”Somewhere in heaven John Lennon, Gram Parsons and Lowell George are jamming…and they are playing WILCO songs!”

Where is RUSH?? Clearly RS hates RUSH….these guys are filling venues and are rocking better than ever with 3 hour shows!!!
??Iron Maiden / Tool??

Rush do not need rolling stone mag.They have the most loyal fans ever,talent shines through

(statistician) Captain Beefheart…WRONG. I’m a member of several Rush fan sites and there were no “coordinated responses”. Rush has been around for over 30 years, so what they have are dedicated fans. You kind of need to be around for a little while to get loyal fans. What p*sses Rush fans off so much is that Rolling Stone can’t even (ever) give any kudos to a band that has been rockin’ it out for almost as long as they have. That’s why there are 300 Rush fans calling in on this one.

where are the hives on there, they play the most energetic fun shows

of course its a main stream list- its ROLLING STONE! if you want to see the real top 20 read another magazine.
all in all -its subjective anyway

I’ve seen both Muse and The White Stripes live. Muse will blow White Stripes out of the water.

Too bad so sad, your Radiohead is lazy and has reached their peak. Nothing they can do now, just give up after their last gotten so-so reviews and all.

Muse were never Radiohead. Muse > Radiohead

Stupid lazy writers and fans who dismissed Muse are now eating their words and in the corner so very jealous.

I agree, Muse were never Radiohead.

American music writers and fans have become so lazy and out of touch with global music live scene.

u suck hendrix zeplin maiden the who r bout 50 times better then the white stripes u sicken me

Fails for no Rush.

What a joke, most of these loser pseudo-rock talentless bands will be broken up has beens by the time Rush’s tour is over!

And the ones that have actually been around more than 5 years (like Pearl Jam, RHCP, Metallica, and U2) have long been past their prime. (Tool is the only exception here).

Meanwhile, Rush comes out with another incredible album, one of their best ever (yes, I’ve heard and had all of them for years, now I’m 24 not 50 and I even have a gf I live with lol) after 30+ years.

The Rolling Stone powers that be are simply jealous and afraid of musical talent and write for 14 year old fad fans, not rock and talent fans.

Where’s The Strokes???
NIN??????
Coldplay????
REM ??????
the dipshit who said U2 sucks must have been in the nosebleed seats

RS is a bunch of self-perpetuating crap but at the same time those of you that claim every band on this list sucks are just being pretentious. i think there are a few awesome bands on here like radiohead and tool and just because they are popular doesn’t invalidate their acheivements…even if some people do overrate them. and also you need to re-evaluate your usage of the term mainstream. just because a lot of people in their twenties are familiar with radiohead or must or whoever else doesn’t mean that ninety five percent of music listeners have ever even heard of them.

I don’t know if they are consistently good, but two of the best shows I’ve seen were The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion and Social Distortion. I agree that Muse and Ben Harper rank high on the list (I’m only lukewarm on their music, but their shows are amazing). I have to give Jack White some credit, the White Stripes show I saw was good despite Meg’s performance sucking some of the life out.

MUSE? Half of their sound is dubbed over. Just go to u tube and see for you self. Any one with any awareness knows Radiohead or even Rush has way more talent as well as depth and texture.

I for one (and apparently the only one) am happy with this list. I think Tool could have been a little higher, but other than that pretty spot on. Ok, NIN should have been there, too. Jack White definately deserves to be on the list. Come on people, they don’t even use a setlist, how cool is that!

Just of the bands I’ve seen in the last few years:
1. Radiohead (other-worldly)
2. Wilco (should be bigger than they are)
3. Green Day (last tour was amazing)
4. Rush (still an amazing experience)
5. My Morning Jacket (see them… now!)
6. Flaming Lips (fun, fun, fun)
7. White Stripes (pure power)
8. The Hold Steady (new cd kicked it up)
9. moe (best jam band, imho)
10. Cake (always go the distance)
11. Dandy Warhols (the night I saw them wow!)
12. Secret Machines (these amps go to 11)
13. Allman Brothers (still going strong)
14. Foo Fighters (not Nirvana, but close)
15. Oasis (they are/were huge for a reason)
16. The Supersuckers (rock your ass!)
17. The Pogues (cheers!!)
18. The Pixies (this monkey went to heaven)
19. Ryan Adams (sincere performer)
20. The Rolling Stones (Jagger is a freak of nature)

taste differ dumbasses…Radiohead is definately #1…..
but jambands are the best liveshows
when I think of a live show I think of dancing and diversity and FUNKINESS! When I’m sure Wilco is one of the best along with Allman and Mule, I have not seen them.

1.Radiohead

2.Umph rey’s McGee

3.Steel Pulse (Reggae will fuck your face live)and Matisyahu fucking sucks.

4. Primus

5. Medeski Martin and Wood

I HAVENT SEEN THE BEASTIE BOYS EITHER BUT IM SURE THEYRE VERY WORTHY!

whoever said kid rock needs to get fucked up and then shat on while theyre on the ground bloody…..
and glennard skynnard……..
god bless you

PANIC FUCKING OWNS!

This list kinda sucks cause of the amount of comfort and money put into certain high-end shows like the U2 and the RHCP. However, when it comes down to being in a club with nearly 50 people and Russian Circles playing…your mind blows in a different way then the kind of “centre de light show” like Tool’s beautiful 10kd tour (mmm…). Whatever, heres my 2 cents.

and my email.
williamtmartin@gmail.co m

and my charts.
http://www.last.fm/tyler40mar tin

1. Radiohead
2. Tool
3. The White Stripes
4. The Flaming Lips
5. NIN
6. Yeah Yeah Yeahs
7. Ben Folds
8. The Pixies
9. Rush
10. Smashing Pumpkins
11. U2
12. Broken Social Scene
13. Beck
14. Modest Mouse
15. Arcade Fire
16. Muse
17. Dave Matthews
18. Dredg
19. Russian Circles
20. Red Hot Chili Peppers

Ok so all of you are complaining that this is a “main-stream” list of bands…why do you care then if your NIN or Rush is not on the list, obviously they don’t give a shit about how RS rates them, and neither should you. Go see your favorite bands if it makes you happy, there is more room in this world than to argue the validity of a live show. Music is not about trying to show one another up but rather communication through sound and emotion, give it a rest please!

Rush is great live, but sucks otherwise. I’m dead serious. Radiohead is amazing at any time, live or not. Muse is kinda boring, though I’ve never seen them live… I suppose I could just look them up on youtube…

Do yourself a big favor, go see and watch MUSE perform live NOW!

MUSE > Radiohead > Rush

it is amazing that people are putting tool above the white stripes.

I saw tool live last year, and both shows, they played the same setlist, and they were merely static on stage.

jack white is the hardest working man in rock right now, and this is coming from someone whose first cd ever purchased was tool’s undertow (when it was released)

that said, danny carey is god, but patrick keeler is becoming one of my favorite drummers.

maynard, get bac

I don’t know about the coordinated response thing because i’m not a member of fan clubs, but I will tell you that seeing MUSE live is amazing.

Of all the shows I’ve seen in the past two years, MUSE and Wolfmother were two of my favorites and blew a lot of bands away.

I don’t know about the coordinated response thing because i’m not a member of fan clubs, but I will tell you that seeing MUSE live is amazing.

Of all the shows I’ve seen in the past two years, MUSE and Wolfmother were two of my favorites and blew a lot of bands away.

this list is definitely lacking some queens of the stone age. that is a fucking awesome live band, no way around it, i just saw them last sunday.

OMG Radiohead should so be #1!!!!
White Stripes…please…..

Muse will blow you away in their live gigs.

MUSE > World / All bands

the who and wolfmother, come on

MUSE schould be number one on this list. They are amazing live…

bands that should have been in the top 4:
1.NIN
2.Radiohead
3.Tool
4.pink floyd(yes i know its best performing live bands right now but there so good they must be up there too)

bands that should have been in the top 4:
1.NIN
2.Radiohead
3 .Tool
4.pink floyd(yes i know its best performing live bands right now but there so good they must be up there too)

Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band is by far, hands down, the greatest live act to ever play.

To ALL WHO HAVE SEEN RADIOHEAD LIVE WELL DONE TRUELY THE GREATEST LIVE ACT OF TODAY AND COMING SOONISH TO A FIELD NEAR YOU…. ALSO DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR GO SEE MUSE AWESOME WEMBLEY 2007 WILL GO DOWN AS NEARLY(WELL CANT BE AS)IMPORTANT AS GLASTONBURY 1997 FOR THE HEAD,UK RULES OK

WHAT? Kiss should be in there MAN and

is this list the best live performers among mainstream bands? All i know is that Rise Against is the best live band i’ve ever seen. It was the best two hours of my life.

um TY… the pixies are broken up JACKASS

oh and that list is perfect

All Hail JACK AND MEG!!

oh and I am glad people were paying attention and listed: The Beatles, The Spice Girls, and Nirvana. I am sooooooo glad that people are up to date on there music news. SHUT THE FUCK UP

whatever foo
rolling stone doesent decide who the best bands live are fuck them you decide yourself

I saw The White Stripes at Bonnaroo, and while yes, Jack White is an amazing Guitarist and they were great live…Meg just doesn’t bring the power on the drums. Anyone can keep the simple beats she does. Radiohead, or Dave Matthews, or Tool should have taken the top spot, this is criminal.

Hahahahaha rolling stone haven’t got a clue, simple music for simple people, the following bands should of been up there:

Helmet, Glassjaw, Primus, Tomahawk, (all things Patton) Pinback, (in fact anything with Rob Crow), Sleepytime Gorilla Museum, The Melvins, NIN, VAST, Silverchair, theSTART, =REUBEN=, Riddle of Steel, Traindodge, Travis Morrison, Jonah Matranga.

White Stripes best live band in the world????
hahahahahahahahahaha hahahahahahahaha!

Meg White is perhaps the worst drummer i’ve ever seen, TOTAL SPAZ.

pinback is horrible live

pinback is horrible live

btw mettalica suck nuts big harry black nuts

where the fuck is nin? hey rollingstone, ahve you forgotton how amazing a nin show is?

and how the fuck did teh white stripes get up to the top of the list?

Ween will melt your mind, and the Slackers will move your ass! Cancel your subscription to Rolling Stone, because these bands are by far the best value for your entertainment dollar.

fuck you Leddy Gee!

this list does no jam band justice but i do think radiohead for sure should be number 1, no other band in the world is as talented at their instruments, song writing or albums than radiohead in the last 20 years. and theres too much mainstream

I’ve seen Flaming Lips, Wilco, RHCP, AF and Muse live this year, and I must say that Wilco and RHCP do not deserve a higher position than Muse. Muse should actually be right above Flaming Lips because they were amazing! RHCP sucked, but maybe that was because they had a bad show the day I saw them.

I just went to Lollapalooza in Chicago and I have to say that Muse deserves to be way higher on this list than they are. It was the first time I’ve ever seen then and it was nothing short of epic. And Pearl Jam is definitely worthy of a top 5 spot…while their performance was slightly disappointing to most Ten Club members, it was still amazing. My Morning Jacket, Kinda of Leon, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs all were amazing as well. But the White Stripes? Seriously? Come on, I think any of the aforementioned bands and/or Radiohead should have taken the top spot over them.

I just went to Lollapalooza in Chicago and I have to say that Muse deserves to be way higher on this list than they are. It was the first time I’ve ever seen then and it was nothing short of epic. And Pearl Jam is definitely worthy of a top 5 spot…while their performance was slightly disappointing to most Ten Club members, it was still amazing. My Morning Jacket, Kings of Leon, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs all were amazing as well. But the White Stripes? Seriously? Come on, I think any of the aforementioned bands and/or Radiohead should have taken the top spot over them.

TOOL puts on the best live performances. Even on a bad day, no other band can even compete with TOOL’S live show.

I agree with the majority of this list…

I saw Muse, Flaming Lips, Arcade Fire, Wilco, and RHCP in Denmark this summer, and Muse is by far the best live band I’ve ever seen. The Flaming Lips are also great. Dave Matthews Band is also very good, but only because its like a giant party. Still, you can’t beat the excitement of a local band.

Of course, I haven’t ever seen Radiohead…yet.

BTW, Arcade Fire was good, Wilco was good but used to be more exciting, and RHCP were sub-par.

To much crappy Indie-bands, My Morning Jacket is great thou. Metallica should be nr 1. If you losers had seen them then you would have known that. Oh yeah, and more metal on the list.

AFRICAN SQUIRREL FLY is hot as hell. If you haven’t caught them live you are missing one hell of a show. they are from Mississippi I believe. It’s more than a show it’s a freaking experience!!!

Rush fans need to relax. My friend works for RS and he told me the magazine intentionally antagonizes Rush fans. The magazine’s black listing stems from Rush’s early days when they were perceived by many as a right wing band. Liberal politics is a must if you want to get positive press in RS. Basically, RS can never acknowledge Rush’s talent, because that would undermine their already tarnished credibility. Their nasty treatment of Rush is simply saving face, and they’ll continuing their ridiculous alienation of the band to the end. It’s clear that groups with more drug use than talent get heavier press than the boring bands that actually know their craft.

There are absolutely NO words to describe AFRICAN SQUIRREL FLY. ALL that I can tell you as that they are totally awesome. You will have to hear them for yourself…..but only if you want to be rocked ALL NIGHT LONG!!!

There are very few bands in the local scene that I even care to listen to. AFRICAN SQUIRREL FLY tops the list of bands of all time!! If you haven’t this band in their awesome mix of funk and hard core rock, you’ve missed the equivalent of the first orgasm.

In my opinion, I agree with the person who said this list is “criminal”. But how many times have you read a list in Rolling Stone and bitched out loud the whole time? We have to remember that this is merely a difference in opinion. The guy that wrote this list obviously doesn’t like TOOL as much as he does the White Stripes (sucks for him!!!) but maybe he doesn’t like religious experiences either. But seriously, Kings of Leon? WOW. THAT is criminal. that’s all I have to say about that.

Good to see LCD Soundsystem on there…. that is a mind-blowing show, for sure.
I’ve seen Radiohead, they are awesome. I liked the White Stripes a lot. I would’ve put Roger Waters up there, that was a frickin’ show and a half, but I suppose his tour is over, so he wouldn’t quite count.

I clicked on this site through Radiohead fan site, and I noticed all the commotion regarding RUSH. Hey RUSH Fans, (I am one of the biggest out there), RS magaizine has ALWAYS hated Progressive Rock and RUSH in particular. The last time I used to read RS, back in the early 90’s, RS ran a double issue on 70’s rock that completely left out Pink Floyd, YES, ELP, Genesis, etc. A person can google RUSH and read lousy reviews of ‘Permanent Waves’ and ‘Moving Pictures’ from the East Coast elite critics of that era.
And also, how did RUSH get labeled “Right Wing”?. Geddy Lee is the son of Jewish Hungarian immigrants that fled the Holocaust. Have these critics who hate RUSH ever read the lyrics to “Red Tide”, “Witch Hunt”, or other songs that have pro-enviornment and pro-tolerance themes.
Forget the critics and go see RUSH this summer.

radiohead two is insane radiohead is the best band period. Plus you forgot fucking beck and,les claypool. shitty list u2 sucked live and muse deff should have been higher

Muse just proved in Lollapalooza and Madison Square Garden that they are the world’s greatest live band. Period.

I hope music fans & everyone here AND all writers at Rolling & other American music writers/reviewers have seen those shows.

It isn’t hard to connect the dots with respect to Rush and their perceived right wing leanings. Just read the lyrics to Anthem, The Trees, and the Ayn Rand inspired 2112. Geddy Lee being jewish and songs about the environment have nothing to do with it. Neil Peart is in fact a lib. However, it’s not the kind that Rolling Stone likes. He’s a libertarian.

heh
RHCP totally sucked when I’ve seen them.
Where is Guns N’ Roses, Roger Waters, NIN or Rolling Stones?
It’s such a shame that people reads such a bad magazine.

radiohead numero uno!! esta mala la lista

RS’s hate for Rush is similar to their hate of corporate America. Why does RS continue to hold back the truth from the masses? Rush is by virtue of the will of the people one of the best bands out there. Denying the truth doesn’t make it so. Think about it.

RS’s hate for Rush is similar to their hate of corporate America. Why does RS continue to hold back the truth from the masses? Rush is by virtue of the will of the people one of the best bands out there. Denying the truth doesn’t make it so. Think about it.

RS’s hate for Rush is similar to their hate of corporate America. Why does RS continue to hold back the truth from the masses? Rush is by virtue of the will of the people one of the best bands out there. Denying the truth doesn’t make it so. Think about it.

who knew Rush had so many fans?

Muse is the best live band in the world. Period.

Do yourself a favor go see them live once they come back in the US next month!

easily this should have widespred panic on the top of this list. seen 13 of those bands on the list and none of them can hold a candle to them. radiohead should also be above white stripes

easily this should have widespred panic on the top of this list. seen 13 of those bands on the list and none of them can hold a candle to them. radiohead should also be above white stripes

wooo hoo white stripes

wow and raconteurs

jack white has got to be awesome live

wooo hoo white stripes

wow and raconteurs

jack white has got to be awesome live

tool is one of the worst live bands ever. putting them on that list seemed more of a generous gesture more than anything else, i’ve been a fan since undertow. oh and how their fanbase has changed substantially.
i wouldn’t doubt the white stripes are better than them live, a lot of bands would be, including radiohead.

Simple math. The more praise a band gets the more haters that arrive at every scene. Everyone will have a different opinion on everything, don’t freak out. I have seen the white stripes live, and it was the greatest thing ever, but I love that band anyways. I can’t imagine the experience Radiohead would be. The Constantines, though noone knows who they are, may just be the best live band in the world.

Simple math. The more praise a band gets the more haters that arrive at every scene. Everyone will have a different opinion on everything, don’t freak out. I have seen the white stripes live, and it was the greatest thing ever, but I love that band anyways. I can’t imagine the experience Radiohead would be. The Constantines, though noone knows who they are, may just be the best live band in the world.

Kings Of Leon put on a fantastic live show, one of the tightest rock bands out there!

The Fratellis. End of story.

I agree… Muse should definately be in the Top 5. They are amazing live performers. At the least they should’ve be in front of Gogol Bordello.

And I don’t see Interpol or Lily Allen on that list. Hmm…

I’m a huge wolfmother fan buut when it comes to them playing live… they blow big time.., RATM should be #1, I think Pepper should be on there too

No Smashing Pumpkins ???!!

The Smashing Pumpkins are 1st, Depeche Mode 2nd and Radiohead 3rd.

Alcohol abuse is dangerous for health …

1.radiohead
2.strokes
3.flam ing lips
4.interpol
5.coldplay

1.radiohead
2.strokes
3.flam ing lips
4.interpol
5.coldplay

1.radiohead
2.strokes
3 .flam ing lips
4.interpol
5.coldplay

1.radiohead
2.strokes
3 .flaming lips
4.interpol
5.coldplay

Radiohead is the best show I’ve seen in my life…A-M-A-Z-I-N-G saw them during the Hail to the Thief tour, felt like I was floating during that show, they DEFINITELY need to be #1 on that list! also Muse should be #2 I saw them at a small venue in my university and they’re even better live than they are recorded, seeing Matt Bellamy run through stage switching from guitars to piano was bad ass. They’re a band that really sucks you in to the show. The next one I suggest some may not agree, but it’s my list:Deftones!

I swear to god LCD Soundsystem was absolutely great. I saw the Radiohead Amnesiac tour and I just saw the White Stripes in Halifax, but LCD Soundsystem beat them both. Never seen CSS on tour but their music is wicked, Jamiroquai would come 4th.

I swear to god LCD Soundsystem was absolutely great. I saw the Radiohead Amnesiac tour and I just saw the White Stripes in Halifax, but LCD Soundsystem beat them both. Never seen CSS on tour but their music is wicked, Jamiroquai would come 4th.

I swear to god LCD Soundsystem was absolutely great. I saw the Radiohead Amnesiac tour and I just saw the White Stripes in Halifax, but LCD Soundsystem beat them both. Never seen CSS on tour but their music is wicked, Jamiroquai would come 4th.

I swear to god LCD Soundsystem was absolutely great. I saw the Radiohead Amnesiac tour and I just saw the White Stripes in Halifax, but LCD Soundsystem beat them both. Never seen CSS on tour but their music is wicked, Jamiroquai would come 4th.

Rush is the worst goddamn band in the history of the world. Geddy Lee’s singing makes me want to claw my eyes out and stuff them in my ears. I can’t believe anyone would suggest TOOL should be on this list. It’s TOOL for god’s sake. Kings of Leon is an amazing band. Their live show is top notch – going to see the Flaming Lips in a couple weeks.

I think that radiohead and muse are the best bands in the list…i`m absolutely sure, but what about the killers, Pj Harvey, the mars volta, arctic monkeys, sigur ros, incubus, the strokes, interpol… i couldn`t finish

Hahahaah, looking back at this comments section… Rush fansites had to have organized something. Either way, I guess the point was to get Rush some recognization, so I’ll check them out so 300 fans didn’t waste their time.

clearly this should be the order

Tool
NIN
Radiohead
Mar s Volta
Roger Waters
Rage Against…
Flaming Lips
Arcade Fire
White Stripes

Don’t even post here if you have not seen the greatest and best live band in the world now … MUSE!

I’ve seen them all. The overhyped White Stripes @ #1 hohohoho What a joke. People here need to go out abd watch gigs more often.Rush = MEH live. Stop the fansite madness.

I’ve seen them. People, don’t don’t post here if you have not seen the best and greatest live ban on planet now – MUSE

#1 MUSE
#2 Arcade Fire
#3 RATM
#4 Radiohead
#5 Tool

Overhyped The White Stripes at #1? hahahaha That’s a joke folks for overrated TWS.

I’ve seen them all. People, don’t post here if you have not seen the best and greatest live band in the planet now – MUSE!

#1 MUSE
#2 Arcade Fire
#3 RATM
#4 Radiohead
#5 Tool

The overhyped The White Stripes at #1? hahahaha That’s a joke folks overratedness = TWS.

Who is Rush and what kind of music does he play? anybody can see thet Britney is the coolest out there. Rolling stone should put her at numbre one. Nsycn is number two. Justn Timberlake is such an amazing and smart boy. his music is way better than the white stripes.

what a lame list. i guess you have to live in new york city or other underground music havens to see half of these bands. just goes to show how out of touch rs has become. what an elitist list of crapola. ha ha ha ha. how about calling this list the best bands nobody cares about.

RS removed the post by the Britney Spears fan. ha ha ha… Duh, I wonder why? Wouldn’t want anybody to think their main readers are teenagers without a clue. Ya think? ha ha ha Funny how insecure a magazine can be about their own readers. ha ha ah…

hippie metal and indie band music sucks. looks to me like a lot of fan based websites organized their fans to post here. however, rolling stone is for non-mainstream music fans, so perhaps I’m the one who’s in the wrong place.

Last winter I saw Grizzly Bear open up for TV on the Radio. They blew my mind, so I had to snatch one of their CD’s. However, I think their live show was much better than the studio album. Check them out!

Radiohead,Tool, NIN are top 3

Has anyone ever seen the show for Sigur Ros? Most of thier shows last year were completely sold out. What an amanzing display and seamless merge between music and visual effects. I heard many people were beyond impressed…

1. Queens of the stone age
2. Incubus
3. Underoath
4. Pearl Jam
5. Linkin park

long live thom yorke.

“long live thom yorke.”

amen

RADIOHEAD is just amazing
i also miss smashing pumpkins +
john frusciante!

youtube the killers live in glastonbury.
I’m still nominating Radiohead 1, but the killers are surprisingly great. No one sells out a show faster then Radiohead! Every California venue sells out in nearly 30 seconds upon going on sale.

Rolling stone is completely main stream!
and Radiohead is obviosuly number one!!!
the white stripes fucking suck
kaythanks

Where is Daft Punk on this list?

There latest live shows are simply mind blowing!

But, Radiohead should take #1 most def

Im Glad to see muse and radiohead in the list but i wish that they could just get along and do a show togeather who agrees come on the would be a bad ass show

get over it people.at the end of the day if one band you love and have seen is listed then you should feel represented.with so many difference generes in tunes these days i am supprised to see even radiohead (MY FAV LIVE ACT) in that list!I have seen every band in the list as well as hundred of others so i dont give a toss what you all say.I thimk it is fairly indicative of what ppl like and what is good in live tunes…..
And guns an roses can just F@#k off how Could YOU even metion them ….what should metellica be in there too.oh thats right there sitting drinking tea with there lawyers trying to recope lost funds from napster still!!(so 2001)!!!

Butthole Surfers?
What’s up with all the hating on the White Stripes…sure it may be a gimic with only two people in the band, but they are the shit live (they’re the shit anyways)

It’s good to see a list that isn’t completely mainstream. Everyone is talking about rush and all these other lame bands that should be up there. I just have to say the biggest snubb has to go to BECK. Come on they will be making music for a long time to come.

Yeah Radiohead- Muse are really great too (Matt Bellamy leaves it all on the stage)… I’m not a big fan, but have to admit Counting Crows put on a great show. Also, Beck. If you were at Bonarroo in ‘06, you know what I’m talking about!!!

U2 should definitely be on top.

Muse and Matt Bellamy are the best!

los bukiss , bronco y los cadetes de linares

Any list for the 20 best live bands that are playing now should be laughed at if it does not include the SUPERSUCKERS.
I challenge ANY OF THESE 20 BANDS to put Eddie and the boys on their bill. That’s right, go ahead and have the supes’ open up for you – they’ll soon realize why they are THE GREATEST ROCK AND ROLL BAND ON EARTH!

how is there no 311

Counting Crows DEFINITELY should have made this list… I was never a fan until I saw them live. They put on one h*** of a show.

Love Radiohead at number 2…but how is Muse only 17? That’s a joke. White Stripes are good but Muse are just gods on stage.

Wow, people here are certainly riding that Radiohead bandwagon. Pearl Jam at #3 is a bit of a slight – these guys have an almost otherworldly energy on stage. But the real question is WHY ON EARTH is DMB on this list? Sooo bad. Sooooooo baaaaaddd . . . I’d rather watch Thirty Odd Foot of Grunts or Dogstar warming up than Dave “$180 a ticket” Matthews Band. It should be an automatic disqualifier if your fanbase consists primarily of trust-fund hippies, frat boys who are there to get laid, and sorority debutantes.

What is the criteria? Best music, most entertaining, loudest, best lights? pure entertainment? Seems like the one criteria is that it needs to be mainstream.

Mainstream? If you put a full Pop mainstream list like this together you would think Green Day would be on it.

My list would include:

Sigur Ros for the complete out of body experience.

Black Keys Raw and more powerful than the tin sounding White Stripes live.

Iggy Pop – Raw

Ben Harper

Drive by Truckers

Broken Social Scene

Bran Van 3000 – (I wish)

Prince?
Green Day?
Beastie Boys?

“who knew rush had so many fans”
hahahahahahahahaha

what about linkin park and project rev!

what about linkin park and project rev!

what about linkin park and project rev!

some of this list is good, but…
YEAHYEAHYEAHS in front of chili peppers?????

BULLSHIT

and nooo fuckin way kings of leon in front of MUSE

and white stripes probably arent #1…

Oh yeah… i really did forget to mention that Radiohead should be #1. And yes, the concert at Bonnaroo ‘06 was unforgettable.
Sigur Ros at #2.
Beck at #3.
Muse #4
Broken Social Scene at #5.

Definitivamente Radiohead deberia estar en el primer lugar, sus conciertos son los mejores, tambien en la lista deben mencionar a sigur ros como numero 2, ambos grupos son espectaculares…

Flaming Lips would be infinitely times better if Wayne Coyne would shut the hell up and play some music.

Animal Collective put on the best show I’ve seen this year without a doubt.

Nobody ever talks about Tom Waits, the greatest living musician still playing today…he’s a God, but where’s the love? Sure, his tours may come years and years apart, but just one show is enough for a lifetime…at least Radiohead’s on there, I still don’t understand how Radiohead is a mainstream band….

#1 Muse
#2 Radiohead
#3 U2
#4 Mutemath
#5 Beck

1.Radiohead
2.Muse
3.Greenda y
4.Coldplay
5.Red Hot Chili Peppers
6.Eraserheads
7.Paro kya ni Edgar
8.Rivermaya

I’ve seen 10 of the 20 bands on this list. Radiohead definitely blows the white stripes out of the water. Not to discredit the white stripes but Radiohead literally blew me away every single time i saw them. I’ve gotten bored at most of these bands live shows but would never miss a Radiohead show if my life depended on it.

1. Spice Girs
2. Billy Ray Cyrus
3. Jigar and the Fabulous Loan Sharks
4. Goo Goo Dolls
5. Alabama
6. Nine Inch Nails
7. Ringo Starr
8. Bob Dylan
9. Buck Owens
10.Hannah Montana

1: Radiohead
2: Beck
3: TV on the Radio
4: Strokes
5: Queens of the Stonegae

RADIOHEAD is a band consisted of masterpieces…men,,your music shouts into borneo deeps.

Anyone who saw the DMB show at the Gorge last weekend will agree that their version of Watchtower accompanied by Robert Randolph should instantly put them at #1. #2 obviously goes to Robert Randolph and the Family Band.

1. Tool
2. Radiohead

ALL DESERVE IT

The White Stripes
Radiohead
U2
My Morning Jacket
The Raconteurs
Wilco
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Kings of Leon
Muse
Tool

WHERE ARE THEY?

The Rolling Stones
Cold War Kids
Ryan Adams
Foo Fighters
Cake
Smashing Pumpkins

Radiohead #1, no contest. I saw them, front row, dead f-ing center, at Madison Square Garden in 2001. Then, I saw them again in NYC, a few weeks before 9/11. MAYBE Pink Floyd or Zep was as heavenly, back in the day, but RH are as close to ROCK GODS as we’ve got. Whatever you gotta do for tix, do it. You only live once my friends… Pearl Jam is great, too, but RH live is just a whole other level to me.

U2
Roger Water
NIN
Radiohead
Foo F
=)

1.- RADIOHEAD
2.- MUSE
3.- GREEN DAY
4.- OASIS

it’s all

what about bruce? radiohead hasn’t played in 2-3 years the seeger sessions shows were incredible. I just saw the white stripes, vibe was good but what a short set, I felt totally cheated.

Don’t forget THE MARS VOLTA and SIGUR ROS — the two best shows I have ever seen.

Muse will blow everyone away as far as live gigging today. You only live one, go see Muse performing live now!

#1. MUSE
#2. Rage Against The Machine
#3. Arcade Fire
#4. Tool
#5. Prince

MUSE is the best live band ever. Period.

This List is ridiculous !!! have they seen the Smashing Pumpkins this year, they have blown so many bands outta the water at the festivals this year or Depeche Mode in 2006. 3 best bands of the Noughties live, Depeche Mode, Pumpkins , Radiohead .

Metallica… come on guys u have to be joking, if metallica is on the list… i cant bet its all wrong… Muse should be in #1… well…. maybe, because wat about Tool??? ahhh?? and a peronal comment why can be possible Lucybell didnt appear on the list…

I love indie rock so i’m a huge fan of the white stripes but Radiohead deserves #1 there’s no competition.
#2 The White Stripes
#3 Tool
#4 Yeah Yeah Yeahs
#5 Muse

Where’s RAMMSTEIN !

Where’s RAMMSTEIN !

You are all silly and ignorant! Mute Math rom New Orleans is by far the greatest, most unique live band ever! Check them out!

MUSE is the best!!! and #1

MUSE.

that’s about all that really needs to be said here. simply no other band comes even remotely close to the level of that act…

Radiohead should be no.1, BY FAR, with muse at no.2. But where the hell are the manics and keane, where

311 blows everyone away live…nuff said

never mind who should be on that list but isnt.how about the white stripes on the 1st place?i really like em, but seven nation army live is a song that could rise the dead.rally now, the white stripes live?

…..
..comments depend on needs

RADIOHEAD should have been #1. Wilco should deffinately have been higher on that list too.

i understand tool being 19. I thought that having almost the same setlist was one of the reasons why they were not at least the top ten. Don’t get me wrong, Tool are amazing live but they need to vary the setlist. It is hard of the songs to pick because they have a lot of great songs, especially parabola

Kings of Leon should really be higher!

DAFT PUNK?!

The White Stripes are okay live, but not great.

Have you seen the Mars Volta? You know, the greatest band on the planet?

The White Stripes are okay live, but not great.

Have you seen the Mars Volta? You know, the greatest band on the planet?

Oh wait sorry, this is Rolling Stone.

gogol bordello, though not the best known band on this list, should undoubtedly be #1 among live performances.

PIXIES
radiohead
muse
bjork

Roger Waters.
Divididos.

Muse is without a doubt the best live band on earth right now. Every single person I know who has been dragged to a Muse concert not knowing much about them, has walked out becoming a fan. That’s how good they are.

i think muse deserves a higher ranking but from what i see you other posters are listing bands you favor to be on the top.

Muse isn’t that great live… matthew bellamy is an overly cocky ass.

Sonic Youth should be up there, Mogwai, Sigur Ros, Explosions in the Sky are all better than 90% of those bands. Daft Punk is better than pretty much all those too w/ the exception of Radiohead.

There are so many other indie acts that put on better shows, because they play smaller clubs. This makes for a better, more intimate show. I don’t want to fork over $45+ for these shows and have to worry about 1,000+ other people.

Where the fuck is Tori Amos? She was fifth on the 2003 list, and by all accounts I’ve read/heard, she’s still a woman possessed on stage.

you guys gotta remember its
rolling stone what more do u expect

but seeing MUSE live is an experience you will never forget

even radiohead fans will say that
Muse has the edge over them when
it comes to live performances

They are the best live band on the planet right now and have the awards to prove it

yeah this list sucks so bad….wheres korn and slipknot and queens of the stoneage white stripes number 1…the white stripes are the crappiest band in thw world. the only good bands on that list are rage metallica tool and the peppers but seriosly this list blows so bad

who mentioned the GREEN DAY?
GREEN DAY,I don’t like it,rubbish!

Definitely agreeing with The Arcade Fire.

I agree with this list wholeheartedly. DMB is my favorite band ever. Seen them twice this year and they always deliver. Radiohead is becoming my second quickly and can’t wait for the new album holy shit!!!! Saw the Chili Peppers last year seven rows back and it was unreal. Life changing. Saw Kings of Leon last year and they were fucking awesome, too. Wilco and the White Stripes are fucking brilliant, as is Whites side project the Raconteurs, but damn we need a new album! Tool has the second best drummer in the biz (behind Mr. Beauford from DMB, of course!) And I love the new Yeah Yeah Yeah’s EP as well as Arcade Fire’s critically acclaimed gothic Neon Bible. This is a legitimate, solid list.

If you don’t understand why the white stripes earned the #1 spot, you need to get out more. lol @ anyone who likes korn.

fuck yes radiohead. i have nothin against the white stripies but come on, radiohead? can anyone compete? the strokes and arctic monkeys should be up there definitely

Radiohead should have been number 1 they are the best

What about the World/inferno Friendship society?!?!?

jajajaa, i’m from Mexico and those BaNDS like Pearl Jam, RadioHead,White Stripes, are too far away to reach MEtallica in everything, MeTALLica is the Best Band in the World they have FANs all over the world Millions and more Millions, those Bands are like babys in front of Metallica, METALLICA rlz, Metallica has a lot of FANS Here inMExico, Everywhere¡¡¡, South America, Europe, Asia, SouthAfrica, don’t compare those little bands with Metallica, well, seeya

METALLICA RLZ¡¡¡, they have Fans all over the World, and in MEXICO, South America, millions More, don’t compare Metallica with those stupids Bans, Metallica is the King, jajaja, i Have seen those other Bands in Monterrey Mexico and they are good bands, but Metallica is too far Away, they the BEST, well, byebye

i think the white stripes deserve it and some should be higher on the list

im noticing one missing band

daft punk!?!?!

The Hold Steady definitely deserves that spot, if not a higher one. Easily the best live show I’ve ever seen. Radiohead may be my favorite band, but The Hold Steady is my favorite band to see in concert.

Have seen Rush 13 times now and it’s clear that thier talent is unmatched by anyone accept Led Zeppelin;…none of the bands on you’re list can even begin to match the bone-crunching bottom end,or,the guitar heroics of Rush.They are from an era when the standards were higher and it shows in their playing.

1.Guns n’Roses2.Metallica3.Pearl Jam4.Skid Row5.Nirvana6.Iron Maiden7.Motorhead8.Judas Priest9W.A.S.P10.Alice in chains11.Aerosmith12.Ugly Kid Joe13.Megadeath14.Creed15 .Korn 16Linkin Park17P.O.D18.Godsmack19N ightw ish20.Evanescence.

Well, the best live band must be The Hives.

I was at a Gogol Bordello concert yesterday, and it was AMAZINGGGGG!!! Also one of the best bands i have seen live is MANU CHAO!!! If you ever have a chance, go see them!!!

“even radiohead fans will say that
Muse has the edge over them when
it comes to live performances”

Ugh, no they won’t, and no it doesn’t.

People! Stop fighting!

Isnt it clear everyone hears and feels music differently? and
we should all respect that?
Right! Thanks.

p.s.
Oh yeah, by the way, you all
Know its
RUSH !!!

soory people theres onmly 1 band that comes to mind 4 the bigggest and best live act of all time yeh there the who- who are fantastic and the rollingstone and pink floyd but u2 are in a class of there own the passion in the music the energy by far i cant believe you all dont c that seen them 1 luckily and at a cost of £1800 and id pay that any time 2 c them again long live the gods u2 !!!!!!!!!!!!

1. the roots
2. John mayer
3. incubus
4. Linkin Park

I reckon everybody under rates kings of leon

Here are the top 10 bands that I like the best live….
1)Radiohea d
2) Tool

3)Rage Against the Machine
4)Queens of the Stone Age
5)Rollins Band
6)NIN
7)Balkan Beat Box (blows Gogol Bordello away)
8)Opeth
9)Reverend Horton Heat
10)Supersuckers

Tool is number 1 if they would vary their setlist a little bit from show to show. Rage is number 1 if they would do a full tour (which won’t happen). The energy at a Rage show is unbelievable – you leave a Rage show exhausted. I’ve never seen the Stooges live, or they would likey be on my list. Many of the other commenters seem to like Muse, but I think they sound too much like Radiohead (especially the singing). White Stripes are okay, but no 2-piece band can be the best band ever. Jack White is a great guitar player, but give me a break. Meg White sucks. White Stripes could only be number 1 with an actual band working with Jack White. Rollins Band (the original line-up) is soooo tight, and no lead singer could possibly have the intensity of Henry. Supersuckers are just a great working/touring band and have never disappointed.
I wish the original Primus lineup were active again just because of the sheer talent they have. Les Claypool = Bass god.

MARS VOLTA!?! BJORK!?! I’m glad Radiohead, Arcade Fire and Tool are up there. and ive heard great things about Gogol Bordello. i think Modest Mouse and Animal Collective should be up there.

WHAT ABOUT ALTER BRIDGE…..I SAW THEM LAST WEEK AT VERIZON WIRELESS AND I HAVEN’T HEARD ROCK LIKE THAT SINCE ZEPPELIN….HOW CAN THEY NOT BE ON THERE????? AN PEARL JAM??? REALLY?? I SAW THEM AT VERIZON AND IT WAS TERRIBLE…..SOMEBODY NEEDS TO BE FIRED HAHAHAHA

Dave Matthews just at 18?…come on!

Woah. I’m blinded by the stupidity of these comments.

First of all, Rush has three of the strongest performers of their respective instruments.

Next, to the peanut gallery, NIN is overrated. Reznor breaks instruments on stage…ho-hum. Nothing original.

Last, but not least…The Flaming Lips should have been ranked way higher than #7.

Radiohead
Bjork
Arcade Fire
Tool
Pearl Jam
NIN
!!!
Atmosphere
Beck
LC D Soundsystem

Someone WAY down the list said that muse’s live performances are dubbed over. That is completely wrong, and I think that it shows how good muse really are live. People actually think that their concerts are dubbed over. Muse is by far number one, then Radiohead. Everyone else is way behind those two bands.

Jack White’s a wonderful showman. A living legend.

Franz Ferdinand are great live.
They can play any venue big or small and bring the house down.

wow.. thats an interesting list.. well my list mostly is going by the bands ive seen live.. whic most of the following i have.. and the others are just no doubters to me…
1. Muse( best show of my life)
2.Radiohead( cant wait to see them in 2008)
3.The Red Hot Chili Peppers(incredible)
4.Rage Against The Machine(raw anger and agression.. makes for great show.. and their badass)
5.Incubus( only played 7 songs at Virgin Fest. but wow)
6.Flaming Lips(a blast of hapiness.. need to see them)
7.My Morning Jacket( sounds just like their records)
8.Coldplay(same as morning jacket
9.Beastie Boys(50 some years old.. and act like they are still 20.. they are awsome)
10.Ben Harper/ The Mars Volta( saw Ben Harper at Virgin Fest. and waiting to see Mars Volta

Metallica r the best band in the world how can u compare white stripes with them?? metallica are legends im 16 theyve been going longer than iv bin alive and they wer legends bak then aswel as 4 2day:)

1)metallica
2) anthr ax
3)megadeth
4)trivium
5)f oo fighters
6)avenged sevenfold
7)kill switch engage
etc. x

I’m guessing none of you have ever heard of Mute Math. I have seen a few of the top bands on this list, but no one compares to Mute Math live. They put on a show that gives Blue Man Group a run for their money.

John Butler Trio.

Went to their concert liking their cd stuff but not thinking much of them, and was completely blown away. I can honestly say that if everyone saw them live, the world would be a better place. take 5 minutes and watch this video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=6VA kOhXIsI0. EXPLOSIVE, and that’s just Butler doing his guitar instrumental. I also think North Mississippi Allstars deserves mention. Those guys rock.

How is Muse down at 17??

i haven’t really heard any of white stripes but i know for sure that RADIOHEAD should have been #1 and THE STROKES, ARCTIC MONKEYS, and COLDPLAY should have been at the top.

what the fuck shut up whee the hell is brittany & christina ??????????? i mean right what the hell and what about mariah carrey?? huh wtf?

Hold Steady should be number 1

let me think…. hmmmm.. maybe try Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, The Who, and The Rolling Stones, those just maybe should be in there

Muse should be aleast in the top 5 there great live !!!

Alot of people might disagree but here’s my top 10.

1 – Thursday
2 – 30 Seconds To Mars
3 – Muse
4 – 311
5 – Story Of The Year
6 – Foo Fighters
7 – Incubus
8 – Thrice
9 – Dave Matthews
10 – Sparta

let the hate begin . . .

Um..

Prince. Live. Period.

Nothing touches this.

Best, most touching, value for money, and skill’s of an individual, band ever I have witnessed:

**RUSH**

And I have seen them all..;) (40 years of music following, all genres almost seen and gone but RUSH is everything..pure magic)

Its kind of hilarious how folks get all disgruntled over these lists. Year in and year out people must voice their opinion and try immensely to prove their fav. band is superior than every other band out there. Y do u all care, are u getting a cut out of all this? I personally hate the fact that my favourite band(tool)is on this list.
I tried, but I can no longer contain myself, I have to be typical and support tool. I know the energy and musical brilliance tool produces on stage consistantly, in my opinion cant be matched by any other band! I guess that makes me a total bigot. Come and join the tool cult

VELVET REVOLVER!!!

I don’t understand why Muse and Radiohead fans always have to argue so much. I love both–yes! It’s possible! But…when it comes to live shows, Radiohead is untouchable. The lights, the emotion, the music–it’s all unbelievable. The White Stripes would really have to be outstanding for me to change my mind in that regard. Muse, incidentally, is second. They are extremely tight-no mistakes when I saw them. Matt Bellamy sounds great.
My top 3:
1. Radiohead
2. Muse
3. RHCP
And scattered around after that: Rolling Stones, The Roots, The Police (who apparently got a lot better from when they started touring again), Beck, Lupe Fiasco was surprisingly good, Scissor Sisters are a real fun show, Bloc Party has a lot of energy. Then you have some others–Tom Petty was pretty good, Aerosmith and Mars Volta were too loud (but when I could hear they sounded good). I don’t know, I just like concerts.

1. Tool
2. Arcade Fire
3. Radiohead
4. Kings of Leon
5. White Stripes
6. Flaming Lips
7. Rage
8. Mastodon
9. Pearl Jam
10. LCD Soundsystem

Metallica? what the fuck are these guys thinking?!

bullshit man, Led Zeppelin should be the in the first place!!!
You don’t know what is a Live show ¬¬

I have seen many good bands live like muse, rhcp, kings of leon trivium, killers, jet, the reunited ratm and tool. i also had the chance to see arcade fire… the most annoying and crap band ever…………………….. …
out of these bands tool was easily the best live with its amazing lighting and interesting videos… how are arcade fire higher on the list then them wtf?

Coheed and Cambria. See them live, if you want to see what a real rock and roll band is.

Chili peppers should not be up there.

Radiohead
Rage
Tool
Pearl Jam
My Morning Jacket
Cypress Hill

1.Keller Williams
2.Radiohead
3.Tool

4.Man, Man
5.Beck
6.Wilco
7.Flamin g Lips
8.Ben Folds
9.Umphreys Mcgee
10.Moe.

1.Keller Williams
2.Radiohead
3. Tool
4.Man,Man
5.Beck
6.Wil co
7.Flamin g Lips
8.Ben Folds
9.Umphreys Mcgee
10.Moe.

Tool are the most BADASS live band ever

Rush and Muse come close but Tool are definately the best

Radiohead=greatest

anyoneelse =not as good.

Radiohead
Sigur Ros
Flaming Lips
The Arcade Fire
The Shins

What I’d like to know is why Muse isn’t further up there! I meant, honestly! And secondly, if you’ve ever seen the Brit Awards, how did Take That manage to beat Muse for Best Live Band?

1.The White Stripes
2.Red Hot Chili Peppers
3.Queens of the Stone Age
4.Coldplay
5.The Black Keys
6.Radiohead
7.R.E.M.
8.U2
9.Rage Against The Machine
10.Foo Fighters

Man Man and the Avett Brothers
hands down the best live acts out there!

….and the Black Keys.

ummm….. Foo Fighters anyone? I saw then feb 19 at MSG and it was the show of a life time. They have so much stage presence and their live performance sounded just as good as their studio work. ****** (6 stars)

i think RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS should be like #1… and i realy think foo fighters should be on the list

umm yeah rage against the machine is probably like the number one live band.

Tool And nine inch nails are amazing live! Tool should be like number 1! and NIN def deserves a spot in there!

THE ROOTS!!!!!!

Alright people all of these bands you are talking about sucks. They all suck live. Now the best band live is no other then one of the greatest rockers and craziest rockers in the world KISS. KISS has everything. Amazing music, crazy things on stage like Gene Simmons brethes fire for god sakes. Paul Stanley breaks his guitar on stage, Ace frhely sets his guitar with smoke while still playing is and Peter Criss throws his drum sticks into the croud. Not to mention putting on crazy make up Gene Simmons the deamon, Paul Stanley the star child, Ace frehly space man and peter criss catman. Now thats your best band live band ever to have been on stage. KISS RULES!!!!!!!!!!

DZjiIL U cool ))

Bu7Wn3 U cool ))

FLogging Molly!!!

no anthony capra. kiss is a terrible band. live or not

the foo fighters were incredible live

PARAMORE is the best live band
they are sooo energetic and they are still young

Okay okay, i know theyre not a band and all of the bands you named are great, especially Radiohead, Muse, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tool, Metallica, Pearl Jam and RATM but i gotta say, Daft Punk are amazing live..oh and so are Coldplay

1. brithny spears
2. Rhyanna
3. Back street bois
4. Robby williams
5. justin t

this are the best bands!!!
and don’t forget….ROCK my friends….!!!!!!!!!!!!

1 rhcp
2 dmb
3 tool

RADIOHEAD AND WILCO. enough said.

1 Muse
2 RHCP
3 Incubus
4 Arctic Monkeys

muse

gotta add three more: decemberists, incubus and matisyahu

oh, and LCD sound should definetely move up the list.

Tool is awesome and i agree Daft Punk needs to recieve credit.
I also enjoy bands such as All Time Low, My American Heart, The Starting Line ect

Muse is the best band i’ve ever heard live that’s all i have to say and The White Stripes are awesome cause there is only two of them.. but i like them they are one of my favorite bands

The bands included are all good choices, there is some re-ordering i would do:

Up:
RHCP
DMB
Tool

Down:
White Stripes
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Raconteurs

And its a sin not to include The Roots in a live band list

nice to see Kings of Leon and My Morning Jacket on this list….where are THE ROOTS though??!

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club is also solid live.

Clearly, this list is not complete, nor accurate. Springsteen is among the top five rock live performers ever! Whoever has seen him live, probably agrees. The guy plays to the point of exhaustion like no one else I´ve ever seen, even now being nearly 60 (even young guys and without using drugs).

Flaming Lips deserve to be number 1. While Coyne’s vocals aren’t always perfect, their shows are one of the coolest things you could ever experience.

Also, where is Eric Clapton on this list?

Shihad are the best live band in the world

the roots and 311. enough said.

DMB should defiantly be higher up on the list. If your into dave enough the shows are always energetic, and what is sick about them is due to fact that he doesn’t play the songs that the 14 or 15 year old teenagers blare and destroy on the radio. I can admit that Dave isn’t exactly the best of musicians when it comes to his chops, but other then him everyone else is defiantly skilled when it comes to improve and knowing there scales. Thats pretty much why they deserve to be higher up.

i don’t agreed to that list i think MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE should be the most precious, beautiful, rocks band at all… They have very Impressive songs like teenagers, welcome to the black parade, helena, famous last words, the end; and so many more… to tell all of you morons and dunces what ever it takes to be a the legend, spectacular band and that is the MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE… if i were you i will gonna kick my ass and that’s it SHUT-UP my fucking, bitchiliuos mouth!!! ;(

another thing that i would like to say is:
“FOR YOUR INFORMATION” “HERE IS THE LIST OF THE TOPS AMERICAN BAND AT ALL TIME”
1. My chemical romance (mcr)
2. guns n’ roses
3. avenged sevenfold
4. foo fighters
5. cheap trick
6. lynard skynard
7. fall out boy (fob)
8. the click five
9. the stooges
10.good charlotte

another thing that i would like to say is:
“FOR YOUR INFORMATION” “HERE IS THE LIST OF THE TOPS AMERICAN BAND AT ALL TIME”
1. My chemical romance (mcr)
2. guns n’ roses
3. avenged sevenfold
4. foo fighters
5. cheap trick
6. lynard skynard
7. fall out boy (fob)
8. the click five
9. the stooges
10.good charlotte

Um…am I the only one who’s going to mention Rush?

Why is Muse 17? I would at least put them in the top 8. Great band live. They’re amazing.

All these bands for the most part deserve to up there. I personally don’t think that RHCP should be 13 and should be lower but whatever. Even though I’m not a big DMB fan I think that they do deserve to be on here because they do play off each other real well. Oh and by the way, to the guy that said that their tickets are $180 …that’s wrong, my cousin get mine for like $40. White Stripes are real cool live but Muse is just incredible.

Where are The Hives??? They are far and away the best live band playing right now. For that matter, they’re also one of the best recorded bands around. And not that I have anything against Rage Against the Machine, but they’re not playing right now, so I guess they shouldn’t be on this list. Maybe the Old 97s should take their place?

The Hives!!
Old 97s!!
The Hives!!

I agree with the Stripes at #1 because Jack White is the greatest musician of our time, but the Hives have got to be at least in the top 5. And the Strokes should be on there too, all of the garage bands are amazing live.
THE HIVES ARE LAW, YOU ARE CRIME

I’ve seen many many bands perform… and i LOVE Radiohead, but the FLAMING LIPS far surpass ANYTHING you could ever see live. Wayne desearves to be a little closer to the top of that list.

1 Rage against the machine
2 Radiohead
3 Wilco
4 The Flaming Lips
5 Avenged Sevenfold
6 U2
7 red Hot Chili Peppers
8 Metallica
9 The White Stripes
10 Tool
and 1-3 are all playing at Lollapalooza!

Except for RHCP, Radiohead, and maybe Rage, all those bands suck.

And where the fuck is RUSH, man???

no one from rolling stone magazine has seen the redwalls play a live show apparently… sounds like a stretch cause theyre not that popular but i promise you’ll never have seen a better show…pure rock n roll, no act like every other band needs nowadays

Muse should at least be in the top 10! They are amazing live.

music like greenday, mcr, afi, and al the other punk/emo bands SUCK SO MUCH so here is the list of best bands live (of all time)
1.metallica(ROCKS! )
2. tool
3.pearl jam
4.led zeppelin
5.megadeth
6.m ayhem
7.ratm
8.lamb of god
9.rolling stones
10.rammstein

what about the mars volta hello best band right now not to mention the only band that is doing something new!!!

the mars volta on top please.

this should be about music.
I wonder how the RS came up so wrong…

My favourite rock band !!!
1. The stooges
2. Mystik Motorcycles
3. The Ramones
4. The Clash
5. B 52s
6. The Beatles
7. The rolling stones
8. MC5
9. New York Dolls
10. Richard Hell

Thanks

Top 10 live bands
1. Dave Matthews Band
2. Incubus
3. O.A.R.
4. Aerosmith
5. Red Hot Chili Peppers
6. Bon Jovi
7. Linkin Park
8. Jack Johnson
9. Korn
10. NOT METALLICA

Top 10 live bands
1. Dave Matthews Band
2. Incubus
3. O.A.R.
4. Aerosmith
5. Red Hot Chili Peppers
6. Bon Jovi
7. Linkin Park
8. Jack Johnson
9. Korn
10. NOT METALLICA

The White Stripes are the best band i’ve ever seen live, Radiohead put on a brilliant show, and perform wonderfully but don’t do much else, Muse were exciting with glitter balls, and performing wonderfully, Gogol Bordello. now they are insane. You want to see a truly mad show? go see Bordello. Chilli’s were good live, yet beside the flea making a cloud joke not much else.

Bands should be rated for their performance value and the entertainment, Belle and Sebastian put on a good show, and I’ve heard (seen footage) of Flaming Lips shows, must see them!

Naturally, I rate Radiohead as no.1 band, but live, for performance AND entertainment:

1.Gogol Bordello
2.White Stripes
3.Radiohead
4.Gnarls Barkley
5.Muse
6.Smashing Pumpkins
7.RHCP
8.QOTSA
9.Yeah Yeah Yeah’s
10.Satellite Party

These are bands that I have personally seen live, and are my favourites, it is my belief that when i finally get to see Flaming Lips they will bump up to the top 5, but these bands are rated on performance and entertainment, as mentioned before Gogol Bordello are fucking mental, yet the beautiful Gypsy Punk shines throughout the drum crowd surfing.

making a slight amendment i suddenly felt necessary to make, sadly for satellite party i bump the guillemots to number 8, before yeah yeahs, moving them to 9, and satellite party back down off the list

um, foo fighters anyone?

seriously, they have more energy then any other band i’ve ever seen live.

foos should be there, iv seen white stripes and foofighter and foofighters were much better

1.FAITHLESS
2.RADIOHEAD
3.MUSE
4.FOO FIGHTERS
5.PRODIGY
OUT OF ALL THE BANDS IVE SEEN

WHERE IS NIRVANA??

I would Like to say half of these bands are obscure. Were are QOTSA?!?!, Maximo Park, Arctic Monkeys, Even Green Day should be there!

my top 10 would be
1.QOTSA
2. The Raconteurs
3. The Killers
4. Foo Fighters
5. Maximo Park
6. Rage Against The Machine
7. Metallica
8. Satellite Party
9. Extreme (re-united!)
10. Eagles of death metal

I just went and seen Rush with my aunt for her birthday and although I did not think I would enjoy it I was completely blown away! Now alot of people just have no idea how amazing that band is. I had no idea! I love them! They should have been on the list for sure.

I have seen almost every band on this list since 2000, and i must say U2 is by far the best, not by entertainment, but by emotion, you should see the emotion of Kite, With or Without You, Bad, or the crowd and drag when “Where The Streets Have No Name” starts it’s intro, just amazing. Rhcp is good too, Radiohead to and The Who

Red Hot Chili peppers are one of the worst live band I have ever seen.

The Dillinger Escape Plan and The Mars Volta.

1.SLIPKNOT
2.DISTURBED
3.KOR N
4.METALLICA
5.KISS
6.R.A. T.M.
7.VELVET REVOLVER
8.FOXBORO HOT TUBS “GREEN DAY”
9.MEGADETH
10.BON JOVI

here my picks for the best band currently playing.

1.Rage Against The Machine
2.Pearl Jam
3.Chris Cornell
4.The Raconteurs
5.Radiohead
6.The Raconteurs
7.The White Stripes
8.WolfMother
9.Jet
10.Jack Johnson

Seems to me that some of the people here dont understand that we are talking about best live band, and not best band. Its for a reason Muse have won Best Live Act 8 times, Best International Live Performance and Best Live Band. The two last of them they won this year.

THE HIVES should be added to the list somewhere. The Swedes put on an awesome live performance

MUSE should be the first ones…doesn’t anyone here remember the MASSIVE concert that they made in wembley in 2007? i like a lot the white stripes and even ratm, but nowadays muse not only rock but also roll!

Well.. The best live band atm must be Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band… Who can perform a 3 hour concert better than Bruce Springsteen?? Try to find a band who shows more energi in 3 hours than Bruce! You americans are DAMN lucky to have Bruce!!!

Mars Volta and Toutoise,boredoms live
amazing!!

OFFSPRING IS AMAZING

Kanye to the.

where is disco ensemble?and ff is grreat too live

i’ve seen quite a few bands on this list, most energy and best live would have to be muse. Chili peppers have always been a favorite band of mine, but i personally think if i saw them about 15 years ago they would sound a lot better. radiohead is amazing live, so much emotion. u2 sounds great as expected. i thought rage was very weak live. where is rush on this list???? and i recently saw teh white stripes, good live but definelty not number one. oo yea one more!! where the hell are the smaashing pumpkins????

The BEST band is Porcupine Tree!!!!!!!

Rage are the best band i’ve ever seen live!!
And i’ve seen most of the shiz on there!
Plus kerrang and MANY others classed them as the best live band in the world!
They’re fucking amazing!
And muse should defo be in at least the top 10!

omg i can’t believe tokio hotel isn’t on there.. They have got to be the most original and authentic group out there right now. Their amazing.

Without a doubt, ACDC are the best live rock band ever. Its just no frills rock and roll. If you kids get a chance, please go see them. You wont regret it.

1. ACDC
2. Ozzy Osbourne
3. Jack White in whatever form
4. Wilco, for christs sakes see em!
5. Tool
6. Smashing Pumpkins
7. Neil Young
8. Aerosmith
9. Rolling Stones
10.Flaming Lips

Springsteen n E street band

REM – saw 3 times better and better

u2 – can be dragged down by bono’s rants

RHCP – always good

Prince NPG – well its a bad
AWESOME!!!!

I don’t even for a second can imagine that you can ever find a better live band better than radiohead in our time,i would say they are the best band of our time in any aspect.
by the way these are my favorites:
1 – Radiohead
2 – Flaming Lip
3 – Muse
4 – Bjork
5 – Tool
6 – RHCP
7 – …

what about kasabian? theyre awesome live and not even in the top 20? pfffftttt…

RHCP above Muse? What a complete pisstake. Muse are the best liveband around at the moment, as evidenced by the BOATLOAD of awards they’ve won for live acts. Both they and RHCP played at last years Roskilde and the different was night and day. Not putting Muse at the very least in top 3 invalidates the list.

The band that needs to be seen right now in Five Finger Death Punch. They are one of those rare bands that sound better live than their studio albums. Check them out.

The band that needs to be seen right now is Five Finger Death Punch. They are one of those rare bands that sound better live than their studio albums. Check them out.

NO PINK FLOYD?! this list is inaccurate and off

Where the hell is the foo fighters, Metallica, linkin park????!!!!

FOO FIGHTERS !

BEST LIVE ROCK BAND !

i think they arent in this list ’cause youre never been on a foo concert.

just laughable !

seen every one of em except bruce, and i can SAFELY say, the mars volta tops them all.

bar none.

Chris Cornell had an amazing show is Denver with Tim, he has been playing small intimate venues. He had the courage and balls to play a whole show of new material. Since the album is a continual sound he played 60 minutes from beginning to end of his album with no old material. During the show the kids started to mosh, which goes against what all the critics are saying, the critics are trying to corner this album as only R&B, when it actually has elements of all music and obviously his fans have responded. When the house lights went up and the show was over, there were about a 100 fans who would not leave and kept chanting for more, chris came back out and played his classic “reach down”

Is Kanye a band? Is Jay-Z a band? Noo!
Guns’n'Roses used to be amazing live, but lately (during the last 10 years) Axl’s gone a bit nuts and gotten boring.
Top 10 should be bands that don’t sit in one place though, should run around, do crazy things, entertain you know? There are only two White Stripes so that makes that a bit hard for them. The Who smash guitars and stuff, they’re great. Aerosmith’s great too. As are a lot of other bands too, obviously.

c’mon what about Chiodos. They are known for the live show. Way better then a Kanye set because at least they show up on time

Oasis???

Where the hell is Nine Inch Nails?!
They sound exactly like their albums, and their light show is THE MOST amazing thing that i’ve ever seen. And Muse needs to be in the top ten for sure

Where the hell is Nine Inch Nails?!
They sound exactly like their albums, and their light show is THE MOST amazing thing that i’ve ever seen. And Muse needs to be in the top ten for sure

This list is absolute bullshit. I don’t understand why people rate a band on how closely they play live to their album. THATS WHY I BOUGHT THE FUCKING ALBUM! A live show should sound different.If you weren’t gonna put any jam bands in this list, it should have read The 20 Best Album-Selling Bands Playing Right Now. The reason Jam bands are better live is because they play their shit well and for typically half the money of these studio bands, give you a show twice the length, and its new! It doesn’t sound like the same show they played the night before. Why do you think people GO ON TOUR with jam bands and follow them around? Its always different. Here’s a way more realistic Best Live Bands list:

1. Phish (this is undebateable).

2. Grateful Dead (or i guess the Dead now)

3. String Cheese Incident

4. Sound Tribe Sector 9

5. Disco Biscuits/Dave Matthews band TIE (their fans are mostly posers, but they do put on a good show)

6. Steve Vai (he may not really jam, but if you’re gonna see someone who doesn’t, may as well be the best guitar player alive)

7. Daft Punk

8. Flaming Lips

9. Telefon Tel Aviv

10. John Mayer (not just for middle aged women anymore! plus his backing band has clearly played their instruments once or twice)

11. G. Love

12. Imogen Heap

13. Mogwai

14. Jason Mraz

15. Red Hot Chili Peppers

16. Panic at the Disco (although I thought they were awful last time i saw them).

17. Muse

18. Badfish (if it was actually sublime they’d be waaaay higher but…)

19. Smashing Pumpkins (i just want to know why Zeitgeist happened)

20. Tenacious D (at least when they play the same thing over and over you can laugh. Its like seeing ANY rock metal band but its funny).

So not all jam bands on here as you can see. The list is based on who gives you the most out of a show using: skills as musicians, audience inolvement, presentation, if shows can be taped, and originality of each show. Being an artist doesn’t apply to 3 months in a studio, it applies to every time you pick up your instrument. These guys act like it.

I agree that Muse should be in the top 10 at least! They are awesome at live..No.17?? Their Live is awesome!

I have seen 8 of these bands live, and i just went and saw coldplay live, who i dont even like that much, and it was without a doubt the best concert all-around I have ever seen, its not just the band but the lighting and special effects are amazing.

My top 10!!!!!!!!!!!

1 Muse
2 Queen
3 Led Zeppelin
4 AcDc
5 Black Sabbath
6 Radiohead
7 Disturbed
8 Metallica
9 Nirvana
10 Rage Against The Machines

Muse is the numer 1 best live band,

and where is coldplay ? I’ve seen them live, and they were fuckin’awesome! And Oasis, A great band either ! but Muse is Still The Best live Band, look at their concert in wembley, that was Great !!

The Roots should be on any top ten let alone a top 20.

the band HIM performs very good live if anyone is in to them
they sound better live than they do on their albums

the band HIM performs very good live if anyone is in to them
they sound better live than they do on their albums

“If this list doesn’t prove Bon Jovi are one of the most underrated bands ever, I dont know what does.”

Agreed.

Where the hell is Iron Maiden anywhere on this page? It’s shocking they aren’t even on the list!
I’ve read most of these comments and I don’t think anyone has mentioned Maiden!

Here’s the best live bands out of all the bands i listen to:
1) Led Zeppelin.
2) Iron Maiden!
3) Aerosmith.
4) Metallica (in their earlier years)
5) Guns N’ Roses (again in their early years)
6) Slayer!
7) Stone Sour.
Lamb of God, they are just sick live!
9) Oasis.
10)AC/DC

THE WHITE STRIPES ARE #1?!!!!
What is wrong with you people? Meg White can’t even play drums and Jack White is a middling guitarist at best. That is just an absolute travesty. They might just be the worst band period of all-time.

RHCP, Rage, and Muse are all awesome. Before Light Grenades, Incubus also had a great live show.

THE WHITE STRIPES ARE #1?!!!!
What is wrong with you people? Meg White can’t even play drums and Jack White is a middling guitarist at best. That is just an absolute travesty. They might just be the worst band period of all-time.

RHCP, Rage, and Muse are all awesome. Before Light Grenades, Incubus also had a great live show.

THE WHITE STRIPES ARE #1?!!!!
What is wrong with you people? Meg White can’t even play drums and Jack White is a middling guitarist at best. That is just an absolute travesty. They might just be the worst band period of all-time.

RHCP, Rage, and Muse are all awesome. Before Light Grenades, Incubus also had a great live show.

THE WHITE STRIPES ARE #1? What is wrong with you people? Meg White can’t play drums at all, and Jack White is a middling guitarist at best. Since when is sucking good or creative. They might actually be the worst band to ever play music period.

RHCP, Muse, and Rage are all great live. Incubus had a great show before Light Grenades. I love the Mars Volta but their live show could be better.

O.A.R. Should be on this list.

Apparently none have ever been to a 311 live show. Beats most.

My Morning Jerk-Off is more like it…

I definitely agree with Radiohead up on the list there. I’ve seen a lot of live shows, but that one just gives me goosebumps thinking about it.

1 = The Red Hot Chili Peppers

Improvisation on EVERY SOLO by John Frusciante.
I saw them twice 4 day seperate the show, not even the same show!!!
Amazing Jam with Flea !

Chad Hit is drum like a beast
And Kiedis go crazy, he is a very good front man

The Red Hot Chili peppers are the Ultimate Band Live !

1 = The Red Hot Chili Peppers

Improvisation on EVERY SOLO by John Frusciante.
I saw them twice 4 day seperate the show, not even the same show!!!
Amazing Jam with Flea !

Chad Hit is drum like a beast
And Kiedis go crazy, he is a very good front man

The Red Hot Chili peppers are the Ultimate Band Live !

O.A.R. is the best live band. Go see them asap if you can.

No band can compete with a live TOOL show. They don’t all bang their heads for two hours. So what? There is so much going on up there on that stage you shouldn’t feel the need to have them meet some energy level expectation for you to feel fulfilled. Danny and Justin are bringing it the whole night and Adam can’t play his complex parts if he’s trying to be Angus Young for chrisesakes. Their show is unlike anyone else’s and I’ve seen most everyone. People complaining that their setlist doesn’t change? Do you people have any idea how complex of a stage and lighting show they have that corresponds and flows so well with their music? And you want them to change that up every night just because you’re seeing them multiple times on the same tour? Try and appreciate what you’re seeing because there will never be another or better band in our lifetime.

I think from the list and from the bands there i have seen both rage and Metallica should be at least 2nd or 3rd. The Racnteurs should not be in the top 20. Given ACDC are touring again they should be number 1. Muse are a complete lightshow so should not be higher. Tenacious D should be high. I don’t know why people keep naming new shop window bands like five finger death punch and tokyo hotel who will not be around next year. The buzz will go. More legendary bands should be in this list that have proven their greatness by memorable performances. E.G. Ozzy Osbourne, Led Zeppelin as well

where is the prodigy????

ermmmmm where’s paramore?

i think that green day deserve’s to be on the list

Where’s RUSH!?! god… every time lol

Where’s RUSH!?! god… every time lol

Where’s RUSH!?! god… every time lol

Metallica should be number 1 .. Fix it … Now !!

I saw mettalica not too long ago and i have to say that they r the greatest metal show around. The #6 spot is right for them.

Rage is an insane show. The amount of energy is amazing.

I cant wait for jazz fest 2009 in new orleans. Kings of Leon, Wilco, and DMB are all playing. I’m a huge KoL fan so that will be a awesome

MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE
should be #1. And U2 #2.

311 should definately be somewhere on this list. Not only do they play their songs perfectly, but they are and awesome jam band. Chad Sexton is one of the greatest drummers alive today. P-nut is an insane bassist, and Tim Mahoney is a great guitar player. Nick Hexum and S.A. Martinez’s voices give the band a very different and awesome sound.

This list really needs to be updated. A lot of these bands havent played in more than a year.

The fact that Sigur Ros is not on this list makes it a complete joke. You all sicken me.

Widespread Panic? The Dead? Gov’t Mule? Allman Brothers? Phish? String Cheese? Phil Lesh and Friends?

muse should be number 1

how can they miss SIGUR ROS!!!!

I saw Stereophonics live and I thought they were great!

I agree Sigur Ros should be on the list there amazing live

17? Really?
Muse is the greatest live band of our generation, and I believe the best band period.

The Strokes should be on here as well. But I agree with Radiohead and Arcade Fire- AMAZING!

i really think coldplay should be on here chris martin is amazing live

I disagree with the line up, where are the classic rock bands like ACDC, Iron Maiden, Guns and Roses ans KISS!

THE HIVES…THE HIVES…THE HIVES…THE HIVES…THE HIVES…THE HIVES…THE HIVES…THE HIVES…THE HIVES…THE HIVES…THE HIVES…THE HIVES…THE HIVES…THE HIVES…THE HIVES…THE HIVES…

Manu Chao and his live band Radio Bemba should be on there. Best live act going!!!

No one will ever perform live like Angus Young, the energy that he brings to his concerts cannot be recreated.

U2 by far.

Zoo tv – biggest stage.
popmart – biggest screen ever put on a show.
And the rearrangements on their songs are actually insane. Their live versions are ten times better than the studio versions.
It’s just a shame you can’t combine all of their greatest songs in just one show, otherwise it would go on all day long.
And the edge… he’s just awesome. No wonder he uses 17 to 19 guitars per show, 4 or 5 times more than any other guy.

Muse needs to be at the very least #3. But they are really #1….

Seeing Radiohead live changed my life. They are second to none for me.

Any live list needs to be led by MUSE
MUSE are the best band in the world – FACT – How could you possibly choose White Stripes as number 1?

My list would be:
1) MUSE – life changing!!!!
2) Metallica
3) Red Hot Chili Peppers
4) Rage Against The Machine
5) Radiohead
6) U2
7) Queens Of The Stoneage
White Stripes
9) The Prodigy
10)Greenday
11)Coldpla y
12)Arcade Fire
13)Slipknot
14)Bullet For My Valentine
15)Avenged Sevenfold

radiohead owns everyone, all of the other musicians know this.

MUSE! IRON MAIDEN! ACDC!!!!

i really think Avenged Sevenfold should be higher. they are one of the most talented bands ever, and who can really deny that?

Muse are brilliant band to see live, and if bullet for my valentine can make the list then so can Funeral For A Friend

urm, wheres maiden, you know the guys who kinda got a brit award for it

urm, wheres maiden, you know the guys who kinda got a brit award for it

do comments take a while to show up?

If you don’t think muse is that great, mabe this can convince you otherwise.

look up “Knights of Cydonia live at wembley arena” click the second link

(on youtube)

guns

\_~`GREATEST BAND OF ALL TIME`~_/

1. The Beatles
2. Led Zeppelin
3. Pink Floyd
4. Queen
5. The Rolling Stone
6. The Who
7. Van Halen
8. AC~DC
9. Black Sabbath
10. Deep Purpple
11. Rush
12. Iron Maiden
13. Aerosmith
14. Blue Oister Cult
15. Guns n Roses
16. Metallica
16. Cream
17. Nirvana
18. Kiss
19. The Animal
20. Lynard Skynard

also, besides my comment below, muse has also won like 3 NME awards for best live act, and several other awards for live preformances.

Need Mo proof?

type this on youtube

“Muse-Starlight (MTV Awards)”

Most are truly entertaining shows, however I actually found Pearl Jam to be very boring in concert – perhaps cause I saw them in Winnipeg and maybe the show there wasn’t as big as other larger cities. Has anyone here seen SEVENDAYSIN play live? They put on a truly large and electrifying production! It sends energy vibrating though all parts of your body. They should be on the list. A great Canadian Rock Band!

wtf wheres slipknot , they are amazin live its unreal! and machine head shud b there.

I think Godsmack should be on here, they are pretty fucking good live

Linkin Park!! You cannot judge until you go to one of their live shows. They are unbelievable…so much energy in the audience from beginning to end.

This shows the demographic that read rolling stone/vote on rollingstone.com have a “mild” opinion of what a good show is.
Far from the holy grail.

This list is fucking terrible. When are we gonna see some Old shcool thrash. Metallica doesn’t count.

Tool_ Greatest Show Out there
Rage_ Most energy out there
Radiohead_ I give it to em there good
DMB_Every year Alpine tear it up

How is TOOL at the bottom of this list? That right there just proves how inaccurate this list really is.

Status Quo Number 1!!

dave matthews bands blows all away

different setlist everynight, always a special guest, like morello and haynes

reynolds too

beauford always drums it out and not to mention daves scatts

legal weed and booz helps too

gotta go with dmb. get the yeah yeah yeah out of there

have you heard maps? make real music, christttt

radio head is good

Sully Erna

paramore should be on here

muse.

there is a reason they were named best live band this year, and many other years in a row by NME.

btw… this list is the best live bands playing RIGHT NOW. not 10 years ago.

to be fair, dave mathews band, the white stripes, and Tool are also good live

but seriously, look into muse.

What about Iron Maiden, AC/DC, Queens of the Stone Age and Gogol Bordello?

Musicisgood and all the people who said that Muse must be in that list are right. It is the best live band, and it is the best band.
If you don’t believe me, go see “Hullabaloo” or any of their concerts, they are all just amazing.

SLIPKNOT MOTHERFUCKERS!!!!!!!

apparently none of you have seen phish.

Ok, some of you guys have OBVIOUSLY never been to a Metallica concert. The energy is absolutely freakin amazing.
And I agree with most of the bands on the list, but come on, don’t bash bands performances if you have never seen them live. That’s just being a d-bag.

I think Tool should be moved up a few spots. Probably to #5 or so.

And Muse… wtf? They should be in the top 5.

obviously they didnt include hardcore bands such as bring me the horizon! alexisonfire! n protest the hero!

glad to see pearl jam up there, they are amazing. Dave should be a little higher, could you throw in oasis maybe?

hi everyone,,4 ur information SLIPKNOT is the best ever band in the world..\m/..

i agree with this list for the most part, i’ve seen the white stripes live about 8x and tool live about 5x, and they put on a boring show, danny carey is the only reason to see them, its very cut and dry performances of their songs with no deviation, no improvisation, conversely thats why the white stripes are on the top of this list. danny carey is a god

Where is Bon Jovi, legendary

White Stripes all the way man.

Hardcore bands, for the most part, can’t get a good tone in large places. Gotta say tho, I went to see The Faceless and Suicide Silence play at Chain Reaction; most awesome concert I’ve gone to. I haven’t had the chance to see the white stripes live tho People should be more open bout their music-

slipknot slipknot

slipknot number fucking one 29 AVRIL 2009 BELL CENTER MONTRAL WAS INSANEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

SL IPKNOT SLIPKNOT

muse.

everyone that has posted, has read the posts, or is just reading this..

go to youtube.

look up muse live, at haarp or glastonbury or one of their concerts.

you will be enlightened.

everyone that has posted, has read the posts, or is just reading this..

go to youtube.

look up muse live, at haarp or glastonbury or one of their concerts.

you will be enlightened.

the white stripes are deserving of number 1, or at least top 5, Jack White is a god at guitar and singing

Arctic monkeys are good live
Tool is good
Linkin Park
Muse.
Radiohead.

OASIS…..living legend

Be happy Muse is even on there, I haven’t heard such generic crap in a while.

Along with Gogol Bordello, Balkan Beat Box should probably be on there.

Paramore is such a great band. Hayley sings well. Sounds like it’s recorded. :>

PARAMORE. PARAMORE.

Come on what about Foals. They are the most fuckin’ intense band you get. Half of the bands on that list are sellouts:U2, Coldplay, Kings of Leon etc

Metallica should be no 1 I like White strips but they shouldn’t be no 1 plus muse and tool should be higher their legends

Linkin Park Linkin Park Linkin Park Linkin Park Linkin Park Linkin Park Linkin Park

Top 5:
Nine Inch Nails
Disturbed
Pink Floyd
Limp Bizkit
Slayer

I kinda gotta agree with this list. Ive see the Stripes and they do rock, but I think Rage should be Number one. Saw them in Atlanta and they killed it. I think the Mars Volta and Rob Zombie should be on here. You need to take Tool off this list. Saw them and they suck live

cmon people name one band that has played in front of 1.1 million people in rio PEARL JAM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! best live band and definantely bruce springsteen deserves a top 5 ranking, but pearl jam is def the best

1.Machine Head
2.Iron Maiden

greenday and u2 are way better than white sripes, u2 are #1
and green day are #2

Springsteens the Greatest of all time !!! bar non…..E st band as well….

no one else comes close..at 59 still playing over 3 hours great songs & quality….

enough said…

oar

OAR and Dispatch (State Radio)

No matter what you say … there is noone like evenescence…!!!

I would add Aerosmith to that list been to many shows and i have never ever been disapointed

GRAND FUNK RAILROAD!

PLACEBO guys…placebooooooo0

PLACEBO guys…placebooooooo0

This is my list of the best people I have seen:
- Rage Against the Machine
-311
-Kings of Leon
-Wilco
-Nine Inch Nails
-Coldplay (They exceeded my expectations which were very high!)
-Metallica (best metal show)
-Dave Matthews band

One day i hope i can add pearl jam, radiohead, and U2

I’ve been in more than 50 shows, i’ve gone to MUSE, to Metallica, to NIN, to U2…and the best band I’ve seen live is definitely AC/DC…It’s life changing. The energy, the crowd, the relationship they create with us, the props, the sound…Trust me, go to an AC/DC show and you can die happy. If you disagree, then you haven’t seen AC/DC live yet!

Can only comment on the bands I’ve seen personally, but my top 10 live shows:

1. Radiohead…easily
2. U2
3. Flaming Lips
4. Wilco
5. Pearl Jam
6. Phish
7. My Morning Jacket
8. The Pixies
9. Neil Young and Crazy Horse
10. Peppers

Hon. Mention: Stones, Roger Waters, NIN, Janes Addiction, Fleetwood Mac, Super Fury Animals, Kings of Leon, Soundgarden, Dave Matthews, Alice in Chains, The Roots

for me it´s

busted
son of dork
mcfly
green day
panic at the disco
beatles
plain white t´s
blink 182
box care racer
paramore

for me it´s

busted
son of dork
mcfly
green day
panic at the disco
beatles
plain white t´s
blink 182
box care racer
paramore

for me it´s

busted
son of dork
mcfly
green day
panic at the disco
beatles
plain white t´s
blink 182
box care racer
paramore

for me it´s

busted
son of dork
mcfly
green day
panic at the disco
beatles
plain white t´s
blink 182
box care racer
paramore

ONEREPUBLIC!!!!
BEST BAND TODAY.

muse

knights of cydonia – amazing live
new born- tight.
Stockholm syndrome is fantastic.

forget you guys… ima go listen to muse.

Oh and other good live bands include
-the white stripes. jack white is a god
-the arctic monkeys
-Dave Mathews band

Muse = 1….nuff said

Check Out NEVERENDER – WElCOME HOME by COHEED AND CAMBRIA on youtube if you want to see a great live show. NEVERENDER was 4 nights. all 4 albums. unbelievable talent

a list without Foo Fighters is like a dick never getting pussy.

Green Day No1 no doubt about it!!!

Rolling Stone sucks so much fucking dick. To say that The White Stripes is better than any of those bands on that list is ridiculous. I have seen them live and they sucked. Tool should have been number one and Radiohead 2. NIN should have been included. A Perfect Circle could have been up there before the white stripes, they shouldn’t even be on that list. Fuck Rolling Stone.

White Stripes are the shit. Jack White is one of the greatest musicians of our time. If you don’t like them, you simply don’t understand a simple band.

Muse is the best live. Even if you don’t like their music, they put on one hell of a show.

OASIS

Muse at number 17? haha good joke

number hands down

metallica excellent live band
green day brilliant but overall
muse afta b the best live

kasabian needs to be in that list

In live MUSE RULES!
They have the most epics concerts

the best live bands

NIN
Janes addiction
Stone temple pilots
Tool
Pearl jam
Metallica
Rage against the machine
radiohead
foofighters
black crowes

AC/DC are the best live rock act I’ve seen. Radiohead No.2. KOL No.3

wtf are muse not 1. realy. the only band that can even cum close to them live are metallica. why the fuck r KOL on this list. muse win every best live awrd going.

if you want to see the singular greatest live performnce of all time, type in STOCKHOLM SYNDROME LIVE AT WEMBLEY STADIUM on youtube. everyone will see just to what degree muse shit on the majority of this list

dont forget the band that invented a good time, Cowboy Mouth.

GODSMACK CRUE FEST 2 LETS DO THISSSSS

this is the worst list ive ever seen. its obvious that MUSE should be 1. kings of leon are a fukin boy band for christ sakes.

ive seen kings of leon, theyre pretty boring live

There’s a reason MUSE has won “Best live band” in the UK like every time for the past few years. They’re the best performers/ musicians playing right now. the white stripes? really? the drummer is terrible? hello?

There’s a reason MUSE has won “Best live band” in the UK like every time for the past few years. They’re the best performers/ musicians playing right now. the white stripes? really? the drummer is terrible? hello?

this is shit muse should be number 1 i dont know in what they base this rankings but theys are just WRONG please take your time to see the HAARP DVD from muse and rearrange this list

are you kidding?
if you have ever looked up kings of leon on youtube or something, they sound exactly like the album. I was surprised to hear the singer sound exactly like the album cause he has such a unique voice. and KOL definitely isnt a boy band. What the heck?

muse have won many awards for their live performance and headlining acts and having them on number 17 is just a disgrace rolling stone should go to hell and get fucked by the devil

this is what that list should look like…I saw all these bands and they all kicked ASS…
1.Metallica
2.KISS
3 .Godsmack
4.Green Day
5.Nickelback
6.Slipknot

7.Avenged Sevenfold
8.Megadeth
9.Iron Maiden
10.Kings of Leon
11.Bullet For My Valentine
12.Puddle Of Mudd
13.Three Days Grace
14.Motley Crue
15.My Chemical Romance
16.Papa Roach
17.Poison
18.Blink 182
19.Def Leppard
20.Down

Seen Muse twice,they are soo good, But as a band Bruce Springsteen and the E street band are so much better, they make Muse sound like amateurs, and they play MUCH longer than and act atm.

This list is laughably pathetic. The best live bands are the rock bands that have been around for years:
1. Judas Priest
2. Heaven and Hell
3. Iron Maiden
4. Metallica
5. Scorpions

1. Muse (by a LOOOONNNGGG way…)
2. Radiohead
3. Nine Inch Nails
4. Kasabian
5. Bloc Party

I’m not even an indie fan and I think this is right. Metallica were great when I saw them, but Slipknot were, uh, terrible.

If a band sounds JUST like there studio album then that makes them good not GREAT. What’s the point of going to a live concert if their music sound just like a regular album. As much as i hate hippies and their music but jam bands are the greatest shows to see live, examples are Grateful Dead, Dave Matthews Band, Rush, Phish, and a lot of southern rock

1. muse
2. slipknot
3. my chemical romance
4. you me at six
5. boys like girls

1. Pearl Jam
2. Dream Theater
3. VolBeat
4. Disturbed
5. AC/DC
6. Roger Waters
7. The Prodigy
8. Megadeth
9. Rush

You’ve guys never seen Chromeo live??? I think it’s one of the best acts i’ve ever seen.

The Best Band Live for me is:
LINKIN PARK !!

Where is Green Day!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The best 2

1. Muse (how can any band beat them? every single concert is a master piece, everything about a Muse show is perfect, whatever you are looking for, great vocals, amazing guitar riffs from the greatest guitarist of our generation, huge basslines, intense drumming, lights lasers, stage set up, piano solos….etc (list goes on and on))
2. Red Hot Chili Peppers, any real fan of music will agree they put on a show, flea and john are unbelievable

Could not be assed with anymore but thats the top two in my opi nion anyway whos with me?

1. Sonic Youth
2. Primus
3. Radiohead (pre-In Rainbows)
4. The Mars Volta
5. Gogol Bordello
6. Beck
7. David Byrne
8. Wilco
9. of Montreal
10. White Stripes

hey kids… did you ask your parents before you got online and started talking about green day and my chemical romance?

I bet none of these bands could play this stuff bob weir and ratdog can. The majority of these bands are more or less studio bands that have to put crazy light shows and stages to make up for the mediocre music. And yes, I have seen most of these bands in person or on a live DVD, and most of them are bands I wouldn’t see again.

that’s funny, cause Bob Weir and Ratdog suck sompared to Phil Lesh and Friends live, and most of these bands aren’t studio bands, if you’d ever seen Wilco live you’d know, plus any band who makes a studio album is a studio band, so whatever… it still counts whether the band knows how to it themselves or count on the producer which in most of these bands cases is not the case… I’m not hating on the bands that Rolling Stone chose but… it’s definatly not correct I’ve seen all these shows live, and they’re great but not the best.

Sonic Youth is anything but a produced band… SOnic Youth is nothing but raw power, which is what I like in music is raw shit… Metallica is not that great of a show it’s all lights and it’s loud… to put Jack White (because that’s who you’re actually seeing when you see the White Stripes) before Radiohead is ludicris. Go see The Entrance Band, they’re better than the White Stripes

PS- those of you who don’t know, part of the Magic of Mars Volta is not just Cedric and Omar, but John Fruciante and Flea… think about that

i agree SOMEWHAT with this countdown..but green day really are amazing..if theyre not atleast at number 5-1 they should be 6…or somewhere on this list….please put them somwhere either way–even at # 20 if u have to. but PLEASE somewhere!

aswell as muse;they deserve a spot aswell

i agree SOMEWHAT with this countdown..but green day really are amazing..if theyre not atleast at number 5-1 they should be 6…or somewhere on this list….please put them somwhere either way–even at # 20 if u have to. but PLEASE somewhere!

aswell as muse;they deserve a spot aswell

Kid Rock
Nirvana
Pink Floyd
Led Zeppelin
Metallica
Gun & Roses
U2
Red Hot Chilli Peppers
Linkin Park
Blink 182
Oasis
Green Day
Limp Bizkit
Black Sabbath
Aerosmith
ACDC
Daft Punk
Smashin Pumpkins
Off Spring
Foo Fighters
Goo Goo Dolls
Bob Dylan
These are my top now I must save to buy one of each one, they’ll all be so cool to see live-Like Wood Stock in the 70’s I wish

This is a very sweetsweet site cause looking at everyones favourite it reminded me about bands tha I didn’t think of so sweet cause I’m making a list to buy a cd of each 1 to play everynow and then even if I’m in the car bymyself most of the music is brilliant to sing along with so shot. Enjoy your week you-all

ok, you all need to go to youtube and watch the concert of radiohead live in japan. I have seen many concerts, but with their new post- in rainbows lighting rig, they are utterly spiritual live. radiohead=rock gods. the only act i can think of that could give them a run for their money is daft punk.

Muse obviously shud be 1. Metallica r just as gud, but lack effects and a good stage set, although thats not everything i suppose. Kings of Leon have became a fukin pop group.

Muse obviously shud be 1. Metallica r just as gud, but lack effects and a good stage set, although thats not everything i suppose. Kings of Leon have became a fukin pop group. Radiohead r artists and deserve to be high.

To everyone bashing Dave Matthews Band, I’ve been to many shows in my lifetime and only DMB still ceases to amaze me at each show. Metallica, U2, Radiohead and RHCP are incredible live, but there still is nothing live a Dave concert.. not to mention, Tim Reynolds who is now playing with the band, is a God.

I’ve seen 12 of RS top 20 and Dave Matthews Band is by far the best show musically I have ever seen. I have personally seen 5 of the bands on the list open for DMB…every friend I have introduced DMB to through a live show has been hooked.

I’ve seen 12 of RS top 20 and Dave Matthews Band is by far the best show musically I have ever seen. I have personally seen 5 of the bands on the list open for DMB…every friend I have introduced DMB to through a live show has been hooked.

OAR?

honest to god Incubus should be somewhere on this list,
ive been to many concerts, and brandon boyd sounds better live than on any recording ive ever heard, plus they play a prince cover, whats not to love

honest to god Incubus should be somewhere on this list,
ive been to many concerts, and brandon boyd sounds better live than on any recording ive ever heard, plus they play a prince cover, whats not to love

1. Dave Matthews Band
2. Pearl Jam

Tom Petty. I am not even that much of a fan, but I saw TP live and couldn’t believe how the hits keep coming, and the crowd really sings each one.

Let’s be real with ourselves. Bruce Springsteen is the best live show. Ever.

Where the hell is Iron Maiden?!?
anyone seen Priest lately?
damn, Rolling Stone sucks.

where in god’s anus is The Mars Volta their the best live EVER

Where the crap is the The Mars Volta Group? If any true wide variety rock listener knew who was who in the arena of live musicianship understand that the team of musicians under the amazing captain Omar put on a devilish act of a show.

No doubt coldplay should be on this list

1. Muse
2. Radiohead
3. U2
4. The Mars Volta
5. Daft Punk
6. The White Stripes
7. Yeah Yeah Yeahs
8. Arcade Fire
9. RHCP
10. Coldplay

Lets be realisitic, of all bands currently performing nine inch nails puts on the best show period. They put on a top notch performance and have music that makes it an incredible experience. I agree with many of your mentions, especially tool and muse. But there are a few that puzzle me. Overall you missing the best live show there is today, NIN.

MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSEMUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSEMUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSEMUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSEMUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSEMUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSEMUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSEMUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSEMUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSEMUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE MUSE ive got the Resistance new muse album and its gonna win shitloads of live awards you watch they are easy number 1 ive seen them live!!

why does kings of leon get no love here lol. i just saw them and they were reallllly good.

guys getting alittle mad at a list you think?

why does kings of leon get no love here lol. i just saw them and they were reallllly good.

guys getting alittle mad at a list you think?

Muse is by far the best live band! Period. And i’ve actually seen most of the listed bands live.

Eminem . . .??

Muse deserves to be at the top of that list. they are the greatest live band ever by far. watch New Born and Knights of Cydonia live at Wembley on youtube and you’ll see what i mean.

Kings of Leon BEFORE Muse? What the!!!!! Come on! Kings of Leon bored me to death when i watched them and everyone around me!!!!

To those “adults” that say those who talk about Green Day are kids, You probably haven’t even went to one of their shows. Its awesome. Please don’t talk when you don’t know shit, Green Day for kids? I don’t know but they’re a band thats 20 years old, and their songs are as mature as you want them.

where is greenday, or the jonas brothers on the list? seriously!

and linkin park son of a bitch

MUSE should’ve been at the top of that list. They’re the greatest band live.

MUSE shoulve seriously been at the top of that list…. and wtf… how could NIN be left out of the list????

I definitely agree with those saying that NIN should be on the list. I think that they should be at least in the top ten, and i’ve seen 8 of the artists on this list. NIN definitely competes with RATM, and RATM was incredible.

1. Muse
2. Everyone Else

Where is the Bruce Springsteen? The boss is the one of the greatest live performers of all time

You can tell this Simple Plan hating site. You people should see them live, that were they really show their talent. But you guys think because their emo (which is false), and their not metal. Like before you judge them, go to youtube and watch some live and then come back.

Muse just won best act in the world by Q magazine.

Muse are good live.

really, they are.

Where is acdc? No body ain’t even talkin about them. There playing since 73 and still rockin out as good as they always did. They are the best live performers of all time and still touring today

It’s well known that Rammstein is the best live band ever! Sorry, U2 and Co.

Pearl Jam BY FAR holy shit amazing live band

Green Day blows, just because you jump up and down and act like a jackass doesnt mean your show is good, Ive seen them and they blew. Take it from the guy named Jonas brothers above me, he bunched green day shows with jonas brothers shows, enough said you preteen band lover

i recently went to see coldplay live at lancashire cricket club. they were absoloutely amazing. no mistakes in the music, chris martin was dancing all around the stage and everything and his voice was perfecto.

next band for me to watch has to be radiohead

VOLBEAT is about to rock the Madison Square Garden, NYC with Metallica on november the 14 & 15

WHERE THE F*** IS THE JESUS LIZARD?

Depeche Mode have to be in there, the should be number one. 80,000 to see them in Paris!

MUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!

They must be higher

Anyone seen any of theyre live stuff? its the BEST

Arctic Monkeys are good also

This reminds me of something my sister always said…
But it is most likely inappropriate just now…

these are the best 20 artists still playing now…

1. radiohead
2. jane’s addiction
3. flaming lips
4. phish
5. wilco
6. neil young
7. beck
8. red hot chili peppers
9. tool
10. bjork
11. mgmt
12. pendulum
13. chemical brothers
14. morrissey
15. andrew bird
16. gogol bordello
17. the decemberists
18. umphrey’s mcgee
19. thievery corporation
20. sloan

for the people who suggested green day, my chemical romance, blink 182, godsmack, good charlotte and all of that CRAP music….
i’m sorry you don’t know the meaning of good music and i’m sorry you probably never will.

First of all, this list is of the best live performances right now. Not who’s the best band or has the best performance of all time.

A concert shouldn’t be just about one thing or the other like the music was good or the lights for the show were awesome, everything should be considered. The lights, the music, the energy, the performance, even the crowd could be a factor.

But its all about peoples personal opinion. Like if someone ask me to go to a concert of a band i didn’t like, i wouldn’t go cause i wouldn’t want to listen to music i didn’t like for 2 hours even if they put on a good show.

Thats why i think MUSE should be #1. Cause they have everything, plus the music is awesome. And they have the awards to prove it.

Thats my opinion.